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 Audrey Bergner of That Backpacker. Though currently based in Toronto, Audrey can often be found scouting her next travel destination. She’s usually drawn to a new city for its architecture and lifestyle. And she also loves playing ‘tour-guide,’ so if any of you readers/bloggers/travelers are ever in Toronto (or wherever her future home may be), drop her a line!
Enjoying a meal at the St. Martin in the Fields crypt in London.
1. How do you define the word “traveler,” and why would you consider yourself one?
I think of a traveler as an explorer; someone on a quest to discover more about a place and learn about themselves in the process. When I travel, it’s not about going on vacation, but rather exploring a city, experiencing how people live, and opening myself up to new ideas.
2. What has been your favorite travel experience thus far?
Walking around the bend and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. It was such a great feeling to arrive at one of the world’s most remote and iconic landmarks. I just collapsed on the ground and enjoyed the moment!
3. How about your proudest travel moment?
I volunteered with ‘Niños con Valor’ in Bolivia this past winter, and that was by far one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I was working with young girls with HIV/AIDS and they taught me so much about life. These girls had been through a lot, but they were the happiest, most energetic, life-loving kids I’ve ever encountered. Every moment was filled with laughter! You would’ve never known they were ill. I would recommend volunteering abroad to everyone! It’ll change the way you view yourself and your country.
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?
I had quite a few mishaps while traveling through India: a cop demanding a bribe, taxi drivers taking me to their friend’s shop rather than my intended destination, barely avoiding a serious rickshaw accident… But in the end it all made for good stories! I can honestly say that none of those experiences tainted my view of India. I would go back, and this time I’d make stops in Jaisalmer (the architecture is screaming out to me!) and Agra (to see the Taj Mahal).
Relaxing in Machu Picchu.
5. Name one thing you can’t travel without.
Toilet paper! I’ve traveled through some major European cities only to discover the lack of TP in their airports and restaurants. And in South America, sometimes you’ll find a lady guarding the washroom door and you have to pay her to get TP! So now I just carry around my own. It’s my little luxury when I travel.
6. Name one thing you wish you COULD travel without.
All my camera equipment. I tend to carry my film camera and its flash and filters, plus my digital camera and a fish-eye lens. I like playing with the different elements, but sometimes it’s a bit of a hassle lugging all that stuff around.
7. What do you think has been the biggest thing you’ve learned while traveling (about yourself, a destination, a culture, travel itself)?
The thing that stands out to me the most is the kindness of strangers. I’ve been blown away by the hospitality people have shown me, even when they have very little for themselves. Being invited into a person’s home to chat and share a cup of tea is one of the greatest treats, in my opinion.
Strolling down the beach in Varadero, Cuba.
8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Definitely somewhere on the Mediterranean. The water is so blue and pristine, and I also find that most seaside towns are very laid-back. I dream of opening a hostel there someday.
9. Name one place you’d like to see or one experience you’d like to have before you die.
I would love to go hot air ballooning over Cappadocia at sunrise.
10. If there was one thing you wish somebody would have told you before you started traveling, what would it be?
Once you start, you’ll be hooked for life! And at this point, I really am hooked. I feel like I could make a home anywhere in the world.
Visit Audrey’s blog: That Backpacker
Follow Audrey on Twitter: @thatbackpacker
“Like” Audrey on Facebook: That Backpacker
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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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