Friend interview
People make the travel blogging community what it is, so i have been pestering kindly asking a few of my favorite travel bloggers to speak to me about their experiences and travel tips. This series will often an insight into some of the worlds best travel bloggers minds and expose their loves, hates and tips for getting around the world.
Q: Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to speak to me. Can you tell me a little about yourself and your website?
Sure. Im originally from Puerto Rico though I lived in NYC for the past 5 years. That is, until I decided to quit my job as an architect and travel around the world for a year. I write about all my experiences, tips about round the world travel, and a bit about the architecture I see around the world. In general, the site is focused on backpack traveling, which is the way I travel.
Q : Where are you in the world right now?
Im in Milan
By the Milan Cathedral
Q : How are you enjoying it?
Yeah, its been pretty cool, except for the fact that there’s no wifi in the apartment I’m staying, so I’m using an open wifi signal from someone around here lol.
I pretty much love the city, last week was in Rimini and loved it too. It didn’t feel like Italy at all.
Q: How is the food ?
The food is beyond delicious! I have to admit that Im not a foodie, but Italy has a way of converting you into one. The region of Emilia Romagna is huge on food, so that is something you must do there.
Q: What are your plans for Italy and where are you planning to go next?
Hmmm, that is still on the works. At the moment I’m trying to get a temporary residency permit in Italy so I can stay here for a few months and do some more travel around Italy. If that doesn’t happen, Ill probably be traveling to Romania or Morocco at the beginning of August.
Q: What is it you like so much about the lifestyle in Italy ?
The first thing that brought me to Italy was the history. We all know how famous Rome is, right? But, once here, I discovered how delicious the food is, so I’m digging into that. I like how Italians have a chilled lifestyle and how they take pleasure in the things they do, especially if they are related to art and food. Also, Italy has so many regions, with all of them being so different, that I want to try to explore them the most I can.
Q: Do you usually travel alone?
I usually travel solo, but every now and then I meet with other travelers and we pair up for a couple days or weeks. In other cases, some of my friends join me at a certain destination for a few days. But, in general, most of my RTW trip has been solo.
Q: Do you feel this allows you to do alot more, or do you think there is some value in sharing an experience with another person?
I personally find value in both, actually. When I’m on my own I have the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want to do it. Its all on the go. But, at the same time, Ive had a lot of experiences that I would have loved to share with someone else. I also have to say that Ive had the luck of meeting travelers (and friends) on the road that are also also as flexible with the plans, so we’ve been able to play it by ear in a very smooth way.
Q: How long do you think you will be on the road? Is it even possible to tell?
Its hard to tell, honestly. Though I know for sure it wont be forever. My original plan was to travel for one year. So far I’m in my 9th month of travel and I’m still looking forward to keep traveling at least until July 2013. Well see how it goes. At the moment I’m planning everything on the go.
Q: Have you found travel blogging a good way to fund some of your traveling?
Definitely! While most of my travels have been funded with my savings, the blog has helped economically (and through collaborations/sponsorships with travel companies), making it possible to extend my trip for an extra 6 to 12 months.
Q: Do you have any tips for travel bloggers out there who may wish to do something similar?
To be honest, my best tip is to work hard on creating a blog that can present a good value and quality to their readers. This is key when presenting yourself to travel companies and tourism boards companies like when blogs are genuinely interactive and social. Also, be yourself and show your personality. People like to follow people, not just blogs.<