Anyone can travel, and everyone should. That’s one of the main reasons for this blog, to share the richness of experience gained by traveling and seeing cultures other than your own. So I’ve instituted a segment called the ordinary traveler series. I interview people who’ve travelled and are willing to share some of their experiences. These aren’t trust-funded global trotters. These are ordinary folks who’ve decided to live extraordinary lives. My sister-in-law, Molly, was gracious enough to kick off this series. Without further ado – Molly.
What makes you want to travel? I like the adventure. I like to see new places and have new experiences. Traveling has opened my eyes to new cultures. Travel has allowed me to test my independence, and to rely on others.
How do you afford to travel? I used to rely on my tax refund for travel purposes. For the past few years, my refund hasn’t been much, so I’ve been using my savings. I try to travel without spending too much money. I stay with friends, in hostels, or camp. I look for the free days to go to museums and other places that have entrance fees. I take public transportation as often as I can. I also do local travels, like riding my bicycle down the Pacific Coast or backpacking in the High Sierra.
Do you prefer travel alone or with a group? Both. I like to be on my own because I don’t have to worry about anyone’s happiness or satisfaction but my own. I am on my own schedule, and if I want to stay at the beach all day, I will. Or if I want to go to 5 museums and 4 churches in Paris in one day (Hey! It was free museum day!) I will. With groups, I love the bonding time; the inside jokes. I love having people to reminisce with about the trips we’ve taken. It can be a time to process life with others and share adventures. I’ve had the privilege of traveling with people who have become my best friends, and I’ve been able to grow closer to members of my family through shared adventures.
What is the most memorable experience you have had and why? My most memorable experience was my bicycle trip from Oregon to Minnesota. It was something that was slightly spur of the moment. It was a trip where I doubted my abilities. I was with 4 strangers, and found a best friend. I laughed with new friends, was inspired by my group members, and cried when I finally pedaled out of Montana and into North Dakota. I climbed mountains, battled headwinds, and peed on the side of the road more often than in a bathroom in the month of June! The best part was surprising my parents. I showed up at their door unannounced after 35 days on a bicycle.
What has been your favorite destination and why? Gosh. That’s a hard one. One of my favorites was France. I was a nanny there one summer. The family I worked for had three homes–one in Paris, Chamonix, and Villefranche (near Nice). Even though I was working, I was able to see three beautiful parts of France. I explored each area thoroughly and ate enough croissants to consider myself a snob.
Where have you been that you’d like to live for at least a year? Xela, Guatemala. I went there one summer for Spanish Language School. It was a place that was very different for me and I didn’t speak any Spanish when I arrived. I want to go back for a longer time to learn more Spanish, and to live in a place that is so different from where I live now.
What’s one thing that you have to bring home as a souvenir? When I travel to foreign countries, I like to buy children’s books. I look for ones that have illustrations which I feel drawn to. When I’m on my bicycle, I buy stickers of the places I pass through for my water bottles or panniers.
What is the strangest custom that you’ve seen or experienced? I don’t really know if it’s strange, it’s just different. When I was in Turkey, anytime I entered a shop I would be offered apple tea. Most of the time, the offer of apple tea also led to conversation.
What to you always pack? Plenty of underwear, comfortable shoes (usually my Chacos), my satchel, water bottle, book, and journal. Oh. And my ATM card. When I am on bike trips, I love my headband that also covers my ears. It protects from cold breezes as well as sunburn!
What is the best travel advice you’ve learned? Don’t try to do too much. Spending a few days in one place is much better than constantly moving to a new spot, especially in a foreign country. When I was traveling in Europe, I spent multiple days in one place to get a better sense of the town and the culture.
Where are you going on your next trip? My next trip will by my 4th bicycle tour. I’ll be with my best friend (from my trip to MN) and her family. We’ll be riding in the San Juan Islands in Washington.