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 Lynne. She blogs at Wander Your Way.
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.
I’m a 53 year old, single, Gen-x woman who didn’t leave the US until I was 39. Not even to Canada or Mexico! But that first trip to Spain solidified what I knew in my heart — that I was a wanderer, an explorer. I always knew that I wanted to travel the world. And that trip proved it.
I’m a travel planner specializing in Europe. And I’m a photographer and blogger as well. I’ve also begun writing guides to specific places in Europe. So to sum it up, I’m addicted to travel and want to build my travel empire so that I can encourage and help others travel too. Especially to Europe!
I think my earliest memory is when I was about 4 or 5. My family traveled to Carolina Beach in North Carolina with another family. I remember sitting on the beach, close to the surf, playing in the sand and a large wave crashing over me. I had salt water and sand in my ears, up my nose, in my mouth. But it didn’t deter me from loving the beach and the sea. I remember having a fun time on that family vacation!!
In spring 2018 I went to Ireland and North Wales. That was my 6th trip to Ireland but my first trip to Wales. I love Ireland. And Wales was great!
For me Ireland is a combination of the beautiful and diverse landscape mixed with the incredible people. I’m not sure that I could pick a best thing that I did. One thing that I thoroughly enjoyed was walking up Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park. I met a wonderful Irish hiking group who I shared tea with after the hike. The best thing I did in Wales was probably watching the sun set at Rhosneigr on Anglesey with my friend. It was just beautiful!
Why? Best holidays are hard to choose. But in 2011 I took off for what was kind of a fateful trip. I had quit my county government job in Colorado and moved back with my parents in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was 45. I just needed to live the life I wanted. So I took off for a little over 3 months.
I went to Turkey for a few weeks with a friend. Then traveled on — alone — to Santorini, Venice, Vicenza, Valpolicella and the Dolomites of Italy. Then I went back to Turkey for another month. I loved everywhere I went and I knew that I was meant to be location independent.
One of my biggest accomplishments is walking the 96 mile West Highland Way in Scotland in 2017. I’ve always wanted to undertake a long distance trail such as the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. But that felt too long for a first try at it.
When I read about the West Highland Way I thought that is seemed a reasonable length to tackle. And so I did it! I walked on my own most days and had places to stay each night. It was definitely a life changer for me as my mom had passed away just 2 years before I made this walk.
It was a good way for me to be alone, in nature, with thoughts and memories. It helped me grieve. In fact, on the 5th day — the longest day at 19 miles — I had a bit of a breakdown and just sobbed. I miss my mom so much and that feeling of loss hit me at that moment like a ton of bricks. But I felt her with me and kept walking, my tears drying in the wind of Rannoch Moor.
Ugghh….so hard to choose. While I love Ireland, I think Castelrotto (also called Kastelruth) in Northern Italy might be my favorite. It’s in the Alto Adige region — also called the Südtirol. And it’s more Germanic than Italian. But the Parco Naturale Sciliar-Catinaccio, one of the Dolomite parks, is right there. And I’m a mountain gal at heart.
Hike! Or if you go in winter you can ski, snowboard, cross country ski. Actually you can also cycle or mountain bike too. But I love to hike so that’s what I enjoy. There are some charming little mountain towns to explore and some great roads for drives. The scenery is amazing so bring your camera!
I am firmly a solo traveller. Probably because I am working as I travel. I like to be able to do what I want, when I want.
My Nikon DSLR. I have been photographing since I was 15 so I feel like my camera is another appendage!
Be an explorer. Be curious. Don’t be afraid to go off the tourist track. I think the more curious we are, the more we discover. We immerse ourselves into that culture, making connections that lead to a better understanding of our world and its people. We open our eyes, minds and hearts. And I believe these are the memories that stick with us. So put your explorer hat on and go discover!
Can I have 3? New Zealand, Japan and Norway — way north in Norway like the Lofoten area.
My website is Wander Your Way
I’m most active on Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Thank you, Lynne , for sharing your fascinating adventures 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 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
