I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section earlier this year to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Valerie Wilson, a travel blogger based in Los Angeles, USA. She blogs at Trusted Travel Girl .
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 am originally from Saratoga Springs, New York but now I live in Los Angeles. My non-stop traveling came out of two life disasters. The first was being really ill with chronic Lyme Disease for a number of years, unable to do anything. Even showering was exhausting. When I started to get my strength back, I wanted to take every opportunity I could, not knowing when I would be too sick to function again. I still deal with and manage it, but not to the extent that I used to.
The other thing that sprung up my need for travel was a random trip after a terrible breakup during that same time. I felt as though I needed to get as far away as possible in a cliched Eat Pray Love kind of way. I didn’t find closure or an Indian ashram, but I began to find myself and my confidence, and that was worth chasing.
I wasn’t always traveling the globe, but I was always traveling. I’ve been a member of American Airline’s Frequent Flier program since I was 1. I would say my first travel memory would be flying on a plane with my mom to meet my dad in some other city when he was on a work trip. We did that pretty often, but I actually remember that and looking at the planes from the airport windows.
3. Where was your last holiday?
Holiday? What is that? I travel for work now so I don’t consider it a holiday. My last trip was to the Dominican Republic last week for a press trip. In two weeks I fly back to Thailand.
I went to this incredible place called Monkey Jungle. Sustainable and responsible tourism are such hot topics now and this place was a super responsible tourist attraction. We got to play with and feed squirrel monkeys and they crawl all over you and sit on your head. It was great. But the best part is, how the monkey interactions and other tourist activities offered are actually supporting an on-site medical clinic that helps tons of locals get medicine and care they need for free.
Any of the many times I have visited Italy. I love that country so much. Who doesn’t love Italy?
Hmmm.. such a tough one. Although Rome & Capri in Italy are two of my favorite places, I am in love with Cuba and an island in the Philippines called Palawan. Everyone should go visit there now before it becomes even more touristy. I’ve never met more incredibly nice, genuinely kind people.
Island hopping & SCUBA diving!
8. Who is your favourite travel companion/s?
Myself!
9. Name one item you must have when travelling.
Bose noise cancelling headphones
10. Your best travel advice?
Just go! You can always figure it out once you get there. Booking the trip is usually the scariest part.
11. The one place you want to visit before you die?
Tibet.
12. How can people connect with you?
Blog: www.TrustedTravelGirl.com
Instagram: @TrustedTravelGirl
www.facebook.com/TrustedTravelGirl
Twitter: @TrustTravelGirl
Thank you, Valerie , 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.
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.
