TAU Presents: Monthly Travel Bloggers Interview Ep.5

Welcome to the fifth episode of “TAU Presents: Monthly Travel Bloggers Interview”!

Recently, I came up with the idea to feature 3 different Travel Bloggers every month on the TAU blog. I thought it would be fun to meet different members of the travel community and learn more about them and their blogs.

Each person will have to answer 10 questions about their blogging journey and travel experiences. 

Here are our three Travel Bloggers for this month’s episode of “TAU Presents: Monthly Travel Bloggers Interview”: Leta from The Nerdy Me, Lynn Mason-Pattnosh, and Jamie from Bristonian Aboard.

 

The Nerdy Me

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Leta and I am from Lithuania, a small country in Eastern Europe. I am a travel blogger and content creator, as well as a freelance writer and blogging coach.

Currently, I have visited over 20 countries in Europe and plan on expanding into more international travel in a year or so.

I love hiking, spending time outdoors, tasting and discovering new cuisines, and teaching other people how to travel on a budget.

Also, sustainability takes up a big part of my life, so this is why I often talk about sustainable tourism and a more conscious way of living.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your blogging journey? 

I have been blogging for over 6 years now and I’ve initially started The Nerdy Me as a lifestyle blog for my own musings and rants.

However, two years later I slowly started transitioning to more travel-based content as I started to travel more on my free from university time.

This is how The Nerdy Me became a travel blog with a focus on budget-friendly trips, hiking, and sustainable tourism.

My mission became to show and teach others how travel can be affordable, fun, and sustainable at the same time.

So on the blog, you can find informative guides on specific destinations (mainly in Europe), detailed reviews of hostels or experiences, and more fun travel stories.

I always disclose how much I spent in each place which I think helps to really understand the affordability of traveling in a certain country.

Over time, I have worked with many great brands and tourism boards like Visit Vienna, Visit Czech Republic, Montenegro Tourism, Experience Bucharest, Viator, and many more.

The most recent addition to my blogging portfolio is Take Off Kit, a travel community website that I founded with my friend Odeta.

This travel blog was mainly created to give space to fellow travellers who want to share their travel stories like first trips, any mishaps, funny incidents or address a more important issue like harassment while solo traveling.

Think of it as a space filled with public personal journal entries rather than informative guides or itineraries. We are always looking for contributors (anonymous or not) as well, if you are interested.

3. What is your number one blogging tip you can give new travel bloggers?

It is hard to decide on one specific tip, but I’ll go with this one: don’t compare your current blogging journey to someone’s 10-year journey.

It is incredibly easy to feel discouraged when seeing so many other bloggers living from their travel blogs or when you see them going on press trips or working with your dream brands.

But the key is to remember that they probably started off the same way you do now, and they definitely didn’t get successful over the night.

They worked for years to be in the place they are now, so you just can’t compare your new blog to their well-established one.

So keep going at your own pace and trust the process.

4. What is your number one travel tip? 

My number one travel tip would be to pack light. Packing light will not only save you money (expensive luggage fees!) but it will also make your whole trip easier and more flexible.

You won’t need to drag a big suitcase along with you and you will definitely feel less overwhelmed.

At the end of the day, most of us are overpackers at heart, so whenever you pack your suitcase, take only half of it.

Trust me, you don’t need 10 different outfits for a 5-day trip.

5. What is your favorite destination so far and why? 

Uf, this is a hard one. I know I sound like any other traveler right now, but it honestly is a hard choice since I tend to fall in love with new destinations each time I travel.

I will cheat a bit and I will say two destinations. My favorite city is definitely Budapest, Hungary.

I absolutely love the food (chimney cake holds a special place in my heart), the history, the beautiful architecture, and the overall hospitality of locals there.

I might be biased a bit because I visited it 3 times and one of those times I spent 5 months living there. But I feel like I still haven’t seen it all.

The second favorite destination is Slovenia, more specifically the outdoors.

Slovenia was such a hidden gem for me, I fell in love with Lake Bled and its surrounding areas.

Stunning landscape for hiking or even bicycling.

6. What place is on the top of your Bucketlist and why?

My bucket list is never-ending and I tend to add to it almost every week as I browse my social media feed.

However, over the years my top bucket list item has never changed, and it’s always been Machu Picchu in Peru.

For as long as I remember, I was fascinated with the history of the place, and I instantly knew that one day I just have to go there.

7. What are three unique items you cannot travel without?

Not sure how unique they are but these things I always pack on my trips:

• A scarf – such a versatile piece of clothing, I often travel by bus or train, so I can use it as a pillow, a blanket, or even as a shield on my head if I want to sleep but it’s too bright.
• Reusable water bottle – the only way I remember that I need to drink water to stay hydrated. If I travel by plane, I just take an empty bottle and fill it after going through the security check.
• A lock – for staying in hostels.

8. What is your favorite food that you have tried on your travels?

Chimney Cake from Budapest, specifically the ones sold in small kiosks near metro stations. I swear I used to eat these a few times a week when I was living in Budapest.

There is nothing better than a fresh and warm chimney cake with cinnamon.

From less sweet foods – margarita pizza in Milan which was probably the best pizza I ate, hands down.

9. What is the best souvenir you have ever brought back?

I always try to bring back similar souvenirs from my trip, it includes a fridge magnet, a postcard, and a few snacks or drinks.

I collect fridge magnets on a big magnetic board shaped like a tree, so I feel like it is nice memorabilia to have.

Probably one of the best souvenirs I brought back was an analogue strip photo which I took with my friend in one of those old photoautomats in Berlin.

The whole experience was quite funny since we spent quite a bit of time trying to find a booth in the city and then to learn how to actually use it.

10. Do you have any product, course, podcast you want to tell us about?

I am working on releasing my first digital product focused on blogging but in the meantime, you can check out my blog coaching services if you are thinking of starting a blog or even if you already have one but need a bit of guiding.

I also do blog reviews if you need a second eye to feel what can be improved or changed.

You can also check out my blog The Nerdy Me or find me on Instagram or Twitter at @thenerdymeblog.

And don’t forget to check out Take Off Kit if you have an interesting travel story to share with our travel community.

Lynn Mason-Pattnosh

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I am based in Sun Valley, Idaho—where I am more of a summer mountain girl than a winter mountain girl.

I have one fabulous son who creates content with me (and is much better at TikTok than me) as @Kid_Travel.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your blogging journey? 

My travel media journey started when I was a child.

Throughout the 1940s-70s my family owned and operated the Goldman Hotel in Pleasantdale (now West Orange), New Jersey, which is now the Wilshire Grand Hotel.

My father loved the hospitality industry, especially teaching all the pretty young ladies to waltz and cha cha.

Unfortunately, the hotel was sold and my father changed careers, but the love of the hospitality industry was already in my blood.

I went to college at the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Art and then into the entertainment industry, where I became a casting director for network television.

I have worked on some great projects, including casting the pilot for the Emmy Award-winning “Arrested Development.” 

I’m happy to share that I have also cast several shows for Disney and even had an office on the Work Disney Studios lot in Burbank—such a special place.

First, travel tip, there are a few ways to get a private tour. However, unlike the other major lots in Los Angeles, it is closed to the public. If you are a Disney fan, this tour is a must.

After leaving Los Angeles for Sun Valley, Idaho, I came up with an idea for a travel Q&A, called The Concierge Questionnaire.

The concept was that concierges would get the same ten questions about their cities and these answers would serve as inside tips for travelers.

So, you could get travel ideas from The Fairmont D.C.’s concierge without necessarily being a property guest.

The idea then grew and I started approaching actors, musicians, artists, business leaders to “Take the Q”… I simply used the corporate skills I acquired as a casting director to reach out to these celebrities. 

By the time the ConciergeQ website was a year old, it featured concierges from luxury properties all over the world, as well as Amy Schumer for NYC, Andy Grammer for LA, and Adam West for Sun Valley, Idaho.

Then, about a year later, ConciergeQ Media expanded to include URHere Travel all-access coverage from festivals and events around the world.

It’s been fun!

3. What is your number one blogging tip you can give new travel bloggers? 

When opportunities occur, don’t be afraid of growing your brand and trying something new.

On the flip side, and this is the same thing I tell actors and on-camera hosts I work with, when your colleagues are getting opportunities that is a good indication that growth will be occurring for you as well.

We are the company we keep and be happy for your travel blogging friends and their success.

4. What is your number one travel tip?  

My number one travel tip is an easy one. Don’t get upset by the small stuff and try to go with the flow… life happens and getting frustrated is the quickest way to ruin your experience.

My philosophy has been expanded in this COVID travel world: be patient, be kind, lower your expectations (everyone is trying their best in this challenging time), and (when applicable) tip extremely well.

5. What is your favorite destination so far and why? 

My favorite destination is Lake Tahoe. I actually lived there after college and worked for Caesars Entertainment.

There is just something about Lake Tahoe and the beauty of its mountains.

6. What place is on the top of your Bucketlist and why?

I’m slated to take a team to cover EXPO 2020 Dubai later this year.

It’s still being called EXPO 2020, as the event was postponed due to COVID.

I’ll just share the link, invite you to take a look, and I bet you’ll want to add EXPO 2020 to your Bucket List too.

7. What are three unique items you cannot travel without?

My iPhone 12 Pro for photos, videos (I’m mostly a video content creator), and all things tech—love this phone and the new MagSafe Battery Pack!

I’m an odor-sensitive person and always have rosemary essential oil with me when I travel.

I really like Now Essential Oils. Rosemary also helps me to relax and get to sleep.

Finally, speaking of jet lag, I recommend Voke Superfood Tablets. If you are sensitive like me, a 1/4 of a tablet is all you need to help you feel more alert and fight jet lag.

8. What is your favorite food that you have tried on your travels? 

Florida stone crabs! Stone crabs are not only limited by locale but also season (October-May).

My favorite place for stone crabs is Joe’s Stone Crabs in Miami (also part of traveling my childhood).

I’m happy to mention Joe’s by name because they also ship! Be sure to try their equally as famous Creamed Spinach and Key Lime Pie too: 

9. What is the best souvenir you have ever brought back?  

My favorite souvenir is the silhouette portrait of my son from Walt Disney World. Go get one and have it framed… it will make you happy every time you see it!

10. Do you have any product, course, podcast you want to tell us about?

Before COVID, I was starting to focus more on speaking and workshops.

As a performance expert, I specifically coach and encourage travel media regarding on-camera performance, finding your on-camera brand, stage fright/nerves, and interview techniques.

Video is more important than ever (we all know about Instagram’s big announcement, right!) We all simply need to take the plunge and put ourselves and our brands in front of the camera… no more hiding!

You can find me in a few places. First, my speaking website.  Also, I’m an early adopter of Dosen. Dosen “features one-on-one access with industry experts.”

As for upcoming speaking engagements, I am (still) scheduled to speak at TBEX Europe 2020/2021 (new dates coming). 

I have also been confirmed as a speaker at Women’s Travel Fest. 

Women’s Travel Fest, March 4-6th, 2022 In Portland, Oregon, is now in its 8th annual year and is the world’s largest event for female travelers.

Bristolian Abroad

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, my name is Jamie. I am from Bristol, England, which is where the name Bristolian Abroad came from.

For the past four and a half years I have been living in Oceania, with two years in Australia and almost two and a half in New Zealand.

I am currently living in Wanaka, where I am working my third ski season at Treble Cone.

Since leaving the UK I’ve fallen in love with Oceania and the tropical beaches of Australia combined with its incredible native wildlife.

New Zealand is vastly contrasting to Australia, but the tranquil lakes and mountains combine to stunning effect.

I’ve never felt more at home than I do in Sydney and Wanaka.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your blogging journey? 

I started my blog in Asia in 2017. I had just finished University and wanted to start this blog as a means of staying productive.

To be honest, I was hoping it would be looked upon favourably when I went home to apply for graduate jobs.

I fell in love with travel, however, and have no intention of getting a graduate job any time soon.

I created a new blog during the Corona Virus lockdown in 2020 in the hope of making it a viable source of income in the future so I can continue living my dream of travelling the world.

Predominantly, I create destination guides on the incredible places I’ve visited in Australia and New Zealand.

I also like to write about hiking and sports. I’m incredibly passionate about taking every opportunity that presents itself to me and getting involved in sports is something I love doing whilst travelling.

3. What is your number one blogging tip you can give new travel bloggers?

Content is key. When I started travel blogging I was almost writing a journal.

Fun for me to read, but not exactly useful for anyone who happened to stumble across my blog.

I now focus on creating detailed destination guides that make travel easy for my readers.

If there is something your readers need to know, make sure you tell them.

Competition is so fierce, providing the most relevant, up-to-date content is vital for ranking your blog on Google.

If you don’t provide the highest quality content, you’ll get lost amongst the sea of articles that have come before you.

4. What is your number one travel tip?

Book the flight!

I get so many questions from people asking me how I started my travels. People never seem to know where to start.

The first step is simply booking your flight. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to plan every single second of your trip or just completely wing it when you arrive, the first step is always booking the flight.

So many people miss out on living their dreams because they’re afraid to book that first flight. Just book the flight and figure the rest out later! You’ll never regret travelling.

5. What is your favorite destination so far and why?

This is a really tough question. There are a lot of places I’ve loved for different reasons. I’m going to go with Sydney as my personal favourite, though.

I spent a year living in Sydney and fell wholeheartedly in love with it. I lived on the quiet beaches of North Sydney in Collaroy. Every day I would go for a walk along the beach or go swimming in the ocean. I will never have a lifestyle I love as much as this.

It’s also an incredibly amazing city, with so much to do for tourists.

6. What place is on the top of your Bucketlist and why?

There are so many places I want to visit, but the top of my list is an easy question. I love wildlife and the ultimate wildlife experience in my opinion would be a safari.

I’d probably choose Botswana as my number one. The Okavanga River Delta attracts 260,000 mammals to its waters during the dry season.

You’re likely to see the widest variety of animal life in Africa here and that makes me so excited.

Seeing wild animals like lions, elephants, and leopards in their natural habitat would be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

7. What are three unique items you cannot travel without?

1. Camper Van. So this isn’t necessarily something I can’t travel without, but I just bought a Camper Van and am absolutely in love with it. Travelling a country by Van is my favourite way to experience it. Road trips give you the freedom to explore an entire country in your own home. I can’t wait to embark on a long-term road trip around New Zealand in October!
2. DSLR Camera. This isn’t a unique item, but as a travel blogger, this is my most valuable resource. The photography on my blog is so important and I’m extremely proud of the photos. I think my photography has really helped me make my blog look professional and is the reason I believe I can make money from it in the future.
3. Yoga Mat. I’ve become an extremely fancy traveller after spending so long in New Zealand, but having my yoga mat makes exercising so much easier for me on the go. If exercise is important to you, travelling with a mat is an excellent way to motivate yourself.

8. What is your favorite food that you have tried on your travels?

This is a difficult question because I love food, but there is a resounding winner if I’m honest.

When the flavours are right and the meat has been slow-cooked to perfection, there’s no food in the world that comes close to a beef massaman curry.

9. What is the best souvenir you have ever brought back?

One thing I always take home from Australia and New Zealand is a pack of Tim Tams.

My family and I absolutely love them and for some reason, they don’t sell them in the UK.

If you get the chance to try them, I’d highly recommend them.

10. Do you have any product, course, podcast you want to tell us about?

I don’t have any products or anything that I’m selling. My number one goal this year has been improving my SEO.

My visibility on Google has been increasing and it’s really exciting to see organic traffic coming to my website.

I’d love for you to just come and read some of my posts and leave a thoughtful comment for me.

Check out the previous episodes:

TAU Presents: Monthly Travel Bloggers Interview Ep.4

TAU Presents: Monthly Travel Bloggers Interview Ep.3