This page is composed of the questions I am most frequently asked and some that I wish people would ask. If I have missed any, please comment with your questions or contact me using the tab above and I will be happy to edit this page to answer them. As always, thanks for reading!
Q: How do you afford to travel?
A: Money is a touchy subject for many people, especially Americans, but that doesn't stop them from asking this question. We are curious beings and I guess the curiosity gets the best of people, causing them to just barrel right ahead with their financial queries. It doesn't bother me to answer this question, however, because I'd rather tell people the truth than have them assume I'm some prissy spoiled little girl whose parents pay for everything.
My parents are successful, but when I travel, I pay for it myself. When I was two years old I was mauled by a cocker spaniel. The dog belonged to our neighbors who had been throwing it in the pool. He'd had enough and escaped to our backyard. Enter baby Maggie. I had no idea this dog was angry, I just saw a doggy and wanted to pet it. Well, it ripped apart my face. I had to get 50-60 stitches as a result. There are scars, but it was over 20 years ago and now they are barely noticeable. I'm very lucky. When I turned eighteen I got a fairly large settlement from this traumatic experience; and, with the exception of a few necessities, I've only used that money to travel.
Q: How much money did you get?
A: That's not important. You're just being nosy now. I got enough.
Q: OK, then how much did you budget for this 'round-the-world trip?
A: I budget approximately $20-$30/day, excluding plane tickets. Often in Asia that is more than enough, but some things like the Scuba diving courses and emergencies raise the average. Europe will likely be closer to $30/day when I am not staying with friends.
Q: What about before you turned 18? How did you afford to travel then?
A: Most of my adventures have been funded by the dog attack, but I took a few big trips before I received that money (Mexico, Germany, and Italy). I funded those trips through hard work and fundraising/sponsorships (I went to Mexico on missionary trips with my church). I started working at the family's pizza shop, Pizza Rita, when I was fourteen and I baby-sat before then. I worked and I saved for a long time to be able to go to Germany and Italy.
Q: Do you have any tips for people who want to do this but don't have enough money?
A: Absolutely! There is this notion that to travel you need loads of money. Not true. Sure, plane tickets can be expensive, but if you can save enough for your flight there are many, many ways to travel cheap. Working-holiday visas are a great way to go, especially for Australia because the minimum wage is so high. There are a plethora of work/study abroad programs out there. If you speak English fluently teachers are in high demand in Korea, Thailand, China, Japan, and some parts of India. "Woofing" is a short-term work abroad program. AIESEC is a reputable study abroad program. Couch Surfing is a good way to not only meet locals, but also get some free lodging. Many hostels/guest houses are also willing to work out a deal for free board in exchange for a few hours work. Then there are the little things at home that cut costs. Like not going out to eat, skipping that latte, walking/biking/carpooling to save on petrol, etc. Sure, this takes more discipline, but if you really want to travel, you can do it.
Q:How much planning do you do before a trip?
A: Not much! Some people like to read the Lonely Planet and plan every detail before they leave. Not me! I hardly do any research before arriving in a new country (aside from visa and vaccination requirements). I prefer to just show up and talk to people. I wish I could give some exciting reason for this like I enjoy living on the edge or taking life as it comes, but while that's kind of true, I just find research and planning boring. Although research and planning does have its merits, though. It often saves money in the long run and you're less likely to miss out on cool things (like Borobudur Temple in Indonesia). That said, I'm still glad I didn't book everything ahead of time on this current 'round-the-world trip. I bought all my plane tickets ahead of time when I went to South America and I regretted it because I learned there were easier ways and I was trapped-- I couldn't stay longer in places that I loved or leave earlier from places I disliked. I enjoy the freedom that comes with doing things on a whim, that's for sure.
Q: Why do you travel?
A: I wrote a post about why I wanted to go on a big, long, epic trip. I travel because I get bored and restless with my daily life. I know there is an entire world that I have yet to experience, and that is enough to make me want to leave. When I travel I learn a lot about myself and about different cultures. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories, and traveling is the best way to do that. Also, I have a tattoo of a suitcase on my foot and I need to justify permanently marking my body. This is a tough question to explain to those who have never left their comfortable surroundings, but I hope I did all right. Please let me know if you need more clarification and I'll be happy to oblige.
Q: Why do you travel alone?
A: There are two honest answers to this question- one long, one short. Usually I give the long one because it's easier and the short one can bring conversation to an abrupt and awkward halt.
Long answer: I enjoy the freedom. I can wake up when I want, change my itinerary on a dime, do what I want when I want, and I don't argue with anyone. If I want to be alone I can be, but if I want to be with others it is so easy to make friends. I also learn a lot about myself and pay more attention to my surroundings.
Short answer: I've got no one to travel with me. If you want more detail, please read this Let's Get Real post.
Q:Where do you stay?
A: So far I've mostly just stayed in hostels or with friends, but hopefully I'll get more involved with Couch Surfing soon. I usually use Hostelworld or Hostelbookers to book hostels because it has pretty reliable reviews and offers many properties. There is a $2 booking fee with Hostelworld, though, so sometimes I invested in the "Gold Card" for $10 and I don't have to pay the booking fee. It also works to find the hostel using the site, but book directly through the hostel or just show up without a reservation. Airbnb is a good accommodation site as well.
Q: What's your favorite destination?
A: I've been to too many places to really give a solid answer to this. Sorry! I really like Spain, though.
Q: What is the most beautiful thing you've seen while traveling?
A: Iguazu Falls, in Argentina. Some other really pretty things I've witnessed are Hawaiian sunsets, the Italian island Capri, Galapagos Islands, and La Alhambra (Granada, Spain).
Q: What has been your least favorite place?
A: It's a three-way tie with Buenos Aires, Argentina; Manila, Philipines; and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.
I disliked Buenos Aires because it was awful weather when I visited (it rained buckets the first 25 hours), people weren't very nice, it was expensive/I was ripped off a lot, and I stayed in the worst hostel ever (ironically named The Ritz). That said, when I switched hostels it got better and I met some truly great people.
Manila was a bit of a hell-hole. A more detailed description of my dislike of the city can be found here. I tried to make the best of it, though.
Kuta, Bali was extremely touristy. I realize the irony of this because I am one of those tourists, but what irked me about Kuta was A) the total disregard shown for the country by westerners (often Australians) acting like complete fools; and B) the fact that the city changed itself to accommodate the tourists. I travel to see how people abroad act and live, not to get special treatment only afforded to me because I am foreign.
Q: Where have you gone?
A: I'll try to keep this answer updated and organized, but please forgive me if I don't. As of September 25, 2013 I have visited five continents and twenty-eight countries.
Q: How do you afford to travel?
A: Money is a touchy subject for many people, especially Americans, but that doesn't stop them from asking this question. We are curious beings and I guess the curiosity gets the best of people, causing them to just barrel right ahead with their financial queries. It doesn't bother me to answer this question, however, because I'd rather tell people the truth than have them assume I'm some prissy spoiled little girl whose parents pay for everything.
My parents are successful, but when I travel, I pay for it myself. When I was two years old I was mauled by a cocker spaniel. The dog belonged to our neighbors who had been throwing it in the pool. He'd had enough and escaped to our backyard. Enter baby Maggie. I had no idea this dog was angry, I just saw a doggy and wanted to pet it. Well, it ripped apart my face. I had to get 50-60 stitches as a result. There are scars, but it was over 20 years ago and now they are barely noticeable. I'm very lucky. When I turned eighteen I got a fairly large settlement from this traumatic experience; and, with the exception of a few necessities, I've only used that money to travel.
 |
| Cute puppies or vicious killing machines? But seriously, cocker spaniels aren't usually very patient with children. |
Q: How much money did you get?
A: That's not important. You're just being nosy now. I got enough.
Q: OK, then how much did you budget for this 'round-the-world trip?
A: I budget approximately $20-$30/day, excluding plane tickets. Often in Asia that is more than enough, but some things like the Scuba diving courses and emergencies raise the average. Europe will likely be closer to $30/day when I am not staying with friends.
Q: What about before you turned 18? How did you afford to travel then?
A: Most of my adventures have been funded by the dog attack, but I took a few big trips before I received that money (Mexico, Germany, and Italy). I funded those trips through hard work and fundraising/sponsorships (I went to Mexico on missionary trips with my church). I started working at the family's pizza shop, Pizza Rita, when I was fourteen and I baby-sat before then. I worked and I saved for a long time to be able to go to Germany and Italy.
Q: Do you have any tips for people who want to do this but don't have enough money?
A: Absolutely! There is this notion that to travel you need loads of money. Not true. Sure, plane tickets can be expensive, but if you can save enough for your flight there are many, many ways to travel cheap. Working-holiday visas are a great way to go, especially for Australia because the minimum wage is so high. There are a plethora of work/study abroad programs out there. If you speak English fluently teachers are in high demand in Korea, Thailand, China, Japan, and some parts of India. "Woofing" is a short-term work abroad program. AIESEC is a reputable study abroad program. Couch Surfing is a good way to not only meet locals, but also get some free lodging. Many hostels/guest houses are also willing to work out a deal for free board in exchange for a few hours work. Then there are the little things at home that cut costs. Like not going out to eat, skipping that latte, walking/biking/carpooling to save on petrol, etc. Sure, this takes more discipline, but if you really want to travel, you can do it.
Q:How much planning do you do before a trip?
A: Not much! Some people like to read the Lonely Planet and plan every detail before they leave. Not me! I hardly do any research before arriving in a new country (aside from visa and vaccination requirements). I prefer to just show up and talk to people. I wish I could give some exciting reason for this like I enjoy living on the edge or taking life as it comes, but while that's kind of true, I just find research and planning boring. Although research and planning does have its merits, though. It often saves money in the long run and you're less likely to miss out on cool things (like Borobudur Temple in Indonesia). That said, I'm still glad I didn't book everything ahead of time on this current 'round-the-world trip. I bought all my plane tickets ahead of time when I went to South America and I regretted it because I learned there were easier ways and I was trapped-- I couldn't stay longer in places that I loved or leave earlier from places I disliked. I enjoy the freedom that comes with doing things on a whim, that's for sure.
Q: Why do you travel?
A: I wrote a post about why I wanted to go on a big, long, epic trip. I travel because I get bored and restless with my daily life. I know there is an entire world that I have yet to experience, and that is enough to make me want to leave. When I travel I learn a lot about myself and about different cultures. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories, and traveling is the best way to do that. Also, I have a tattoo of a suitcase on my foot and I need to justify permanently marking my body. This is a tough question to explain to those who have never left their comfortable surroundings, but I hope I did all right. Please let me know if you need more clarification and I'll be happy to oblige.
Q: Why do you travel alone?
A: There are two honest answers to this question- one long, one short. Usually I give the long one because it's easier and the short one can bring conversation to an abrupt and awkward halt.
Long answer: I enjoy the freedom. I can wake up when I want, change my itinerary on a dime, do what I want when I want, and I don't argue with anyone. If I want to be alone I can be, but if I want to be with others it is so easy to make friends. I also learn a lot about myself and pay more attention to my surroundings.
Short answer: I've got no one to travel with me. If you want more detail, please read this Let's Get Real post.
Q:Where do you stay?
A: So far I've mostly just stayed in hostels or with friends, but hopefully I'll get more involved with Couch Surfing soon. I usually use Hostelworld or Hostelbookers to book hostels because it has pretty reliable reviews and offers many properties. There is a $2 booking fee with Hostelworld, though, so sometimes I invested in the "Gold Card" for $10 and I don't have to pay the booking fee. It also works to find the hostel using the site, but book directly through the hostel or just show up without a reservation. Airbnb is a good accommodation site as well.
Q: What's your favorite destination?
A: I've been to too many places to really give a solid answer to this. Sorry! I really like Spain, though.
 |
| This was taken when I lived in Spain (2006-2007). |
Q: What is the most beautiful thing you've seen while traveling?
A: Iguazu Falls, in Argentina. Some other really pretty things I've witnessed are Hawaiian sunsets, the Italian island Capri, Galapagos Islands, and La Alhambra (Granada, Spain).
 |
| Iguazu Falls, Argentina |
Q: What has been your least favorite place?
A: It's a three-way tie with Buenos Aires, Argentina; Manila, Philipines; and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.
I disliked Buenos Aires because it was awful weather when I visited (it rained buckets the first 25 hours), people weren't very nice, it was expensive/I was ripped off a lot, and I stayed in the worst hostel ever (ironically named The Ritz). That said, when I switched hostels it got better and I met some truly great people.
Manila was a bit of a hell-hole. A more detailed description of my dislike of the city can be found here. I tried to make the best of it, though.
Kuta, Bali was extremely touristy. I realize the irony of this because I am one of those tourists, but what irked me about Kuta was A) the total disregard shown for the country by westerners (often Australians) acting like complete fools; and B) the fact that the city changed itself to accommodate the tourists. I travel to see how people abroad act and live, not to get special treatment only afforded to me because I am foreign.
Q: Where have you gone?
A: I'll try to keep this answer updated and organized, but please forgive me if I don't. As of September 25, 2013 I have visited five continents and twenty-eight countries.
- Australia
- Asia
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Thailand
- North America
- Aruba
- Canada
- British Columbia
- Caribbean
- Mexico
- USA (duh)
- Alaska
- California
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Europe
- England
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Scotland
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Turkey (only for one night, but I still get to count it because I left the airport)
- South America
- Argentina
- Chile
- Ecuador (including Galapagos Islands)
- Peru
OK, I think that answers most of the frequently asked questions. Please check back often for updates. Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment