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.

Trekking into the blogosphere, this girl of one couple has indeed made her mark by complaining how life is like living abroad in sunny and cultural places, she really does! As a baby traveller, she soon got the bug and went into a traveller relationship with someone who kisses seals and often tells her how awesome her blog is. I’m inclined to agree. Battling the internet in China, she finally got back to me with her answers in between envious trekking experiences. Without further ado, I give you Natalia of Always Trekking!

 

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

My manager gently forced me into it when I moved back to Canada for 10 months after Korea. It is also a great topic for interviews. Everything was so new to me, the learning curve was very high for the first 2 weeks. It got a lot easier with time.

 

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

I actually went to university with Audrey Bergner of That Backpacker. So I would definitely enjoy a trip with her and Sam. They are a lot fun. Add Jonathan to the mix and we’re set! A third blogger would be a fifth wheel.

 

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

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

 

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

Be nice to your parents. (Ed Note: FANTASTIC Advice!)

 

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

I’ve been to Europe, North America and a lot of east and south East Asia. Jonathan has travelled to Middle East, South America and Southeast Asia before we met. Most randomly beautiful place was El Nido in the Philippines. It was meant to be a transit town to Coron but it turned out to so beautiful. Sadly, we got to stay there less than 24 hours. I can’t say I’ve been to a truly scary place where I felt threatened. I did the plank walk in Huashan recently that was a little scary.

 

13. Naughtiest experience on your travels?

I don’t kiss and tell. 😉 (Ed Note: Spoilsport!)

 

14. Luggage or Backpack?

Backpack

 

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

My Camera, journal and money

 

16. Skydiving or Bungee Jumping?

I’m terrified of heights and falling, so probably sky diving because I would do it tandem. I’m not in charge of jumping off a plane and it is someone else who does the work. I’m okay to live the rest of my life without bungee jumping. (Ed Note: Did I hear a Chicken?)

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

Mark Beaumont who not only cycled from one tip of Americas to the other, but he climbed the highest mountains on the continents. That guy got balls. I would gladly tour with him. (Ed Note: Not because you really fancy him then?)

 

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

I’m off doing fun stuff, I don’t have time to socialize. But if I am stuck with a group of people then I will get everyone involved with a game of Telephone Pictionary or Taboo.

 

19. Hostel, Guesthouse, Hotel or Couchsurf?

Hotel, definitely! I’m too old for hostels and couchsurfing. (Ed Note: You’re as old as you feel…wait…)

 

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

I like doing a little bit of everything. I really enjoy living abroad as it is a great jumping off point for backpacking and daytrips.  I also get a great chance to experience the culture.  If I had a lot of money to burn I would go to Australia. I’ve done the UK, it was awesome. Vietnam is the highest one on my list. (Ed Note: Vietnam was AWESOME!)

 

21. Lonely Planet or Rough Guide?

Lonely Planet is the closest thing I will have to a bible.

 

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

How do I put this? I’m so sorry? I have my own sexy, dark and handsome god. I’ve had him for 6 years. (Ed Note: Room for another one? 😉 )

 

23. Did you find love on your travels?

Found him back at home. It just worked out so well that we both have a love of travelling.

 

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

Absolutely not. I’m not into eating weird things. That pig should keep his testicles.

 

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

Is this an Australian reference? Summer Heights High! Ed Note: You’re missing out on one of the rituals of life!)

 

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

I don’t keep a playlist anymore. Honestly it’s just scarps and pieces.  I listen to di.fm or Grooveshark. The three recently listened to songs on my phone are Make it Bun Dem, Stand Up and Run and an episode of the Ricky Gervais Show.

 

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?

If you combine all the times I’ve actually travelled alone it wouldn’t even make up half a month. I just never got a chance to go off on my own.

 

28. What are your next travel plans?

Debating between Papua New Guinea and Papau, Indonesia for the winter break. I think the deal breaker will be the cost.

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

Do your research and have an open mind.

 

30. Finally, tell us a funny travel story.

Jonathan and I were on Komodo checking out Komodo dragons (naturally). Those things are ruthless creatures.  A mother never steps away from her nest because at any moment another Komodo may come and eat her unborn babies. Once the baby hatches it runs up a tree and stays there until it is big enough to fend off other Komodo dragons (including his own mother) who may eat him. We were done with our hike around the park and we were just taking pictures of a bunch of dragons hanging out near the park rangers’ kitchen. It was just us and our guide; sitting quietly four meters away not making any sudden movements because those things will kill you (they killed park rangers and tourists in the past). We see a big group of German tourists approach the kitchen. Being the quick-thinking group that they were they pushed their way in to get the first picture! Within seconds the group was less than a meter away from the dragons. The dragons could not believe the delicious opportunity and made a move for the kill. In an instant, the mood of the group changed from tourist glee to complete horror. One big and awkward lady ran up the stairs to the kitchen but was foiled by a gate that is meant to keep the dragons out. Anyway, nobody died as the park rangers pushed the beasts back with forked sticks quickly, but this made me laugh as I just almost witnessed natural selection at its finest. (Ed Note: it’s amazing how we laugh at the most inopportune moments!) 

 

Thanks Natalia for doing this interview! If you would like to know more about her 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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