Tag: fun

Globetrotters- Travel with Me 24 x 7

Travel with Me 24 x 7 is exactly what their goal is to do. I love it when a blog name is exactly what it says on the tin.

You should see just how many places are covered on their blog. If you need travel inspiration on advice then this is certainly a one-stop place for resources, The design and headings mean navigating their site so much easier and also allows for you to find so much more than you would have initially expected.

Sri Lanka is somewhere I’ve been reading more and more about and it fast becoming a bucket list destination. This post with suggested itinerary shows just what I  I need to see once I eventually get there. It looks so beautiful and so diverse. I’m a little ashamed to admit but I’ve never really known much about Georgia or even read much about what to do and see. There are many posts covered on Travel with Me 24 x 7 and they show it off in all its glory. This post about Georgia in the winter really encompasses the charm of this destination.

As I’ve mentioned many times (and will probably do so again and again) I really thrive on reading the answers from the Globetrotters involved. We’ve covered so many people from different countries, races, nationalities and walks of life that everyone has such an interesting mind set on the same questions. Travel with Me 24 x 7’s answers on Why travelling is important and why do you enjoy it really match my own viewpoints and its reassuring to know that there are people in the world who see the same benefits you do.

I so happy to introduce Travel with Me 24 x 7 to you all.

Hi, I studied computer engineering but have always had a wandering soul. I love to paint/draw my favourite travel scenes on canvas. Travel, Photography, painting, arts and craft, cooking are all my passions. I am a family oriented person and vegetarian. I’ve travelled to many places but still much more left on my bucket list. For me whatever might be the destination, enjoy the journey or path because paths are more beautiful and adventurous than destinations. Blue skies, countryside towns, narrow local streets, colourful houses, green grassy slopes with grazing animals are all my weaknesses.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Meeting new people, indulging in new cultures, travelling around to see how people live in different geographies. Travel widens my horizon and I really believe on this great quote “The best stories are found between the pages of passport”.
Traveling enhances practical knowledge about history, political status, geography, commuting options, living with odds and even, socializing, enjoying and discovering the truth.

Why do you think travelling is important?
Travel clears the misconceptions or misunderstandings of a particular place or region. While travelling we find certain truths which are not even mentioned in books. After returning from a travel, you are not the same person as before. Travel is the biggest adventure a person can have.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?
I just came from China. A very eye-opening place for me as language, culture and cuisine all were so new. It was exciting trip.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?
Just praying to god, packing clothes within a day even though travel has been planned months before. I don’t make any plans for my itineraries.

Who do you usually travel with?
My husband and my children. And of course my camera with loads of memory.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?
Travel and just travel, don’t make many plans on paper, take a leap and jump into this pond which is then followed by superb ideas and an addiction to travel. Every place has some tourist attractions which are worthy of experience but do enjoy every moment of travel whether it is the snowy, rainy or bad weather.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?
Once in Italy, we were stuck in the heavy snow with small children. As it was night, there was no help and being new to a place, we were helpless too. We were freezing literally but all of a sudden 4 youths emerged from somewhere and took our luggage and dropped it at our hotel. There were many thoughts running through our minds about the authentication of those unknown youths, but humanity wins all doubts. They didn’t even ask for money. We felt like as if they were sent by God.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?
Mykonos- I loved those narrow streets, the sound of waves, turquoise blue water and silent nature. Everything looked unrealistic and as if it was a different land or planet. Another favorite is Caucasus mountain town – Kazbegi in Eurasia. The real untouched countryside that heals our soul.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?
Bangkok

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?
A trip to Russia or being in the quaint streets of Cuba.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?
Family and my camera. I can travel without my phone but my camera is a must. Once while travelling my camera stopped working properly and very soon at that new tourist place I bought a new one.

Your favourite book/film/tv series that always makes you want to travel?
Tv series and Bollywood movies at exotic locales always tempt me to visit that place.

What can readers find on your blog?
How exciting travel is. Also how to travel by blending with that place. Every place has some positive vibes which we have to feel there. There is no exact formula of what to see, but just feel the place as it is. My blog reflects that. I simply choose destinations in random order and visit them according to my moods and emotions.

Where does your blog name come from?
I want to travel 24 X 7 means all day and night. This feeling changed and gave birth to my website name.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?
I love Familyearthtrek blog by Dada K S, as it also deals with family travelling and also they are nature lovers. The way they explore non-famous paths or offbeat destinations resonates me.

To find more from Travel with Me 24 x 7

Blog
Instagram 

Pin for later

Globetrotters – Beyond My Border

This week we have a real treat with the amazing Daisy from Beyond my Border. By her own admission her site documents tips, advice and bizarre experiences and who doesn’t love reading about a bizarre experience!

One thing I truly admire about Daisy is the fact she is a solo backpacker. The guts and free-spiritedness it takes to wander the world is something I have so much respect for. As tough as it must be and I’m sure it’s not all Instagram worthy updates it would be amazing to go when and where you want and all the amazing people you must meet along the way.

Daisy has had some hella amazing experiences on her travels – watching the balloons in Cappadocia (100% on my bucket list), staying in Abandoned Hospitals and cave rooms, exploring Iceland, Living with bikers in Turkey, making friends with an air traffic controller and watching him land the planes. Reading through her blog you can find so much information about all of these as well as advice on travelling on a budget and so much travel inspo that you just want to book up a flight straight away. This I just one example of her awesome budget travel guides on the diverse California , shes even got one about travelling in Delhi for $3 a day!! Yes, $3 a day.

Here is the inspiring Daisy from Beyond My Border

I am Daisy, a solo backpacker that travels the world budget style. I grew up in 5 cities in China and Canada and have traveled over 20 countries. I’ve slept in teepees, bungalows, beach houses, and cave rooms, hosted by lawyers, professors, hippies, bikers and much more. I’ve cracked my head in France, twisted my foot in Hungry and got chikungunya in India. Yet I’ve witnessed hot air balloons in Cappadocia during sunrise, rode a motorcycle up into the Himalayas, slurped fresh oysters by the harbor of Santa Barbara and would not change my experiences for the world.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Traveling has taught me so much. From history to culture, I have come to fill my heart with stories of people from places so different from my own. It might be a common traveler’s syndrome, but I love to meet people and hear their experiences, understand their perspective and explore the unknown.

Why do you think travelling is important?
Traveling is important because it truly helps us understand how similar people are. It will stimulate acceptance, understanding and create a more open-minded society. This will play into sociopolitical conducts and minimalize discrimination and diminish prejudice.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?


My favorite photo was taken atop the Himalayas. It took me a 9-hour night bus to get to my host’s city, 3 days for us to bike into the mountains and 5 hours of hiking to reach the peak. But we caught the sunset and it was glorious.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?
No ritual is my ritual 😊 A little out of the norm, but I like to travel without much, or any planning at all. It can be a huge headache when I’m lost in a place that speaks a different tongue, but I’ve come out with some amazing experiences.

Who do you usually travel with? I’ve traveled with friends and family but to be honest, my favorite travel companions are strangers I meet on the road. I guess the most suitable answer would be no one, but everyone.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be? Be fearless & have fun

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to? I spent two months in Turkey. While in Cappadocia, I witnessed hot air balloons mid sunrise by myself in the middle of some rocky hills. As cliché as it was, I felt the experience eye-opening. Of course, being the clumsy traveler that I am, I ended up being abandoned by the tour bus and had to hitchhike into the city at 7 am. But it was definitely worth it.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype? After living in Paris for 4 months, I concluded that the city was just not for me. Then again, my memory of Paris was far from romantic. During my stay, I managed to lose my phone and crack my head open, which resulted in a $7000 hospital bill. (Amen insurance). My friend who came to visit me was also robbed.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list? I would love to attend the International Highline Meeting in Monte Piana, Italy. I may be horrified of heights, but what’s better than stinging a hammock on the webbing between a couple rocks and chill out?

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without? My camera!

What can readers find on your blog? Lots of budget travel advice and quirky experiences. I travel on a tight budget and tend to get into bizarre situations.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why? My favorite is Surviving in Delhi on $3 a Day. While in India, I spent a month living on the bare minimum. My shared apartment had broken windows, doors that didn’t lock and an outside kitchen. Nonetheless, it was such a memorable time since I truly became appreciative of the things I had. Not to mention that I ended up being adopted by a modeling agency and spent two months living with international models!

Find more from Daisy here

Blog

Insta

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

Globetrotters- Always on the Way

Another Sunday and another fabulous globetrotter to introduce you to. This week we have Julie from Always on the Way.

Always on the Way is a huge resource of travel and expat information. There is soooo much for you to discover. Wonderful words, gorgeous pictures, insightful advice and honest reviews, it is a fabulous blog to follow.

As a fellow expat, it’s lovely to read on Julie’s about me page that we share a common feeling that living in a new country allows you to really experience it and see more than if you were just cruising through on a holiday. I’ve been dreaming about visit Canada FOREVER and as Julie has lived there I’ve been reading and rereading all of her Canada posts to just entice further wanderlust for me to get there. It seems every Globetrotter we have had recently has been to Canada. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.

One of my favourite posts is this one about Nazca Lines. I had never heard of these or where to see them but OMG they look amazing. It was so fascinating to not only read about it but also to see the pictures and that you can see them without flying. What a fabulous place to see and explore.

Julie regularly travels solo and I found it interesting about her thoughts on how some places are safer than what the media makes out that they are. You usually read so much about how being a solo female traveler can be very dangerous in certain destinations so its eye-opening to hear a different take on it. I know nowhere is now completely safe and you still need to be smart and have your wits about you but maybe some places are not as scary as we think it might be at first and by giving them a chance you get to experience something different. Check out her thoughts about this in her answers below.

Here is Julie from Alway on the way….

I am Julie, a travel blogger based in Toronto. I have lived in the USA (Hawaii) and Canada for eight years. When I am not traveling and writing, I am learning a new language, reading a book, and staring at the horizon to figure out my next adventure.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

I love waking up alone in a new place and embracing the excitement of being surrounded by adventure. It feels surreal to visit destinations completely different from home, with people speaking a different language, sharing a different culture, and eating different food.

Why do you think traveling is important?

I believe travel is important for us to get out of our fears and see how things really are. We live in a society where negative news reports and fear are prevalent, and many afraid of traveling to certain countries because of safety concerns.

During my years of travel, I’ve learned that the world is generally a safe place and not every destination is as dangerous as the news media makes it out to be. The countries people are usually scared to travel to are the ones that give the best experience.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?

I am currently traveling in Peru and then all the way south to Patagonia.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?

This picture was taken when I walked to the top of Mt. Royal in Montreal. I was amazed by the changing color of foliage in the middle of October. A lady I met at a bus station ended up walking up Mt. Royal with me. She knew I was a traveler and told me to take as many pictures as possible because this was possibly my only chance of seeing such colorful landscapes on Mt. Royal. She was right – I returned to Montreal but never again did I experience such colorful scenery.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?

I always write down the address and number of local contacts (embassy, police station, the owner of the accommodation) to be safe.

Who do you usually travel with?

I travel solo. I love the feeling of freedom that comes along, and taking time to explore a place, going where I want to go.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?

Trust your instincts. The world is generally a safe place and people are there to help, but if you feel something is wrong, please listen to it. It is always the best to be aware of your surroundings and be smart on the road.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?

Watching the northern lights on Christmas Eve. My friend and I went to the Chena Hot Spring resort in Fairbanks Alaska to celebrate Christmas holidays. We waited for the northern lights in the waiting room near a café where it was surrounded by the snowy mountains. At 12:30 am, the northern lights showed up and were dancing around the sky for over two hours. It was freezing cold but we did not care. We stood outside on the snowy and icy ground and watched the northern lights illuminating the northern sky. It was the best Christmas gift I have ever received, and it was magical.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?

USA – Alaska. I am a natural addict and Alaska offers the most beautiful landscapes in the USA. Postcard quality pictures are everywhere and any road trip in Alaska is not disappointing.

Canada – Prince Edward Island. It is the birthplace of Canada and it has a stunning coastline with gorgeous beaches. People there bend their back to help you should you need any assistance. The seafood on the island is freshly made and cheap. I could just eat lobster all day every day.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?

Grand Palace in Bangkok. It is expensive to visit and is filled with crowds. I was wondering why a place every guidebook recommends for a visit looked like a tourist trap. When I shared my experience with my Thai friends and hostel workers, they told me they have never visited Grand Palace because they know the experience would likely be the same. I wish I could have asked my Thai friends earlier, so I would spend my time and budget elsewhere.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?

I would love to take the VIA Rail to visit Churchill Manitoba (Canada). It is the polar bear capital of the world and has the Aurora Borealis show up 300 days each year. Churchill is in the subarctic region, has only 3,000 residents, and is a remote place that is inaccessible by road, which makes the travel experience unlike that of any other place in the world.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?

Books. I don’t feel my suitcase is packed up unless I fill it with some books on history, memoir or travel guides I love spending afternoons in cafés, on the beach, and the local park, and sticking my nose in the books.

What can readers find on your blog?

Always On The Way focuses on destination features, personal travel experience, and travel guide and tips from locals’ perspective, and the content on the tourist attractions is minimum. I have lived in the USA and Canada for eight years and had return visits to many places; so many blog posts are geared towards the places most travelers are not aware of unless they live there. I wish my blog will inspire you to explore new destinations beyond tourist attractions and connect deeper with the culture, history, and its people.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?

“8 Things I Have Learned After Living in Hawaii” is one of my earliest blog posts I wrote it back in 2012 revealing the thoughts and reality of living in Hawaii. That time, I just started blogging as a hobby. The post got published on another online blog and magazine Bucket List Publications and went viral in just a few hours with Facebook shares and comments. I love this post the most because not only has it received the most engagement and many a-hah moments from residents of Hawaii even to this day, it also inspires me to write more about Hawaii from my own experience and that is how my blog officially started.

For more from Always on the Way check out the below links
Blog
Twitter
Pinterest
Facebook

Pin for later

Globetrotters- Molly the Gypsy

This week’s Globetrotter is the delightful Molly from  Molly the Gypsy

Molly is soo similar to me in that she loves traveling and she loves the gram. She married these two together and created her blog around travel advice and stories and hints and tips on how you can step up your Instagram game.

I love that her favorite photo is of a lightning strike. I once spent a whole afternoon trying to get a similar shot but out to sea (as we were on a boat) and my aunty even said she would get me an iPad if I managed to catch it. Alas, my finger was not quick enough but Molly’s was so do check it out below.

My other half has mentioned a cruise holiday to me a few times but we were never sure which area would be best so this post here was so helpful. So nice to read an honest review on each place.

Another post of Molly’s I also enjoyed was how to score a hotel upgrade and going to try her tips on our next holiday Fingers crossed! Who knew it could possibly be as easy as just asking!!

So without further ado here is Molly from Molly the Gypsy

I started traveling as a child with my mother. She would take me on cruises or across the country. When my aunt moved her family to Italy it occurred to me that you could leave the country. Somehow it hadn’t occurred to me before that. I began international travel as soon as I could afford it and have never stopped. I’ve been to 36 countries and 49 US states so far, with so much more still left to see and do. I love to help others live their dreams and face their fears, which is how my Instagram and blog were born.

What do you enjoy most about traveling?

Cultures, adventure and people all fascinate me. I’ve always had an insatiable appetite for new experiences.

Why do you think traveling is important?

It’s easy to believe that the world is like you if you don’t venture into it. By exploring, you discover how many incredible different worlds exist within our own.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?

I just came back from a drive through the United States. Next trip will be a cruise to Mexico (and maybe Cuba) for Thanksgiving.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?

note-picture is coming!

All my life I wanted my very own lightning shot. Finally, off the coast of Greece, I was able to capture an INCREDIBLE shot showing several lightning strikes from two different storms in the distance. I used a slow shutter speed, so it captured several of them, including their veins. It’s my favorite!!

Do you have a pre travel ritual? If so what?

I pack light, pray and double check my list. I then always text my mom and bestie when I leave and arrive. It’s become a tradition.

Who do you usually travel with?

I use a TINY swivel suitcase (small enough to fit on even commuter planes) and a purse. That’s it.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?

Go. Just go. Don’t worry about the when, where, why, how, etc. The world is waiting for you and life is far too short to see it all. Just. Go.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst traveling?  

That’s rough. My life is filled with beautiful memories from all over the world. One of my favorite memories is walking the streets of Pompeii. I’d wanted to see it all my life and standing there, walking the road, sitting in the brothel, seeing the bodies and taking in the enormity of what happened was a life-changing moment for me.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?

Istanbul. The city is beautiful, the people are so friendly and funny, the coffee is incredible, the food is perfection and it’s the only city that spans two continents.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?

Niagara Falls. I landed at night and our taxi driver took us to the falls. I looked out and said, “Oh those are cute, but where are the real ones?” Those were the real ones. SUPER underwhelming. They’re pretty but SO little. I really expected them to be larger than life. They weren’t.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?

I have only been to 36 countries, so there’s a ton more to see. A few I cannot wait to check off are Thailand, Barcelona, Cape Town, Sydney, Auckland, Prague and Auschwitz in Poland.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?

My inhaler. I’m an asthmatic and it’s literally the only thing I don’t go without.

Your go to or favourite book/film/tv series that always/ makes you want to travel?

Eat Pray Love and Tales of a Female Nomad are my super amazing, pro women, travel time books. I LOOOOOOOOOOVE them. I watch the movie all I can and wish they would make Tales into a movie as well.

What can readers find on your blog?

mollythegypsy.com was born of a love of both travel and Instagram. I LOVE that Instagram, unlike Facebook and the like, is just pretty pictures. I love how easy it is to follow people you like and to feel like you’re traveling the world with them. My blog is a celebration of that and helps people to either set up their own following, etc. or to find advice on best cruises to take or what to do in Puerto Rico.

Where does your blog name come from?

I’m Irish by descent, so being a gypsy or traveler is something in our blood. I’ve been described as a gypsy most of my life, so the name just kind of happened.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?

I don’t. I think each one has a purpose and can help different people depending on their need. I try to ensure that my posts will be of benefit to someone.

To find more from Molly check her out here

Blog

Instagram

Twitter

Pin for later

Globetrotters – Digital Travel Guru

You guys are in for a treat with this weeks Globetrotter- Elizabeth from Digital Travel Guru.

I came across the Digital Travel Guru on their Facebook page earlier this year and have loved getting to know Elizabeth and her site. She is so supportive of other travel bloggers and even runs a travel blogging group to encourage interaction and collaboration between like minded bloggers. I love anyone that is building others up and helping get everyone working together. You would think by the layout that they have been around for years but the blog only started late 2016. The design is spot on and so easy to navigate. I’ll leave links below and I can’t recommend enough that you head over to check them out.

Elizabeth is like a kindred spirit in many ways! Passion for photography, travelling, visiting historic places and a huge desire to see and share so much of the world. Total #girlcrush. She also loves sharing stories and q&as with other travel bloggers on her blog. Similar to our Globetrotters series she has her featured blogger series and takes great pride in introducing her readers to other bloggers who will help give them inspirations on what to see and do when visiting places around the world. I’ve included some links below. We both love being inspired by others so it seemed only right that she got involved with our Globetrotters series. You may also see us pop up on their site shortly.

A couple of my favourite posts include 20 Amazing things to see around Bali and 25 Travel Blogging idea and 20 Inspirational travel bloggers. I think if I had stayed in Australia for my 20/30s then I would have made it to Bali but alas it remains on my bucket list and this post induces some serious wanderlust. The 25 Blogging ideas and 20 inspirational travel blogger is such a good post that I have it bookmarked for when the writer’s block creeps in we also feature on the list of inspiration travel bloggers so another reason this one is a fav.

Oh and if you are scared of snakes maybe skip over the travel misshap questions below.

Without further ado let me hand you over to Elizabeth the Digital Travel Guru.


Hi, I’m Elizabeth and I run and manage Digital Travel Guru, which I launched late last year in 2016, the blog is still very new as it has taken me some time to understand word press and various other things you need to know about running a blog. I was encouraged to document my travels and photography by friends and family, also because I was helping many people plan their trips and itineraries.

Digital Travel Guru is travel blogging site that focuses on 360 travel I cover all aspects of travel on it. To date, I have travelled to over 40 countries and still have a bucket list a mile long. I love historical places and tropical beaches. My big passion is writing and photography. I am also planning to start doing travel droning and developing my YouTube travel channel. I run a Travel Bloggers Club with a friend and fellow travel blogger from Creative Travel Guide, which aims to help Travel Bloggers network with each other and with engagement on their sites. 

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
I have been travelling since I was a child with my parents and I have previously lived in Asia and Africa. Currently, I live and work in London UK, but I have plans to move to Asia later in the year. What I enjoy and have always enjoyed about travelling is seeing new countries, meeting people, experiencing cultures, trying out new foods and learning about how different people live. My favourite of them all is visiting historical sights such as temples and of course exploring and finding beautiful beaches. One of my passions is photography, so I love destinations that offer good photo opportunities such as (street photography, ancient building, portrait’s of people and scenic views).


Why do you think travelling is important?
I think travelling is important to understand people, which links to my profession in psychiatry, I just love finding out about people, their traditions, their cultures and ways of lives. I think travel has helped me do my job better as it involves working with people from many cultures and countries. Travelling is important to give you a greater insight and understanding of how life is lived in other places and to develop greater awareness and understanding of the world and people in it.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?



Photography is my passion, and I am constantly learning and developing my photography skills. One of my favourite photographs is of Mount Batur in Bali, which is an active volcano and a sacred mountain according to Hindu beliefs. Mount Batur is located in Batur village, Kintamani District, Bali, Indonesia and it is 1717 m above sea level, the highest mountain in Bali.

Do you have a pre travel ritual? If so what?
Well, yes, I have a few LOL. Prior to booking my flight and before my actual flight.

Before booking a flight to a destination I do the following:
Plan and research the destination.
Putting together a rough outline of all the places and things I want to do.
Check the weather of the destination and what season it is.

Before my actual flight:
Check passports + copy of boarding pass and e-ticket
Check cards + money
Check I have all my gadgets (laptop, cameras, chargers)
Check my accommodation booking confirmations
Ensure I have things I need for my flight such as (warm cardigan, mini size toiletries, comfy socks, spare set of clothing, and a book)
Check I have my phone
Weigh all my luggage

Who do you usually travel with?
I have travelled solo and with friends and family, as well as with my partner. Mainly solo and with my partner at present and I usually meet friends and fellow travel bloggers if they are in the same place as me.


If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?
Plan and research your trip as much as you can before you go, so you have some sort of idea what you want to do and see when you get there, it saves a lot of planning time once there, also check with the locals once you get there, for off the beaten track places. This I always feel maximises my time once in the destination and allows me to see and do more.

Tell us the funniest story or a miss hap from one of your adventures?
Having a SNAKE in my suitcase in Koh Samui, Thailand, that was definitely a big mishap as I am terrified of them. I was staying in a beautiful pool villa with views overlooking the jungle, and I went out one day and left a door open by accident. When I came back that evening, something said to me there was a snake or some sort of creature somewhere as I usually act on my instincts, so I started looking for snakes and creatures around the villa, as I realised I had left the door open.

Anyway, I didn’t find anything and I went to sleep. The following day I was checking out to move to another part of the island, as the villa owner was assisting me to put my suitcase in the car I rented, he said to me I have a story to tell you, he disclosed to me, he said as the cleaners were cleaning my villa the day I left the door open they saw a snake in my suitcase and had to carry my suitcase outside to take it out, while I was out, very scary.

Another funny story was I was in a rush one day in Bangkok and needed to book a flight to Koh Samui but instead, I booked a flight to Surat Thani (Koh Samui is also known as Surat Thai district) and I thought it was the same thing whilst rushing. When I was on the plane and about to land I thought hold on I can’t see the sea lol, then realised I had booked and taken a flight to the mainland this was many many years ago. I was still able to go to Koh Samui that day via a taxi and then a boat, it was actually a good experience in the end as I got to see, a different part of Thailand, however, it added 6 hours onto my journey. I still laugh about this till today.


Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?
This a hard one to answer. I’ve been to some amazing and beautiful places, for me I have my favourite places in and around Asia, but in terms of a tropical paradise, with secluded beaches, crystal clear turquoise sea, and amazing scenery it has to be Seychelles. I spent two weeks here just driving around the island, exploring beaches, driving in the mountains, trying out local foods, and island hopping.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?
Difficult to answer, as I always try and find good things about a place, but once I booked a last minute trip to Sharm El Sheik In Egypt, and I really did not like the place and could not find much to do there. Some of the scenery was nice and the sea, but I’m more into cultural activities and experiences and it was one place that I could not find any historical places and sights to see. Plus I got an awful tummy bug there which just made me dislike the place even more, as this was something that is apparently very common there, so, all in all, I was not really impressed.


Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?
I really want to go to the South Pacific Islands like Fiji. I love tropical destinations and the sea, these islands look spectacular and so beautiful. My bucket list seems to never end!!

One experience on my bucket list is to visit Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Mainly due to my love of historic places, the views here look so beautiful and the history fascinating.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?
The one thing I need with me is my phone, at least you can still snap your memories or video them with your phone if you have nothing else or for emergencies and to keep connected with everyone also for maps and to checked saved notes of where I want to go as well as making my blogging notes on.


What can readers find on your blog?
You can find my blog at www.digitaltravelguru.com come and say hello. My blog focus on the 360 travel, so in essence, I cover everything from reviewing places abroad to doing interviews with bloggers for my featured blogger section, travel guides, travel resources and a lot of photography.
I am constantly changing and developing my blog site, so it’s work in progress, I am looking at adding travel videos to my site in the future and some other types of travel content such as drone videos.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?
My favourite blog post is a recent one on Bali. Here is the link:

To find more from the Digital Travel Guru see below

Blog  links to check out

https://digitaltravelguru.com/interview-jeremy-noronha-think-travel-lift-grow/
https://digitaltravelguru.com/interview-with-runwaymarina/
https://digitaltravelguru.com/history-of-koh-samui-island-Thailand/

Pinterest
Website
YouTube
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Travel Blog Club
Email- digitaltravelguruinfo@gmail.com (if you want to guest post or be interviewed for The Digital Travel Guru site please send Elizabeth over an email)

Globetrotters- I Dream of Travel

 Isn’t ‘I Dream of Travel’ such an awesome name for a travel blog!! Everyone dreams of travel at one stage in their life so it’s super relatable. Lisa is the dreamer than runs I Dream of Travel and I’ve had so much fun getting to know more about her and her site.

Whilst I Dream of Travel is still a newer site it’s got a great layout and fabulous content. You can also tell from the headings that there is some super exciting content still to come. So get subscribing!

My other half is a huge music fan and has been desperate to get to Memphis for as long as I’ve known him. Lisa’s post has given us some great inspiration and I love the inclusion of bars and restaurants. Defo want to check out that speakeasy!
She has some posts coming soon about Savannah and Chicago two cities I know next to nothing about so can’t wait to read more!

Reading others advice is one of my most loved parts of this series and Lisa’s is one of the best answers we’ve had. I love her insight in how every trip comes in three stages and most importantly you need to pay attention to all three. Usually, we see the planning and post trip as the annoying or sad part but really they are just as important as the physically going away. It really is such an awesome piece of advice for travellers.

Here is the lovely Lisa from I Dream of Travel 


Hi, I’m Lisa! I started out my adulthood as a young, single high school social studies teacher. Therefore, pretty poor. Therefore, pretty rooted at home. Long story short I ended up a wife and a mom, with a job that had me frequently travelling all over the country. While I still find myself a wannabe world traveller, I’ve also come to realise there’s so much to discover right here in my home country. So, for now, I’m making the most of that (with a few international trips sprinkled in here and there)!

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
While I thoroughly enjoy the journey (researching and planning), what I enjoy most about travelling is exploring the unknown. Crazy, since I do a whole lot of research and reading before even the most mundane of trips. Despite all of the planning, I always end up feeling overwhelmed when I travel. But in a good way. No amount of reading, watching, listening or planning can prepare you for what it’s like to actually be somewhere you’ve never been before. How cool.

Why do you think travelling is important?
Travelling is important because of the memories you take home with you. You can keep those for a lifetime. I first thought of this in regards to my children- their material possessions were quickly outgrown or just didn’t last, but they loved to talk about our trips. The same is true for adults. It’s the best money spent.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?



The is one of my favourite travel pictures because it represents travelling with my family and also just having a carefree spirit when it comes to travelling. It’s my son Parker jumping into Lake Ontario. We literally just pulled over so he could jump in!

Which is your favourite type of travel/holiday- sun, snow, sea, city, mountains, country?
This small beach town girl loves a trip to the city. No, the mountains. Wait, the country…

Who do you usually travel with?
Everyone. Throughout the year I’m fortunate to have the occasion and opportunity to travel with my husband, with my family, with my mom and/or parents, with work colleagues and sometimes I also get to squeeze in a trip with friends- sometimes girlfriends, other times couples.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?
Every trip has three phases: before, during and after. Pay attention to all three parts. Plan well- learn the history, what do the travel sites say you should do, what to the locals actually do. Travel well- get up early, go all day, eat well, make time to relax and revive, and gather meaningful mementoes and memories. Follow-up well- organise your pictures and mementoes and update your trip notes and your social media accounts (and I don’t mean just sharing pictures- more later in my blog!) all before life gets too crazy again.

Tell us the funniest story or a mishap from one of your adventures?
Still not able to laugh at this yet, but here it goes. After an incredible family vacation in Toronto, Canada and the Niagara Falls region, we rushed over the border to the Buffalo airport only to find out we were at the wrong airport. Who knew little Niagara Falls had an airport? The airline advertised their flights out of Niagara/Buffalo (lesson learned). We took a very expensive cab ride to the correct airport. As we threw our licenses on the counter, the lady flipped her sign to “Closed.” She would not check our bags. We had to take them to the checkpoint and then to the gate. Problem is- you can’t take liquids through the checkpoint. So we had to leave our hundreds of dollars worth of wine from Niagara on the Lake area vineyards…and some Canadian maple syrup.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?
Today I’d have to say Denver, Colorado, during the late fall. Snow on the mountains, still warm enough to hike. You get a little bit of both worlds- the city and the mountains. Downtown is full of local fun, yet Boulder, Colorado Springs and the mountains are all just within an hour or two drive. Ask me tomorrow and I’m guessing I’d say, Puerto Rico.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?
I almost hate to even mention it, because it really is a sweet place to visit. It’s Amelia Island, FL. It has a reputation for being a great girl’s weekend or romantic weekend getaway. There are plenty of gorgeous Bed and Breakfasts and horse drawn carriage rides, but it’s really a tiny little downtown. Not many restaurants and very little nightlife. We ran out of new things to do, eat and explore very quickly. But great for an overnighter!

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?
Paris. Sounds cliché I know. But it’s a bit more personal for me. My mom was a Navy brat and lived there in her mid-teens. I can’t wait to go with her and see all the places I’ve heard about my whole life- the off base apartment she hated (why couldn’t she just live in Military Housing, Petit Beauregard with her friends?), the commissary (Bel Manoir), the site where Paris American High School was, the teen club and all the places she went to when her and her girlfriends snuck out and took the train to downtown Paris.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?
My list. All that research, reading and planning I do- it goes into a list on my phone. I try to sort it in a logical order based on where I will be, when I’ll be there and around reservations, appointments or other scheduled events. I save addresses, phone numbers, operating hours, etc. Don’t want to waste time floundering around unsure of how to get somewhere, or show up too early or too late to a destination.

What can readers find on your blog/Instagram?
I just started a travel blog/site: idreamoftrvl.com. While it includes a blog, my plan is to include so much more- my research secrets, travel tips and destination itineraries. And of course travel photos! I also post travel photos to my Instagram account: idreamoftrvl. I try to include insight to travel experiences and why followers might want to check them out when they find themselves there. I’m also on Twitter @idreamoftrvl sharing articles that align with my travel style and goals.

You can find more from Lisa here.
Blog
Instagram
Twitter 
Pin to enjoy later with a cuppa

For more from our Globetrotters series click here

Globetrotters- Nomad by Trade

I just love the tag line Kris from Nomad by Trade has –  ‘A travel blog for the kid at heart’. It just draws you in to want to find out more about her blog! We all just want to be a kid at heart, don’t we?

From featuring posts of her interstate travels to international adventures to exploring Disney. There is something for everyone on Nomad by Trade. I really like how everything is categorised on the site- Leisure travel, Evening tourist, Tips, Disney and Michigan Love. Really mixes it up and is a nice change from having everything listed as destinations. It also makes you want to find the gems of information listed in these categories.

I’ve mentioned more times than I can remember that Iceland has long been on my bucket list and it seems every Globetrotter we’ve had recently has been to Iceland. Cue – huge amounts of jealousy!  Kris has recently explored this magical country so has so much Iceland content that I’ve been scouring her blog for lots of insight and planning advice for when I do finally get myself over there. My favourite post (there was sooooo many to choose from), however, was this one as a huge photography lover and someone who would sell her left arm to see the Northern Lights it is such practical advice to make sure you get that dream capture of this beautiful phenomenon.  Her amazing picture of herself, mum and sister is a winner and you’ll get to see it below.

Reading Kris’s answers I love how open she is especially when describing her blog. She knows her voice, what to share and what she wants to say which is so important when creating your own space in the blogosphere.  We can all get a bit bogged down in comparing ourselves to others especially other travel bloggers who seem to have it all travelling the world.   But like Theodore Roosevelt once said  ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. To know yourself and be true to yourself is what every blogger should do. Kris epitomises this and is something I really respect.

All links to Kris’s blog and social channels will be listed below and I can’t recommend enough that you head on over to check them out.

Let me hand you over to Kris


I’m Kris and as a frequent business traveller, I hop from one city to another throughout the United States. As a lifelong traveller, I’ve been to five continents and 45 US states with a goal to hit them all someday. When I’m not travelling, I’m likely to be on Pinterest planning another trip or cuddling my dog, Artoo.

What do you enjoy most about travelling? 

I love exploring new places more than anything else. There’s no better feeling than stepping out of an airport in a new city full of things to do, foods to try, and sights to see.

Why do you think travelling is important? 

I think travelling is the best way to create positive global relationships. Going out and seeing other countries and meeting their residents firsthand is the best way to eliminate misconceptions and ignorant stereotypes. You learn so much about other cultures as well as your own that it’s hard not to come back wiser.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?  

I love this shot of my mom, sister and me in front of the Northern Lights that I took with a mini tripod and self-timer in Iceland. The Lights were spectacular that night and I got the idea to have us stand really still in front of them. We’re a little blurry because I was using a long exposure, but it was just SO cool.

Do you have a pre travel ritual? If so what?

I’m an obsessive planner. I spend weeks or months researching attractions down to their opening hours, admission fees, and addresses. I also try to learn as much as possible about the place I’m visiting ahead of time. If it’s somewhere where another language is spoken, I’ll learn a few useful phrases (“Do you speak English?” is key), figure out the exchange rate, and research driving laws and road signs if I’m renting a car.

Who  do you usually travel with? 

I travel by myself a lot for work, so I have a lot of adventures on my own. Lately, I’ve been travelling with my mom and sister a bunch because they actually get vacation/break time. I’ve also taken a couple of really fun trips with my boyfriend the last couple of years.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?

Just do it. Whether you’re going for a weekend trip somewhere close or booking a month abroad, it will be worthwhile. Set a budget for yourself and save if you need to, but make it happen. I promise that the new experiences will be more worthwhile than a new pair of jeans or shoes.

Tell us the funniest story or a miss hap from one of your adventures?

When I was in Iceland a few months ago, my mom made the car rental reservation and I never looked at the booking. She’d rented a small SUV for the week and said it was only about $400. That seemed fairly reasonable since I usually get weekly rates when I’m renting cars for work and they’re a touch under $200. We rented the car, had a blast on the trip, and returned it to the airport before our flight. The problem was that when she made the booking, she somehow only did it for one day. The daily rate was $400. we’d had the car for seven days at that point. I was a little queasy since I was supposed to be sharing the cost. Luckily, they negotiated with us and only wanted an additional $900 on top of the $400 we’d already paid, but it was still staggering. I’m still baffled by the fact that they hadn’t tried to contact us (or the police) when we kept the car for an extra six days, but I guess they figured we couldn’t take it very far on a relatively small island.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?

Probably Iceland. Despite the mishap described above, I absolutely adored every corner of the country. I’ve never seen so much natural beauty in such a small area. Every corner seemed to be more beautiful than the last, and our days and nights were filled with incredible sights. If Iceland isn’t on your bucket list already, it should be.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype? 

Nassau, Bahamas was pretty disappointing, as well as the whole cruise we were on. I love exploring new places and learning about the local culture and trying new foods, but Nassau felt just like a run-down American beach town. Our ship docked at the same time as two other huge cruise ships, so just getting off of the dock was an ordeal. We spent the day on the beach right next to the cruise docks with a commercial shipping centre to our left and a scraggly sandbar in front of us. It was far from the picturesque Caribbean scene I had imagined, and we ended up re-boarding the ship way earlier than expected.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list? 

I’ve been wanting to go to New Zealand for the longest time. Every picture I see there seems gorgeous and I love exploring nature. It just seems like the kind of place that I would love.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without? 

Aside from the obvious socks and underwear kind of stuff, my main necessity is my camera. I’ve always taken tonnes of pictures and I love trying to snap unique shots.

What can readers find on your blog? 

Lots of fun stuff! I’m really just an overgrown kid, so I try to write posts for grown-ups who like the same kind of goofy fun stuff that I do. I’m never going to be the picture-perfect travel blogger or Instagram star, but I love writing about things like ridiculous ice creams and posting pictures of my head on a giant Pez dispenser. It took me a while to find my voice, but now that I’ve figured out who I’m writing for (and it helps that my target audience is also myself) it’s a lot more fun.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I really like my post called “25 Pictures to Put Iceland on Your Winter Bucket List” It was nice to get a chance to show off some of my photography, and it’s one of my most viewed posts. I’m also really fond of a couple of Disney posts that I wrote. One is about visiting the parks solo, which I’ve done on numerous trips, and another about my favourite fireworks show that ended its 13-year run last month.

Blog

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Pin for latest here

Globetrotters- Wanderers Hub

Travelling is pretty awesome especially when you get to experience it with the person you love most in the world. Prerna and Harsh from the Wanderers Hub get to do just that. Lucky sods!

I love their answer regarding why travelling is important and how it not only rejuvenates the soul but also makes you more tolerant. If only more people opened their mind to travelling and seeing new cultures, meeting people from different walks of life and seeing the world from a different viewpoint to what they are used to. This is a message we all need to get out there.

One of my favourite posts from them isn’t a destination post as you would expect but a post about interesting wanderlust words. Most of these I’d never heard of! Have a read here and see if you’ve heard of them. I’m going to see how many I can get into conversation this week. Now for the destination link I loved reading about the beautiful Bhutan which has long been on my bucket list. Check out the post here and don’t blame me for the wanderlust that will entail.

So happy Sunday all and let me introduce you to Prerna and Harsh …

Hi we are Prerna and Harsh and we are Indian travel bloggers, who run a travel blog called Wanderers Hub. We met in school, fell in love, dated for years, and then got married in 2015. Despite Harsh having a full-time job and Prerna being an entrepreneur, we both fetch time from our busy lives to travel as much as possible. With our itchy feet we are always on the hunt for offbeat places which we can present with an interesting series of photos. In fact, we focus on making a genuine connection with our audience rather than just cluttering the internet space.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

Travel helps build and strengthen relationships. A quick sun-and-sand getaway or a week-long beach break helps ignite the spark that lasts long even after we are back home. Then there is this feeling of conquering a new territory. The idea of trying new food, watching the sun set from a different zone and sleeping in a different world – it gives a sense of accomplishment.

Why do you think travelling is important?

Travelling changes our conceptions of conventional. It’s so amazing to see the world from a unique perspective. Simply put, travelling is an eye-opener. Getting a free new take on life by seeing how people in the other part of the world live is simply fascinating. Plus you are able to leave all worries back at home and step out of your comfort zone. Travelling rejuvenates the soul and makes a person more tolerant.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels.

This one kind of makes us nostalgic about encountering the most romantic sunset of our lives together. It gives us warm fuzzies! 🙂

Which is your favourite type of travel/holiday- sun, snow, sea, city, mountains, country?

We both love beach holidays!

Who do you usually travel with?

We travel with each other and no one else. Rarely, do we go for family trips as our parents themselves are keen on exploring the world at their own pace.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?

Travel often; travel with an open mind and an open heart. That will help you experience different cultures, religions and people in the best manner. Celebrate life and don’t forget to strike conversations with random people you meet on the go.

Tell us the funniest story or a mishap from one of your adventures?

It happened during Tigers Nest trek in Bhutan when the weather got changed drastically and it perhaps started raining. Since the slope was extremely steep, we couldn’t move properly. It got worse when the entire stretch became muddy and we could see so many people slipping here and there. We took our chances and started trekking down slowly, much to our dismay. I slipped really bad the first time and in a fit of rage, threw the bottle I had in my hand, which landed on another person’s head. That was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. But I slipped again and again and again! Needless to say, I was a dirt sack by the end of the trek. Now when we think of it, we have a big laugh about the entire episode.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?

So far Bhutan. That country can have a numbing impact on your senses – it’ll leave you awestruck!

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?

Dubai was a bit overhyped, I believe.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?

I have heard a lot about Fiji and it definitely is on our bucket list. We’re looking forward to exploring Varanasi next week and Switzerland in August this year.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without.

Sunscreen, for sure!

What can readers find on your blog?

Readers can find a perfect melange of travel and lifestyle on our blog. We’ll take them through the exciting journey of finding offbeat places, secluded beaches, and all those hidden streets in a country they’d love exploring.

Find more from Wanderers Hub here

Blog

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Google +

YouTube

Globetrotters- G’day Debbie 👋 

This weeks Globetrotter is a special one as it’s my lovely Mum – Debbie

My mum and dad are solely responsible for my sisters and my traveling genes. They took us on our first overseas trip when we were little and that started us all off on trying to see as much as the world as possible. They are always off seeing or doing something new. From walking the Kokoda track (REPEATEDLY!), hiking in Nepal, exploring India, cycling through Europe or just exploring new places within Australia they truly are #travelgoals. I mean any two people that can take 3 girls under 9 on a 30 hour flight must have some awesome travel resilliance. She’s also managed to wave her daughters off from most airports and whilst I know she misses us all dearly she wants us to go and explore and see the world. As a previous teacher she knows just how important the life lessons you get from travelling are.

You can find a lot of travel stories and pictures on both Debbie’s blog and Instagram and links are below. On the blog Debbie covers all topics so you will get travel as well as lifestyle, books to read and lots of fun stories about our family. She manages to get herself into rather hilarious travel mishaps which thankfully she blogs about.  Debbie was the main reason I started blogging. She has been blogging since 2011 and it was great to see her have her own creative space to share her stories, thoughts, photographs and travels. If she didn’t start her blog all those years ago then The Wandering Darlings wouldn’t be here! Thanks Mum x

So with out further ado everyone say G’day to my Mum – Debbie…


I made my travelling debut 25 years ago when we exchanged jobs, houses, cars and lives with an English teacher and his family and took our three young daughters to live on the other side of the world. We loved the Teacher Exchange program which saw us move from a small town in Australia to the village of Cheddar in Somerset UK for a year. I’ve been travelling the world ever since with my husband, my daughters and even on my own. I favour active holidays, think climbing mountains in Nepal, cycling through France, Belgium, Croatia and New Zealand, hiking in Papua New Guinea, skiing in the Italian Alps and visiting past Rotary Exchange students in Sweden, Denmark and Finland – just to name a few! I love adventures and always seem to be caught up in some excitement. I was made redundant at the end of 2016 and my husband retired in 2017 so we now have lots more time to make travel plans. I enjoy blogging, reading, writing, cycling, running, hiking and spending time with family, especially my three daughters who have also lived and travelled all over the world

What is your favourite type of trip/holiday?

Adventure/active trips with my husband. Think biking and barging from Paris to Bruges, cycling and sailing in Croatia, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, walking the notorious Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, cycling the Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand’s South Island, Friendship Exchange with Rotarians in India. I love visiting family and friends overseas and always try to add in a little adventurous side trip.

Why do you enjoy travelling? 

Our family’s motto is borrowed from a Danish saying – To Travel is to Live. I enjoy seeing new places, interacting with people, experiencing new things, leaving a part of myself behind when I leave home to become a new person while travelling. Travel is freedom, it tests you and your relationships with others, it’s stressful, it’s fun, it’s hard, but it makes you feel so alive despite all the hurdles.

Our first experience of travelling was moving to England with our three small daughters on a yearlong Teacher Exchange back in 1992. It was a pivotal point in all our lives and has set us up with a love of travel and adventures.

Quotes to live by:

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

It’s all the little moments that make life a very big adventure.

Tell us the funniest story from one of your adventures?

Where do I start?? My life is full of adventures and funny stories but one that I love telling is this.

Driving through Denmark with my daughters and saying “there’s a big castle around here somewhere, but I can’t see it”. Looking, looking, looking…they said is it that one right in front of us? I couldn’t see it for looking.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels? 

That’s hard! This my most favourite recent travel pic. The Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand


If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

My dream place to visit is the Greek Islands and I will get there one day! I’ve just heard Mykonos and Santorini are among the most expensive places to visit in the world.

What is the best piece of travel advice you could give?

Sorry I couldn’t leave it at just one so I’ve listed three!

1. Always dress and pack for where you’re going to not where you’ve come from.

2. Be organised but also be spontaneous and ready to take opportunities should they arise.

3. Don’t live the trip through your camera or phone, put them down from time to time and just soak in the sights with your whole being.

To find more from Debbie check out the links below

Blog
Pinterest

Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

Globetrotters- Introducing Desi 👋

Our first Globetrotters interview is with the lovely Desi. I’ve got to know Desi on Instagram and let me tell you her Instagram feed is INSANE! Not only has she been to so many beautiful places but her shots cause some serious travel envy whoops I’m mean inspo! 😂 The gal has a way with her camera that seriously just transports you so you feel like you are there seeing it for yourself. Links will be below for you to follow/tweet/like but please don’t hold me responsible if you find yourself booking up a trip after seeing her accounts. 

So without further ado let me introduce you to Desi … 


My name is Desi, a Bulgarian Social Media Manager who has been living in London for the past 7 years. I first started traveling when I was 16 visiting neighbouring countries like Greece and Turkey. But it wasn’t until I spent 6 months in Poland (as part of the Erasmus exchange program) that really got me into traveling and exploring new places. Nowadays, if I’m not on the road I would be on the streets of London, visiting new exhibitions, trying new restaurants and best of all meeting new people. 

What is your favourite type of trip/holiday?
I was born in a mountain city surrounded by beautiful nature so I grew up loving and respecting the mountain, but at the same time I love exploring big cities. I love the energy of a buzzing city, observing the people, trying different food and yes, I’m a sucker for museums. It is important for me to learn more about the culture and the country where I’m traveling. 

My favourite type of trip is the one I can plan myself and would preferably combine both city exploring with a few days of adventure in the nature. 

Where is the best place you’ve been? And why? 
Iceland, for its jaw-dropping landscapes, towering mountains and black sand beaches. Also Reykjavik blew me away with its nightlife and music scene. Seriously, this country is stunning! 

Tell us the funniest story from one of your adventures?

You see, in Bulgaria we do things quite differently 🙂 We nod to say ’NO’ and shake head to say ‘YES’. I know it’s crazy! Of course, that led to some pretty funny and sometimes uncomfortable situations when I started traveling in my student years. For example, I was partying in a Polish club when someone offered me a drink, I politely refused by nodding, completely forgetting it was the other way around outside Bulgaria so the guy came up with drinks I didn’t even want. I have learned my lesson now and I tend to adapt to the situation so I switch to the ‘Bulgarian’ way when I go back instantly. 

What is your favourite photograph from your travels? 
Gosh they are so many, but the one that really brings me great memories is the photo my friend Karen took of me 3 months ago and now is also my Instagram profile picture too. The photo is from the Sahara Desert in Morocco. We did yoga in the desert that morning and watched the sun rise. Morocco treated us very well and I really love this country. 


If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be? And why? 
That would be New Zealand. I have been wanting to go this country in a very long time. There are some of the most diverse environments on earth, from beaches and rainforest to mountains, lakes glaciers and even volcanoes. I am also a huge Lord of the Rings fan so that would be my dream trip. 
What is the best piece of travel advice you could give?
1. Take a spare battery for your gear and a portable battery for your phone. When you are on the go you want to have your devices ready to use so its best if you invest in spare batteries.
2. Choose the people you travel with wisely: it’s all too easy to get swept up in a “we should totally do this” moment – only to despair once you realize your travelling tastes aren’t compatible.

For more from Desi check her out here

IG: @thecuriousdesi

Twitter: @DesiKadyova

Snapchat: desi.ka