Site Overlay

“When you set your mind to something, have no limitations, conceal a deep desire to explore, and exceed beyond your own expectations, I believe that one is capable to do anything – for me, that compels my motivation to travel around the world and fully experience life.”

 

Why is an American Marine Biologist, Marine Mammal Scientist, and The Pennsylvania State University ’07 graduate working and living abroad all over the world? What might be an unique lifestyle to most has formed into the daily routine for Jessica R. Benford, whose occupation defines a “world traveler” and satisfies the travel bug until she returns to dry land to indulge in her own personal travels.

Fishing Dock; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; 2013
Fishing Dock; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; 2013

For the past 8 years, she has worked in various parts of the world in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. In Tanzania, she researched Humpback whales during the summer months for Newcastle University. Her proudest moment was when she taught young kids how to snorkel and scuba dive in San Salvador Island, The Bahamas. Jessica states, “Having the opportunity to show kids ranging from the ages of 7 to 18 to snorkel and scuba dive was truly rewarding. To be honest, this was the moment when I knew that I would be happy educating others and would do whatever it takes to fulfill my dream to become a Marine Biologist.”

Voyager Explorer Signature Jumpin' Photograph; Offshore Mozambique; 2012
Voyager Explorer Crew with a Signature Jumpin’ Photograph; Offshore Mozambique; 2012

 

Jessica is no stranger to finding the most unique adrenaline-filled activities to where she travels, in fact, cage diving with Great white sharks and Nile crocodiles in South Africa, hang gliding over the Southern Everglades, and white water rafting Class V rapids in Costa Rica are just the tip of the iceberg. What might be the adventure of a lifetime to most is just part of a holiday for thrill-seeker Jessica R. Benford, whose project “The Voyage of Discovery” is sweeping up interest and support on a, well, international level.

Hang Gliding Florida; Clewistown, Florida; 2013
Hang Gliding Florida; Clewistown, Florida; 2013

 

“When you set your mind to something, have no limitations, conceal a deep desire to explore, and exceed beyond your own expectations, I believe that one is capable to do anything – for me, that compels my motivation to travel around the world and fully experience life.”

White Water Rafting; Costa Rica; 2013
White Water Rafting; Costa Rica; 2013

 

Between her work travels and personal travels this has led to her greatest goal in life and the most challenging, exhilarating, and rewarding world trip that she will ever face. “The Voyage of Discovery” main focuses are adrenaline, conservation, and education. She will trek to 221 countries, drive Oakley her 2010 Jeep Wrangler to 150+ countries, experience all 7 continents, and learn over 15 languages for this ultimate trip of lifetime.

 

The Voyage of Discovery World Trip Officially Starts:

On Halloween, October 31st of 2014, Jessica began “The Voyage of Discovery.” Already having visited more than 60 UN-recognized countries, she will start over and re-visit every country that she has traveled to in the past, while adding new countries to that list. Her very first country that she will drive will be her home country of the United States.

Oakley aka Jeep Wrangler; Marathon, FL; 2014
Oakley aka Jeep Wrangler; Marathon, FL; 2014

 

As Jessica expands her knowledge of cultures, her tastebuds for unique, and sometimes unpleasant foods, her craving for more adrenaline, and her handy skills of repairing her Jeep (hopefully these will not have to be used often), the world trip will never be a dull moment.

Gator Boys Paul Bedard and I; Everglades National Park, FL; 2014
Gator Boys Paul Bedard and I; Everglades National Park, FL; 2014

 

Growing up in a small town of Rockwood, Pennsylvania, she followed a pretty typical path; graduating high school in 2001, attending and graduating The Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor in Science, joining a sorority, Phi Mu, participating in sports such as Softball, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, etc. , and making all the preparations to become a world-renown Marine Biologist. Jessica is different than most backpackers or full-time travelers, she will balance working as a Marine Mammal Scientist and traveling personally in between on “The Voyage of Discovery.” Her compassion for the world and nature will be revealed throughout this journey.

And lucky for the followers and supporters of “The Voyage of Discovery,” she is giving us the opportunity to become part of her lifestyle.

Abseiling into a Waterfall; Costa Rica; 2013
Abseiling into a Waterfall; Costa Rica; 2013

3 thoughts on “JESSICA R. BENFORD

  1. Hello Jessica

    I am a berlin based artist and am currently working on the subject of hurricanes. I found your wonderful Photo ” Calm before the Storm” and was wondering if you would be ok with it if I would use it in a Paperwork of mine?
    Would there even be a chance of you sending me the photo in high resolution ? I would then, of course, name you and mark your credits in the show.

    Here is my website: hannahhallermann.com and under “with a chance of ” in shows can you see what the last soloshow about hurricanes looked like.

    my email : hannahhallermann.com and phone +49 -176-31244897

    Thank you
    best
    hannah

    1. Hello Hannah!

      It was a pleasure doing business with you. If you need further photographs to use for your show, please let me know.

      Thank you for contacting me! Keep in touch! Safe travels! *Jessica

  2. Hey Jessica! My name is Hannah and I just recently moved to South Carolina from Indiana. Obviously growing up in Indiana gives me exposure to corn and farming (definitely not biology/water studies) I have always been drawn to the water since I was little. I even chose marine biology for a school report and got in touch with a biologist that helped give me information. Now that I am a sophomore in high school I don’t know where to start. I know I have time, but I want to have as much knowledge before college as possible. I want to travel as much as you have and have the amazing life experiences! Your pictures are amazing and I love your story of growing up in Pennsylvania(I have some family in Pennsylvania) and evolving so much! If you have any advice or events to prepare myself please contact me:) pongo02hms@gmail.com

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: