Voyagner

David is the author of GoBackpacking.com probably the first travel blog I ever started reading. A good two years later and I’m still reading. Dave has just returned from his 15 month Round The World trip which started in 2008. I asked Dave if he could answer a few questions and here they are, an interesting read

What countries did you enjoy most?

Nepal is definitely at the top of the list.  I flew into the country by way of Mt. Everest, landing at Kathmandu’s airport.  Stepping off the plane felt like I was stepping into a whole new world of culture, environments, and experiences.  This is the same airport the world’s greatest climbers use at the start of their expeditions into the Himalaya.  Aside from the physical adventures that await most visitors, the Kathmandu Valley is rich in religious history and practice.  My favorite spot was Bodhnath, where you can watch the Tibetans walk clockwise around the Buddhist stupa at all hours of the day, spinning the prayer wheels as they go.  The peaceful lakeside city of Pokhara in the western part of the country is the perfect base for treks, rafting, and kayaking trips.

I also enjoyed South Africa, spending almost 2 months there traveling overland from Cape Town to Johannesburg, and going on my first safari in Kruger Park.  It has so much to offer, from an endless coastline to world class surf breaks, plus plenty of opportunities to see and engage with wildlife and learn about the struggle against apartheid.  And of course they are preparing to host the 2010 World Cup.

You completed dares from your readers during your trip, what was your favorite?

All of the dares were fun, however I got the best reactions from the one my Dad gave me about having an unmarried woman’s arm on my shoulder in return for $5.  I asked dozens of girls for photos and all but one said yes!  Usually their eyes would light up when they heard about the dare and they’d recruit friends to help increase my earnings.

Was keeping connected while you were traveling a problem, do you have any suggestions for traveling with mobile technology?

I started out without a laptop and didn’t have trouble finding internet access, though I was always paying for it, which became expensive over time as I’d spend hours writing and uploading photos.  I bought a subnotebook in Hong Kong, which I thought was great at the time, but the screen size was too small for heavy use, and the AC adapter broke on three different occasions, rendering it useless for a month at a time.  The improvements in subnotebooks have come quickly, however I’d probably still be inclined to take a standard laptop on my next long term trip since I spend so much time online anyways.  My best advice would be to keep your technology locked up whenever possible.  I almost had all my electronics and memory cards stolen from a hostel because I’d been so lackadaisical.r for others thinking of long term travel?

You stayed in Columbia for six months, what appealed to you there?

It’s true, I couldn’t bring myself to leave Medellin, which is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains.  The climate is Spring-like year round, so the weather is wonderful.  The Couchsurfing communities in Colombia are very tight-knit, so there is always something fun going on and you’ll be sure to meet a lot of young Colombians, many of whom have lived in Europe or the US.  The nightlife was also fun, and very much revolved around dancing and going out with big groups of friends.  It takes some getting use to because in Western countries, people mingle at clubs and bars much more.  And the people are just so friendly and welcoming!

What advice would you offer for others thinking of long term travel?

Recognize that at some point, no matter how positive an attitude you carry, the experience will begin to change.  It occurs at different times for everyone, however personally speaking, I began to notice less excitement about visiting new cities, countries and attractions around the 9-month mark.  It is unfortunate, because you are in an amazing situation, living a bonafide adventurous life, yet it starts to feel normal.  When that happens, be willing to alter your plans and make a big change.  For me, that meant switching continents, leaving Asia for Africa.  Arriving in Cape Town, I felt my sense of curiosity revitalized.  Also, prioritize your trip so you’re tackling the most strenuous physical activities early, when you are still running on adrenaline and excitement

Do you have any travel regrets?

I didn’t buy a RTW plane ticket because I wanted the freedom to move at my own pace, however by spending more time in certain cities or countries than I initially planned, I ran out of funds to see most of South America.  I don’t regret my decision because I found a slower pace of travel to be more enjoyable, however I do wish I’d seen Peru, Bolivia and Brazil!

How have your views on life and work changed?

In a few ways.  Through Couchsurfing experiences, I learned how people pride themselves on being good hosts, and realized there is a lot more I can do to make travelers lives a little easier when I am in a position to host again.  Writing for my blog went from a way to keep a journal online to a mini-business that netted me enough money to travel an extra few months.  My online presence earned me my first paid freelance travel writing job, and more recently, the opportunity to travel back to Colombia and get paid for it!  Suddenly, the prospect of returning to a cubicle in a traditional office environment seems ludicrous.

Did you feel you were taking a risk financially or career wise by traveling long term? How do you fell about it now?

I definitely knew I was taking a big risk on both accounts, however I knew, deep down, the rewards would be worthwhile.  While my parents were very much against it at first, many other friends and former coworkers expressed envy and support for my decision.  Today, I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished, both in terms of my travel experience and my blog.  When I receive e-mails from people who say they were inspired by what I’ve done, it reminds me not to take it all for granted.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m focused on trying to write as much as possible, both for my own blogs and others.  Ideally, I will turn my passion for blogging and travel into a full time business which will allow me to sustain myself wherever I choose to live – be in in the USA or abroad.  In the short term, I will be looking for new media, online marketing, or travel-related work in New York City.