Interview with Travel Stories + Images
It was such a pleasure being interviewed by Jim Jones on his wonderful blog Travel Stories + Images! It is a travel blog on Jim's love of travel, food, photography, and lifestyle. He is starting a new segment called " Most Interesting Travelers" which is a reputation I'm going to have to keep up! Should probably book some more plane tickets soon....
Check out the original post or read through an excerpt below!
Mist
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What would you say to encourage someone who wants to travel but is afraid to because of cost, time, etc.?
There is nothing better that you can do with your hard earned money and fleeting time than to travel. No dress, no jet ski, or new iPhone will ever give you the same experience as hiking the top of Mount Kosciuszko, dancing within Argentina, or walking through Petra.
When you travel, you see how vastly complex the world is than textbooks or the television can show you. It is an experience that can’t be done on the couch. You quickly realize how valuable your time on earth is and that it needs to be spent exploring and connecting with others.
It also inspires a level of self-growth that can’t be replicated elsewhere. When you are thrown into unknown situations you get to see who you really are outside of the comforts of your home.
What it will show you is how invaluable an experience is and there isn’t enough money or time, so use it wisely.
What are your top 3 tips for newbie or wanna-be travelers?
Take risks- the universe will reward you in unexpected ways. Couch surf, volunteer, hitchhike…do things you would never do at home. This is your time to run wild.
I always get asked the nervous question, “ but what if I don’t make any friends?” If you are a kind person and say hello to people, you will absolutely make friends. People will help you if you ask for it, regardless of their age, race, gender identity, or nationality. The world often throws at you the people you need to learn from at the time. Always be receptive towards them.
Know that you can do it. You are not the first one to go out and travel alone, and there is a pretty high success rate of returning will all your limbs intact. But your heart? Well, that is certain to change.
What advice do you have specifically for female travelers?
Know that you can do it. Women are socialized to believe that they can’t do it, we shouldn’t do it, or it is a risk if we try. That is a false narrative.
That it is not only ok but necessary to be selfish because we are really the first generation of women who are making travel safer for other women. Our rolls historically were to be supporters for others, for husbands, parents, children, community, and friends. But only the rare and strange women have ventured off on their own. The wandering woman needs to no longer be a rarity. It is ludicrous to believe that half of the global population is unable to travel freely from their homeland. This is the first generation where women are able to travel relatively safely without the assistance or protection from men ( all the time). So it’s not only important that women go out and travel, but it is imperative to show the world examples of our abilities and strength.
If you want to read more of my interviews, check out this post with outdoor and travel blog THE KARAKORUM GIRL