Before I went on my RTW travels, I could be often found stalking other travel blogs but what really interested me was the travel blogger 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 ‘Hopping’ Travel Blogger around (yes, it was time for a bad pun). I first met him as an intern at MyDestination Offices when we worked together. Sharing stories of his time travelling around South America and Africa, he showed himself to be the seasoned traveller after his University degree in Geography. Now he hopes to be a Travel Writer for a respected magazine. Without much further ado, I give you Sam of The Globe Hopper! 

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

My ideal job would to be a travel writer so I thought I’d write something down before I forget it all! Oh and I love travel (obviously) and film so why not write about it!? It’s quite easy to write about it when you’re loving what you’re writing!

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

Make it unique to your travel experience and not just a rehash of what everyone else has done. Try and pick some interesting places to write about. Be adventurous and try to make your writing show YOUR personality!

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

Start as soon as you can especially if you’re currently travelling! You’ll be able to remember it all and build up an impressive portfolio. I wish I’d started at 18 and not 22!

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

Selling stuff you no longer need is pretty good (bikes, clothes etc). I also did a medical trial so made some money there. But make sure it’s a safe one with no side effects! (Ed Note: Medical trials! Dedicated but it all makes sense now…)

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

I have been to six continents, lived in India for two years and travelled to around thirty countries so there’s a fair amount to choose from!

There are too many good experiences to choose from, though diving with a tiger shark in South Africa (outside of the cage) was certainly a massive highlight.

My worst experience was probably spending my 19^th birthday alone on Langkawi in Malaysia. No one had told me it was basically a honeymoon island! (Ed Note: Should have joined a honeymooning couple 😉 )

My funniest (and certainly most memorable) was camel trekking in India’s Thar Desert for four days. I shared a tent with a goat whilst being soaked by monsoon rain! It was all pretty funny.

There have been too many random experiences to name! I’m a spur of the moment guy so I never really plan anything!

Scariest moment was probably the world’s biggest bungy in South Africa (I have vertigo), nearly stepping on a crocodile on the Zambezi river, or sharing a room in the Amazon with the world’s most poisonous spider! (Ed Note: Definitely a lot to choose from)

13. Naughtiest experience on your travels?

I’m not telling… (Ed Note: Oh come on!)

14. Luggage or Backpack?

Backpack always.

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

A mask, snorkel and sun cream. I’d want to be in the water snorkelling with the sharks as I’m never happier than when I’m diving or snorkelling! Suncream because I burn so easily. Damn you fair skin!

16. Skydiving or Bungee Jumping?

I’ve done two of both, and I’d probably have to say bungy jumping as it’s scarier and therefore way more of a challenge. Makes that beer afterwards all the more worthwhile!

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

David Attenborough. He’s a legend who has travelled to most corners of the globe. Who else?!

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

Some highly embarrassing dance moves after tequila… (Seeing is believing, let’s go out!)

19. Hostel, Guesthouse, Hotel or Couchsurf?

All of them. It’s nice to mix it up and in a lot of places you’ll have to use a combination of all four!

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

Backpack. Vietnam.

21. Lonely Planet or Rough Guide?

Rough Guide. South America on a Shoestring by Lonely Planet is terrible! (Ed Note: Controversial!)

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

No…unless it’s to the pub.

23. Did you find love on your travels?

Yes…with Mozambique!

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

Yeah why not. I could do with the money and I’ve eaten far worse (like food poisoning inducing fish in Ecuador)!

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

Home and Away all the way. It introduced us to Rose Byrne! (Ed Note: Boooooo! Neighbours all the way!)

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

Anything Bob Marley, The Killers All These Things That I Have Done, Florence and the Machine and Dizzee Rascal You’ve Got The Dirtee Love.

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?

I found it very easy in Peru to meet people (I was alone for 3 weeks) and Malawi, but not so easy in Malaysia.

28. What are your next travel plans?

I’m desperate to go to the Philippines or back to South America. I want to go to either Venezuela or Bolivia!

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

Don’t listen to people giving you advice back in England (specifically your family) about how dangerous somewhere is (happened with me with Colombia). You have to just go there and see for yourself and often it’ll end up being your favourite experience. I loved Colombia! Also try not to hold back on money or things you want to do. Likelihood is you’ll only be in this destination once so MAKE THE MOST OF IT!

30. Finally, tell us a funny travel story…

The goat story is pretty funny. You’ll have to read it on my blog! (Ed Note: Touche, read on your blog it is!)

 

Thanks Sam for doing this interview! If you would like to know more about his journeys, 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!

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