1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

I’m a freelance journalist and social media consultant. I have my own travel blog in German and English www.escape-town.com and I’m part of an awesome group of people the Reiseblogger-Kollektiv.com. Besides traveling a lot and writing, I also do video and commissioned work for tourism destinations, as well as consulting for blogger relations in the tourism industry.

2.) Where is home?

My new home has been Innsbruck for almost a year now.

3.) How did you get there? Have you lived there all your life, moved there because of College or just fell in love with the city/town on one of your trips?

I was born and raised in Vienna and lived there most of my life. At the end of last summer I packed my bags and moved to Innsbruck, a choice I feel was perfect for me. I love being close to the mountains and the small city has made me feel mostly welcome over the last months. I’ve met some great people and I just feel like life won’t ever get boring living there. I do travel a lot for work, so being in Innsbruck means both catching up on work behind my desk and enjoying life at home.

4.) What does your living situation look like? Give us a brief description (city or countryside, apartment or house, messy or neat-freak, roomies, pets, plants etc.)

I live in a great apartment in an old villa just at the bottom of the Nordkette mountain range. I share it with two roommates and it’s the first time I’m living with people I didn’t know before. It’s working out great, definitely an experience everyone should consider.

5.) What’s your favorite spot in your apartment or house & why?

It’s the small garden just in front of our house. We have a picnic table and it’s overlooking the city and the river. Whenever it’s warm I take all my meals outside and enjoy the view.

6.) Do you prefer books or movies (plus what’s your favorite one)?

Movies lately, since I’ve gotten a bit lacy with reading. I like old movies with Lauren Bacall, just as much as girl flics and love dramas, that play in far away places, eg. The Constant Gardener.

7.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

That always depends on the story. Usually when I already have a story in mind I start with the photo editing and then get started on the story.

On the plane back from Mauritius.

8.) What does a perfect day in your hometown look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Do you hang out with friends or family?

Definite ly outdoors. Breakfast at home, a hiking tour (or if it’s winter a snowboarding trip to one of the surrounding mountains) in the Alps and a barbeque in our garden at night, followed by a night out in the city.

Last Sunday at Seegrube – Flying fox at 2000 metres just above Innsbruck.

9.) Name three spots in your hometown, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

1. The “Flüsterbogen” – the door arch on Hofgasse 12 can be used to transport a message from one side to the other. Very romantic ;)
2. One of the events that have recently popped up in Innsbruck: Going Deep, Bonanza or everything that takes place on Birdie – a pop-up stage that was build by students just in front of the Stadtcafe.
3. Apfelstangerl at Bäckerei Ruetz, it’s Innsbruck best hidden secret, that those apple pastries are the best.

I’m also using a hashtag on Twitter and mainly Instagram to show things that are typical for Innsbruck: #onlyinibk – everyone is invited to contribute!

10.) What’s your favorite local dish (if you have one in your country/town, please tell us which one)? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

Recently I really got the hang out of “Graukäse”, it’s an old dry type of cheese and you can eat it with fresh onion rings, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Or you make cheese dumplings out of it. The Graukäse cheese gives them a very soft and light texture.

11.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

The local milk I buy cost 89cents and petrol I hardly ever get to buy because I don’t own a car. It’s around 1,40 though.

12.) Where are you right now, on which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture)?

I’m on a plane back to Frankfurt coming from Mauritius and I’m typing this on my much beloved Macbook.

13.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

When I first read this question before I started to answer the questionnaire this song “Home is when ever I’m with you…” by Edward and the Magnet Zeros came to my mind and it’s been stuck there since. I guess home is a place where I have my friends around and my family is at least within phone reach. It’s also a place where I can truly relax and adapt the surroundings to my likings, eg. I love to put stuff up on the walls, memories, ideas, etc.

Home is where my friends are crazy enough to go snowboarding with me in summer.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio
#16: Lea Hajner

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

I was fortunate enough to live some abroad experiences before becoming an adult. From then on, I started to travel as much as I could, almost every month. Once again lucky, I lived the glorious days of European low-cost airlines that allowed me to travel as much as I could in between jobs and studies. Today, I am pretty much always on the move.

2.) Where is home?

Home is and always will be Galicia, a beautiful region in the north west of Spain, featuring more than 1000km of rough coast and a not so developed tourism industry yet. I would like to keep it like that.

3.) How did you get there? Have you lived there all your life, moved there because of College or just fell in love with the city/town on one of your trips?

I was born in Ribadeo, a lively coastal town and try to come back as much as I can to visit friends and family.

4.) What does your living situation look like? Give us a brief description (city or countryside, apartment or house, messy or neat-freak, roomies, pets, plants etc.)

At the moment, my life is spread among different places in the region although I would like to get rid of some stuff to be able to travel without any attachments. When I am home, I live between my boyfriend’s and my family’s.

5.) What’s your favorite spot in your apartment or house & why?

Neither I rent or owe a house but I guess the living room is where all the social action takes place. I love to have guests and friends over.

6.) Do you prefer books or movies (plus what’s your favorite one)?

Movies. I can’t live without a daily one. Anything clever, with a good photography or OST would do. Just forget about comedies, terror, cheesy, teen or B-movies. I am more into drama, history and biographies.

7.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

It’s been just three months since I started writing at A World to Travel so I am still trying to figure out how to proceed. Anyway, I write whenever I have some spare time. Balance between travelling and writing is not easy.

Many times inspiration comes while having some tapas or right before going to sleep. An always present little notebook keeps track of those ideas waiting to become articles.

8.) What does a perfect day in your hometown look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Do you hang out with friends or family?

Getting up as early as I can (not a morning person), it would involve some outdoor activities in the afternoon before heading for some social time at the local tapas bars. Beach life is big in summer and there are endless hiking opportunities as well.

At the moment, I’ve just arrived from a Balkans trip and my bags need to be unpacked before my friends come over for dinner.

9.) Name three spots in your hometown, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

Since my hometown is tiny, I will consider the whole region.

Loving the great nature by the Atlantic; I would recommend to pay a visit to Cies islands and Baroña ruins as well as Cathedral’s beach facing the Cantabric sea.

10.) What’s your favorite local dish (if you have one in your country/town, please tell us which one)? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

Unluckily without mastering the art at all; I could still try to prepare some seafood and empanada, a tasty dish consisting in a cooked pastry filled with anything you can imagine!

11.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

Milk can be priced as low as 0,50€ and petrol would be 1,40€ per liter.

12.) Where are you right now, on which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture)?

At the moment I am at my boyfriend’s, writing on my laptop and barefoot. Smart phone, though, is not far away and keeps distracting me more than it should.

13.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

Not having to pack and unpack every day; the awkward necessity of cooking sometimes and a warm welcome from friends and family whenever I come back!

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Bird
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

Hi! I’m Ashley. I’m 22-year old American originally from Michigan. The first time I traveled without my parents was on a month-long trip to Ecuador when I was 15. We hiked the Andes, roasted guinea pigs on a stick and built a house from the ground up for Habitat for Humanity… after that I was addicted to travel!

2.) When did you decide to hit the road? Was it hard to take that step? What preparations and arrangements did you have to make during the planning period?

After graduating from university last May I immediately left to spend the summer in Paris with the French family I work for every summer. A few days before my departure back to the U.S., an opportunity to stay in France with another family arose, so I went home, sorted out visa issues and returned to France as possible.

3.) Where & how do you celebrate Christmas?

Even though I travel quite a bit these days, I have somehow made it home for Christmas every year (though I rarely make it back for Thanksgiving, unfortunately!) Back in Michigan our Christmas’ are quite traditional; they involve a roaring fire, lots of food and wine and if we’re lucky a blanket of snow outside.

4.) How do you stay in touch with family and friends? Do you write postcards?

I love to email and I Skype with my family a few times a week.

5.) Are you planning on traveling for the rest of your life or would you like to settle down sometime (by settling down we mean finding a place to come home to)?

Someday I would ideally like to have a homebase but a job that allowed me to travel frequently… fingers crossed!

6.) If you could choose one city/country for living, which one would it be? Please give us a little explanation (weather, people, etc.).

I’ve spent two summers in Spain and it’s definitely my happy place: kind, good-humored people, balmy weather, delicious tapas and ham, miles and miles of sea coast, Moorish architecture and a language I can actually speak… for me it’s perfect!

7.) Where are you right now and how did you get there?

I’m at home in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where I live with a French family and work as their English tutor and au pair.

8.) Travelling is expensive … so how do you get from A to B?

My flight costs are almost always covered because most of my trips have been work-related. But when I do have to book a flight, I religiously check flight websites until I can find a good deal and fly lots of budget airlines like Ryanair and Easy Jet.

9.) Do you use a travel guide (Lonely Planet, etc.)? If so, please tell us which one … if not, why?

I do use travel guides- at the moment I have Lonely Planet Europe, Frommer’s France and Knopf Mapguide: Paris. I like travel guides in order to brief myself on a country’s history, customs and major sites before venturing there; I find I get more out of a trip if I’m already somewhat aware of the culture. I build a loose skeleton of an itinerary before leaving, but often completely change my plans once I’m there- you never know who you’ll meet or what will happen!

10.) What does a perfect day on your trip look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Are you in a city or in the middle of nowhere?

My perfect day would involve waking up, doing something active like skiing or hiking, enjoying some really delicious local food and then chilling out for a few hours before going out to a bar, pub or restaurant- in my eyes the nightlife is an essential part of any travel experience.

11.) Name three spots from your last adventure, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

My last trip was to Istanbul, Turkey, where I stayed with my cousin who lives there. Here are a few great local places on the Asian side of the city:

1. Çınaraltı – Turkish food served in the style of Korean barbecue. Lively atmosphere, strong drinks, delicious meat and reasonable prices.

2. Namli – One of the city’s best delicatessen’s and a great spot to grab brunch.

3. Monc – A laid-back, live-music rock bar with lots of incredible local bands.

12.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

I write rough drafts and then let them ferment for a few days or preferably weeks. Then I come back and overhaul them with edits.

13.) What’s your favorite local dish? Where does it come from? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

My favorite local dish in France is boudin noir, which is the French equivalent of black pudding. It’s easy to cook- just buy it at the butcher and fry it like a normal sausage.

14.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

I’m not honestly sure because I don’t buy either… but everything is pricey in France!

15.) On which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture )?

I’m writing this on my brand-new Macbook Pro (my first Mac, I love it!) and I’m actually not wearing any shoes.

16.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

Home is wherever my family is! I miss them a lot when I’m gone but I always know they will be there when I come back.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

I’m a 24 year old Dutchman, stuck between the United Kingdom, Netherlands & China. I only really started travelling when I left high school at 18. Backpacked through China for a year, worked in China for a year, and took up my university studies in the UK, before setting off to do my own things (i.e. travel & be funemployed). Have been a professional expat for 6 years now, and have not managed to quit.

2.) When did you decide to hit the road? Was it hard to take that step? What preparations and arrangements did you have to make during the planning period?

I started with a ‘simple’ backpacking trip on my own. I booked a flight, packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and was on my way. Somehow it really wasn’t that tough.
 And if my 18 year old self could travel through Asia alone, any wisdom gained along the way must surely rub off on future trips. I feel preparation and planning can easily ruin a great adventure. They also sell toothbrushes overseas.

3.) Where & how do you celebrate Christmas?

With my family in the Netherlands, or with my girlfriend in the UK. But always with people I love.

4.) How do you stay in touch with family and friends? Do you write postcards?

I haven’t the discipline and decency to send nearly enough postcards. I’ve always found travelling a very personal experience, and normally go off the radar for weeks on end, whilst on the road. In fact, I’d say I’m pretty bad at staying in touch. But email, twitter, facebook & Skype are normally the first beacons of communication I use when I resurface.

5.) Are you planning on traveling for the rest of your life or would you like to settle down sometime (by settling down we mean finding a place to come home to)?

I would like to settle down, but not for another few years/decades. I now consider London to be my home base, until moving on to the next city. My travels normally consist of slightly longer periods in the same place, and that suits me, for now.

6.) If you could choose one city/country for living, which one would it be? Please give us a little explanation (weather, people, etc.).

I’d have to go with Shanghai. Despite the smog and general unhealthiness of the city, it exudes an air of excitement and opportunity I have yet to find anywhere else. And the food is exquisite. As are the people.

7.) Where are you right now and how did you get there?

In London. I landed here after my degree in Political Economy at Birmingham, mostly because the people closest to me moved here. And my (British) girlfriend is here for her university degree. 
I’m running a startup in London, but there’s a good prospect I may move again next year. Figuring out where the people you love prefer spending their time has become a litmus test for where to go next.

8.) Travelling is expensive … so how do you get from A to B?

Budget airlines, crash on couches, and combine work with pleasure. And if all else fails, just hitchhike or borrow a bicycle (although for a Dutchman, I’m exceptionally bad at the latter).

9.) Do you use a travel guide (Lonely Planet, etc.)? If so, please tell us which one … if not, why?

I used to, far more than I do today. I’ve found social media to be a superior source for travel tips. However, Rough Guides and Lonely Planets are still solid authorities on how to make the most out of your time travelling. 
Then again, just setting off, without a plan, has proven to be the most fun and rewarding, time and time again.

10.) What does a perfect day on your trip look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Are you in a city or in the middle of nowhere?

I’d be in Asia, out of the city, with great company, food, drink and sights. It would probably be spring, as it would be too hot otherwise, and I would most definitely spend the day outside. Whether I’d be at the beach, or in the desert, as long as I’m surrounded by nice people and good food, I’m sure I’ll be fine. :)
Perhaps hit up Dunhuang for some stunning desert views, sled down some sand dunes, stroll along the Crescent Lake and cool down in the Mogao Caves.

11.) Name three spots from your last adventure, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

London (I tried to stick to 3 spots, but got carried away…):

1) East London:  You can still get proper jellied eels here, as well as exceptionally friendly (and hard to understand) locals. A few areas in East London have been somewhat gentrified, but several (Hoxton, Bethnal Green) still retains much of their original charm and character.
Take the Dockland Light Railway (DLR) towards the Thames Barrier Park & London City Airport to get a glimpse of Canary Wharf and the Docklands. Cheap ride with stunning views along the Thames.

2) Markets: Borough, Columbia Road, Brockley, Billingsgate, Brick Lane, Broadway, Covent Garden, Spitalfields – just to name a few. All offer different views of the unique combinations and contradictions that define London. Pick up some excellent Monmouth coffee on Borough Market, a rabbit for a roast in Brockley, fresh cut flowers on Columbia Road, vintage Beatles t-shirt on Brick Lane, or some oysters at Broadway.

3) Regent’s Canal: the cafes and restaurants along this canal are some of the best in the East End. With canoeists paddling by, enjoy a coffee and the best view of the East London hipsters whizzing by on their bikes.

4) St James’s Park: despite this spot being in every guide book, it remains an all-time favourite. Have a picnic in the park on Sunday, spot the rarest birds taking a dip, and feed the squirrels of course. Definitely a classic guide book choice, and for a very good reason. Buckingham Palace and Westminster are just around the corner.

5) Late night openings at London museums/galleries: some of London’s most famous sights remain open till late. There really is nothing quite like snooping around the Natural History Museum after-hours. Most venues have talks, live music, drinks/snacks, and remain free..

Walk everywhere. The Underground is a great experience, but you risk missing out on the amazing sights and atmosphere you’d experience walking down London’s streets. Pick up an A-Z Map and you’ll be well on your way.

12.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

With work being a tad busy, I have to write blog posts on the go (on my phone mostly). I tend to tweet a lot more than I blog, as it provides me with more interaction and more free time. I have started drafting blog posts and tweets recently, which has resulted in better work and more refined thoughts. It’s hard to do that though, especially with very current topics…

13.) What’s your favorite local dish? Where does it come from? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

It’s very hard to beat a full English breakfast. Definitely not the healthiest option, but the undisputedly best way to start a Saturday/Sunday. I prefer my eggs poached, bacon crispy, and hash browns, mushrooms and baked beans on the side. Sausages and black pudding are not indispensable for me, but are great additions. As are grilled tomatoes or bubble and squeak.
This is such a classic hearty meal, that it’s become the daily staple of many hardworking/boozy Londoners. I’m not very good at cooking it, but the main ingredients are widely available.

14.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

Approximately £0.80 ($1.25/€1) for 1L of milk & £1.30 per litre of petrol

15.) On which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture )?

My 2008 white MacBook, barefoot! I’m currently working from home
(in my living room or on our tiny balcony), on a laptop that has served me well for over 4 years. Bought in Hong Kong and still runs like a charm. I’m normally barefoot around the house, and with the London summer starting just in time for the Olympics, I can wear my flip-flops more often as well.

16.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

The more I travel, and the more time I spend abroad and away from my family, the less I know where,when or how to expect to come ‘home’. I’ve noticed I’m starting to feel ‘at home’ in places that seem entirely unrelated to where I’m from, who I think I am, or what I think is important in my life. Increasingly, I find myself ‘at home’ out of my house, with people I didn’t know a few years ago, and in a language I didn’t grow up in.
Home is not a place, it’s a state of mind.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

I’m Edna, a 23-year-old American and serial expat. Since first moving abroad at 18, I’ve lived in China, Singapore, and Paris; and traveled extensively through Asia and Australia. I can’t remember a time where I didn’t love traveling – I went on my first international flight at nine months old and have been hooked since.

2.) When did you decide to hit the road? Was it hard to take that step? What preparations and arrangements did you have to make during the planning period?

The first time I moved abroad was in 2008, when I spent almost a year and a half in China. In 2010, two weeks after graduating, I left the US for good and moved to Singapore on a whim. Neither move was hard at all and I made very little plans: I set up online banking to pay my bills from overseas, and gave my mom power of attorney.

3.) Where & how do you celebrate Christmas?

It’s different every year. In China I celebrated with friends and a large dinner. In Singapore I celebrated only with my fiancé and a picnic in the Botanical Gardens. In Australia I spent the day with one of my best friends and his family. However, no matter where I am, I always make sure to Skype my family at home on Christmas Day.

4.) How do you stay in touch with family and friends? Do you write postcards?

I use Google Voice and Skype, and I always send a postcard to my parents from each city I visit. But they also “stay in touch” with me by checking my twitter account. I’m not the greatest at calling and emailing but I always update my twitter, so that’s how they stay up to date on my adventures and make sure I’m alive.

5.) Are you planning on traveling for the rest of your life or would you like to settle down sometime (by settling down we mean finding a place to come home to)?

I’d like to settle down eventually, though not until my 30s. Even then, I’ll probably still travel quite often from wherever my home base is.

6.) If you could choose one city/country for living, which one would it be? Please give us a little explanation (weather, people, etc.).

Shanghai. It’s my second home; I love everything about the city. My parents are from Shanghai so I’ve spent nearly every summer there since I was born. I understand the dialect, I know the neighborhoods, I adore the food, and the city never fails to thrill me.

7.) Where are you right now and how did you get there?

Paris. I flew here on a long, long flight from Sydney.

8.) Travelling is expensive … so how do you get from A to B?

In Asia it wasn’t too expensive thanks to all the budget airlines – I once got a roundtrip flight to Borneo for 48 USD! For my more expensive trips, some were covered by work, and others were booked using frequent flyer miles. And for the rest, like US-Australia, I just had to bite the bullet and charge it to my credit card.

9.) Do you use a travel guide (Lonely Planet, etc.)? If so, please tell us which one … if not, why?

I do – usually Lonely Planet or Wikitravel – to get an idea of a place. I’m super flexible, but I like to at least create a bare-bones skeleton of an itinerary first. I might follow it, I might not, but I like to have somewhere to start and letting the rest of the trip change or fall into place from there.

10.) What does a perfect day on your trip look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Are you in a city or in the middle of nowhere?

My perfect day would involve lots of food, preferably an athletic activity (bicycle tour, rock climbing, anything adventurous), and good weather. Spring or fall is ideal. I’m definitely a big city girl, but I also enjoy places full of natural beauty (like the islands of Thailand or the rice fields of Bali).

11.) Name three spots from your last adventure, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

These might be in guidebooks anyway, but here are three of my favorite finds from my last adventure in Ireland:

1.) Number 31: The coziest B&B in Dublin.

2.) Elephant and Castle: Surprisingly amazing chicken wings and Irish breakfast, especially given its location in Temple Bar.

3.) Guinness Storehouse: I realize this is in every guidebook, but here’s a tip: time your visit so that you get to the Gravity Bar just before dusk. That way you get to enjoy your free pint while watching the sun set over the city.

12.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

I free-write, and edit as I go, usually after every few sentences. I’m a perfectionist though, so the constant editing means I’ll spend hours writing and rewriting a post before I finally hit publish.

13.) What’s your favorite local dish? Where does it come from? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

Too many to choose from, though pad thai and Chinese noodles are definitely in the top five. Main ingredients in both are noodles…that much I know. Obviously, I’m not the greatest cook.

14.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

Not sure since I don’t drive and I buy milk in bulk (you can buy milk in bulk in Paris!) – but I think both hover around $3.15 these days.

15.) On which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture )?

13” MacBook Air, and my trusty Chucks.

16.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

Luckily my parents and relatives have lived in the same cities my entire life, so this question has never been hard for me to answer: “Home” is where my family is. I’ll always consider Pennsylvania and Shanghai home.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Bird
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

I am a twenty something American currently teaching English in Seoul, South Korea. I’ve been here for a little over a year and plan on leaving next February when I will embark on a long term trip starting in Southeast Asia. As a child I constantly had my nose in a book which helped me develop a curiosity about the rest of the world. When I was 12 I took my first solo trip, to London to visit a friend and from then on I was hooked. I lived abroad for the first time in my early 20s while studying in Rome and it was then that I knew I’d never be able to settle down permanently in the United States.

2.) Where is home?

Home is kind of a strange concept for me right now. I spent my first 22 years living in Michigan but have bounced around between Rome, Philadelphia, and Seoul for the last four. When my parents sold the house I grew up in and moved to Kentucky last year I was left without a true idea of what home was. But because I spent my formative years there and it shaped so much of who I am, I  think I will always consider Michigan to be my true home.

3.) How did you get there? Have you lived there all your life, moved there because of College or just fell in love with the city/town on one of your trips?

I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and raised about 30 miles away. I later returned to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. I was never really a huge fan of my home state until I moved away after graduation. Now I’m proud to be a Michigander.

4.) What does your living situation look like? Give us a brief description (city or countryside, apartment or house, messy or neat-freak, roomies, pets, plants etc.)

I currently live in an apartment in Seoul, South Korea. My employer provides housing so I didn’t get to pick the place out myself. I live in an enormous apartment complex. These are very popular in Seoul and function almost like a small community, with shops and restaurants in the courtyards between buildings. For Korean standards, my apartment is actually quite large with 2 rooms and a separate kitchen.

I live alone and am an extremely messy person, as former room-mates  will attest. I always say I’m going to keep my place cleaner, but it’s impossible.

5.) What’s your favorite spot in your apartment or house & why?

I spend most of my time in my bed because I have no other furniture and it’s one of the only places that my ethernet cord will reach.

6.) Do you prefer books or movies (plus what’s your favorite one)?

I love to read and definitely prefer books to movies. I could read all day but don’t have the attention span to watch a movie in one sitting. One of favorites is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, which actually takes place in Michigan.

7.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

I either write at school when I’m not teaching (don’t tell my boss) or at home in bed. I usually write a draft just to get it all out, take a break to clear my mind, and come back and so some serious revising.

8.) What does a perfect day in your hometown look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Do you hang out with friends or family?

The best season in Michigan is fall. The days are still warm, but not too hot, and the sun has the perfect glow to it. The perfect day is spent in Ann Arbor on a day that Michigan has a home game. The city swells with people and the atmosphere is amazing. Family and friends come together for a big tailgate with all sorts of food, beer, and lawn games. Late afternoon and early evening are spent inside the country’s biggest stadium, hopefully watching the Wolverines win.

Alternatively, it’s hard to beat a summer day spent on one of Michigan’s many lakes.

9.) Name three spots in your hometown, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

1.) BTB. This small burrito joint in Ann Arbor is extremely popular with students. Especially late night. It’s not the greatest burrito you’ll ever have but the tiny restaurant on State Street is an Ann Arbor institution and will always be a reminder of my college days. Plus, it’s the best after bar food in the city.

2.) Union Lake, in Oakland County. It isn’t as big or beautiful as the Great Lakes but it is a great taste of summer inland lake culture. People from all around bring their boats for a day of tubing, water-skiing, and cruising on the water. The sandbars are a great place to dock and take a swim, enjoy a drink, and gobble up the picnic lunch your brought.

3.) Get outside the suburbs. Most of Michigan’s population is located in the area around Detroit, but most of it’s charm is outside this densely populated and strip mall filled area. Shimmering lakes, thick forests, and endless corn fields are all waiting just a short drive away. This is my favorite way to experience Michigan on a summer evening.

10.) What’s your favorite local dish (if you have one in your country/town, please tell us which one)? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

My favorite local dish is a Coney dog. No, this dish didn’t originate in Coney Island, New York, it’s actually from Detroit (but there is an ongoing disagreement on what restaurant, Lafayette or American Coney Island first prepared a hot dog this way). A coney dog is a hot dog topped with beef chilli, onions, and yellow mustard. These are served at Coney Island restaurants, a kind of diner that also specializes in Greek food, around Southeast Michigan and are a must eat whenever I’m back in the area.

11.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

I feel a little stupid saying this but I have absolutely no idea. I don’t drive and I don’t drink milk!

12.) Where are you right now, on which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture)?

I’m in my apartment in Seoul typing on my MacBook barefoot.

13.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

When my parents moved from Michigan I was distraught thinking that everything I’d ever considered home had suddenly disappeared. My father told me then that home is not a place, it is people. A couple of years later, I realize he is correct. I’ll always be from Michigan, but wherever my family is, that is “home”.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

I’m a 24 year old British gal, currently living in London and working for gap year site, Gap Daemon. I’m also studying to become a journalist.

My love for travelling started when I was really young. Even as a little kid I would scour travel magazines and drool over all the gorgeous photos. My mum also worked abroad a lot and I loved going to the airport to pick her up – I loved the buzz and excitement from people jetting off to exciting places.

2.) Where is home?

Although I live in London, home will always be in North Wales where I grew up with my parents.

3.) How did you get there? Have you lived there all your life, moved there because of College or just fell in love with the city/town on one of your trips?

We moved there from Manchester when I was six. My parents have a beautiful house in the countryside and I love going back there whenever I get the chance. Living in London really makes me appreciate being in the countryside, having a nice big garden and being surrounded by fields and streams, rivers and forests.

4.) What does your living situation look like? Give us a brief description (city or countryside, apartment or house, messy or neat-freak, roomies, pets, plants etc.)

I live with 5 other girls in Wimbledon. I love Wimbledon because it’s so close to central London but it has a village feel with nice bars, cafes, restaurants and the huge Wimbledon Common where I like to for long walks. Our house is quite big with a nice big garden and it’s lovely at the minute because we have daffodils and snowdrops sprouting up.

I’m not the tidiest person in the world but fortunately my housemates are so during the week it is nice and tidy. The weekend is a completely different matter when we have friends to stay and do lots of cooking.

5.) What’s your favorite spot in your apartment or house & why?

Definitely the kitchen. I’m pretty bad a cooking but I love giving it a go and this is the room where we all congregate, have a glass of wine and chat about our day. It’s always really warm in the kitchen too so it’s a nice place to be on a cold winters day.

6.) Do you prefer books or movies (plus what’s your favorite one)?

Definitely books because you can add a little bit of your own personality to the story. I have loads of favourite books but some of my faves are Shadow of the Wind, Great Expectations, The Time Travellers Wife and The Beach by Alex Garland which first inspired me to travel when I was about 11.

7.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

I usually get an idea at the most inconvenient time, like just before I fall asleep, but I have to get up and write it down in rough or I can’t get to sleep. I prefer to write things the old fashioned way with a notepad and pen – I find everything flows a bit better this way. I’m also getting better at writing stuff on the train. I spent over an hour every day on the tube so I try to make the most out of that time and get some writing done.

8.) What does a perfect day in your hometown look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Do you hang out with friends or family?

I actually love every season. Spring is beautiful when the blossom comes out and there are little lambs hopping around all the fields. I love the summer when it’s warm and sunny and the fields are filled with corn as high as your head and I have BBQ’s with my friends next to the river.

The autumn is the best season for going for long walks in the forest when every tree is a different colour and then I love to get wrapped up warm in the winter and sit by the fire.

I like to be outside as often as I can and I split my time between friends and family.

9.) Name three spots in your hometown, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

1.) Amber Lounge: This is a bar in Chester and is one of my favourite. It’s in one of Chester’s oldest buildings so there’s lots of little cave like rooms and bigger spaces where DJs play.

2.) Telford’s Warehouse : A bar/restaurant/club next to the canal in Chester and is great for food, drinks or a full on party.

3.) The Crocky Trail: This is meant to be a kid’s day out but it’s so much fun I still go with my friends now. It’s one of the only places that hasn’t been hit by health and safety rules and it’s a ridiculously muddy, swampy path that leads through the forest. There are ropes and swings and obstacle courses but the main attraction is a 30ft mud slide. It’s a great day out but expect to go home with a bruise or two!

10.) What’s your favorite local dish (if you have one in your country/town, please tell us which one)? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

I think hotpot is a good old fashioned northern dish and my housemates and I used to cook this all the time when we were in uni and running low on money. We’d basically get all the leftovers from the fridge, stick a tin of corned beef in it, a few cubes of vegetable stock then boil it up in a pot and a few hours later you’ve got a hotpot!

11.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

I have no idea. Too much. I’m not much good at stuff like that. I know it costs me £45 to fill my car and about £30 for a weekly shop but I barely ever look at the individual prices of things. This is probably where I should mention that I’m rubbish at budget backpacking!

12.) Where are you right now, on which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture)?

I’m on the train right now on my way home from work at Gap Daemon. I’m typing on my iPad and I’m wearing a snuggly pair of Ugg boots. They’re new so they’re still all soft and fluffy – perfect for keeping my toes warm during the horrible British winter.

13.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

Home is the place I go to when I need to relax. It’s where my mum and dad are always waiting with open arms. Where the fridge is filled with all my favourite food (and wine). Where there’s a cozy blanket on the sofa that I can curl up under for as long as I want. It’s where my dog is always waiting for me, ready to greet me like I’m the most important person in the world.

Home for me is a place filled with happy memories of growing up climbing trees, riding bikes, camping in the garden, making dens under the dining room table, having sleepovers with my friends and drunkenly sneaking into the house in the early hours of the morning.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

Me, better known as The Riding Dutchman, has been riding a long time! I grew up in The Netherlands in Europe and had many countries to my disposal. When I was younger my parents would always roadtrip to France with us, a country I think now I know best after my home country. When I was in college I had the opportunity to work and live in Malaysia for five months. This is where my true passion showed itself. I’ve travel around Asia so much it feels more like home than the many crossable borders on my home continent. It was after this I realized I wanted to make travel my life goal, learning about other cultures and being inspired by the rest of the world!

2.) Where is home?

I live in the suburbs of Rotterdam, The Netherlands right now. Always trying to travel as much as possible, for which Rotterdam is a pretty central location. Though I would love to move to a metropolis someday!

3.) How did you get there? Have you lived there all your life, moved there because of College or just fell in love with the city/town on one of your trips?

I grew up in the city area of Rotterdam until I was 15 years old. Increased crime rates and bigger housing dreams caused my parents to move out. Naturally, I followed. Age 22, I still live with my parents for a while, until I can travel somewhere my heart grows fond of!

4.) What does your living situation look like? Give us a brief description (city or countryside, apartment or house, messy or neat-freak, roomies, pets, plants etc.)

I’m currently living in the suburbs. A quiet and peaceful area near a small but beautiful lake, the wonder of the surroundings making up for a lack of activities. When I’m walking outside, sometimes I get the ghost town creeps from the abandoned streets, but there is always an amazing photo shot or story to find!

5.) What’s your favorite spot in your apartment or house & why?

The kitchen is where all the favorites are at, so that makes it the favorite spot! I’m a big food-fan and I love cooking. Pretty good at Asian dishes if I may say!

6.) Do you prefer books or movies (plus what’s your favorite one)?

Movies! Although I’m a big reader myself too. My favorite movie is Fight Club. I love the aspect of how everybody is on an Ikea-run to get their home to feel like home but in reality, all we need is to be stimulated to feel alive! In this case by a fight club, I just love to travel. That definitely makes you feel adventurous and alive!

7.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

I always drink a cup of tea before I write an article! Then, I sit in my room, consider what I want to write and write it. I keep using photos to recreate that memory of how a certain place made me feel. Recreating the inspiration is really important to put a good feel into my posts!

8.) What does a perfect day in your hometown look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Do you hang out with friends or family?

A perfect day in my hometown is in the hot summer. Everybody is outside grabbing a beer on the many outside terraces. People are happy and since our municipality has a Rotterdam Green Program, there is a lot of nature to be found in right in the concrete jungle.

Winter is nice too for the beauty of it, but very cold!

9.) Name three spots in your hometown, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

1.) Southside Rotterdam (Vreewijk & Beijerlandselaan): This area might be a little dodgy but during the day you’ll be perfectly fine. It’s home to great multicultural food and architecture, some older houses and peaceful neighborhoods along water filled trenches.

2.) The Maersk Building: Featured in Jackie Chan’s Who Am I, this piece of architecture is world famous. You can’t slide off of it like Chan did but the boulevard is home to every flag of every nation on the world.

3.) Noordereiland: Called the Roosevelt Island of Rotterdam it looks very much the same. Except it’s one of the oldest areas that survived the WWII bombings. Great pubs are everywhere and people have a friendly island mentality that is unique for this city!

10.) What’s your favorite local dish (if you have one in your country/town, please tell us which one)? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

Kapsalon! This dish was invented in my hometown by a Turkish kebab place. They were making kebab and fries for a hairdresser (in Dutch: kapsalon), and the hairdresser would mix the kebab with the fries and eat it like that. After a while the restaurant decided to put it on the menu and now every kebab house in Rotterdam has the kebab with fries, salads and cheese Hairdresser!

11.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

1 liter of petrol costs € 1,76. Milk is around € 0,80, depending on the place you buy it at.

12.) Where are you right now, on which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture)?

No shoes but socks! Unfortunately my camera is in my car, but I am writing on my laptop in the very definition of suburbia. Quiet, peaceful, all I hear is the sound of my heater blowing warm air in these cold days when nobody is outside. How I can’t wait for the summer!

13.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

Home is where you can be yourself! Home is the place where you hold your heart close to, where you can do the things you want to do in the freedom you require. I never called these suburbs my home. The busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, or the dodgy neighborhoods of a lesser known Rotterdam. That’s what I call home, because that’s where I am who I am, without pretending. That’s where people accept who you are, without pretending. To me, that’s the very definition of home.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

I’ve never not loved to travel. It’s always been a question of when and where, not if. My first trip overseas was as a chubby one year-old baby to Bordeaux in France where friends of my parents were staying. (I’m the dark haired baby and the blonde baby girl next to me is now one of my best friends and was the flat mate I left behind when I left London.)

 2.) When did you decide to hit the road? Was it hard to take that step? What preparations and arrangements did you have to make during the planning period?

My boyfriend, who I call NewMan, and I made the decision to leave our lovely London lives to go travelling long-term in the summer of 2011, though we’d been discussing it for many months before. It was much harder to make the decision to go than anything else because we had great lives in London and it’s where my family and friends live. Yet once the decision was made, preparing to leave was comparatively easy. It was simply a matter of maximizing the time we had by planning our journey, packing up what we needed and selling or donating what we didn’t. The hardest part was saying goodbye to our friends and families and I found leaving my flat and suburb of West London, Shepherd’s Bush (which I used to blog about) very hard.

3.) Where & how do you celebrate Christmas?

One of the reasons we went travelling was because NewMan is from Australia. So spending Christmas with his Mum and brother was long overdue and was the focal point of our trip, especially for me as I’ve never met his mother before! So for Christmas Day we were on the North Coast of New South Wales in Australia in the sunshine. We swam and played in his Mum’s pool, had not one but two BBQs and played Trivial Pursuit as we drank ice cold beer. It was a great Christmas and I think I passed in her eyes!

4.) How do you stay in touch with family and friends? Do you write postcards?

Skype truly does make 10,000s of miles disappear and I speak to my nearest and dearest at home online fairly regularly. There is also of course Facebook, Twitter and emails. But yes I do write postcards. I love writing postcards and have been told many, many times on this trip how lovingly they have been received so I will always continue to do so.

5.) Are you planning on travelling for the rest of your life or would you like to settle down sometime (by settling down we mean finding a place to come home to)?

At the moment we have an end date for our current trip (March) and after a brief period of time at my parents’ place reminding them why they shouldn’t miss us so much, we will head off again on an as yet undecided journey with no end date. But, yes, one day I do think I would like to settle down somewhere, the problem is I don’t yet know where; I’m still searching…

6.) If you could choose one city/country for living, which one would it be? Please give us a little explanation (weather, people, etc.).

With reference to my last answer the problem isn’t so much that I’ haven’t found what I’m looking for, it’s more the case that I can’t narrow it down. And if I’m honest I enjoy the search too much. So to answer your question I couldn’t choose just one country but I will give you one of the many countries I could easily live in, which I probably don’t need to explain; Italy. Despite their sky high bureaucratic hurdles and funny old ways of doing things Italians will always get the following right by me; food, wine, fashion, family, cars and gelato. It’s a truly beautiful country.

7.) Where are you right now and how did you get there?

I’m currently in Melbourne, Australia. This is the last stop in our month and a half long tour of my boyfriend’s home country. It’s been an adventure in all the best ways – personally, emotionally, geographically and physically. We flew in from South East Asia, where we were for two months travelling around and falling in love with Thailand.

8.) Travelling is expensive … so how do you get from A to B?

One of the key elements in our decision to go travelling long term was that we could support ourselves on the move. NewMan’s job has always allowed this (he is a web developer, and a jolly good one at that and also runs his own online business), but my career was initially less flexible. So I saved as much as I could and I prepared as much as I could for changing my career so that freelancing and remote working was possible and though we’re not rolling in money we have been able to support ourselves by working while travelling and I hope this can continue for as long as we choose it.

9.) Do you use a travel guide (Lonely Planet, etc.)? If so, please tell us which one … if not, why?

Though I’ll read them if I stumble across one, I have never bought a Lonely Planet guide. I rely primarily on word of mouth, blogs, forums and Twitter for travel advice. For me it is therefore important to ensure my blog provides valuable and honest information about what to do in places but to not bombard people with specific “How to Guides”. The best travel advice should be informative but open-ended. You should always make up your own mind when it comes to travel; it’s your journey.

10.) What does a perfect day on your trip look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Are you in a city or in the middle of nowhere?

The sun is shining and the sky is blue. As I step outside of the old town house I am staying in I fill my lungs with air that is fresh yet full with the smell of just cooked bread. I walk down a narrow, winding old alleyway, which opens up to a view of the water. I consider taking a swim, I consider continuing my walk, I consider buying some of that fresh bread but instead I stop and treasure that very moment and the freedom I feel.

The rest of the day will be spent under the sun or in the water debating equally easy decisions and photographing the world around me.

11.) Name three spots from your last adventure, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

Our last adventure has been an extended month long road trip down the east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Melbourne, stopping in Sydney for two weeks along the way. I have tried to do as much as possible in each place we stopped at and the following have stood out as places or things I enjoyed that I heard about from word of mouth or discovered for myself:

1.) Walking on the waves at Coffs Harbour.
In NewMan’s mother’s home town as we walked along the jetty and beach we could see some that some of the concrete blocks of the man made sea break in the distance were painted in bright primary colours and so we went to investigate. Little did we know that this walk along the break meant dodging the crashing waves which creep over the side and soak you as you go. It was the best unexpected fun!

2.) Hyde Park Barracks Museum in Sydney.
The history of the convicts’ arrivals in Sydney and across Australia is a fascinating one and this museum housed in a purpose built barracks for convicts artfully and tenderly captures the history and personal stories.

3.) Eden.
Eight hours south of Sydney is a small town called Eden, which was the home of whaling in Australia for 100 years until 1930s. The Eden Killer Whale Museum and a handful of beautiful old buildings dotted around the town tell a unique story, all overlooking Twofold Bay, a beautiful natural harbour.

12.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

I write wherever and whenever I can; on my phone, on a scrap of paper, on my laptop, in the notebook that never leaves my side. I’ve written blog posts on the beach, in airports and on planes, but though I make notes at the time I don’t always write up my experiences immediately. When I’m exploring a new town or sight I try not to think too much about what or how I’m going to blog about the place, but rather experience it in the moment and absorb it all and then later, sometimes as much as a month later I’ll write about what I saw and felt. Sometimes this will stay as a draft until I feel it’s the right time to publish it, but other times I just go ahead and publish immediately because I feel the story needs to be told right away.

13.) What’s your favorite local dish? Where does it come from? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

In Australia I have to say that they live up to their reputation as the home of a great brunch. Up and down the east coast I’ve not been disappointed at all by delicious eggs, crispy corn cakes and fresh, fruity Bircher museli. As to whether I can cook it all or not, well possibly not like they do I’m having fun learning some tips by taste.

14.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

I can tell you that in Australia a litre of milk costs around $2.00 Australian Dollars, which shocked me, but I have no idea what the price of a litre of petrol is this is always priced in gallons (which is roughly around $1.40).

15.) On which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture)?

I am writing this on my beloved Macbook, barefoot.

16.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

This last trip has taught me more than any other that “home” is a feeling more than a place. It is wherever you feel content and at ease with yourself and the immediate world around you. Of course, it also has a lot to do with the company you keep and in many ways a person can give you much more of a sense of home than a place or building can.

In terms of a physical place that I call home, it is and always will be London.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your passion for travelling started.

My parents are both from Ecuador but I was born in Chicago and raised in Southern California until I was about 9 and later moved to Miami. Growing up so close to National Parks like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, gave us the opportunity to do many road trips every year.  My parents found it important to travel and see nature and explore our surroundings.  So I guess that is where my passion for travelling started.  I really owe it to my parents.

Back in the days.

2.) When did you decide to hit the road? Was it hard to take that step? What preparations and arrangements did you have to make during the planning period?

Right after college I began to find an interest in photography, ironically enough I studied Engineering. I decided to do a 4-month trip throughout Europe, Northern Africa, India and Nepal. I didn’t have much of a set plan, I just went with the flow. I know now that it’s better to plan ahead, but at the time I wanted to be spontaneous and just decide where to go as I kept moving. Ever since that trip, I now make it a habit to travel the world each year.

3.) Where & how do you celebrate Christmas?

I don’t celebrate Christmas, though I enjoy the holiday for the atmosphere, if that makes sense. Growing up, my mom always had the Christmas tree in the house fully decorated. It was a nice time. But I see things a lot differently now.

4.) How do you stay in touch with family and friends? Do you write postcards?

Of course. Family and friends are important. It’s what brings you back “home”. So postcards are essential to let them you’re alive and well. But also emails and blogs seem to do the trick. I find this the most efficient way.  However, my mom would tell you she still prefers postcards.

5.) Are you planning on traveling for the rest of your life or would you like to settle down sometime (by settling down we mean finding a place to come home to)?

The answer is yes to both questions. At the moment I just moved to the Netherlands to live with my partner but I still manage to travel every year and go on long trips. So I guess it’s the best of both worlds.

6.) If you could choose one city/country for living, which one would it be? Please give us a little explanation (weather, people, etc.).

That’s a tough question. I would probably say Costa Rica. The people are some of the friendliest I’ve met, it’s never cold (though it rains a lot), and the topography allows for some fun hiking through the mountains. Spain would come in at a close second.

7.) Where are you right now and how did you get there?

I am living in the Netherlands to be with my partner. We’re planning for a 4-week trip through East Africa this summer.

8.) Travelling is expensive … so how do you get from A to B?

I always travel on a budget. I don’t stay in expensive resorts, eat at fancy restaurants, nor do I travel first class. All these extra expenses are unnecessary to me. I prefer to spend that extra money on more travelling.

9.) Do you use a travel guide (Lonely Planet, etc.)? If so, please tell us which one … if not, why?

I always use Lonely Planet. In my opinion, it has everything you need as a budget traveler.

10.) What does a perfect day on your trip look like? What season is it? Are you inside or outdoors? Are you in a city or in the middle of nowhere?

A perfect day on my trip can be either time of the year. Since I like to be outdoors and surrounded by nature, I would say hiking through mountains and waterfalls. I really feel at peace with the world when I see beauty in nature.

11.) Name three spots from your last adventure, which you’d probably not find in a guidebook but you could recommend to travellers. Tell us what’s special about them.

1.) Plitvice National Park in Croatia. 
There are so many trails and hidden gems throughout the park. The scenery is reminiscent of a scene from the movie Avatar.

2.) The fields and deserts of Mongolia. 
Talk about being in the middle of nowhere. Here you will find the definition of vastness. You will also find friendly nomads who roam the plains in search for a place to live.

3.)  Kinderdijk in the Netherlands. 
This is a beautiful getaway from Amsterdam. It’s in the farmland and contains windmills all lined up along the river. In the winter, people skate on the ice with the windmills in the backdrop. Catch this place after sunset.

12.) Where & how do you write your blog articles? Do you start with a rough draft or get right to it?

I write my blogs after I compete a trip. I’m not much of a writer but I try to describe as much in detail as possible. I usually just get right to it, though I sometimes find myself rewriting it altogether because I wrote it at 3am.

13.) What’s your favorite local dish? Where does it come from? Can you cook it & what are the main ingredients?

My favorite local dish has to be ‘Churrasco’ in Ecuador. It’s like a festival on a plate. It contains rice, meat, egg, plantain, French fries, avocado, and other salad. I’m getting hungry just writing this. And yes I can cook it.

14.) How much does 1 liter (or one gallon) of milk and petrol cost today?

Here in the Netherlands 1 liter of milk costs 0,80 € and 1 liter of petrol costs 1,60 €.

15.) On which device to you answer this questionnaire and what shoes are you wearing (if possible please add a picture )?

Love this question. I am answering this questionnaire on my iMac and I am wearing Coolman shoes.

At home wearing my Coolman shoes.

16.) Last but not least: What does “home” mean to you?

Home is where you feel at most comfortable. Everything is familiar. Home is where I can kick off my shoes and put my feet on the coffee table.

Want to be a part of this series?

If you want to be a part of our series, just go to the “Home Sweet Home” article and download the appropriate questionnaire. We’d really like to read your stories :)

Participants so far:

#1: Ulli Maier
#2: Nisa Maier
#3: Shvyia Nath
#4: Rika Huang
#5: Yvonne Zagermann
#6: Dario Endara
#7: Frankie Thompson
#8: Roy van den Bos
#9: Monica Stott
#10: Doris Neubauer
#11: Amanda Slavinsky
#12: Edna
#13: Casper Oppenhuis de Jong
#14: Ashley Abroad
#15: Inma Gregorio