Chrissy Lawton

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When I signed up for my Free and Easy experience, I was in desperate need of a Big Life Change. I came back from two years of travelling Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand to start school and get my life in order, because that’s what we’re all supposed to do: grow up and get a job and stop being irresponsible, right? WRONG! It took a few years, but somewhere between school and work and going to the same bar on the same night for the hundredth time I realized that living and existing were two very different things. And I was sick of just existing. 

Being a solo traveller can be intimidating. Sometimes it is downright lonely.  I had lots of friends who had gone travelling with Free and Easy and I’d heard nothing but rave reviews. I figured going on my trip with a group of people who were on the same quest to experience life as I was would make it even better, so I signed up for a 40 day Philippines trip in June 2010.  When my flight landed in Manila, I was immediately directed by several helpful strangers to Bertus, my group leader. My adventure had begun, and I had no idea what to expect.

What I got was hiking through 2000 year old rice terraces, surf lessons, pig roasts, scuba diving, island hopping, meeting some of the most amazing local people on this planet, countless bottles of Tanduay rum, and sharing all these experiences with an awesome group of fellow travellers. Needless to say, it was a lot more than I bargained for, and it was just the push I needed to throw off the shackles of routine. I had rediscovered what made me truly happy. I knew I wanted to make epic travel my life.

I still went to school, I still worked, and I still went through the daily grind, but every summer I packed my backpack and boarded a plane to see how much living I could get done in those 4 precious months. With graduation approaching this past December I had no idea what would come next. Then the powers that be at Free and Easy stepped in and offered me the best job in the world, and suddenly my dream lifestyle is becoming a reality. I can’t wait to get my hands on some fresh-off-the-plane travellers and blow their minds with all the amazing things that this world has to offer! 

Before starting this epic job, I studied International Relations in my hometown at the University of Calgary. I love living in western Canada, with easy access to those glorious mountains. When I'm home I take every chance I can get to tear up the slopes on my skis. When I'm spending my time in perpetual summer I can get my adrenaline fix every day, be it through rock climbing, cliff jumping, surfing, or any of the other awesome activities Asia has to offer. On the other hand I like slowing it way down with a swing in my hammock, and I try to do yoga whenever I can. Lucky for me all I need is my mat to take my practice with me wherever I go. 
My favourite part about traveling is the people I meet every day. Whether its swapping stories with fellow travelers or sitting down to some good authentic food with some friendly locals, I like to experience this world through the people in it....and also through the food! I hope I never stop traveling, and I hope that every person on my trips gets bitten by the travel bug the way I have been.