Before I went on my RTW travels, I could be often found stalking other travel blogs but what really interested me was the person behind the witticisms of their writing. Who are they? Are they real? Are they fit? So hence, for a long time coming, I wanted to do some travel blogging interviews and crack them open for their rawness inspiration of travel inside. Think Michael Parkinson.

This week’s interview is no other than the most philosphical travel blogger around. He’s currently working in Washington D.C, USA, and going off on his travels shortly to undertake his amazing 2013 plans! He’s just relaunched his amazing travel blog after a long hiatus after getting back from his travels in New Zealand earlierr this year and he’s absolutely raring to go! His travel blog was literally the first blog that I read when I went to research travelling in New Zealand online. Keeping me informed about his extreme escapades in the shadows of Wellington, we both became good online friends and followed each other with avid interest. Without much further ado, I give you Ryan of JustChuckinIt!

 

1.      Name: Ryan

 

2.      Twitter: http://Twitter.com/justchuckinit

 

3.      Facebook Fan Page: http://Facebook.com/justchuckinit

 

4.      Blog URL: http://justchuckinit.com

 

5.      Where are you originally from and where are you now?

Small town of Kensington near Washington DC. Currently I am at a café writing this. But I live back at home for now. (I know I’m a cheeky bastard)

 

6.      Describe yourself in 3 words.

Weird. Adventurous. Imaginative.

 

7.      Tell us about your blog. What makes your blog unique from all the other bloggers out there?

Just Chuckin’ it! Is a travel and lifestyle blog chronicling my whacky adventures as I avoid all that is mundane in an attempt to live gnarly. I have re-birthed my blog with the sole purpose of inspiring everyone to chase their dreams and travel. I stand apart because I am not afraid to give you the raw truth, to write about my very personal turmoils as I work towards this life of travel, and to really show you what it takes to overcome the worst that life throws at you. You can make the decision to go, but how do you become that person that will do all it takes to escape? This blog will show you.

 

8.      Why did you start writing a blog? And did you find it easy to set up?

To become famous! (Ed Note: Aren’t you already? Hint: Being the first person ever to buy a certain Apple Product?) Nah, I really just wanted to get back into writing, but also really show people it was possible to escape from a situation you are unhappy in and to travel. The set-up was easy enough, but now I feel like am 1,000 times more knowledgable ham before. That first year was definitely a learning experience! Especially after losing everything on my blog.

 

9.      If you had to travel with 3 other travel bloggers who would they be?

All of you awesome bloggers! But if ya make me choose…well of course you ya’ crazy redcoat. (Ed Note: thanks, chuck!) Also, I would have to choose Becki of BackpackerBecki.com and Chris of AussieOnTheRoad.com since we discussed this scenario once before and I don’t think the world could handle our combined craziness.

 

10.    What’s the best advice you can give for new bloggers?

Don’t start a blog with the money on your mind. As with any creative endeavor, it has to be done for the passion, then success will come. Start thinking about the money and it will ruin you.

 

11.   Other than a job, what’s the easiest way to make money for travels?

Well i did dance as a Chip N’ Dale on a cruise ship! (Ed Note: What?!) But get creative with your skills. I have sold graphic designs, logos, and other various things based on some skills I possess.

 

12.   Where have you been in the world? And which was the best, worst, funniest, most random and scariest?

I’ve really only been to New Zealand, but that was packed with all of the above. From bungee jumping, to white water rafting with a camel, to guerrilla camping in the Hobbit Hideaway, it had it all!

 

13.    Naughtiest experience on your travels?

I took a girls virginity in a WOOFers house in New Zealand. Shhh. It was her idea! (Ed Note: Sure it was!)

 

14.   Luggage or Backpack?

Backpack for sure. We became one.

 

15.   Top 3 items that you would save from your backpack if it was about to be sunk in shark infested waters?

Definitely my MacBook Pro, a pair of underwear (I HATE chaffing) and my hammock.

 

16.   Skydiving or Bungee Jumping?

I’ve been Bungee Jumping twice, so I’m dying to go Skydiving!

 

17.   Best travel idol (aside from me, of course) that you would want to sit next to on the plane?

I would freakin’ love to sit next to Anthony Bourdain. What a travel badass.

 

18.   What’s your party trick to show to other backpackers in hostels?

Definitely not the Chip N’ Dale dance. (Ed Note: They are missing out!) I’d say regaling them with my awkward travel stories.

 

19.    Hostel, Guesthouse, Hotel or Couchsurf?

No Hammock option?! Then I’ll go with Hostel or Couchsurf…you always meet some awesome people.

 

20.   Day Trip, Backpack or live? UK, Australia or Vietnam?

Day trip: UK

Backpack: Vietnam

Live: Australia

 

21.   Lonely Planet or Rough Guide?

Lonely Planet is always good to have for the details, I like rough guides and locals for the real goodies.

 

22.   Will you go out with me, a sexy, tall, dark and handsome god?

Of course I would fine sir.

 

23.   Did you find love on your travels?

There is plenty of love, travelers are always such passionate and open people that you make connections very fast whether it be friendship or more.

 

24.   Would you go on I’m a Celebrity and eat pig’s testicles?

Yes, because I am crazy. And I’d probably throw up too.

 

25.   And possibly, the most important question…Neighbours or Home and Away?!

Haven’t seen the Australian soaps, but maybe one day.

 

26.   Which 3 songs have you played the most on your ipod on your travels?

“Better Days” (Breaking Benjamin) “Midnight City” (M83) and “We are Young” (Fun.)

 

27.   You travelled on your own, how did that go for you and did you find it easy to make new friends on the road?

At first it was nerve racking. But being open to meeting new people and experiences definitely helped. Just sparking a conversation led to me jumping in a car and going on a 3 week adventure with people I never met, it was wicked awesome,

 

28.   What are your next travel plans?

An epic bicycling adventure across the USA, (Ed Note: Amazing!) then fly out of California to South East Asia! Cannot wait.

 

29.   What’s the best advice you can give to first time travelers?

Plan, but not too much. It is always good to be prepared, but also be willing to jump in a car with a group of travelers you don’t know…those will be the best adventures you ever have!

 

30.    Finally, tell us a funny travel story..

Ooh, there are oh so many funny travel stories…but one still stands above the rest. Ill give you a funny Hostel Horror Story.

My insanely annoying alarm startled me awake, it was time to book another night at the Hostel. I had been out partying the night before in Auckland and I was somewhat hungover. I dragged myself out of bed, threw on some clothes, and ran downstairs to the front desk.

Being that I had been out all night partying, an 8am wake-up was making me eager to return to bed. Within 2 minute i had booked the room and rushed back up stairs anticipating a long day of nursing my headache in bed. I opened the door silently (yet swiftly) not to wake the others and just as I was about to leap into bed I paused.

“What the fuck?” I said, confused.

My blankets were writhing and wiggling, and I was staring at it trying to figure out what the hell was in my bed. Then, as it moved around some more, the blanket shifted and staring back at me from my bed was the bare ass of a man.

“What the fuck?!” This time saying it shocked and appalled.

Quickly I checked the door to make sure I had the right room. Yep. And I knew for sure I didn’t take home a guy last night. Or did I? That is the point when you start freaking out yourself even if you know you hadn’t. But how the hell did he get in there?

Well, for the first time ever I used my Lonely Planet guide; not for advice on removing a naked planking from your bed, but to hit the guy in the leg to wake him up. After a few tries his head popped up from the pillow, looked at me, then laid back down.

Now I was pissed.

“Get the hell out of my bed RIGHT NOW!” I said aggressively. I was quite cranky.

He popped up again, this time mumbling something as his eyes swirled around in his sockets. Finally he snapped out of it somewhat and seemed to realize he was naked. He gave himself a once-over, then began to peer around the room for something to wear.

Then he reached for my backpack.

“Oh fuck no! Get out now or I’ll drag you out”

At this point the other hostel roommates had awoken and were either gawking or giggling at what was taking place.

After a few moments, and me holding my Lonely Planet guide up like I was going to Rick James slap him, him wrapped the blanket around himself and stumbled out of the room.

I proceeded to torch all the sheets in a hazmat suit.

Turns out, he was a Frenchman who who had partied a little too hard. He was staying two rooms down and had been kicked out of his room when he woke up and pissed on everyone’s luggage. Somehow in the seconds it took my door to close when I left, this naked ninja snuck into my bed. (Ed Note: What a story!)

 

 

Thanks Ryan for doing this interview! If you would like to know more about his Chucks Around the World, click here

 

If you would like to have an interview, please drop an email to rexyedventures@gmail.com and we’ll get you featured on here!