I’m so excited for FAQs!
I love nothing more than being asked my opinion on a particular country, food, train route, things to do in a city. And luckily for me, a lot of you (readers, family and friends alike) ask these questions everyday. Here’s some questions I get asked on a regular basis…
How many countries have you visited?
So the far the tally is at 25. I only count countries where I have left the airport.
Which is your favorite?
This is an extremely hard question because obviously they are all so different and a country’s likability can hinge on many things such as the people I meet, the experiences I have, even the the weather. Nonetheless, Portugal, Mexico, Chile and Italy are among my top five, based on a combination of delicious food, great weather, affordability, friendliness of the people, things to do and the scenery.
What have you learned?
In practical terms, traveling really teaches you how to bend and adapt, to live off not much, to hone your street smarts and intuition. To take chances on new things and to bounce back from your failures. Aside from that, as cliche as it sounds, seeing the world really opens your eyes. It teaches you cultural sensitivity, new languages and customs, and above all, how lucky you are to live in a country with bare basics like clean, running water and plentiful food.
How can you afford to travel?
Because I lived in London so long (I moved there when I was 22) I was fortunate enough to be in close proximity to Europe. I took advantage of low air fares (sometimes as low as $30US) and stayed in hostels. More recently, for my five month backpacking trip, it was hard saving that got me through. Unfortunately, I have yet to crack the working while traveling code but I have many friends who do. More than anything, I’ve made travel my priority. I’ve gone without expensive haircuts, trendy clothes, a working television, new technology and sometimes even outings with friends. I’m also fortunate enough to be debt free and have no dependents.
Do you ever get homesick?
In a word, no. Unlike many people I know, I’ve never reached a point where I’ve missed New Zealand so much I’ve wanted to come home. At certain times of the year (birthdays and Christmas) it’s harder to be away from friends and family but generally speaking, I loved my life so much in London and traveling has become a part of who I am to the point that I’ve made hundreds of ‘homes’, wherever I was at the time. Likewise, I’ve taken advantage of some seriously good iPhone apps so I’ve always kept in close contact with loved ones.
Have you ever felt unsafe or been in a dangerous situation?
Fortunately, I’ve never been in a situation where I felt unsafe or like my life was in danger. I believe this is the norm for solo female travelers. I always err on the side of caution. I take registered taxis if it’s late, avoid too much alcohol if I’m in an unfamiliar city, I don’t touch drugs and most of the time I stick to the tried and true tourist trail.
Do you have a lot of amazing souvenirs?
To be honest, I spend very little on actual souvenirs on my trips. I do like to buy artwork off the streets which I plan to hang and frame in my own home one day. I love collecting jewellery from the markets, leather handbags or wallets and fragrances.
What do you love the most about travel?
For me, it’s the chance to see a whole new world. To see and do things I would never have the opportunity to in my hometown. The more far removed from my normal reality, the better. (Hot air ballooning in Pheonix, taking a horse and cart ride in Marrakesh and braving the snow in Russia spring to mind.)
What do you dislike about travel?
Packing, in a nutshell. Having to constantly worry about my wallet and passport is always a stress too.
Where are you heading next?
Good question. Asia and Canada are next on my list but for now I’ve got a summer in New Zealand ahead of me. Out of all the places in the world, my favorite place is still Whangamata, in the Coromandel, which is where I plan to spend as much time as possible in the coming months.
Time for New Zealand aka Kiwiland
