I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section to give other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to April, a travel blogger based in the USA. She blogs at The Unending Journey .
I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales” , fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
My name is April and I went on my first international trip when I was 19. Nothing too exotic as it was my first time abroad. But I did fall in love with London and adored the charm of Paris. Since then, I’m always working to maximize vacation time and holidays to travel. So far, 6 continents including Antarctica are still alluding me. But, it’s definitely on my bucket list. Through my travels, I’ve developed a love of photography that I’m constantly working on improving. And, experiencing new cultures is what defines traveling.
Getting to see the world through a new point of view, a new mind set, really makes you reflect inwardly about yourself. Through travel, you discover what’s most important. And, if I’m short on time, I’ll be exploring the natural beauty of the US on the trails.
Having taken three years of French in high school, I was confident in my ability to get around Paris with no issue. I kept telling myself that everything would be in French. Well, I got off the train and EVERYTHING WAS IN FRENCH! The announcements. The billboards. Conversations. Cue the mild panic attack. Happily, I’ve gotten much better with coping with foreign languages on my travels.
My last big holiday was two weeks in Vietnam followed by 3 days in Cambodia exploring Angkor Wat. Vietnam is such a beautiful country – the people, the landscape, the culture. There are so many layers and spending 2-3 weeks there barely scratches the surface. I can’t wait to go back!
That’s hard to say. There are so many incredible things to do and see in that region. I’m going to have to go with two things. The most memorable and unique was trekking in Phong Nha National Park to the world’s third largest cave, Hang En. Fording rivers, dealing with leeches, camping in the cave, and exploring the cave….it was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. But, realizing a lifelong dream of going to Angkor Wat was simply sublime (despite the humidity). Those temples! Three days was not enough time.
My three-week trip to Peru and Chile. I don’t want to sound corny, but it was just one of those magical trips that exceeded all expectations. On it, I was able to check off three bucket list items – Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and Patagonia. I remember standing at the famous overlook of Machu Picchu and trying to reach out and grab it. It just didn’t seem real. And, I couldn’t believe that I was there. Easter Island was life altering. I felt like I met my soulmate in a destination. This is one place I’m determined to go back to. And, the landscape of Patagonia...just unreal.
Too many to count. So, I’ll have to go with the place I’ve been to the most – London.
For me, as a lover of British history, no trip to London is complete without a visit to the Tower of London. Talk about an utterly fascinating place. But, I do love strolling along the Thames, too.
Sadly, I’ve never had a travel companion. I’ve always traveled solo. And, I’m so set in my travel ways now that I don’t think I’d make a good travel companion. Plus, I’m constantly on the go. Relaxing is what you do after a vacation.
My camera. I’m always trying to capture what I see and feel during my travels. My camera is an extension of me. Even on trails, the camera is slung around my neck. I never leave home without it.
Travel with an open mind. Too often I’ve overheard people complaining about places or cultures comparing it to what they know. I think you then miss the whole point of traveling. You need to open yourself to seeing the world through a different perspective. Appreciate what you’re seeing for what it is rather than comparing it instantly to something you know. Yes, sometimes you’re disappointed in a place. That comes with travel. But, if you’re intent with comparing everything with things in your day to day, you’ll come away more disappointed.
And, being open also means be open with your time. Don’t stick to an itinerary. Unexpected things happen on travels. Go with the flow. Sometimes the best things on a trip are those unplanned moments. Those places you discover on your own.
Only one place? I have a list miles long. Unfortunately, the more you travel, the more you want to see. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say Madagascar and Norway.
I haven’t been yet. But, South Africa is definitely on my bucket list.
I’m not sure I would call it the worst, but it was certainly the most painful. Ever dream of riding a camel in the Sahara? Me, too! Couldn’t wait. I was so excited. After 10 minutes on the camel, I couldn’t wait to get off. Talk about uncomfortable and so painful.
Feel free to email me via my website or DM me through any of my social media accounts.
Blog: The Unending Journey
Thank you, April , for sharing your fascinating travels with us!
I would love to hear about your travels too. Go to “Travellers’ Tales”, fill in the quick questionnaire and email it to me with your blog links.
Who will I feature next? I’ve got an exciting line-up ahead. Make sure you subscribe to the free newsletter so you don’t miss out on some exciting travel tales.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
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Thanks for sharing this great post!