Now that I’ve booked trips to Egypt and South Africa, I’ve officially caught the travel bug again. I thought I’d get into the spirit by answering a few fun travel questions!
Where was your first trip abroad?
Montreal, Canada in 2013 when I was 18. I visited my online friend Nina and also took a train to London, Ontario to meet my (then) boyfriend Colin for the first time! Needless to say, it was all amazing.
Which country would you most like to visit and why?
Thailand. The food, beautiful beaches, elephant sanctuaries, scuba diving, and so much more!
What is your favorite travel memory?
Oh my gosh, so many! Can I do a top 5?
Meeting Nina for the first time (Montreal, Canada, 2013)
Learning to scuba dive in Hawai’i (Maui, 2015)
Travelling to Italy to see my favorite bands (Rise Against in Milan and Enter Shikari in Venice, Italy, 2015-2016) (disclaimer: Enter Shikari’s tour happened to fall on when I was already on travel)
Any and all travels with family: my dad, my grandparents (both of my dad’s parents) and my grandpa (my mom’s dad) (United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Germany and New York and Washington, D.C., United States, 2015-2017)
Okay, that last one was most of my trips… but can you blame me? I have an awesome family!
How do you relax when travelling?
Laying in bed and watching Netflix, much like I do at home.
Do you speak any languages other than English?
A little bit of Spanish. Actually, not so much speak it, but I can read and write a fair amount.
Where is your favorite destination so far?
It’s so hard to pick just one! Berlin and Rome are too close to call.
Which is your favorite airport?
None in Europe, I’ve just about had it with the miles of off duty stores that plague the path between the security checkpoint and my gate. I don’t think I have one, but I recently had a really pleasant experience at Calgary. The international terminal was practically empty. Although, I was disappointed there was no Tim Horton’s in my terminal.
Which is your favorite museum?
American Museum of Natural History in New York, United States.
What has been your favorite view from a hotel room?
It’s a tie between Venice, Italy and Edinburgh, Scotland.
In Italy, I stayed at a hostel (Generator) on Giudecca, which is an island a stone throw away from the main part of Venice. I had to take a water taxi everywhere, but the view made it worth it.
In Scotland, I stayed at Kick Ass Hostel, which not only had incredible facilities and amazing rooms, but a killer view of Edinburgh Castle as well.
Which is your favorite island?
Maui no ka oi.
What is your favorite city?
New Yawk (I assume Brighton doesn’t count…).
Is there anywhere you wouldn’t want to travel?
Not that I can think of. A lot of people would say North Korea, but I recently read that the D.M.Z. is a really interesting area for looking at what nature does without people, so I actually would like to go there. I recently read a piece on how someone had a really bad experience in India, so I’m a bit turned off by it at the moment…
If someone could only go to one place, where would you suggest they go?
London. There is so much culture and history, not to mention there are a lot of great day trip opportunities (big up Brighton!). The weather is mild, the people are friendly, you can have all sorts of awesome, unique cuisines and more! The only downsides are that it’s really expensive and a bit overwhelming.
What is the one thing you would never travel without?
Besides the obvious (phone, etc.), my earplugs.
What’s the first thing you do when you go somewhere new; any rituals?
Kind of! When I land, I always connect to the airport WiFi and message my parents and special friend (if I have one at the time) that I’ve landed. Once I’m through customs, I take cash out in local currency at a cash point. Since it usually gives me large bills, I break one by purchasing a snack at the airport. Before heading out, I double check Google Maps to make sure I’m taking the right public transit route to my hostel. Once I’m there, I relax for a bit, check TripAdvisor for things to do and ask the hostel staff what’s good to eat for dinner.
Wow! I have truly forgotten what it’s like to be 22. Love your posts, pictures, and sharing your amazing life/adventure with all of us. Keep wondering when we will see you again???