I created the “Travellers’ Tales” section to give my readers and other travellers an opportunity to talk about their travels. Today I would like to introduce you to Natalie, a travel blogger based in Hamburg, Germany. She blogs at “Why She Lives to Run”.
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.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Natalie, I'm 24 years old and I studied Social Work at university. I grew up in Southern Germany but have been living in Hamburg for a little over five years now. My biggest passion apart from traveling is concerts – even though I love to combine those, I've traveled to eight different countries for shows. I am vegan and I love tattoos .
When I was 16, I went on my first big adventure which was a high school year in Canada. Even before that I always traveled a few times a year, but that was with my parents because they took us there. After that year in Canada I started traveling on my own though, and I haven't stopped ever since!
2. What is your earliest travel memory?
My parents drove to England with my sister, my brother and I. We took the ferry and stayed in this beautiful little farmhouse just outside of London. There were sheep in our backyard and every day, the farmer came to give us little bottles of milk so we could feed the lambs. That wasn't my first holiday but it's the first one I remember, I was probably about four years old.
3. Where was your last holiday?
I spent the past 18 months in Canada, the US, New Zealand and Thailand, so I guess you could call that my last holiday – even though it obviously wasn't just a big vacation. I was alone for the first few months, then my friend from university joined me and we traveled together. It was never planned, I just booked a one way flight and went from there which was the best thing to ever happen to me.
4. What was the best thing you did there?
If I had to choose one thing, it'd be the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand. It's a day hike through an active volcanic area and the views are breathtaking. It was equally amazing to live in the Canadian Rockies for seven months. I mean, I worked in housekeeping so it wasn't glamorous, but the friends I made there and the experiences I had were just incredible.
Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand
5. What was your best holiday ever? Why?
In 2014, my sister and I did a road trip through Florida and it wasn't so much where we were, but we just had the best time together and it brought us so much closer. She is my best friend and if I could go back to that holiday, I would do so in a heartbeat.
6. What is your favourite travel destination?
Canada, hands down! I spent two and a half years of my life in Canada and since 2008 I've been there almost every year because it is such a beautiful country and the people are amazing, I will always go back there.
7. What must one do there?
Explore nature! There's mountains, the ocean, endless forests, the most amazing wildlife (if you don't come across at least a bear and a moose, you're doing something wrong!) and such clear lakes. Canada has hot summers and cold winters, a beautiful spring and the most colourful fall – what more could you ask for?
Canadian Rockies
8. Who is your favourite travel companion/s?
It's not easy to travel with someone but I think the friend from university that traveled with me for over a year in Canada and New Zealand, she's as close to perfect as it gets because we are both mature enough to accept each others mistakes.
9. Name one item you must have when travelling.
Reusable water bottle. So simple, but literally the thing I used the most when I was traveling.
10. Your best travel advice?
Make a plan, but be prepared to change it.
11. The one place you want to visit before you die?
Peru! (or all of South America, really, it's the one continent I haven't been to)
12. How can people connect with you.
Blog: Why She Lives to Run
Instagram: @_shelivestorun
Twitter: @_shelivestorun
Thank you, Natalie, for sharing your fascinating travels with us! (Now, I need to go to Canada - and I would love to visit South America too)
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 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.
Such a lovely interview! I don't think I could roadtrip with my sister, we'd kill each other, and she'd never let me drive haha. Also the reusable water bottle-- SUCH a good tip. So obvious, but so easily overlooked!
Thanks Samantha . Natalie's lucky that she and her sister are best friends. I'd love to host you on this series too, sometime.