Hello Everyone! In our series of interviews with travel blogger and influencers across the globe, we look for travel influencers and nomads with interesting lives who can share some inspiring stories and useful advice from their experience. This week we have Esther Travel & Photography enthusiast from Minnesota.
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Tell us a bit about yourself:
I am originally from Minnesota but have been living abroad ever since I graduated from my undergrad. I am currently based in Germany where I’ve been able to pursue my passion for travel and adventure. I now work alongside brands to create unique and intriguing content, and use my own Instagram page as a source for travel advice, tips, and tricks to try and help those willing to take the leap as I did! My main goal is to help and inspire others. I want to show them that they can do anything they want in this life with the right mindset and drive. I want to help people step outside of their comfortable box and experience something or somewhere new.
What’s your biggest achievement as a Travel Blogger?
Being able to help people and inspire them to do what they love. As a travel expert and content creator, I have had thousands of people reach out to me to ask advice and thoughts, and being able to provide something to lead them in the right direction is so fulfilling. It makes it feel like I am in the right spot. Showing people that their dreams and goals are possible and seeing them start to change their life, is the greatest achievement for me.
You have an unlimited travel budget for 24 hours. Give me your itinerary.
That is so hard! It has been a dream of mine to make it to Antarctica and participate in some of the incredible excursions down there. I would jam pack those 24 hours with hiking to see some breathtaking views, do some kayaking, walk along with seals and penguins, and enjoy being in one of the most incredible places on the planet.
How do you fund your travel?
I fund my travel through various jobs in the hospitality industry as well as brand partnerships and affiliate marketing. Also, being able to collaborate with travel companies and hotels, really cuts the cost down and makes it all very affordable.
What is the first trip you remember taking and how old were you?
My first international trip was to Canada for a rugby tournament and I was 18. I think we were there for 48 hours in total, so I don’t know if that really counts. My first big “real” trip, was when I studied abroad in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands during my sophomore year of college. That was what sparked my love for travel and after that, I couldn’t stop.
Have you been anywhere which turned out to be totally different from how you imagined? If so, how?
When I think about a place that was different than how I imagined it to be, I think of Egypt. I think that because we drove all over Egypt, we had the opportunity to see so much more of the country. I guess I don’t know what I exactly expected but it was a lot more deserted than I thought it would be. I eventually learned from the locals that their tourism industry had abruptly and drastically taken a downfall a few years ago. So as you are exploring some of their bigger cities, you see so many hotels and resorts that were half-built but never able to be completed. It’s kind of eerie in that regard. But, regardless, Egypt was such an amazing place to explore and we loved being able to get to know the locals and learn more about their culture.
Have you had any bad experiences while traveling?
I’ve had your typical run of the mill “bad experiences” like my valuables being stolen and being put in some uncomfortable situations but I also think that is just a part of the journey, I have never had a bad enough experience to keep me from coming back to a place of wanting to end my travel journey right then and there. I feel very lucky that way. But I think that you have to go into travel knowing that things might happen and sometimes you have to expect the worst.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
I don’t think that I can choose one place, but I love Southeast Asia so much. Ever since I went there the first time, I had such a special connection with the people, places, and amazing experiences that I had there. I would even love to live there one day for a period of time. I know that is such a large region to talk about but every place in Southeast Asia is truly amazing.
Do you have a bucket list? If so what is on it?
I have an imaginary bucket list in my head, I’ve always wanted to write it down but just haven’t brought myself to do it. But, top of the list is to go to the Maldives and also backpack around South America for a few months. I have been to South America but I’ve really wanted to go and take the time to explore it.
If you were not traveling what would you be doing instead?
I love being creative and using that part of my brain and so I know I would stil be doing something as an entrepreneur and working on my own personal projects!
What has travel taught you?
I think the better question is, what hasn’t travel taught me. I could write a book about everything that traveling has taught me. One of the biggest things though is just learning about people and their cultures. I have larger awareness and appreciation of the world around me. It’s amazing how different lives we all live but at the same time, we all have the same wants and needs, I feel so lucky to have met people all over the world that I can call my friends, and that is all due to travel.
Who, in your opinion, is the most successful travel blogger? Why do you think that is?
That is so hard to say. I have followed several travel bloggers over the years and I think that everyone is so successful and inspirational in their own way. I think that if I had to choose one, I love @karaandnate. I think they are so humble and down to earth and just very easy to follow along with. They truly make it seem like you are just another one of their friends and I love that.
Do you prefer solo travel or with someone else?
I have gotten asked this a few times and I have so much trouble answering it, but at the end of the day, I think I would always choose to travel with someone. As much as I do enjoy the time to myself, I get pretty lonely really quickly. I think there is something special about experiencing a place with someone else and being able to share those memories together,
If you could swim with dolphins or go shark diving, which would you pick? and why?
Well, I have already gone shark diving and it was a wild experience! I do think that if I was given the option though, I would choose shark diving again. There is something about that adrenaline and unique experience that I would love to do again. It was so so fun.
What is your dream traveling experience?
I would love to campervan absolutely everywhere. I think that it would be such an incredible experience to be able to live that minimal lifestyle and explore all these beautiful landscapes. I love the idea of watching so many sunsets outside of my camp van home, It really makes the journey so intimate and special
