Thursday Traveler: Katharina of 100 Miles Highway

Every Thursday, A Dangerous Business will be shining the spotlight on a world nomad, travel blogger, armchair adventurer, or just someone really cool in the travel world. This week, the traveler is Katharina of 100 Miles Highway. Katherina is originally German, but was born and grew up in the Canary Islands, Spain. Although she’s now working and living as an expat in Switzerland, she balances work with traveling the best she can. During the last 6 months, she has visited Cuba, the Canary Islands and New York (besides of some major European capitals).

1. How do you define the word “traveler,” and why would you consider yourself one?

A traveler is any person that leaves their home to explore the outside, whether this is to walk through a park they have never been to before, or to cross the Atlantic to start over.

A traveler has a curious mind that continuously asks for new experiences and rarely is satisfied with what is given — someone to whom the unknown is attractive, not scary.

The first memories I can recall go back to when I was about 5 years old and insistently asking my mom if I could stay overnight at my friend’s place. I liked to pack my own little bag, and never felt homesick. My go-out-and-discover desire has increased with the years. My full time job in finance currently helps me to fund my part-time job as a world traveler.

2. What has been your favorite travel experience thus far?

I would say any trip I’ve done with my best friends, from spending a weekend on a friend’s farm in Huelva (Spain) to driving from the North to the South Island of New Zealand back in May 2010.

Although I do have some outstanding memories — like hiking on a glacier in New Zealand — none of those experiences would have been the same without them.

3. How about your proudest travel moment?

The proudest travel moment was definitely in my home island, Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). My best friend came to visit me and we were feeling adventurous, so we decided to go on a hiking trail.

It turned out that the trail wasn’t as easy as we had thought — we walked next to steep cliffs where we had to hold onto the rocks, and once we arrived to our destination (a little fishing town), we realized there was no way to get back to the car parking unless we walked up a steep mountain for another 2 hours after the planned 4 and a half hours hike.

As we reached our car, I felt so proud of myself — I had never thought I would be able to overcome such a physical challenge.

Glacier hiking in New Zealand

4. Have you had any travel mishaps or bad experiences? If so, have these influenced how you view the place where they happened? Would you go back?

The only place I can think of relating to bad experiences is Paris. I have given Paris far too many chances, and never got a good feeling about it — I’ve been followed at night, insulted, ignored in cafes and laughed at because of my French (besides some other bad luck I’ve had, such as spending 10 days there in August, out of which 9 were rainy). I haven’t been back to Paris in the last 4 years or so. I thought I’d never go back.

But then, a couple of weeks ago, I went for work. It was nice weather, every shop had a sale and the city was full of lights. At this moment I realized I shouldn’t punish a city for the bad experience I had during a few visits, and decided to stay over the weekend. I’m glad I did, because I had a great time.

5. Name one thing you can’t travel without.

I can’t travel anywhere without my digital camera. I wouldn’t even leave my house without it when I’m off to work; you never know what snapshot you may be missing!

6. Name one thing you wish you COULD travel without.

My hair straightener. I know it’s not a backpacker object, but I can’t live without it. I use a very thin and light one, though!

7. What do you think has been the biggest thing you’ve learned while traveling (about yourself, a destination, a culture, travel itself)?

I’ve learned how to sleep almost anywhere!

I used to be of the kind that would spend the night awake watching movies during my 10-hour flight to Thailand. Now, give me a blanket or even a jacket and I’ll fall asleep on the cold floor of a crowded airport.

Hiking in Tenerife

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Having grown up on an island, what I miss most now living in Switzerland is the sea breeze, which is one of the reasons why I would choose Melbourne. An Australian city with skyscrapers, next to the sea, warm temperatures and a passion for food? I’m in.

9. Name one place you’d like to see or one experience you’d like to have before you die.

I have a certain obsession with Russia. Its architecture, popular culture and language fascinate me. Whether it is taking the big Trans-Mongolian ride or just visiting certain cities, I want to experience the country.

10 If there was one thing you wish somebody would have told you before you started traveling, what would it be?

The cheapest option does not always turn out to be the cheapest option. Now, when I check out all the different flights and their pricing, I take into account much more that just the initial price (which seems far too straight forward…), but also:

1. if I’m checking in luggage or not
2. how far is my airport from the city (and how easy can I get there) and
3. which are the terms and conditions I’m accepting.

It may be worth paying a couple of extra Euros on the flight, if you then will save on the transportation, checked luggage or change/cancellation of flights!

Visit Katharina’s blog: 100 Miles Highway
Follow Katharina on Twitter: @100MilesHighway
“Like” Katharina on Facebook: 100 Miles Highway

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Are you a travel blogger who has something to say on these topics? Do you know of somebody really interesting in the travel universe that you’d like to see interviewed? Speak up! The Thursday Traveler needs some interview subjects.

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