Today we’d like to introduce you to Margarita Martinez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Margarita. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from the Frisco Texas- in Dallas Texas. I moved to Houston a few years ago to pursue my legal education at the South Texas College of Law Houston. I will receive my law degree in December 2020. SO when I am not traveling, I am in the law library studying. In May 2019, I decided to start a Texas travel Instagram and a blog to showcase all the wonderful places in Texas I had visited and planned to visit. In particular, the underappreciated parts.
It all began when I started law school. I spend large amounts of time confined indoors studying the law. As a law student, I am often limited to what I can afford to do. I felt trapped because of lack of money. It wasn’t until I decided to look for free things to do. I found solace in the outdoors, in particular, the parks. Little by little, through my research, I began to create charts, spreadsheets, and maps of places I wanted to visit locally, then Statewide. I often found places through geotags on Instagram. However, what many of those who shared these amazing pictures and location failed to also share, was the real expectations of those places. Though there are websites and resources provided by the parks and State, the majority of the people find information and places through social media. The more I traveled and friends began to ask me questions, I noticed the discrepancy between our Texans and all the amazing places our State affords us.
Maybe it’s the law student in me, but I am always thinking of the “what would the reasonable prudent person do?” (nerdy law joke). I often ask the next question, how accessible and affordable are these places, what do I wish someone would have told me before going to this place. My sister has Down Syndrome, often times when I visit these locations, I ask myself, “would my sister be able to hike this?” Wheelchair accessible? Also, a close friend who is visually impaired crosses my mind when I visit these places. Would she be able to enjoy this? Would the average Texan know this/ have access to this? Also, in Texas, we don’t measure distance by miles, instead we measure by time. I make it a point to address how much time something is from a major city.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Have I always traveled? No! As a child of immigrants, we did not travel because my parents often worked multiple jobs to afford a better life for us. Also, while my mother’s immigration status was processing, we did not travel out of fear of deportation. This is one of the reasons I have done little travel until now. Traveling was not part of my childhood. I never felt comfortable traveling. Through this Instagram, I have been able to turn these memories of fear into something positive for myself and share it with those who follow me. I even get my entire family involved now as we no longer have those fears.
Also, law school is a challenging place. Traveling the outdoors has helped create an outlet for me. It has honestly made me a happier person.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am proud of my Instagram and blog because I have taken the time to give people real details and real recommendation and tips about the places I have been to. Nothing makes me happier than when I receive a message from someone thanking me for the details I provide to them so that they can better plan their trips and enjoy it. I always tell people, ” let me do the planning, y’all do the enjoying.” I like to be prepared and I think my company shows that. Also, I love Texas. I love to encourage people to stay in our state because it honestly has so much to offer. The places Texas provides are sometimes unreal that even I have a hard time believe they exist. Texas is my home. Texas has also provided my parents the American dream they have worked so hard for. I didn’t choose to be born in Texas, I was just lucky. My passion and love for Texas I believe is unmatched. I not only show you the cool pictures I take, but I also give you a story and useful information.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
To be very honest, If I started listing out those people who deserve credit in my journey, I would run out of paper space. My entire community of friends and just people I know have all had an impact on my journey, but just to name a few:
Julian Littlefield – he has been one of the most supportive individuals I have met in my life. He helps me prep for every trip and is always ready for the next trip. He is part of my team. He thinks of all the things that I don’t and that’s what makes him the greatest asset.
Jasmin Augustine – shes a social media coach and has helped me in giving me great tips and advice in all that I do with my blog and Instagram in addition to being a great mentor. Her Insta: jasaug.
Edward Davis II – a great mentor and honestly one of the first people who saw how much bigger this project was then before I realized it.
Ambar Mendez – A great friend and the one who inspired me to continue to take pictures and share my stories.
The Houston Latina Bloggers – they have been a great resource and I have learned so much from many of the women I have met through them
Last, but not least, My family, they have always been my greatest supporters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acrosstexastravel.com/
- Email: acrosstexastravel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrosstexastravel/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
