Evelyn’s interview answers made me stop for pause, and I certainly hope both our male and female readers will appreciate their poignancy. Without further ado….

Could you introduce yourself for the few people who might not know you?

My name is Evelyn Hannon. I’m a 70 year old grandmother who has been travelling solo for 25 years. My passion is to inspire other women just starting out to travel safely and well and to connect female travellers around the world. I’ve acquired four permanent positions along the way:

1. Editor of Journeywoman.com, the largest online travel resource for women
2. Publisher/Editor of Journeywoman Online, a free monthly travel tip newsletter read by 71,000 women in a 100+ countries around the world.
3. Creator of HERmail.net an online directory of women worldwide willing to mentor other women coming to their part of the world
4. Consultant to Foreign Affairs Canada on ‘women+travel.’

Andy:  Those are some pretty cool jobs!

In the world of women and travel, it seems like there was Amelia Earhart and then there was Evelyn Hannon. What sparked your love and passion for travel?

In 1982 Fate tapped me on the shoulder. That’s the year I parted from my husband of 23 years. I was 42 years old at the time; the mom of two young adults on the verge of leaving the nest. Women generally didn’t travel on their own way back then. You needed a father or a husband ‘to take you.’ Since I had neither and since there were no books to teach me how to do it I had only myself to rely on. I took a deep breath, bought the cheapest plane ticket to Europe I could find, put on a backpack and went. My destination really didn’t matter because I cried most of that initial trip. However, I did meet so many good people along the way and I absolutely embraced the concept of ‘hitting the open road’ on every one of my 35 days away. I loved the challenge of coming into a new place and slowly finding out where the heart of that place lay. Painful or not, I was bitten by the travel bug in a big way. And, the rest is history. I’m now referred to as ‘the grandmother of womens travel’ and I absolutely love the title. And, it’s great to see all the young women who have now been inspired to write about women’s travel as well.

Andy:  It is strange how such wonderful things come from adversity.  We wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation if a toxic working environment hadn’t led me to the path I am on now.  So cheers to life, and all of the things it brings, both good and bad.

You have such a way with words. What would you say to someone who’s a bit afraid of travel, or who just can’t seem to find them time (or maybe the money) to get away?

To those women who are a bit afraid, I offer this encouragement. I understand completely how you feel. I’ve been there and done that. However, I urge you to take a deep breath and start slowly anyway. Maybe a weekend away, close to home all by yourself. Cry if you feel afraid. Wallow in self-pity if that’s what you need to do. The most important thing is to do it.

Gradually extend your time away from home. Enroll in a course across the country, then after that go somewhere where you don’t know the language. All are hard to do but all are confidence building and cathartic. Be patient with yourself. I promise you’ll wake up one day and say, ‘Look at me; I’m a real solo traveller.’ and before you know it you’ll be telling other women what I’m telling you now.

However, if it’s just time and money that seems to be stopping you, all I can say is, ‘If there is a true will to do it, I assure you there is a way. If you haven’t done it yet, ask yourself what you are hiding from and try to face those fears. It’s like riding a bike. Once you learn how to do it properly, you’ll love it and you’ll never forget how to do it.

Andy:  Amen.  Just do it.  The fears that you have in your head?  They’re over exaggerated.  The worst thing that can happen probably isn’t much of anything.

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

I’ve been on countless journeys but my most inspirational travel experience has got to be travelling to China with my daughter to receive her adopted Chinese daughter, Lotus. I will never forget the moment that the nanny from the Xi’An orphanage put that sweet little 13-month old baby into my daughter’s arms. That journey was certainly not without it’s problems but it was worth every minute of discomfort that we experienced. Lotus is now eight years old and working on her orange belt in karate. I expect she’ll be able to take care of herself when she begins to travel solo.

Anything fun or unique coming up on your travel adventures?

In 2008, I joined the Semester At Sea community and circumnavigated the globe along with 750 students and 50 professors aboard the MV Explorer. In 108 days we stopped in 14 cities and touched four continents. The experience was extraordinary. This December I’ve been invited aboard once again for a 20-day Enrichment Voyage. This time we’ll be exploring the history, culture, and arts of Central America and (be still my heart!) going through the Panama Canal on December 25th. I have a funny feeling Santa will make an appearance on one of the ship’s decks. Can you think of a better Christmas present?

Could you introduce yourself?

Hi I’m Dan Haneveer, I run a travel blog called Voyagner. I won’t regale you with my travel cred, it’s not that extensive but it is passionate. My first trip was in 2008 to SE Asia and I’ve returned a few times. The history and people of the places I visit is what I find most interesting and doing things that I thought I never would or could do.

Andy: Dan, there’s badges or merits or judging around here.  Passion is all that matters!  Travel more….with passion!

You try to advise people to “try something different next time you travel.” That’s great advice – any tips for tackling that challenge?

There are so many options open to us when we travel but we tend to end up in a bit of a routine regardless. There are often a bunch of ways to see a place but usually one way is most common, think land, sea and air. Just take full advantage of the time and oppurtunities that you have traveling you don’t get at home.

Andy: Agreed.  Often it is very easy to get tied up in a “must see, must do” list, whereas some of my best experiences I couldn’t have planned, organised, or even known about unless I was there in that place, in that moment.  Be where you are.

Your site also talks about “seek adventure.” Adventure means different things to different people – what does it mean for you, and what would you say to someone trying to find their own next travel adventure?

Yeah I think you can experience adventure in many different ways, it is completely relative. In the context of travel the adventure I seek is in exploring places in as many facets I can. The other thing is the old addage of “it’s the journey, not the destination”, go overland, use different transport and divert from the most direct route and when you get there make it about the destination too. “Never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It’s probably worth it.“. Richard, The Beach.

Andy:  I love that quote – I actually featured the entire film in an earlier article, On Finding Paradise…

You often go off the beaten tourist trek. How do you find out where to go, and any real favourites? [A couple of countries great for off-beat travel would be great, and where to go in each]

I come across places in magazines like National Geographic or on blogs and when something interests me I fire up Google Earth find it and add a placemark, normally I take a look around the surrounding area and there are other things of equal interest, Wikipedia and Wikitravel are also great and of course word of mouth.
I couldn’t really name a favourite I’ve only tasted a tiny bit of cake so far. I think Indonesia is a very underrated destination there is a lot of history and culture there and India also, they both receive about 1/3 of the amount of visitors Thailand does but are much bigger countries so I’m sure going off-beat would be even easier than in Thailand.

You’re based in Tasmania. What’s life like there? Any travel tips for when we come visit?

It’s a funny place Tasmania, it is marketed as The Natural State but is known for forestry issues. I think it is sort of seen as New Zealand’s slightly less attractive sister, think less snowy mountain peaks and no bungee jumping. It is a great place for outdoorsy people, beaches on the east coast, the UNESCO listed wilderness on the west and recently listed Convict sites and some unique wildlife too. Only a small percentage of international visitors to Australia visit Tasmania.

Andy:  I’m one of those who didn’t go to Tasmania when I was last in Australia.  I’ll be back, I promise – put the kettle on, Dan!

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

In Yogyakarta I had two guides one took me to all the places where he gets a commission if I buy something and would say things like “you not buy from one person, one more person not have income today”, when we travel in the developing world we see our privliged life in a different way but I resent being guilt tripped for it, I brushed off that guide for the one who took me into his home, ate with me and showed me some unique places in and out of the city.

Thanks Dan, I admire your practical yet aim-high perspective. Folks, to learn more about Dan, visit his website, Voyagner, or follow him on Twitter, @DanHaneveer.

Could you introduce yourself?

I’m a small town boy from a town called Rocky Mountain House, I swear I couldn’t make that up. As I grew up all I really cared about was sports, and I played just about everything. I definitely began to catch the travel bug as I grew up as well, doing trips through the US, to Japan, Central America and many other places. I am officially a Political Scientist and Human Geographer, at least that’s what the diplomas now packed away in boxes tell me. At heart I’m a traveler, an explorer, and an adventurer. I’ve always been a writer, ever since I was in junior high school I’d write whenever I had questions, or answers, about anything floating in my head. However, it wasn’t until recently, about 6 months ago due to a nice push from a relative, that I decided to give it a shot in the world of travel writing. I sent out 2 articles to about 15 different publishers and received 4 offers to publish within 2 days. It was at that point I started to think that I could make a living out of this, I’m still trying to find out if that’s possible.

You say that you hope to “paint a picture about what life is like on the road.” They say picture is worth a thousand words, but think you can give us a flavour of what life is like on the road in a hundred?

Life on the road is a mystery that has no solution, nor do you want it to have one, the more you explore the more you want to discover. It’s like a constant roller coaster ride, some days I feel like I’m waiting in a long cue line and that it’s not worth the trouble, and then all of a sudden something amazing happens and makes me realize that the strenuous times are all worth it. The growth you gain living on the road is incredible. You can no longer hide from life, you are forced to live it everyday or it will eat you whole. But somehow, the majority of us manage to fight through and mature in every way imaginable because of it.

Andy: Couldn’t. Agree. More.

One of your favourite quotes talks about the fact that you look for travel experiences where you feel insignificant. Want to tell us a little bit more?

I was always raised to be a humble person, and I try to take that with me on the road. It’s very easy to let yourself get caught up in, well, yourself. But the moments that you look across a site, or landscape, or city and realize that there is so much more out there in the world than just us put us back in our place. People might read that and think that’s a horrible realization, but for me it’s inspiring. It reminds me of how hard I need to work to do something that matters to the world; it pushes me like nothing else could.

You have some great photography. What’s the secret about taking a great picture?

I honestly don’t think I take great pictures, I give all the credit to the places that I go. I use only a small Canon digital camera that fits nicely in my pocket. And I’ve rarely manipulate the scenery using special functions, etc., although I love the pictures that have do so. I guess my advice then, is to try to make the picture look the same way you see it with your own eye. Learning the basic functions of your camera, no matter how expensive or, in my case, basis it may be, is essential. Simple things like changing the exposure or the light settings make all the difference in the world. I’ve heard so many times people say, “if only I can get my pictures to look how the target really appears to my eye” and the truth is you can, you just need to work on it. And if all else fails, just take 10000 pictures, one or two of them ought to come out nice.

Andy: And at the end of the day, don’t forget to enjoy it. You aren’t there only to take pictures.

What’s your most inspirational travel experience?

I’m not sure if this is a fair question because there have been so many. But, I remember clearly traveling down the United States when I was 7 or 8 years old. I don’t remember hating the long drives in our family van, although I’m told we, my siblings and I, complained and fought to no end. I think at one point my mom got so frustrated with us she made us get out of the van on a busy California interstate and walk a mile as cars blared their horns as they shot by us. And although on that trip I remember the pillars of Bryce Canyon, the lights of Las Vegas, the excitement of Universal Studios, and the sand dunes of the Oregon Coast there in one moment that sticks out most in my mind. As we crossed into Mexico on a day trip to Tijuana we walked by a tatter clothed woman with a young child slung over her shoulder. She sat their with a look of despair on her face and pain in her eyes as she begged for anything we could spare. I remember my parents telling us to pick up our pace as we walked by her without paying her the smallest attention. And it was at that point I realized that the world I knew from small town Canada wasn’t the the whole story. It was the moment that I realized that there was a huge world out there that I needed to explore, discover and, with any luck, understand. To this day, I am still trying to do those things.

What’s on your bucket list?

The honest truth is that I don’t have a bucket list, I have never sat down and written a list of places I need to visit before dying. The reason that I have no list is simply because I want to travel everywhere, if it’s on a map, or even better if it’s not a map, I want to visit it, from Kazakhstan to Kuwait. However some of the places that I’m more excited to check though include: Dubrovnik, Antarctica, the Asanti kingdom of Ghana, Timbuktu, and Myanmar (Borneo).

Let’s find out more. Ready?

Could you introduce yourself?

I’m Todd from Todd’s Wanderings. Not much to tell really, I’m just your average American who left home at 21 and has been living abroad ever since. I think that was tongue in cheek, but to be honest I’m not really sure what Americans are like these days. I’m seeing more and more of us abroad, which is encouraging. I love to hike, travel, drink strong coffee and people watch through large coffee shop windows. I feel more at home with a backpack in some forgotten corner of the globe than in New York city. I’m currently on a mission to blend my international conflict management work with writing (I’m working on my first book at the moment) and blogging.

You’ve been on the road for 10 years. Aren’t you tired yet?

Nope, not at all. There was a time when I was leaving Japan after 5 years living there that I was really tired. I was sure I wanted to return to the US. But it turned out that I was just tired of working for the sake of working. I needed something more fulfilling. After graduate school I hit the road again to work as a development worker. I happened to meet my wife in Timor-Leste and she breathed a new level of excitement into my travels. Now home is where she is, and we are happy to change countries every few years.

Andy:  Did I hear a cliché in there, home is where the heart is?  Oh, home is where Kay is, sorry…!

You are lucky to have the ability to work while you’re on the road. What would you say to people who are looking to travel more and are struggling to find the balance?

If you want to travel, I would say don’t worry about work and just do it. You need to organize your life in a way that makes you happy, and that includes all the time you spend at work. I’m the type of person that has difficultly separating work and personal time. They both need to make me fulfilled or I am just not a happy traveler. Its easy to find ways to make money when you travel, its harder to figure out what you truly love to do. I would say figure that out first and then throw yourself into it. For me its international development (making a difference in the world), writing, traveling, being creative with my blog, and the ability to change any one of them the moment they no longer interest me or make me happy. I know that was not a concrete answer to the question

Basically, you have to be happy with your life. All of it. No one is going to figure it out for you. If you don’t like teaching English (I didn’t!) than make a plan to change your job and lifestyle. I went to grad school (am still paying off the debt), hit the road and started a new career. Now I want to have more time to write as well so I’m pushing my blog and trying to supplement my income so that I can do development consulting to have more time. Figure out what you want, make a plan, and then don’t be afraid to change if you realize you would be happier doing something else.

Andy:  I agree. The people who say “that isn’t possible” don’t want it bad enough. Happiness almost always involves hard work – or at least some hard thinking.

You were engaged in Sri Lanka. Why Sri Lanka? Anytips – it is a wonderful and romantic country, no?

We were living in Sri Lanka for 3 years working with victims from the civil war that was still raging at the time. Despite the war (which continued for over 2 decades) the country and its people were amazing. Sri Lanka has so much to offer from tropical beaches, to ancient cities, to mountain treks. In such a beautiful environment how could I not get engaged there. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka I would suggest visiting more than just the tropical beaches. See the ancient cities, the tea country, and the jungles. We both love Sri Lanka and hope that now that the war is over all communities are treated equally and with respect.

You did the Shikoku Pilgrimage. I’m in awe – I’ve read an entire book about this trip and it isn’t an easy one, but even myself, after doing some amazing solo treks in New Zealand, know the power of the external environment. What are your thoughts on the pilgrimage – is it for everyone?

I love the Shikoku Pilgrimage. I’ve walked it twice now, its the focus of my current book project, and I would go back for the 3rd time in a second. There is something special (and addicting) about dropping away from society for a set amount of time. You realize what is important in life, what it means to treat each other like human beings, and you can pick of some awesome travel stories. I think it is for everyone, it just requires commitment, and the willingness to push through some difficult circumstances. There are very few opportunities left in the world to embark on a true journey, but this is one of them. The route can be difficult for those who do not speak any Japanese, but more and more information is becoming available in English (including a very detailed map book). The internet also has a wealth of information now. When I first walked the pilgrimage in 1998 there was no information in English available. You can read a story that will appear in my book here.

What’s your most inspirational travel experience?

After 10 years, that’s a difficult question to answer. I’m not the type of person that has a favorite anything, so I hope you’ll settle for just an inspirational experience. It was on my first time around the Shikoku Pilgrimage and after walking 45 km each day for 5 days straight my  body was destroyed. I could barely walk due to tendinitis and my ankles were swollen beyond recognition. I was ready to quit and the temple I was at was kind enough to let me sleep under an outside shrine. As I walked away from praying at the temple’s main shrine an old man got out of a taxi. He walked straight to me and without a word led me back to the shrine. After ringing a bell and praying together he got down on his knees and bowed, head to ground. He rose, looked me in the eyes and simply said “thank you for walking,” before turning and getting back into his taxi. It gave me the strength to keep going despite the pain. I really learned the power of connecting with people that day, and the power of simple gestures. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it helped change the course of my life.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Pamela. I’m a photographer, traveler and aspiring travel writer. Our family moved around a lot when I was growing up, so I’ve always been open to exploring new places and making new friends. In 1998 I traveled to Scotland on my first solo trip and fell in love with travel. It was a huge eye-opener for me. Since then I’ve planned several trips, but never took them as money and jobs were often in the way.

I’ve spent the majority of my working life in retail, let me tell you, it sucks out your soul after awhile. I began to dread holidays because the store would be busier and people would be crabbier. I hated that feeling. However, I didn’t think there were other options for me. When my Grandmother passed away at the end of last year I decided to stop. My Grandmother was always talking about living your life and spending your money as you cannot take them with you. After her death I started to seriously consider what she had been saying all these years. Why was I killing myself for a job that I hated? I decided to re-focus myself. I became more involved in my blog, Spunky Girl Monologues and decided to finally take the trip I had been planning on and off for years. That was in January. A week ago today I handed back the store keys for my retail job and walked away- never to look back.

Andy:  Interesting – last week’s guest also had an affinity for Scotland.  Regardless, I’m with you – the only way to live is to live in the now and respect what’s behind you, but look ahead.

What does spunky mean to you, and how does it relate to the way you travel?

Spunky means fun, zany, quirky, crazy and open to pretty much anything. I’m the most adventurous person in my family, so the word ‘crazy’ has been thrown around a lot. When I travel, I look for ways to have fun and do things differently. I don’t like to do the norm. I’m a spontaneous person by nature. If something sounds quirky and fun- I want in! In the past I’ve been known to pick-up complete strangers and become their impromptu guide. It’s a great way to break the ice and develop friendships quickly and create memories.

You’re often a solo traveler. What’s your thoughts on solo travel and what would you say to others who would like to travel alone but have fears or other mental stumbling blocks?

I love solo travel, however a lot of people find it scary. Whenever I talk about travel with family, I get the shocked response “By yourself?”. To which I smile and say “Yep!”. Solo travel allows you to open yourself up to new experiences. It’s a raw, unfiltered experience. Sure, it can be lonely at times. It’s so easy to cocoon yourself when you travel solo. Sometimes it can be a good thing, but not all the time. That’s when you step out of your comfort zone and make a new friend. All it takes is a smile and a simple ‘Hello’. You’re not going to connect with everyone, but you will make some friends along the way.

Andy:  Agreed, I love solo travel as well.  It’s not as scary as people make it out to be – if you’re going somewhere that will be a bit “off the beaten path” you just do a little more homework before so you’re prepared on what’s safe, where you need to be, and some language skills if you need it.  Otherwise, enjoy yourself!

What’s your process for planning a trip? I get the feeling you are light on the planning and heavy on the serendipity.

I am a wee bit backwards in terms of planning. As I mentioned above, I’ve spent years planning trips. I’m confident that I could ace grade eleven geography at this point. I usually don’t start to do serious planning until the plane ticket is booked and the trip is fast approaching. Even then I don’t plan a whole lot. A perfect example is my upcoming trip in September. I booked my flight from LAX to BKK a week ago. I know I’m staying in Bangkok for 2 nights before I head up to Chiang Mai, but that’s where it ends. I’m just going to wing it from there.

Andy:  There’s nothing wrong with backwards planning.  Who knows what you might find when you go the wrong way.

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

The Great Mosque in Xi’an, China. It’s been just over two years, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

I was having a love/hate relationship with China. I knew minimal Mandarin, I was alone and I didn’t have a guidebook. I knew the Great Mosque was in the Islamic Quarter, but where inside the quarter- I had no clue. Upon walking through the gates, I saw an alleyway bazaar. It was pretty and colourful, so I went in. Within 10 minutes I had stumbled upon the entrance to the Great Mosque. It was serendipity.

I was in awe as I wandered through the grounds with my camera. As I walked past a group of Chinese Muslims I was asked, “America?”. I smiled and said “No, Canada.” They’re response cracked me up. “Oooohhhhh! Canada!!”. I kept walking. When I circled back around on my way out they stopped me. I had no clue what they were saying, but they were smiling, pointing at me and then shouting “Canada”. A woman grabbed my arm and motioned for me to sit with them. For the next 20 minutes I listened to them speak to me in Mandarin, drank an obscene amount of Jasmine tea, tried to swallow spicy steamed buns and had my photo taken with every cell phone at the Mosque. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

What’s on your bucket list. Planning on ticking off any items soon?

My bucket list has changed so many times, but there are certain places and activities that have always been on it. Trips to Kashgar, Sa Pa, Tibet, Mongolia and Bhutan are a must for me. They are countries that have a certain level of mystique. The people are rugged and nomadic in nature. They’re steeped in culture and tradition. I have this insatiable need to experience everything that these places have to offer and sharing it with my friends, family and readers.

Thanks Pam for all those interesting insights – what an incredible experience that must have been in China!! Folks, to learn more about Pam, visit her website, Spunky Girl Monologues. She also has a fun Canadian travel guide, Knocking Around Canada, and she’s always around on Twitter.

Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Keith Savage. I’m a traveler, writer, and seeker. I’m afflicted by a terminal case of curiosity and hopelessley addicted to learning. This combination of conditions also makes me prone to extreme cases of boredom and leads to dissatisfaction with 99% of “normal” jobs. Late this fall I toss the template out the window and embark on an unorthodox couple of years traveling and writing.

Somehow along the way I managed to meet and marry a beautiful and loving woman, my wife Sarah. We live just outside Madison, Wisconsin and currently work as writers at a large healthcare software company.

I’ve got the old American dream: a house in the suburbs, a two car garage, gadgets and gizmos galore, and zero kids (OK this last bit is part of my dream coming through). Somehow it’s just not that dreamy. It’s a comfortable, safe, predictable life, but it leaves little room for fire, passion, and excitement. And I’m tired of making excuses for their absence.

You call yourself a savage. Care to explain?

Yes, I am an uncivilized brute with little care for the cultural advances of the last several millenia. Actually, that’s only true on weekends. Most days, I’m blogging under the moniker Traveling Savage. It’s both a play on my name and a travel philosophy: to travel savagely is to embrace with open arms the present – to cast aside conceptions and smash barriers like fear, anxiety, and despair – so that you can find your savage and exuberant core.

Traveling Savage has become a travel blog dedicated to exploring the psychological, emotional, and philosophical impact of travel.

You are unique in your ‘travel situation’ (for lack of a better word). Can you tell us about how that works, and do you have any advice for people who are struggling to find a healthy balance of travel in their own life?

That’s right, it will be unique. In fact, a lot of people have scoffed at the idea. As I mentioned, I’m married. The plan this fall involves me quitting my job and traveling to a destination, on my own, and spending a month there three to four times per year. Sarah will continue to work and ensure we have a roof over our heads. I’ll be traveling on money that we’ve saved over the last eight months.

Believe me, it’s scary. We don’t know how it will go, just that you don’t argue too much with dreams if they’re within your grasp. You do what you can to make them happen. Ironically, the idea first came from Sarah and she’s been behind me 100% of the way. She’s my biggest cheerleader, and, since she’s a writer/editor, sometimes my biggest critic. I’m in awe of her support and sacrifice.

If traveling is in your soul, the first step is coming to terms with it. You cannot keep it in the closet forever, letting it out for two weeks of vacation one a year. You will burst at some point (you need only look at me to see the truth in this). It has never been easier or cheaper to travel the world. Experience the hospitality of people and give back. I really believe hospitality is the new currency.

Andy:  I couldn’t agree more.  Hospitality has always been a currency – long before we had these silver, shiny things that we often give more importance to than we really ought to…

Let’s talk about destinations. Where have you been, and what did you like the most?

I’ve traveled throughout the United States, parts of Canada including Toronto and Montreal, and around Western Europe to countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Compared to many travelers, my breadth of travel is limited but it’s simply because I keep returning to places I’ve fallen in love with.

Scotland simply won’t let me go. Its natural beauty, fascinating history, friendly people, and delicious national drink win me over time and again. I find my mind wandering back to Scotland about three months after I return from a trip there. Secretly, I’m planning another trip. Perhaps I’ll spend a month among the Western Isles next year.

The history of a place plays an important role in where I choose to travel, and it will continue to play a guiding role in future destinations.

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

In 2006, my wife and I managed to orchestrate a six-week sabbatical from work. We spent three weeks in Scotland and drove a rental car from Kirkcudbright to Kirkwall, from Aberdeen to Arran. I experienced a lightness of mind born out of what felt like an endless vacation. We traveled when and where we wanted and on our own schedule. The freedom was inspirational and starkly different from the daily grind of office work. I started writing a book. My creativity stretched open like a moonflower at midnight.

What is on the top of your bucket list?

I don’t have a bucket list, but I’d really like to hike the West Highland Way in Scotland. It’s a 95-mile hike from just north of Glasgow to Fort William. This would push me far out of my comfort zone and the scenery would be incredible.

I’ve walked part of that route, Keith – bring boots and a raincoat, as it is not dry very often. Thanks for the insights into your interesting lifestyle. I’m also glad to see people doing what they feel is right for them, regardless of what other people think. Readers, to find out more about Keith and his travails, visit his website, Traveling Savage, or follow him on Twitter.

Can you introduce yourself?

I’m Jess Marsden, a China-based traveler-expat and the blogger behind To China… and Beyond!

I first became seriously interested in China when I got to tag along on a university junket to China back in 2007 as the “official blogger.” (And no, you don’t get a link. It was my first time blogging, and there is definitely a learning curve.) We were only there for 10 days, but something struck a chord, and when I got back to school in the fall, I signed up for first-year Chinese. Daily morning classes were a bit rough as a senior, but I stuck with it, and when I graduated I accepted a two-year English teaching position that sent me to Changsha, deep in China’s heartland.

Travel was one of the big draws of moving to China, and teaching afforded me plenty of vacation time and just enough money to explore a good chunk of China during my two years. I started To China and Beyond! as a way of recording my travel and helping out other China travelers. I’ve now finished up my two years of teaching and am headed to Beijing, where I’ll be studying Chinese and hoping to squeeze some travel into school vacations. The blog will live on!

China seems like such a foreign country to some people. What things do you usually tell folks who are travelling to China for the first time?

China’s a very contradictory place right now. Travel to Shanghai or Guangzhou and you feel like you’re in a fully developed country, but spend a week in the countryside in Guizhou, one of China’s poorest provinces, and you’ll wonder why people are saying China is the next great economy. Those contradictions also make themselves felt on a smaller scale. Computers and fancy cell phones are everywhere, but it’s not uncommon to find oneself squatting over a tile trough full of excrement, either (even in a decently large city). So take what you read in the newspapers with a grain of salt, keep an open mind, and always carry toilet paper!

Andy: Seems like pretty solid advice to me! Note to self on the TP….

What are your favourite Chinese foods (that are suitable to a Westerner’s palette)?

Number one on this list is definitely jiaozi — the boiled, steamed or fried dumplings that most Westerners know as potstickers. But in China you’ve got way more choices than just “meat” or “veggie.” My favorite dumpling place in Beijing has around 40 different fillings. My favorites are lamb and leek, carrot and egg, and pork and fennel.

One of the foods I tried for the first time in China and absolutely love is bullfrog, cooked Hunan-style with tons of red chilis. It may not be an ingredient familiar to most Americans, but it would suit an American palate just fine — it really does taste just like chicken.

Andy: I can actually see all the sceptic faces out there in the audience

You’ve travelled a lot in Asia too. What are your favourite places, and why?

The first is Fatehpur Sikri, outside Agra, in India. Everyone goes to the Taj Mahal. But if you don’t stop in Agra long enough to visit Fatehpur Sikri, you’re missing out. It was briefly the capital of the Mughal empire in the late 1500s, but it’s basically been deserted since then. The palace is partially ruined, but the gorgeous massive red sandstone mosque is perfectly preserved. And it’s completely crowd-free.

The second I’ll call the kopitiam experience. Kopitiam is the Malaysian word for coffee shop, which are ubiquitous in Malaysia. But I’m not talking about any old Starbucks. Malaysian coffee, called kopi, is a revelation — the beans are fried with margarine before being ground, and the resulting coffee is strong and rich (even more so with a dash of condensed milk). The best place to try it is a neighborhood kopitiam, where old Malaysian men sit for hours nursing kopi and reading newspapers. It’s relaxing just to watch them.

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

Recently, I’d say it’s probably when I tried CouchSurfing for the first time back in June. When I first heard about the site, I was a little wigged out. Both hosting and surfing require that you make a pretty big leap of faith in trusting a total stranger, and I wasn’t sure it was for me. And yet it works really well. My first CouchSurfing host was terrific, and she really went out of her way to show us around her town. I think it’s a pretty amazing testament to the good side of humanity. I’ll definitely CouchSurf again, and I’m looking forward to becoming more involved with the community when I get settled in Beijing in September.

Andy: I think it comes down to people. People are inspirational. In all shapes and sizes. No?

So what are some of the top experiences to have in China?

1. Taking an overnight train: Trains are still the main mode of transportation for ordinary Chinese, and they’re one of the best places to meet the locals. Chinese people are, as a general rule, friendly and very curious about the rest of the world. Even if you don’t speak any Chinese, you’re sure to make a few new friends.
2. Walking the kora at the Labrang Monastery: This is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China, but it’s outside of the territory that China calls Tibet. You don’t need any special permit or a guide (as you do in Tibet “proper”), so you’re free to wander around the monastery at your will. It’s well worth it to get up early so you can be at the monastery around 6 a.m., when pilgrims and locals walk a path around the monastery, spinning prayer wheels as they go.
3. Hiking through the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces: The most beautiful landscape in China, in my book. Over hundreds of years, the people of Guangxi, in southwest China, have carved these rolling green mountains into giant “staircases” that allow them to farm otherwise unfarmable land. The terraces are a work of beauty and a testament to the grit and determination of the Chinese.

Despite living in such a wonderful country, they are hardcore travellers, so I couldn’t resist sharing their story. Read on.

Could you introduce yourselves?

We are Cam and Nicole Wears, a newlywed couple from beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.  We met 8 years ago while at university in the city of Victoria and in February of 2008 we were married on the sandy beaches of the Mayan Riveria in Mexico.

Our introduction to travel began at young ages, with Cam living in Nairobi, Kenya at age 12 and Nicole backpacking Europe at age 19. Travel and adventure is a common passion that has always played an important role in our lives.  After living in Malaysia in 2004 and exploring SE Asia, we developed a travel addiction that has yet to be cured.

In January of 2009 we traded our great, well paying management positions for a backpack and a checklist.  We thought that a RTW adventure would cure our travel curiosity, but since returning to BC we’ve realized that we’ve only just begun.

As the ‘traveling canucks’ care to share your hot tips for the best of Canada?

As residents of British Columbia, we’re slightly biased towards the west coast.  It’s an amazing playground for the outdoor enthusiast and has some of the best scenery on the planet.

That said, we’ve got a few recommendations for adventures across Canada:

• Biking the 300 km Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia – stay in quaint B&B’s and pass through simple Acadian villages (indulge in a lobster feast at sunset)
• Snowboard/ski deep powder in the Kootenay Rockies (Revelstoke, Fernie, Whitewater & Red Mountain Resorts)
• Snowmobiling and ice fishing in the Northern Ontario lake/cottage country
• Kayaking with orca whales through Haida Gwaii off the BC coast (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands)
• Get your cowboy fix at the world famous Calgary Stampede (held in mid-July)
• White water rafting down the mighty Ottawa River in Ontario.  While in the area, visit the stunning Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, the nation’s capital
• Cold water surfing in Tofino on the misty west coast of Vancouver Island
• Hike the East Coast Trail from St John’s harbour south to Cappahayden and pass through unique North Atlantic landscapes
• Rent a campervan in Halifax and cross country to Vancouver (leave yourself minimum of 3 weeks)

Andy: Wowzers!  That is one heck of a Canada must-see list.  But it reminds me of ThePlanetD’s Dream Adventures in Canada feature we ran earlier this year.

You’ve been to over 47 countries.  That’s a lot!  How do you choose what destinations you want to hit up next?

Many of the countries, destinations and attractions that we’ve visited were inspired by other travellers.  One of the things we like most about travel is meeting new people and learning about their home countries and recommended travel experiences.

Lately, we’ve found many inspirational travel blogs and websites that have shared interesting locations.  We really don’t have a formula, although we often resort to flipping a coin (and it has never let us down!).

Andy: I find the best formula is a bit of research and a lot of serendipity.  (Depending on the destination… the more off the beaten path, the more research can be handy!)

Many of the places you’ve been to are true icons – Easter Island, Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal etc.  What are your feelings about the tourist classics – are you often disappointed/surprised/satisfied with the most popular places?

We are often extremely impressed with the true icons.  In fact, most have exceeded our expectations, especially Easter Island.  These world wonders get the hype that they do for good reason – they are incredible!

We don’t shy away from tourist hotspots, in fact our goal is to see as many as we can during our lifetime. Witnessing these legendary places firsthand gives us a sense of accomplishment, knowing that we are fortunate enough to fulfil the dreams of many.

The key is to time your visits and come up with a strategy.  We find that sunrise/early morning is the best time to explore the sites, well before the tourist buses show up (the herds usually don’t want to wake up at 5:00 AM on their vacation).  When visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, we immediately hired a camel and went in the opposite direction of the Sphinx and main Pyramid.  Our Pyramid encounter was crowd free and peaceful, allowing us to fully soak up the treasured monuments.  Even the most popular destinations offer moments of tranquility, you just have to be creative.

Andy – Good tips!

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

Travelling through the Middle East was an experience that we’ll never forget.  As North Americans, the Middle East has always seemed very foreign and volatile.  The media portrays the area as dangerous and intimidating, which likely tainted our perception of the region.

We even contemplated paying big money to join a group tour in order to feel “protected’.  We were so glad we didn’t.  Though there are still unsafe areas, travel is fairly straightforward and accessible, and the people very friendly, helpful and hospitable.

There are two moments that stand out; sleeping under the desert stars at a local Bedouin camp in Jordan’s Wadi Rum and trekking through the night to Mount Sinai’s summit to witness the sun rise over the desert mountains.  One can’t help but feel inspired walking on the same sands that many biblical leaders did thousands of years prior.  It has a spiritual presence unlike any other place we’ve visited.

What’s on your must-do bucket list?

That’s a great question.  Our bucket list seems to continually evolve as we grow and age.  As it relates to travel and adventure, our current list includes:

• The South Pacific – specifically Bora Bora, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands
• Exploring the Great Sahara Desert in Northern Africa – swimming in a isolated desert oasis
• Climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
• Scuba diving the Maldives Islands in the Indian Ocean
• Central America – specifically exploring the jungles of Guatemala and beaches of Belize
• African wildlife safari in Namibia and Botswana

Could you introduce yourselves?

We are Chris Dunphy and Cherie Ve Ard, both Gen-X technomads.

Chris gave up his apartment and Silicon Valley career, departing from San Francisco in April 2006 to travel full time in a tiny solar powered travel trailer. A few months later, we actually first met online on a Toyota Prius forum where Chris had posted a photo-essay farewell to his former Prius that he had traded for a Jeep. Cherie at the time was living in Florida running her location flexible software business, and was already splitting her time in California.

Once we met in person it became clear that our life paths were perfectly aligned to merge, so Cherie put her beachside home up for sale and hit the road. Since May 2007, we’ve been on the road full time without anywhere else to call ‘home’, and we’ve since added our cat Kiki to the adventure.

We continue to run Cherie’s software business, and take on a unique blend of work contracts in the technology realm doing strategy development. We’re also developing our own line of mobile software applications, including our recently released “State Lines” for iPhone/iPad that helps travelers in the USA keep on top of ever changing rules and regulations that affect them.

What is the typical day living life on four wheels? What are the ups? What are the downs?

Well, actually – we live on 6 wheels (four for the tow vehicle and two for the trailer, or are you counting spares?).

Part of the reason we adopted this lifestyle was to avoid having anything be described as ‘typical’. Our days vary widely, from time spent exploring backroads as we transition locations, visiting with loved ones, hiking National Parks, attending cool festivals, or even working long hours – but often with an awesome “office view” while we soak up cellular internet.

There are many ups to our lifestyle. We love the variety we’re afforded and the amazingly low cost of living as compared to our previous stationary lives. We’ve been able to integrate in quality time with loves ones into our travels and really be there when we need to. Such as right now, we’re in Florida with Cherie’s family – as her dad just had a major surgery. It’s awesome to be able to park for several weeks and assist in anyway we can without it being out of the ordinary from our lives.

However, while we’re able to spend extended quality time with loved ones – we’re also frequently saying good-byes. Or as we prefer – ‘Until next time’. Our sense of community is very widespread, and we’ve had to adapt to being fully present when we’re around people we want to spend time with – for tomorrow we may drive on down the road and not be around for a while. It can be bittersweet at times, but for now – it’s working for us. Being able to keep connected online helps a lot too.

What advice would you give people who are looking for more mobile lifestyles and aren’t sure where to start?

Finding where to start is always the difficult piece. And it’s incredibly easy to allow doubt, fear and logistics to overrule if you let them. In both of our cases, we started by circling a target departure date on the calendar. Chris actually gave notice on his apartment before he even had found a trailer or tow vehicle – really forcing him to work hard towards a deadline.

Once there is a target, we forced ourselves to get started and get everything in order, and not get boggle down with overwhelm about everything that needed to happen. It worked in both our cases, and amazingly enough once you’re in motion all the pieces seem to have a way of falling into place.

The hardest thing is getting started.

Andy:  As with most things in life, right?  Scary foreign destinations often feel so far and distance until you actually get on that plane, and once you arrive all of a sudden things don’t feel all that strange.  For the most part, anyway

One of you is from California and the other from Florida – it explains your sunny dispositions Any insider tips for visiting these places?

Cherie: For Florida – I highly recommend getting away from the typical tourist places. Sure, Disney is an attraction that bring many to the area – however, it’ll break the bank. There’s so much beauty in Florida to explore outside of the attractions. Don’t visit in the summer, and come out to the coast and enjoy the beaches. The gulf coast offers white sand beaches (well, perhaps not as much anymore with the oil accident), and the Atlantic coast offers beautiful beaches with great surf. In Florida, there’s not allowed to be ‘private beaches’, and public access walkways are required anytime there is commercial building. One of my favorite things to do is explore coastal living by driving A1A along the entire length of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. It’s a beautiful drive, offering many opportunities to stop and explore historic places, lighthouses and visit some amazing beaches.

Chris: For California – California is a HUGE and incredibly diverse state – with scenic wonders ranging from the Big Sur coast (a must drive!) to the towering Sierra’s and the incredible Yosemite valley, to the sparse desert and places like Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park. LA and San Francisco are both fabulous cities to explore – but I am especially fond of how easy it is to explore San Francisco on foot, bike, and via public transit. Put up with the throngs of tourists and ride a cable car from Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf, then rent a bike, ride along the waterfront and across the Golden Gate Bridge, and take a ferry back – cruising past Alcatraz. A stroll through Golden Gate Park and an evening bonfire on Ocean Beach will complete a fabulous day of SF adventure. Also be sure to check out the ruins of the Sutro Baths – where I took Cherie on our very first date!

Andy:  Awesome tips!!

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

Without a doubt – all of the amazing people we get to meet, and hearing their stories of inspiration. From meeting readers of our blog, reconnecting with friends who we wouldn’t otherwise get to see often, and all the wonderful serendipitous meetings that happen along the way.

What – you wanted a single experience? We don’t have a “favorite place”, or a single most memorable experience. We love the variety of “all of the above” – life isn’t a multiple choice test where you need to pick a single favorite.

Andy:  I know what you mean.  I continue to have experiences that represent such diverse areas of the “spectrum” of life.  And the common theme is people:  it seems to be the only thing that trumps a true travel experience.  (In this instance, I count Mother Nature as a person too…  ).

What’s next on your road-based adventure?

Our plans forward are currently undetermined. We’ll stick around Florida until Cherie’s father is on his path to healing. We have intentions of making it to Burning Man at the end of the summer, where we host a theme camp for other nomads like ourselves. Other than that, we’ll do as we normally do – and just follow serendipity to where we are meant to be. Follow us online at www.technomadia.com to see what we’re up to next.

Andy:  And cheers to your serendipity!  Thank you so much for joining us.  Hope to meet up with you on the road soon.

All images copyright Technomadia.

And with that, I’ll let Craig and Caz take the floor.

Could you introduce yourselves?

We are Caz and Craig Makepeace, and we have a beautiful 2 year old girl Kalyra. Craig and I married in 2002, and have been traveling and living around the world since. I am a teacher by profession, and Craig played a professional sport and worked in construction. We are addicted to travel and love living as foreigners in other countries. We have lived in Bangkok, Dublin, Raleigh-North Carolina, Broome-Western Australia, and I (Caz) in London. We used these countries as a base to explore the surrounding areas, save the local currency, and then go on long adventures in between relocations. We now share our love for travel, and the knowledge we have gained from our global lifestyle with others looking to do the same at our travel blog.

What does “live life out of the box” mean to you?

It means living life by your own standards, on your terms, and following your own dreams. Society too often tells us how we should live and even how we should think. Many people blindly accept this as truth without ever first questioning what it means. Society tells you to go to school, study hard, get a good job, marry, get the white picket fence, save for your retirement and then play in your garden when you’re done. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with people choosing to live this kind of life, as long as they actively choose it instead of passively going along for the same ride their parents took or the friends they grew up with.

Craig and I, through our travels have discovered that a life like this is similar to being confined to a box; there is limited room for growth or diverse experiences. Once you break free from the box, you are able to question more, and discover for yourself what is true for your life and so live according to those values.
For me, I could never let my experience in life only be of the one small town I grew up in; a small dot on our beautiful planet. Growing up, I was told what to think and believe. I always grew up questioning this “Why? What about how others think? Why is this way better and theirs not?” These were only questions I could answer by getting out of the box and seeing for myself.

Now that we have a child, we always receive comments from well meaning friends and family that we should be at home, raising her in a neighborhood so she can form solid friendships. My answer to that is “Why? Who says that this is the best thing for her?” Only I can answer that question based on what I believe to be true through the understandings gained from diverse experiences in life outside the conventional herd mentality- and that is living life out of the box.

Andy:  I think some people may find the box metaphor to be a bit overused.  And that’s understandable as it gets a lot of mileage these days.  But your example is totally spot on and valid.

You’ve been travelling long-term for over 10 years. What have you learned over all that time?

That I never stop learning! If you’re green you’re growing, if you’re ripe you’re rotten. Travel has taught me so much about myself and about how life works. I know that life is constantly changing and in motion. Travel has taught me how to be flexible and adaptable to deal with change when it inevitably arrives. I’ve also discovered for myself the wisdom of the old adage “This too shall pass”. Nothing in life remains still, so whatever is happening in your life, good or bad, will pass. That is why it is so important to make every moment count and enjoy it for what it is. Be present in every moment. The past is the past and let tomorrow take care of itself when it comes. Travel has taught me that the world is a beautiful place that offers us all we ever need. It is our mother and we need to spend every day in gratitude for what it provides us. We need the Earth to live, not the other way around. I’ve discovered just how much we are all interconnected and how the essence of us all is the same. The differences are just minor “on the surface things” that makes each of us so colorful. We still breathe the same way, bleed the same, laugh and cry at the same things, celebrate things with the same passion and love with the same intensity.

Andy:  As I like to say, travel more… live more.

Let’s talk about your home country of Australia. What are your secret insider tips for the best of Australia?

Australia is otherwise known as “God’s country!” That is my biggest insider tip!! Australia is a big country so don’t get too ambitious and plan to see it all in two weeks. Western Australia is so overlooked by backpackers. Do not overlook it. WA is almost two thirds the size of Australia with only just over a million people living there, it’s very un-touched. It’s an open road with a rugged coastline and plenty of the “Outback” for you to explore.

Be prepared for the people. Australian’s are generally laid back and very straight forward. Don’t get offended easily and know that if an Aussie jokes around with you it’s their secret way of saying they like you enough to tease you. We use a lot of sarcasm. There is never any malice or intention to offend by our off the wall sense of humor. If you are not a lover of sport then pretend to be and learn as much as you can before you arrive. Sport, particularly for the blokes, is the most conversed subject and you will be looked at strangely, albeit with love, if you say you don’t like sport.

Andy:  Recently I was at a conference, and the big suggestion was the Northern Territories.  So as much as I love Melbourne and other places, do take some time and explore further afield. I mean, Australia is a continent too – so there is plenty of room to wander…

You mention that you feel like you were born for the “role of a traveler” – could you explain? What would you say to people who want to travel more but feel the opposite?

When I’m traveling I feel like I am in the right place. I feel like I know exactly what to do and how to do it. I feel confident, relaxed, and most of all free. When I am not traveling I feel like my life is not working; like I am trying to suck water out of straw that has holes in it.

For a would- be traveler who doesn’t feel the same way I would say go out and do it but start at a level within your comfort zone. There are so many different ways to travel and experiences you can have. You don’t have to begin your journey trekking through the mountains of the Himalayas. Start gently and with what you enjoy. Do the best you can, with what you have, from where you are! Then each day push the boundaries a little more. Try something new, it may be just a new dish or saying hello to a local in their own native tongue. After a time you will feel your confidence and courage grow and you’ll start to enjoy travel so much more. Rely on others for help. The biggest challenges new travelers face is dealing with the drastic differences between their own cultures and the new. All I can suggest is that you remember this saying “It’s not better, or worse, it’s just different.” And celebrate those differences. When you start to feel irritated or annoyed say “Wow, isn’t that interesting. Tell me more”.

What’s been your most inspirational travel experience?

This is such a difficult question to answer as there have been so many travel moments that have inspired me and taught me something new about myself and life. I think one of the most memorable was experiencing ANZAC Day in Gallipoli, Turkey. This is really an Australian cultural Mecca so it may not bear much relevance for those who aren’t Aussie or Kiwi. ANZAC Day is the day when our soldiers mistakenly landed on the shores of Gallipoli during the First World War and were slaughtered. It is a day of remembrance for Australia but more than just remembering all of our fallen soldiers. It was during this time that Australians were first recognized by the world as a country separate from England. So we could say it was the birth of our cultural identity.

Being at Gallipoli on this day was something we always wanted to do. It was a surreal moment and it gave us a deep insight into who we are as a nation and why. It also taught me a lot about forgiveness and embracing those once thought of as your enemy. Every year the Turkish people allow around 15,000 Australians and Kiwis to come to Gallipoli to put on an elaborate ceremony to remember our soldiers who once fell on those shores with the intent to kill the local people and take over their land. The Turkish people warmly welcomed us and did everything they could to heighten this once in a lifetime experience for us. I could only hope in my life I could be so magnanimous with my “enemies.”

What’s next on your travel adventure?

I wish I knew the answer to that! We have only a few weeks left to decide. The last few months I have been really unsettled and we’ve been itching for a new adventure. My life wasn’t going in the direction I desired and I knew in order for something to be different, I had to make a different choice. The Universe helped me out a little through teacher budget cuts, giving me the push I needed to get moving. So now I’m applying for international schools around the globe and letting the Universe decide which country I should land in. If they don’t work out it will be back to appreciate my own hometown and country a little more before solving the next adventure question. Our biggest ongoing adventure is developing our blog and all our creative product ideas and concepts.