Welcome to my new blog! If you’re here for the first time – so happy to meet you! If you’re a regular visitor – welcome back! And if you put up with my serious mess of themes and coding last week, I’m sorry but I’m glad to see you. Get to know the Girl With The Map Tattoo!
Disclaimer: *THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS AND SO IF SOMETHING SEEMS MESSY, PLEASE DROP ME A LINE! I haven’t had a chance to get into all the links and all the nitty gritty, so please let me know if you see a mistake in a post. Send me a picture if possible, and copy the link so I know where to go*
Anyway, on to the fun stuff! A get to know me page! This appeared in my friend Sarah’s blog (Kiwi on the Loose – check her out!) so I thought.. what a fun idea. They’re all travel-related questions but it might tell you a little more info about me 🙂
Also, while we’re on the topic of “get to know me,” we’ll do an “ask me anything” — leave your questions for me in the comments and I’ll try to answer them as soon as I get them!
What was the last country you visited? New Zealand. Or Australia, since that is where I am now!
Where was your first plane to? Oh yikes. I was an infant, so California maybe? Definitely cross-country as we lived outside NYC.
How many countries have you visited? I think I’m at 24.
Which destination is the number one of your bucket list? South Africa and Antarctica
What is your favourite place on the planet that you have been to? I think many of you expect I’m going to say New Zealand… but I am going to disappoint you and say Orkney, Scotland. I fell in love with the island and its mysterious prehistory.
Favourite place in your home country? I love Southeast Alaska, but I also love the Midwest, where I grew up. And Maine, I love the nature up there. Seriously, there are a lot of good places in the US so I can’t pick just one.
If you could board a plane right now, where would you go? I really want to visit India and Pakistan and the Middle East; obviously that won’t be happening so lets say Scandinavia.
Tropical island getaway, snowy ski break or city exploring trips? Tropical island. That surprised you didn’t it?
What are your top 3 hand-luggage must haves? Lip balm (I swear by Burt’s Bees from the US or Wild Ferns from NZ), my phone/camera, and a change of clothes.
Any travel tips to share? So many! Don’t feel afraid to get lost (within reason,) stay in hostels, learn to cook, learn to do your laundry. Read more here – and here – and here.
Most embarrassing moment abroad? Ummmm so I don’t really do “embarrassment.” I do “awkward” at times but I can’t think of a horrible moment. I will get back to you when I think of one.
Biggest disappointment? The Moeraki Boulders (NZ). I know you think that’s weird, but all of the (exciting Pinterest) photos I had seen made them look large – like, taller than me. Imagine my letdown when I got there and I could climb on all of them. (Obviously I didn’t research them on my own – I only knew where they were.)
Nicest surprise? Dunedin. I knew I would like it, because its reminiscent of Scotland, but I didn’t realise how much I would like it.
Why do you travel? Because I can. Because I want to learn. Because I am curious. Because I want to. I could never imagine sitting in a cubicle all day, I could never be tied to one place.
What is your most ideal holiday? A few days in a city combined with an extended period in a small town, on the beach, with few tourists and lots of outdoor opportunities.
Have you picked up any phrases from travelling? Sweet as, bro. Yeah nah. (both very Kiwi)
What two places would you not go back to and why? Now that I have been to the Sapphire Coast, I probably won’t go back. Not to say I didn’t like it, but Australia is so big that I just never will. Also … Florida. I think there are a million better beaches than Florida.
Your dream travel companion? I have never thought about this … future husband, likely. Celebrity dream travel companion? Jennifer Lawrence. I’d like another strong solo female companion to go rogue with.
Most surreal travel moment? I was going to say I don’t have one, but I realised that I did one just the other day: scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. (More on that later!)
Where have you travelled to that you would love to travel again? Iceland, Scotland, NZ, London.
You’re leaving tomorrow, money is no object where are you going? First Antarctica by ship, then South America, road trip through all the countries there, then fly to Africa and do the same through SA, the east coast, the Congo, up to West Africa and then Morocco, then along the coast to Egypt, boat to Greece or Turkey, up into Eastern Europe (Estonia, Latvia, Bulgaria, Albania, etc) and then into St Petersburg-Moscow-Ulan Batar, to Nepal, India, and Pakistan. Finally back Asia overland and then to Australia by boat. I’d end in New Zealand, of course!
Preferred method of travel: planes, trains or cars? Cars. I like being able to stop whenever/wherever I like.
Favourite travel website? I don’t do too much browsing; I tend to spend my free time offline!
Can you recite your passport number from memory if asked? Yes.
Do you prefer the Window, Aisle, or Middle seat? Window.
How do you pass the time on the air plane? I have a few books + crossword puzzles downloaded on my ipad, then I might watch a movie, or sleep.
Most memorable experience abroad? So many. Seeing places I’ve only ever learned about, like the Acropolis, Skara Brae, the Great Barrier Reef… doing things like skydiving and scuba diving… being the only person on a beach, driving to the end of the road… and more.
Advice for those who want to travel but think they can’t? Start small. Take an overnight vacation someplace near you (I can help with this – email me).
Travel accessory you always pack? I swear by packing cubes! Does that count as a travel accessory?
Hostel or hotel? Hostel. I travel alone so I like being able to meet people. That being said, there is definitely something to be said for a five-star hotel with all the perks.
Are you a repeat visitor or do you explore new places? Both. Obviously Scotland and NZ are two places I go back to again and again, but I also love to get on a plane and find a new place.
Do you read up on your destination for culture, history or safety or do you wing it? I booked my flight to Australia with literally nothing in mind. Thanks to Christian, I’m a little more spontaneous.
Where would you recommend a friend to visit? Definitely depends on the friend. City buffs, someplace in Europe for the ease of getting there and the amount of things to do: London, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Edinburgh. For nature lovers, the Outer Hebrides or Orkney in Scotland, Iceland, Scandinavia. For adventure seekers, anywhere else!
Favourite landmark you have visited? Ring of Brodgar.
Where is somewhere you would love to travel to? The Congo; I have wanted to go there since I read The Poisonwood Bible in high school.
What accent in the world is your favourite to hear? Scottish, hands down.
To travel is to .. be curious.
So there you go! A little more insider info on me. Don’t forget… you can ask me anything in the comments below!
Thanks for the shout out!! I need to spend more time in Scotland.. next trip haha