In the quest for finding the ultimate travel experience, sometimes we are apt to follow the leader a bit. While here at Sharing Travel Experiences we try to offer a well-rounded picture of your options and alternatives, we can’t cover everything. Nor have we been everywhere (despite the impression). That’s why I love the advice of today’s special travel interview guest, Dan Haneveer. As Dan says, his travel isn’t extensive, but it’s passionate. Isn’t that what counts?
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.
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Such a great interview! I agree 100% that one must travel without passion. Great pics.
Great pics, great story, enough said, right Andi?