Everyone has a different way they like to travel. Me, for example, I like to have everything planned out with military-like precision. That’s not to say I don’t have any downtime or room for serendipity, but I definitely make plans for most things. But today’s guest doesn’t worry so much about the details, nor is she too concerned about making mistakes (I think she enjoys the whole discovery process, even when something has gone astray). Pam MacNaughtan is based currently in Canada and is one of my all time favoruites in the travel scene, so I’m really pleased to sit down today and talk travel with her.
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.
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Hooray, Pam! Can’t wait to see where you go on this journey. It was awesome meeting you at TBEX and I have no doubt you’ll find everything you’re looking for. Perhaps our travels will cross along the way.