Meet Bruna from Maps 'N Bags

Meet Bruna from Maps 'N Bags

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 Bruna, a travel blogger based in the Netherlands. She blogs at Maps ‘N Bags with her husband Frank.

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.

Read about Bruna’s travels here,

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m Bruna and I’m one half of Maps ‘N Bags travel blog. In the last 4 years, I’ve intensively traveled across Europe and South America. Now I share my findings on Maps ‘N Bags, which includes a bunch of practical travel tips, fun facts, travel guides and more!

Apart from my blog, I’m also passionate about coffee, laughing, animals, photography…Pff, this list is pretty long! Let’s just say that I enjoy life very well.

2. What is your earliest travel memory?

My mom and I went on a trip to the state where she was born in Brazil, Minas Gerais. I think I was 11 or 12. A very important part of getting to know a region is by trying the local food. So, we had some local cheese and “Doce de Leite” (Google it, it’s delicious). The problem was I ate so much I spent most of the trip back home in the toilet. It was worth it though!

3. Where was your last holiday?

It was in the Trata Mountains on the border between Poland and Slovakia. A jaw-dropping and absurdly gorgeous region.

4. What was the best thing you did there?

Hm, that’s a difficult one! Well, besides eating a lot of Polish dishes, my husband and I went hiking in the mountains. Quite an adventure, I must say! Especially because we couldn’t find much information about the trails online. So, we went on a challenging hike that lasted the whole day and almost took our lives! Seriously, it was windy and we had to walk on the edge a few times. But at the end of the day, we were happy to take a hot shower and to rest.Bruna standing in front of a house

5. What was your best holiday ever? Why?

It’s really difficult to choose only one, so I’ll just name one of them. When I went to Ireland, I spent a few days in Dublin and I realized one of my top bucket list items: to have a complete Irish experience! I wandered around the city and visited the main attractions, such as Guinness Storehouse and Trinity Library, but also went to offbeat places. Especially offbeat pubs for tourists. Those outside the Temple Bar Area, packed with locals, and that play local songs. I get goosebumps when I think about it!

Also, I shouldn’t forget to mention that I went to the Cliffs of Moher. Wow. Just wow. That’s a gift of nature for sure.

6. What is your favourite travel destination?

Phew, an easy one! It’s Amsterdam. I know it’s not fair because I’ve lived there, but I just can’t get enough of that city. The gingerbread houses, romantic canals, and atmosphere...I love it!

7. What is the one thing one must do there?

If the weather allows, go on a boat tour around Amsterdam. Seeing the city from another perspective is really interesting. Don’t worry about taking good photos, just enjoy the view.

If the weather isn’t that good, go to the Anne Frank House. It’s a moving place for sure, but it’s a symbol of the suffering of millions of people around Europe. Actually, one should visit this house no matter the weather conditions.

8. Who is your favourite travel companion/s?

My husband! We always have so much fun while traveling (and at home of course). But especially when we go somewhere new, we always find many reasons to laugh as we learn about other cultures. It’s hilarious.

9. Name one item you must have when travelling.

My camera. I simply love to take pictures so that later, when I’m back home, I can look at them and remember those moments.

10. Your best travel advice?

Be alert at all moments, but not paranoid. There are always shady people around the world waiting for tourists to put down their guard. However, if you pay attention to your surroundings, and read up on common travel scams for that region, you should be fine.

11. The one place you want to visit before you die?

Can I have the audacity to mention 3 places? So, I’ll talk about them in the order that I think they will happen.

I’d love to visit Tromso in the winter and enjoy the local atmosphere in their favorite season.

I will backpack around China and discover those majestic natural wonders spread around the country, such as the Jiuzhaigou or the Zhangjiajie National Parks.

Last but not least, I’ll spend some quality time in Samoa, swimming in those natural pools filled with vibrant-blue water.

12. How can people connect with you?

Yaay! That’s what I wanted to hear. Love connecting to like-minded people. So, I have a Facebook page which I update regularly with the best of Maps ‘N Bags. But I also have an Instagram account to fulfill my ego (who doesn’t?), besides having an awesome Pinterest travel board (full of travel tips and tricks).

Thank you, Bruna , 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.

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