This week’s featured travel blogger is Federico Arrizabalaga of MaiTravelSite. Fede has been a world traveler since childhood and continues to explore to find places that are different and far away.

Fede, what’s your travel background?

By the age of 10 I had lived in 3 countries in two different continents and 5 cities, so I guess it was only natural that I developed a thirst to explore and learn more about our world. As a surfer I first began to explore destinations where to ride waves, and from there I moved on to explore others as well, usually as different and a far away as possible from where I was.

What’s different about your site?

I like to tell about my experiences but I also like to provide facts and information that provide value to the reader. Very soon I will be releasing a completely new version of MaiTravelSite which will be much more user friendly and provide lots of information on how to travel the world on a budget, find accommodation, choose appropriate gear, dealing with cultural differences and all aspects involved in international travel.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you traveled and how did you handle it?

On the bad side, I was once pulled out of a bus in Venezuela by the army and taken to a house where after a thorough backpack check a commander pointed his weapon at me and barked me orders to take my clothes off to see if I was carrying drugs. I was having none of it, and just as things were about to go really wrong a commander appeared and, after some brief talking, told me to get out of there and hop on the bus. It was a close call. I was also robbed while sleeping in El Salvador, which is not that bad, but 10 minutes later those of us walking around the corrugated tin housing were dodging bullets.

On the other hand, I was overwhelmed by the candid nature of people in Taiwan. This often overlooked country (or territory if you consider it so) is spectacular and home to the friendliest people in the world, hands down.

Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

Backpack, because I like to keep my hands free.

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

I don’t have a mentor or hero, but I guess that when I discovered Nomadic Matt’s blog and learned that a blog can actually make you some money my curiosity started. There are many good blogs out there, yet two I find myself checking more often are Anil Polat’s Foxnomad and Dave and Deb’s PlanetD.

What place is on your travel bucket list?

I still have to visit India, China and Russia, but I still don’t know when I’ll be visiting these countries. Maybe I’ll have a chance this year?

What is your favorite travel planning tool?

A map, and other travel blogs. I like to imagine my itinerary and get some info from people who have actually been there before, but I have also learned that it is best if I just decide on a few places I really want to visit and then improvise once I’m there. I simply learn so much more and plans constantly change anyhow. I don’t like structured trips – I like them to be flexible and have the trip adjust to me, not the other way around.

Anything to add?

Just go. Simply step out of your comfort zone and, if you can, pack something small and make your way to that place you have heard about for so long and always wanted to visit. It can be far away or just a few hours’ drive, but during the trip you’ll feel free and enjoy time like you have never before. You will feel like a discoverer, even if you’re not, and the joy of doing something new will open your mind to new possibilities. Forget about cell phones – believe it or not there was a world before them and it worked quite well. And finally, don’t be afraid – most people in the world are friendly and willing to help, despite any perception you might have.

Want to be profiled here? Then check out our post on the Travel Blogger Profile interviews and get in touch.

Want discount airport parking? Find out about our airport parking coupon here.

Most Discussion

Our most discussed posts this year were a mixture of old and new. This only looks at discussion on the blog but the first post on this list also generated good discussion and sharing on Twitter, Facebook and Google+:

• Do You Speak Brit?
• Three Travel Trends That Tick Me Off
• Six Travel Bloggers You Should Follow On Twitter
• Layover In LAX – Things To Do
• Inside Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airport
• Would You Work For Free To Save Your Company?
• Layover In JFK – Things To Do
• The Best iPhone Apps For Travelers
• Top Tools For Staying Connected
• Layover In Tampa Airport (TPA)

Made You Look – Most Viewed Posts

Again, there are perennial favorites in here as well as some new ones. In this economy, it’s no surprise that our posts on saving on travel got some attention, but people were also interested in travel trends for the year:

• International Body Language, Gestures & Manners: Don’t Be “That Guy!”
• Beat The System: Killer Priceline Tricks For Hotel Deals
• The Secret To Getting Best Travel Prices on Priceline & Hotwire: Part One
• Why Hotels Hate Priceline Guests & Other Dirty Little Secrets
• Layover In JFK – Things To Do
• Layover In LAX – Things To Do
• New Indy Park Ride & Fly Opens – Travel News
• Six Sensationally Strange Celebrations From Around the World
• The Best iPhone Apps For Travelers
• Japanese Customs, Quirks & Other Fascinating Oddities
• Luggage Trends – Interview With John Ebb Of Suitcase.com

Personal Favorites

Finally, here are a few that I enjoyed writing and you enjoyed reading too.

• Pack It Up! – Online Packing List Tools
• 20 British Expressions You Will Never Hear in the US
• Fun Facts about Valentine’s Day
• Five Fab Facebook Pages for Travelers
• The ABCs Of International Business Etiquette

I’d love to feature many more bloggers, and have already approached some people privately. But I’d like to make it a bit easier for you to be a part of this. (And, let’s face it, what’s not to like? You get to link to your blog and share your favorite travel tips, resources and anecdotes).

I’m ideally looking to interview committed travel bloggers (people who have been traveling for a while and running/contributing to a travel blog for a year or more). If this is you, then email me the answers to the questions I’m about to share, along with a photo of you (I prefer active photos rather than headshots, but any photo is better than none) at sharon at parkrideflyusa dot com.

Here are the interview questions, with some guidance on responding in brackets:

1. What’s your travel background? [I'll use some of this to introduce the feature.]

2. What’s different about your blog or site [or travel and lifestyle business} and please provide a link to it.

3. What's the most unexpected [or best or worst] thing that has ever happened to you when you traveled and how did you handle it?

4. Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

5. When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why? [You can have more than one if you like, and if there's a link to their site please provide it.]

6. What place is on your travel bucket list? Why? [and if you're making plans to go there, feel free to share]

7. What is your favorite travel planning tool?

8. Anything to add? [This is your space to share info like your top travel tip; the best advice on travel you've received; any insights – these are just ideas; feel free to think beyond them.]

I’ve enjoyed doing this series this year and have connected with some great travel bloggers as a result. My plans for this interview feature for the new year include creating a special Twitter list and Google+ circle of interviewees which I’ll promote via the usual social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Google+ ). I’d love it if you’d be a part of it.

Image: Rusty Sheriff

Nancy,  what’s your travel background?

My world travels include teaching in Egypt, directing an international cultural exchange program in the Pacific Northwest, presenting communication skills workshops in Canada and throughout the United States, consulting in Europe (France, Spain and Italy), whale watching on a small-ship cruise in Alaska’s Inside Passage and in the Galapagos Islands, and traveling in Brazil, Hong Kong, China and Ecuador.

What’s different about your blog or site?

My website, http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/wanderboomer is for active baby boomers, their friends & families.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you travelled and how did you handle it?

The most unexpected thing that has ever happened to me when traveling was discovering a kindred spirit in a most unlikely place and time in my life. I handled it as best I could . . .

Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

A journal, pen and camera because I’m a travel writer!

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

Pico Iyer is always an inspiration for his writing and his humanity as a global citizen. Beth Whitman, owner of WanderlustandLipstick.com, has been a phenomenal mentor and inspiration as an astute business owner and travel writer.

What place is on your travel bucket list? Why?

Australia and Antarctica! Then I will have been to all 7 continents.

What is your favorite travel planning tool?

I still love poring over maps and guidebooks before and after my travels.

Anything to add?

Travel with an open mind and an open heart. Treasure your travel memories.

Martina in New Zealand

This week’s featured travel blogger is Martina McAuley, whom Travelpod users will know as FlyingBat. Martina’s been traveling to various parts of the globe for 15 years. She says giving up everything to travel was one of the best decisions ever!

Martina, what’s your travel background?

I’m Irish but left Ireland in 1988 to go and live in London. I only started traveling 15 years ago. Back then, I had to make a choice between taking a promotion at work or traveling and working on my own around Europe, which I’d never done before. For me, it meant giving up my car, my job and my house in London and heading off on my own, knowing nobody and trying to get a job and accommodation in every country I went to.

Well, it was the best decision I ever made and it came down to trusting my gut instinct when making that decision. I kept coming back to Amsterdam, which is where I’m based at the moment but have gone further afield to places like America, South Africa and New Zealand. Most of my work background has been in the hospitality business, working for 20 years in bars, hotels and restaurants all over Europe but more recently I have had roles in customer service and administration. Photography is also a skill that I’m developing and my ambition is to become a freelance travel writer/photographer.

What’s different about your blog or site?

I love traveling with my heart and soul, with all its ‘ups and downs’. Writing travel blogs for me is a way, to put into words, my passion for traveling and to be able to convey that to my readers, so that they want to go there too. I only started blogging 2 years ago. I blog about my travels abroad but I also have a blog about events, concerts, exhibitions in Amsterdam that I’ve been to or I think will be interesting to go to. I have a huge passion for New Zealand, with a special interest in the Maori culture and in November 2009, had an article published in The Holland Times newspaper, about the Mana Maori Exhibition, which was held at the Volkenkunde Museum, Leiden.

I’ve been to New Zealand twice and totally fell in love with the place, the people, the stunning scenery, the diversity of things to do there, the Maori culture and the spectacular wildlife. So I would love to concentrate on writing about New Zealand and make that my niche market, if at all possible. I’m also mad about Irish music and had an article recently published in The Irish Music Magazine about the launching of the first album by a band called Kayna.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you travelled and how did you handle it?

About 11 years ago, I went on my first ever camping/safari trip in South Africa. The location of the first camping site was superb but what our guide didn’t tell us was the fact that the whole camping site was crawling with thousands of red ants! The ants did bite but they weren’t dangerous or poisonous of course. We set up the tents and within half an hour, the bottom third of the tent was covered in red ants. Even when we were sitting on fold up stools by the campfire, eating our dinner, little red ants were crawling up the legs of the stools and we had to flick them away from our food. And when I went to bed that first night, I could feel them crawl around the bottom of my sleeping bag and in around my ears and my hair. God knows how I got to sleep that night (as I can’t stand creepy crawlies or bugs) but I did. It really pushed me to my limit but it was a case of ‘grin and bear it’ because it was worth it, in order to have a ‘once in a lifetime experience’. Later on that night, our group came face to face with a young leopard cub, for just 3 fleeting seconds. Seeing that leopard cup was something I’ll never forget.

Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

I never travel without a camera because it means that I’m always ready to capture those unexpected scenes and moments in life. I take the camera with me everywhere I go now. There have been times in the past, when I’ve kicked myself that I’ve missed good photographic opportunities because I didn’t have the camera with me.

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

I don’t have a mentor when it comes to travel and blogging but I like to draw, from time to time and there is one guy who I really admire when it comes to art and that’s Alan Lee. He did a lot of the artwork for the Lord of the Rings films and I think his work is amazing. He really inspires me. I was lucky enough to meet him at Weta Cave, in Wellington, the last time I was in New Zealand.

What place is on your travel bucket list? Why?

There are lots of places that I still want to go to and a few that I’d like to go back to. One of the places I’d like to go to next is Ubud, in Bali. I’ve heard that it’s supposed to be beautiful and also very haunted! I haven’t been to Indonesia yet and scenery/mountains are a huge draw for me, among other things. I also like the idea of checking out its haunted history. That sort of thing fascinates me. Czesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic is one place I’d love to go back to. It’s such a picturesque little town and in the winter, when it’s snowing, it feels like you’re stepping into a fairytale.

What is your favorite travel planning tool?

When I first started traveling, I only used travel guides. But now I combine these with researching destinations on the internet.

Anything to add?

I’ve learned to trust my gut instinct in many things in life, including traveling, and it’s certainly worked for me. It was one of the things that helped me start traveling and I’ve never looked back. Some people thought I was crazy to give up everything and start traveling on my own but I knew myself I had to do it and it turned out to be the best thing I ever did. So follow that when making decisions and it should serve you well. It’s gotten me into many good situations and out of some bad ones! It’s up to you whether you listen to it or not.

Also many people say ‘I couldn’t travel on my own, I’d be too scared’. Well face that fear and just do it, if it’s something you really want to do. The fear is always worse than the thing itself and once you do it, then you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t do it before? I was scared at the thought of traveling on my own and I was so naive and ‘green’ at the time, but it didn’t stop me. In my experience, it gives you more opportunities to meet and talk to people but still leaves you the choice to do your own thing.

Justin, what’s your travel background?

Well, I have never been able to get enough travel through my system. I wasn’t raised as a traveler. My family stayed close to home, but once I went off to school and tasted the open road I just never looked back.

The biggest adventure my wife and I ever went on was a year long trip to China. We quit our jobs shortly after getting married and just went. We saw the whole country. The past few years we have been watching our kids grow and realized we want to show them the world. We travel whenever we can. A few years back we drove across America and back with our1 year old daughter on a whim. Often we just go, but this time we are planning for a big adventure.

What’s different about your blog or site?

Our blog is The Great Family Escape.

Well, we are a family that is going from the working and living in Boston to potentially traveling the world by bicycle for many years to come. We are so obsessed with travel, that we just couldn’t bear the thought of traveling short term.

Instead of waiting to travel, I wanted to track the whole process of our journey from beginning to end. I literally started before we had any idea of what, when, and how we were going to do this. In fact, we still aren’t 100% sure, but we have learned so much and have just set a date for December 1, 2012 as our ‘launch’ date.

I think our readers love the truth, candor, and the ability to find something about themselves in the writing. There is a lot of talk about lifestyle, travel, money, kids, etc…

I think people love seeing the process we are going through. And they love the idea of traveling forever.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you traveled and how did you handle it?

In China I left my jacket at a train station. Now, on a backpacker budget this is a big deal. I needed that jacket. I searched high and low, but nothing. Our train was boarding, so I gave up the search and left the jacket behind.

Three hours later our train arrived in Chengdu. We were looking for a taxi when a group of men came running up to me and grabbed me. I had no idea what was happening, but a crowd had gathered and it was pretty chaotic. Then, out of nowhere, a man parted the crowded and handed me my jacket.

Another man had given the man the jacket before we left and said, ‘Give this to the white guy.’ Well, he did. And later I came to find out I had left cash in the pockets of the coat and it was all still there.

It was the most unexpected act of kindness I have ever witnessed. It’s easy to help people with big things, but to see some complete strangers go out of their way over a jacket. That was big!

Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

My family. That is easy. That is my goal.

I traveled without my family once and just kept thinking, ‘Man, the kids would love this!’ I hate that feeling of missing out.

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

I love adventurers. The Vogel family from Family on Bikes are amazing. They traveled by bike for 4 years from Alaska to Argentina. As well, Nancy Vogel is a great blogger.

I am in awe of any family or individual who travels and doesn’t let fear hold them back. Truthfully, I think most travel blogs are nonsense. Ticky-tack reviews of average destinations. I want to read about the journeys, adventures, life-altering moments. I want the good stuff.

I love the Almost Fearless by Christine Gilbert and the adventures of Jennifer Miller and family of the Edventure Project. I love good writers and pretty blogs, but adventures get me every time.

What place is on your travel bucket list? Why?

I have 1 item on my bucket list. To travel forever. I don’t make lists. I couldn’t. My list would never end. And if the destination is so important, what am I missing along the way to that destination. My goal as a traveler is to be mobile, not to check places off my list. Do we travel just to say we did it?

For me travel is much more about experience than the destination. We could stumble upon a village in the Peru on our way to Maccu Picchu and end up staying there for months. But we can only do this if we give ourselves the freedom to do it.

What is your favourite travel planning tool?

Books. Stories. Blogs. I love them all.

But honestly, social media is the best travel tool these days. Get some travel friends on Twitter or Facebook and you are all set. Why search forever when I can ask a friend and get an answer in 2 seconds.

Anything to add?

Yes! Don’t limit yourself and your family when you travel. The world is not nearly as scary as we think.

A lot of people shy away from travel with kids, but they really is no good reason for that. Travel is great for kids and with kids.

The more you explore with your kids, the better they will do in everything.

Inspired by Justin’s goal of traveling forever? I know I am! If you’d like to be featured here, just contact me or drop me a comment so I can email you. (Image: Jakub Hałun)

Adam Groffman celebrates Songkran in Bangkok in Spring 2011.

Adam, what’s your travel background?

Well, I was always interested in travel thanks to my parents who instilled a strong desire to travel in me. More recently, here’s the story: In 2009 I took a short weekend trip to Iceland (from my then-hometown of Boston) and discovered that I actually really enjoyed traveling and backpacking.

I’d been working in a corporate job as a graphic designer already for 3 years and decided NOW was the time to do some more serious traveling. For me, that included resigning from my job 9 months later and then going on around-the-world trip for which I still haven’t returned. I’ve been out of America for almost 18 months now but will finally be returning home this Thanksgiving (in just a few weeks)!

Over the past 18 months, I’ve traveled some of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. Along the way I always tried to find something interested to do and to keep my mind active–which involved a political internship for a nonprofit in Israel and checking out the tech startup scene here in Berlin.

What’s different about your blog or site?

My blog, Travels of Adam, is what I’d like to call a “hipster travel blog” which basically means anything you want to mean. I try to find and share interesting and unique stories from around the world, whether political tours in Israel or Polaroid photography exhibits in Berlin. I’m also not afraid to stay away from controversy. I think it’s important to be aware of local politics when travelling because more often than not, most travelers don’t pay attention to the important things that happen in the cultures or societies that they visit. Travel can have a big impact on a culture so it’s important to know what we may be affecting when we visit.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you travelled and how did you handle it?

I’d have to say that the most unexpected thing that happened to me while travelling is the fact that, after 18 months, I’m still abroad. I never expected to last this long, to go to so many places or do so many things.

Complete the sentence: I never travel without …

My Moleskine notebook. It’s where I write down just about anything from reminders to Skype with my parents or the really good stories that I probably shouldn’t share online

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

Well, it’s pretty cheesy, but I’d have to say that my travel hero would be my older sister. When she was in her mid 20s she also quit her job and spent several months backpacking in Europe. While she was travelling, she’d send these e-mails home which were always a lot of fun (and oftentimes interesting) to read. I actually chose the name for my blog based on what she called her e-mails.

What place is on your travel bucket list? Why?

I’ve wanted to go to Russia for a long, long time. I studied a little bit of Russian history and literature and I’d love to see the country up-close.

What is your favorite travel planning tool?

It used to be my iPod touch until that broke when I was backpacking in India. It was a quick and easy way to access information, maps, e-mail, Twitter — all the necessities!

Anything to add?

Some travel advice: When you’re abroad, don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. It makes everything so much easier and people are so much friendlier than we might think.

(Image: agroffman)

JoAnna a junk in Halong Bay, Vietnam during a solo trip through the country.

Today we feature JoAnna Haugen of the eclectic Kaleidoscopic Wandering travel blog, who has been traveling her whole life.

JoAnna, what’s your travel background?

I’ve been traveling in some form and fashion my entire life. I began traveling with my dad on his business trips before I was three years old and could still fly free. Growing up, we actively explored the United States every summer with long road trips. I went abroad for the first time when I was a sophomore in high school to London, where I marched in the New Year’s Day parade with the high school band and played the French horn with a brass choir in Westminster Abbey. I’ve had a serious travel bug ever since, so I continue to trip around the United States and the world as opportunities arise.

What’s different about your blog or site?

My travel blog, Kaleidoscopic Wandering is not a travelogue or journal, so readers won’t find a blow-by-blow account of where I am and what I’m doing. Rather, it’s a collection of general travel advice and tips, information about specific sites culled from my travel experiences, contemplative essays, book reviews related to travel and interviews with interesting people.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you travelled and how did you handle it?

Knock on wood, I’ve always had decent luck with catching planes and getting where I need to be on time, but this past year I got stuck in Costa Rica when my plane broke down and it took me 48 extra hours to get home. As usual, there were a handful of people who flew through the roof when the flight was cancelled, but for the most part, everyone was really understanding and relaxed. There really isn’t much you can do when a flight is cancelled, so everyone else on the flight (including a baby and a dog) bonded over the situation. We had a huge happy hour at the hotel in San Jose with our flight attendants and held a talent show on the plane back to the United States.

Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

… a sarong or pashmina because I freeze on airplanes and always find a use for it!

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

I don’t have a mentor when it comes to travel blogging because I tend to do my own thing with little regard to what’s going on in the rest of the community. However, my travel heroes are my dad, who introduced me to travel as a kid, and Rick Steves, who I’ve admired since college. I own a ton of Rick Steves’ books and used to drive hours to attend his free travel classes in the Seattle area when I was in college.

What place is on your travel bucket list? Why?

I’m enjoy checking out any destination I’ve never been before, but of particular interest right now is Ireland. My husband and I would really like to get there this year and bike around the country.

What is your favourite travel planning tool?

My husband. I am the world’s worst planner when it comes to travel, and if it wasn’t for him, I’d never have reservations at hotels or plane tickets. He takes care of all the details for me because I just never get around to doing it myself.

Anything to add?

As much as I love to travel, I understand and appreciate why others aren’t as adventurous as I am, and that’s okay. There seems to be an ongoing discussion about forms of travel that are somehow more acceptable than others, and I just don’t think that’s necessary. I believe that any form of travel is legitimate, and no one deserves to be judged because they prefer certain destinations or travel styles.

Want to take part in this interview series? I’d love to feature as many travel bloggers as possible, so leave a comment on this post or contact me.

This week, Angela Petitt of Sabbatical Scapes is in the spotlight. Angie quit her corporate IT job two years ago to travel the world and changed her life forever. Here’s her story, including an unusual favorite travel planning tool!

Angie, what’s your travel background?

Although my parents always took us on trips growing up, I only traveled every now and again after high school. Then one day while in college, I saw a flyer for a trip to Israel. I knew I wanted to go. But how could I afford something like that? Thinking about the trip all that day, I happened to mention it to my brother. He candidly said – Why don’t you ask me for the money? I was floored and excited!! Long story short, that trip to Israel was only the beginning. (You can read more about the story behind the Israel adventure here.)

Fast forward to present day, I quit my corporate IT job 2 years ago to go on a sabbatical to travel. So far I have been to almost 30 countries during my sabbatical!!

My travels have led me to amazing destinations such as China, Siberia, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Panama, Honduras and many other exciting places. I have zip lined in Cabo, narrowly escaped the earthquake in Japan, received a HUGE bouquet of flowers from a stranger in Positano (my friends dubbed me the Princess of Positano since then), went cave diving and horseback riding on the beach in Punta Cana, played with monkeys in Roatan, glared into the mouth of a steamy volcano in Nicaragua, my friends and I had a stellar white sand beach along the beautiful coastline of Colombia all to ourselves, stared in wonder at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, got caught in a downpour atop the Acropolis in Athens, visited the MLK Memorial in DC, and had many other awe inspiring experiences.

What’s different about your blog or site?

My blog, Sabbatical Scapes, is different due to the fact that I am chronicling the experience of quitting my corporate IT job during the throes of the recession in August 2009 to go on sabbatical…Not as a young backpacker, not as couchsurfer, but as a 41 year old professional, with a mortgage, car, and other responsibilities. I did not sell anything to make my dream come true. Actually, keeping my lifestyle of comfort was important. Moreover, I want to inspire and encourage others to go for their dreams as well and to really know that with God all things are possible.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you travelled and how did you handle it?

Actually, when I quit my job, I had no clue how things would transpire. I thought I would do a few trips and do some volunteer work around town. Although I saved and prepared myself financially, I really did not have a plan. I just knew I needed to take a step of faith and God would direct my paths. And suddenly, a few days after my last day at work, I was on a plane going to fabulous Italy!! Since then, the travel has been basically non-stop with me going on a different trip every 4 – 6 weeks!!

Another very much unexpected dream come true due to my sabbatical travels has been the recent feature in ESSENCE magazine!! I have also appeared on other websites, newspapers, and even on BlogTalkRadio.

Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

My camera and pashmina. I am a total shutterbug snapping picture all the time. Photography of beautiful places, architecture, nature, and scenery inspire my heart to dream and just thank God for His goodness. My pashmina is so light and comfortable it comes in handy on a chilly plane ride and also as a stylish around the shoulders wrap.

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

I admire CareerBreakSecrets.com! The founder Jeff Jung took a career break/sabbatical years ago and turned his break into a career producing travel shows, videos, and other resources that help in planning for a sabbatical. Actually, I just did a speaking engagement with him in Austin, Tx. called Meet Plan Go! It is an annual nationwide event geared to show others the ins and outs of taking a sabbatical to travel and give them an opportunity to talk with expert panelists.

What place is on your travel bucket list? Why?

My travel bucket list is actually my Life List.

In a few weeks, I will be cruising the Mediterranean with stops in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. Croatia will mark the 30^th country that I have visited during my 2 year sabbatical. WooHoo!! Other Life List travel includes Montenegro, Prague, Antarctica, South Africa, and Bora Bora.

What is your favourite travel planning tool?

My Aunt Thelma! She is a cruise & travel consultant and finds great deals for us. She also travels with me on my sabbatical adventures.

Anything to add?

Many people think that travel has to be expensive. Actually, there are some good deals out there. Set up alerts to track air fare, travel in shoulder season, and sign up for loyalty programs. To me, the best way to travel in comfort and for a good value is to take a cruise and couple it with a pre or post cruise stay in the city of embarkation. Remember on the cruise, the food and lodging are included. I like to check out cruise deals on vacationstogo.com. I found a special last April going on a 7 day Caribbean cruise with stops in St. Thomas, Aruba, Dominica, and Bonaire leaving out of San Juan, Puerto Rico for $299 (plus tax it was $323)!!!

Life is so short. I just really encourage others to pray, be diligent, and put away beliefs that keep you away from doing things that you really want to do. One quote I love is that ‘whether you think you can or can’t, you are right!’ If you really want to travel, there are ways to do it. You can have a great experience that does not have to break the bank. Be responsible and be safe. Where will your dreams take you? Blessings!

Want to be featured in this slot? Leave a comment on this post to be considered or contact me to find out more.

Today I’m happy to add Lola Åkerström to our list of featured travel bloggers. A writer, photographer and traveler, Lola  has been published in some of the world’s most prestigious travel publications. She is the editor for

Lola, what’s your travel background?

I’ve been traveling ever since I was 1 year old. I’ve always been a geography nut, especially both human and physical geography, so traversing the globe was always in my cards. When I was growing up, my family was (and still is) big into spending time together abroad, meeting up on different continents, and such. It wasn’t until my early 20s that I started traveling solo, and lately I bring my husband along on a trip or two. I’ve been blessed to be able to visit roughly 40 countries so far and look forward to experiencing more.

What’s different about your blog or site?

I work as a freelance writer and photographer who covers various aspects of travel, culture, food, and lifestyle with a few stints in between as a painter, cartoonist, and web developer. I spent 12+ years as a GIS/web programmer before finally resigning in 2009 and making the fulltime leap into a location-independent lifestyle as a freelancer.

You can check out my portfolio and credits here – http://www.akinmade.com.

Blogging is just one of many platforms I use to share my work, and my work has appeared in many major publications around the globe.

What’s different about my work is that I try not to put all my eggs in a single basket; developing various skills along the way so if one source of income hits a dry spell, I can always rely on other skills until it bounces back.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you when you traveled and how did you handle it?

One of the most unexpected things I encountered was at the Terror Museum in Budapest. I was down in its basement looking at old cells where prisoners had been kept. I noticed an old man crying and looking around in desperation, almost disoriented. He spotted me, headed over, and in the little way we could communicate, told me he once was a prisoner in one of those cells.

Complete the sentence: I never travel without … because …

I never travel without my camera because you just never know when you’ll snap that once in a lifetime moment.

When it comes to travel and travel blogging, who is your mentor/hero and why?

Ironically, my ‘hero’  happens to be outside of the travel blogging world. I find Oprah Winfrey to be an extraordinary inspiration, and her life echoes a mantra I try to live by – live your authentic self. You need to show up completely in your own life, and find your own path in life. There are so many distractions out there and one can get easily swayed by trying to fit a certain profile, fit a certain club, or run with a certain pack.

One needs to step back, discover what it is they’re truly passionate about, and try to pursue and develop those passions in a way that makes them feel fulfilled – be it travel, writing, photography, blogging, or a combination of all these.

What place is on your travel bucket list? Why?

I was recently asked this same question and my answer is that I’ve actually chucked out any bucket lists I had. My attitude and philosophy towards travel has changed with time. I’ve stopped looking at life as a checklist and more as a moment by moment experience. If I never get to go skydiving off Kilimanjaro in my lifetime, I won’t have regrets because it wasn’t on some bucket list that defined my life.

That said, I really do want to go to the North Pole because it has always been a childhood dream of mine and it means so much on so many levels to me. I would love to explore Mongolia, more of West Africa, as well as spend a few months island hopping around the South Pacific.

What is your favourite travel planning tool?

I love rooting around Kayak and Skyscanner to find low fares.

Anything to add?

I’ve been blessed to visit roughly 40 countries so far and I know I’ll journey through a few more, but one of the things I’m trying to do a lot more of is to travel at a slower pace instead of flitting from place to place.

Thanks, Lola. Want to be featured in this slot? Leave a comment on this post to be considered or contact me to find out more.