Hi! My name is Gabi and I am traveling solo in Portugal, Croatia and Albania in August/Septemeber 2025
I live in Southern California (Santa Barbara) and have been there for about 7 years, living in Southern California for most of my life.
I work in medicine - in Dermatology/Aesthetics and in Urgent Care and have been doing that for 7 years. Before that I was an EMT and worked in restaurants. I love meeting new people and sharing stores, getting local tips for travel and food. I am very easy going and can most definitely keep to myself and I do not expect to be entertained - but would always love to go for a coffee, drink or a walk! I am mostly traveling to hike, try new food, explore nature and the beautiful views that these places have to offer.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am traveling solo and looking for a way to be more cost effective and meet some amazing locals! In 2012 I used couchsurfing with some friends on a 4 month Europe bakcbacking trip and I had a great experience - when I have a place with extra room I would love to return the favor one day :)

Interests

Traveling! I love being active and the outdoors - hiking, pilates, running, paddleboarding, surfing, photography, yoga. I really enjoy cooking a nice meal at home and have an overall healthy lifestyle. I have always been a huge animal lover - I have a dog and a cat that I treat like my children. I work in medicine but love to get out and see the world whenever I have a chance.

• animals
• arts
• photography
• dining
• cooking
• picnic
• fitness
• yoga
• running
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• adventure races
• rock climbing
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

I love all types of music - mostly country, classic rock, indie, some DJs and Italian music. Some favorites currently are: The Head and the Heart, Grateful Dead, Zac Top, , Brothers Osborne, Sofi Tucker, Rufus Du Sol, Sturgill Simpson, Bon Iver, CCR to name a few.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Saw the northern lights in Kiruna, Sweden.
Climbing a strangler fig tree in Costa Rica.
I have hiked Half dome in Yosemtite 3x
I did Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon
After college, I backpacked Europe for 4 months and then lived in Italy and Wales for 9 months (I have family here and am an Italian citizen). It was my goal to learn enough Italian to communicate with my grandparents who only spoke a distinct dialect from southern italy - and I did it! It will forever be a special memory.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Cooking, good company, travel stories, italian card game - Scopa!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, Italy, United States, Wales