“It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien
Hello and welcome! I'm so glad that you're here.
“Here” is A Dangerous Business, a travel blog that aims to inspire people to fit more travel and adventure into the lifestyle they already have. You'll find detailed travel itineraries and weekend trip guides, as well as tips, packing lists, and travel observations from more than a decade of personal travel experience, all written by a professional travel blogger.
I don't believe in the traveler vs. tourist debate, only write about places that I've personally been, and travel in a way that (I hope) feels realistic for the average person.
My goal is to make getting “swept off” in your next travel adventure as easy and stress-free as possible.
Who is Amanda Williams?
I'm Amanda! That's me!
I grew up on a Christmas tree farm in northeast Ohio, and was a fan of horses, boy bands, the Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller, and the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. At the age of about 15, I vowed that I would save my money so that I could go to New Zealand (where LOTR was filmed) after I graduated high school – and I got my first passport stamp from there in 2005.
Since that first big adventure abroad in 2005, I have been to more than 60 countries on 6 continents, and my bucket list only grows instead of getting shorter.
I'm a full-time travel blogger, but I'm NOT a full-time traveler or “digital nomad.” I travel and work from a home base in Ohio, and firmly believe that you don't have to quit your job or leave your loved ones behind indefinitely in order to be a traveler.
(I did try to be a digital nomad once, but it didn't end well.)
You'll mostly see me around this site, but my husband Elliot pops up, too, from time to time.
Some random fun facts about me:
The important things:
- I have a bachelors in journalism and a master's degree in tourism management.
- I have a minor in German, but can't speak it very well at all.
- I like to consider myself to be pretty adventurous and open to new things (though not always when it comes to food).
- I live near Cleveland, Ohio, and love the city; I love it so much that I started a second blog about it: Cleveland Traveler
The less important (but probably more interesting) things:
- Before I was a blogger, I worked full-time at a small newspaper as a copy and layout editor; I started out editing obituaries.
- I love the scent of freshly-cut grass.
- I have been bungee jumping five times, and am always up for doing it again.
- I took Irish Step Dancing lessons in high school.
- I really hate all things “Twilight.” (See here if you do, too.)
- To contradict the previous statement, I like chick flicks, no matter how corny or predictable they are.
- I can write my name upside down.
- I am awful at video games.
- I have a ginger cat named Weasley.
How I travel
My travel philosophy is that travel is impactful and transformative, but it doesn't HAVE to be anything you don't want it to be. It doesn't have to be uber-luxurious and expensive, but it also doesn't have to be backpacks and hostels. Travel doesn't have to be going to exotic, hard-to-reach places, but it also doesn't have to always be all-inclusive resorts.
There's no right or wrong way to travel – only a way that's right for YOU.
I started out as a budget traveler, backpacking my way solo across Europe and Southeast Asia over the course of a couple years. As I've gotten older, though, my travel style has changed (yes, it's allowed to do that!), and now I travel probably like a lot of you do: on a moderate budget, willing to pay a little extra for comfort, convenience, and really special experiences.
Two things have remained consistent for me over the years: I only go places I want to go, and I always write about my personal experiences in a way that (I hope) is easy to follow so that you can plan to exact same trip for yourself.
A few more things about my travel style:
- I believe in climate change, and do what I can to minimize my negative impact on the planet by traveling as sustainably as I can, avoiding flying when it isn't necessary, and offsetting my carbon footprint. (Learn more in my environmental disclosure.)
- I do my best to research and follow cultural norms of whatever place I'm visiting, and acknowledge ALL parts of a destination's history, even when the past is uncomfortable.
- After studying tourism development (I have that master's degree in tourism management!), I make an effort to spend my money in ways that support local economies in the places I travel.
- I don't believe in gatekeeping information about destinations, and believe that public lands and the outdoors are for everyone. If I visit a place that I truly feel is too fragile for tourism, I simply don't share about it at all.
- I don't believe in only visiting “new” places and don't really care too much about counting countries – which means I return to my favorite places a lot!
- I sometimes am a “pack it all in” type of traveler, and know that not everyone else is. And that's fine! You do you. If my content isn't right for you, no hard feelings.
Posts to read about Amanda
Posts about me and my travel philosophy you should read:
- Why I'm Not Afraid to Travel Alone
- Why I Won't Get Mad if You Call Me Lucky
- Where It All Began — It's Carmen Sandiego's Fault
- 26 Things Travel Has Taught Me
- 5 Ways Travel Has Made Me More Adventurous
- Why I DIDN'T Quit My Job to Travel
- How I Make Money as a Travel Blogger
- How I Failed at Being a Digital Nomad
And go check out my travel timeline if you're curious about where I've been!
News coverage of Amanda
Along with being a guest a few times on local morning show New Day Cleveland, I've also been featured in the following online articles:
- Everything You Need to Know About Traveling Solo as a Woman at HuffPost Travel
- Here's How You Can Actually Travel the World Without Quitting Your Job at Buzzfeed
- How One Travel Blogger Funds Her Adventures at US News & World Report
- Maintaining relationships on the road at USA Today Travel
- Alumna Travels the World and Blogs About It at Kent State University
What is A Dangerous Business?
A Dangerous Business is a travel blog that was begun in 2010 when I was working full-time as a copy editor at a newspaper. The blog started as a hobby; a creative outlet to document some of my past travels. But I fell in love with travel blogging, and began growing a following.
I went back to school in 2011 to get a master's degree (thinking I'd change careers and work for a tourism board), but when I finished in 2013 I decided to work part-time and focus more on the site. I went full-time as a blogger in late 2015, and it's been my full-time job ever since.
Today, A Dangerous Business is one of the top travel blogs on the internet, getting more than 150,000 visitors per month and being promoted to an audience of more than 100,000 followers on social media. I've partnered with brands and destinations all around the world (learn more on my Work With Me page), have spoken at conferences and events like the New York Times Travel Show and TravelCon, and have been featured on sites like Travelzoo, The Huffington Post, and USA Today Travel.
The main goal of A Dangerous Business is to show people how to fit more travel into the lifestyle they already have. I cover global destinations and bucket list-style trips, and always focus on how people can realistically replicate these adventures themselves.
And, in a day and age of writers-for-hire and AI technology, I think it's important to state that I write everything on this site myself, and I have personally traveled to every place featured here. All of my tips and suggestions on A Dangerous Business come from personal travel experience.
Awards for A Dangerous Business
In 2013, I won the Ottawa Tourism Travel Writing Award for a piece I wrote about staying at the Ottawa Jail Hostel.
In 2018, A Dangerous Business was awarded a Silver Award for Best Travel Blog in the 2017-18 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition, which is hosted annually by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
In 2019, I won two Silver awards and one Honorable Mention in the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) Awards.
In 2021, A Dangerous Business was awarded a Gold Award for Best Travel Blog in the 2020-21 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition, which is hosted annually by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
In 2023, I won the Gold Award for Instagram Storytelling in the 2022-23 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition, which is hosted annually by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). (Check out my Instagram here.)
Speaking appearances
I'm regularly asked to speak at conferences and on webinars about travel and running a blog as a business. A few notable past speaking experiences include:
- I was featured on an episode of HuffPost Live about Why More Women Are Traveling Solo.
- I've participated on panels at the New York Times Travel Show in 2018, 2019, and 2020 about being a blogger/influencer.
- I spoke at the 2017 Women in Travel Summit on a panel about social media strategy.
- I was a mentor/speaker at Bloghouse from 2017-2020.
- I spoke at the Social Travel Summit in 2019 in Ravenna, Italy about affiliate marketing.
- I spoke at TravelCon in 2018 and 2022 about affiliate marketing.
- I spoke at the SATW annual conference in 2023 about being a digital publisher.
Press mentions for A Dangerous Business
- Publisher Interview: A Dangerous Business at Mediavine
- 11 Ways Millennials Can Travel for Cheap at Parade
- 31 Romantic Weekend Getaways to Book on a Budget at Oprah Daily
Contact me
Want to get in touch with me? Here's how:
You can email me at adangerousbusiness [at] gmail [dot] com, or fill out my contact form.
You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Other fun stuff
Want to know where all in the world I've been? Check out my Destinations page, or my Travel Timeline.
Want to know what goes in my backpack or suitcase? Check out my Packing List page! It lists all my favorite gear, and is also where you'll find my trip- and destination-specific packing lists.
Curious about where I turn to search for flights or book a hotel? Head over to my Travel Resources page for lots of great tips and secrets.
And, lastly, if you'd like to work with me in some way, check out my Work With Me page.
*Note: My headshots (which you'll see throughout the site, including on this page) were taken by the super-talented Jessie of Jadie Foto. The watercolor illustration you'll find behind my new newsletter sign-up box was done by the lovely Candace Rose Rardon.
Hi Amanda – Your blog has helped plan several vacations once my mom (SRHS) told me about you! We are going to Puerto Rico in a few weeks and are currently booked at El Conquistador – I know you wrote you were intending to stay there and I’m wondering if you have any feedback?
I visited the resort, but haven’t had the chance to stay there yet. (They had very bad hurricane damage in 2017, and were closed for refurbishment until I think 2021 or 2022.) It’s in a really beautiful location and isn’t far from El Yunque (national forest) and Fajardo (where many boat tours leave from), but I don’t have any personal experience staying or visiting since they re-opened!
Hi Amanda
Hope all good your side
I bought the 10 day Iceland ring road from you ( had to buy it twice ) as i lost my original mail 🙂
When i received the new itinerary i could click on the ” todays route ” i could see the complete route which was amazing
But doing my planning i find that the map does not open now !
Can you kindly assist ?
Also one thing i can not find on your whole 10 day trip is where and when to see the Puffins 🙂
Kind regards
Gerrit Bruwer
Hey Gerrit! I’m sorry you’re running into trouble with the itinerary. The maps links are still working for me on my end, so I’m not sure what the issue might be there, unless maybe you aren’t logged into a Google account? Is it one specific link that isn’t working, or all of them?
Puffin season in Iceland is usually May-mid August, so that’s the best time to look out for them!
And in the future if you lose the email with your itinerary, feel free to email me and I can get you a replacement copy!
Thank you. I too was referred here by Nomadic Matt and I’m glad I followed the link. Your post is interesting and informative. I’ll do my best to continue supporting the universe of travel bloggers.
i’ve enjoyed reading you since you were still the backpacker working in the news office. Thank you for keeping on with this & providing so many great stories, how-tos, & photos. Keep ’em coming please!
That’s so sweet, Valerie! It’s always cool to know that people have been following along for such a long time! I really appreciate it.
I really enjoyed your style of writing, and the Tolkien quote got me too. I wanted you to know how much I love your travel writing. Another thing I really appreciate is how easy it is to read and not be interrupted by heaps of pop up ads. I have been to blogs where there so many pop ups I simply move on and find information elsewhere. Thanks so much for that and sharing your wonderful adventures. THNAK YOU!
Hello! I found your blog while researching an upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal. I wanted you to know how much I love your travel writing. Another thing I really appreciate is how easy it is to read and not be interrupted by heaps of pop up ads. I have been to blogs where there so many pop ups I simply move on and find information elsewhere. Thanks so much for that and sharing your wonderful adventures. I have bookmarked your blog and I’m sure I’ll be using it again and again.
Yours in travel,
Diane Sanderbeck
Hi Amanda, I noticed that you have been to Sintra Portugal. A few questions:
We (two senior couples) are going to be in Lisbon in mid October. We want to spend a day in Sintra and see the sights including the Pena Palace. We have a rent-a-car but we’re told that parking in Sintra is very difficult. One of our group can walk but doesn’t do well with hills and too much walking. We talked to a tour guide with a mini bus but he told us that he can’t go to the doors of the sites, just the main entrance (quite a walk from there). We also contacted a Tuk Tuk, but they had the same issues.
What do you recommend?
Hi Jeff! Hopefully you’ll see this response! I assume you already read my post about Sintra (https://www.dangerous-business.com/sintra-day-trip/). In that, I definitely agree that you probably don’t want to drive to Sintra, as it’s very hard to find parking and would still require lots of walking. For Pena Palace, it’s true that any tours or private drivers would only be able to drop you off at the entrance, which is at the bottom of a big hill. Pena Palace does offer a shuttle from the park entrance up to the palace entrance, though, which sounds like it would be what you need. I believe it runs every 15 minutes, and costs an additional 2 or 3 Euro per person to ride.
I’d like to do your 10-day Southwest US itinerary, can it be done in Winter (Dec 25-Jan 2, specifically)?
It can be, yes, but note that there’s a chance you may run into snow/ice in places like the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce (it will definitely be cold at Bryce!). Generally all the parks are open, though, unless a really big snow storm comes through. I would book hotels in advance, though, as that’s actually a popular week to travel in the Southwest!
Dear Amanda,
I found your -3 Days in Lisbon -itinerary very informative and helpful.
Planning to visit Madeira (through the Lis) in October and hope your advises will help me to have my short stay in Lisbon very productive.Thank you very much.Best,Valeria Los Angeles
Enjoyed your blog on Florida Keys 7 day trip immensely. Long ways from ALBERTA but now on bucket list. Thank you.
Hi Ananda
I too gave done a solo travelling a lot I’ve visited places like
London
Manchester
Wales
Spain
Portugal
France
Malaysia
Thailand
Cambodia
Dubai
I happened upon your blog when I did a quick search about Scottsdale. I really enjoyed your style of writing, and the Tolkien quote got me too! I miss You have a new subscriber!
Thinking about retrireing in Belize. Could use your help.
I’m just a travel writer. I’m afraid I cannot give any advice on moving to/living in Belize, because that’s not an area of expertise for me.
How long does it take for the download info to come to my email? I’ve done it twice and so far nothing.
thank you, in advance, for your help.
It’s the 12 itinerary for the great plains, Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas
SarahLynn Lunderman
Hi Sarah! It’s usually automatic, but sometimes the confirmation email can get caught up in spam filters. If you can’t find it there, shoot me an email ([email protected]) and I can send the PDF to you.
Amanda,
You are so very helpful and give great practical information. Thank you! are planning driving tour of the southwest. About two weeks of driving and seeing mostly national parks in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. We have an itinerary but would like to map it out for timing. Do you know if there is a free place to actually do this and get the mapped itinerary, not just a listed itinerary?
Thanks.
I would probably just start with Google Maps, to be honest! It’s the easiest way to get an idea on timing. As for mapping something out that you can take with you, look into AAA’s TripTik. These used to be printed things you could get from AAA, but now they have a site and even a phone app. I’m not sure if they’re free to use, but you could try it out!
I love the way you write – very genuine, and I’m definitely going to follow your advice for Zion!
Enjoyed reading one of your travel stories.
After reading about Morocco it has come to the top of my bucket list of places that I would like to travel to.
You stated you are from a town outside Cleveland. I am also from Cleveland and grew up in Rocky River.
Where are you from?
Planning a trip from Mentor to see our son and family in Portland OR. Found your site. Excellent!
Loved your article on Asheville! Although a day at the Spa at the Grove is a treat!
That would also be a great way to spend a day there!
Hi Amanda. I hope you are well and safe. I am wondering can I use your video clips to advertise vieques as a place to work and play. I am willing to pay you. Kind regards Robert
Hi Robert. Feel free to send me an email! adangerousbusiness[at]gmail[dot]com
As a newbie to blogging but a keen traveller and photographer, I’m interested to read this and to find out more about how you’ve balanced working with travelling and blogging. I’ve always worked full time (until retiring earlier this year) so travel has been fitted into my limited time off work. The plan was to travel more once retired but a certain virus has put paid to that for the time being 🙁 So I’m developing my blog (just for fun) and exploring other people’s blogs, as well as inevitably adding to my travel wish-list!
HI AMANDA I”m planning a trip to Utah to visit some of the National parks ( Arches Bryce Zion Moab . I will be driving from Lockport ,Illinois taking I-80 please send me your 10 day itinerary Thank-you
Hi Robert! If you visit this post and put your email address in the box that says “free printable itinerary,” it will be sent to you: https://www.dangerous-business.com/10-day-american-southwest-road-trip-itinerary/
Thank you for all your travel information!
I hope to visit Ireland at some point! Hopefully more than once!
Good day to you – Amanda,
I really enjoyed your “dangerous-business” tongue in cheek story about Wells – that I came across while starting to research my 30% England/Wells dna” per Ancestry – still looking why England/Wells together?
In your reply section I was bewildered that so many responses simply – did not read the full story and reply negatively that reflected on themselves – what a shame and pity on that person! I find you are honest and truthful and reply to “that person “
Thank you for today’s enlightenment and also to think about a trip overseas?
more research on my other 30% Spanish and 24% Native American?
Robert – southwest USA
I’m enjoying reading your blog and dying to know what small town you’re from. I grew up in Vermilion. Do you know where that is?
I do indeed know where Vermillion is! I grew up in North Lima, near Canfield.
Dear Amanda
Thank you for this page with the tips on what to wear when you go to Egypt as I plan to visit Egypt in the future
Just ran across your blog when I was looking for recommendations for road trips. I too, am a buckeye (Lima). I’m looking to expand my horizons before I’m too old to do it. Thanks for all of the wonderful posts!
Hey,
Your articles are really encouraging to me. I’m still just a high schooler In Michigan and have been wanting to explore the world as long as I can remember (especially New Zealand-yay hobbits!- Iceland, and Scotland). I just wanted to let you know that you are doing an amazing job and am happy to see you do what love. I hope someday I can put your travel tips To use, so thank you.
Thanks for stopping by, Ralph! I hope you get the chance to travel to all those places you mentioned and more some day!
Wow!!!! I will be camping out on your blog some when I have time! I feel like I’ve met a soul sister!
Hi Amanda, My hubby and I want to travel for eight weeks in Europe next year. The Busabout company sounds good, although we are older travellers and would need private accommodation each night. Do you have any details of hotels etc. and we would be grateful for any tips that you have picked up during your travels. Thanks. Kind regards, Julie. ?
Hi Julie! Europe is a very big place, so I’m afraid I can’t give you specific suggestions for every place on the continent! I do share some of my favorite hotels around the world on this page: https://www.dangerous-business.com/travel-resources/where-to-stay/ Maybe that can be somewhere to start!
Hi Amanda! It is so awesome that you have this Blog! I have always wanted to travel but something is always getting in my way. Like lack of money!! Nevertheless, I am not giving up and will keep reading to learn more about your adventures. Thank you!!!
Amanda I love your description of the Niagara Falls trip. Who did you book the trip with? Did they arrange for everything? It is such a chore to find the destinations, hotels, travel arrangements.
Hey Katalin! Unless I mention that I used a tour company, then I usually do plan all my travel myself. But I usually try to make my blog posts helpful by recommending hotels and activities that you can book yourself, which hopefully helps narrow down your choices!
I will only have ten days. Flying into Sioux Falls on July 26 evening and departing from Doug falls evening of August 5th. Can you suggest a modified itinerary for my timeframe that hits the best sites?
Thank you
Mark
Hi Mark! I’m afraid I don’t do any custom itinerary planning – but hopefully you can find enough info on my site to piece together an itinerary that will work for you!
Be sure to include spearfish canyon drive if traveling near Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota in spring/early summer. They dry up mid-late summer but 10 waterfalls of various sizes in 40 miles make it a beautiful drive. Another fun adventure is riding the 1880’s railroad in keystone for about 11 miles, having lunch, then riding back to keystone. If you are within a week or two of sturgis motorcycle rally, it is fun to see all the bikes lined up in the center of the street. People are very friendly and patriotic.
All great suggestions, Dan!
An older male here and I just today ran across you blog. Interesting,love it because you like travel and I like all people who like to travel and you are encouraging women to ” hit the road, Jacqueline”.
I think, though, that somewhere in you and many who love travelling is something like a “hobo” gene. Not a bum, not a homeless person, but one who get ticklish feet when the grass growing under them gets too high.
I would encourage you, and many others, to read the book, or better yet, see the movie, if you can locate it ,called ” Housekeeping”. There is a line in the movie spoken by a young girl to her care taker aunt that (for he aunt) “” Time, to you, is just the name of a train”. That line has haunted me for almost 30 years since I saw the movie.
Thank you for your attention.
I have visited this blog 3 years ago literally. Now I am here in 2019 and what blog you’ve built amazing <3
Thanks so much, Tracey! I’m pretty happy with how this little blog of mine has evolved!
I met your husband Elliot at work the other day and he was telling me all about you. (He is VERY proud of you!) ?. So I had to check your blog out. We will be retiring soon and would like to travel to Europe at some point so I look forward to getting your advice/recommendations!
I travel to Europe quite frequently, so hopefully you can get some ideas here!
Hello Amanda,
My son is 20 years old and he is traveling to Iceland with two other friends. They will be taking a road trip and staying at bnb’s, I am excited for him as well as a bit nervous. However, I know that I have to let him explore the world. Any suggestions that I can give him?
I have a ton of Iceland content on my site, so if you’re looking to send him suggestions for what to see and do, I’d start on my Iceland page! Otherwise, Iceland is a very safe country, but I’d let him know that it’s also a very expensive one. Gas, food, lodging, and activities can all be pricey – tell him to hit up gas stations for excellent hot dogs if he’s looking for cheap meals (Icelandic hot dogs are actually really good!).
Hello,
In the audience at you forum ‘Focus on Travel Bloggers’ at the New York Times Travel Show! Great Information.
Thank you,
Danita
Thanks very much for stopping by, Danita!
You are such an inspiration, Amanda! Thanks for all that you offer and share!
Norway trip looks great. Good ideas are appreciated.
Just discovered your blog, read your “Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park in One Day,” and can’t wait to read more. I love travel and love writing, both reasons why your creative journey is inspiring.
Amanda, though you may have corrected this glaring oversight by now (Fall, 2018), your “places I’ve been” map shows you have barely dangled your big toe in South America. To remedy this sad situation, I suggest you book a flight to Lima, Peru ASAP. Even in the metropolitan capital city of 10,00,000, you can walk down a city street, turn the corner and be confronted with a ruin from the Inca era. Other must see destinations in Peru: Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the Atacama Desert (driest desert in the world) and the Amazon (fly into Iquitos).
I, too, majored in English–teaching ESL, to be precise. My pet peeve is the ubiquitous misuse of possessive ‘s. I loved teaching adult ESL for many years, wrote a weekly column for my state’s largest newspaper for a few years and was the associate editor of and writer for an international women’s travel newsletter. I traveled as much as possible and lived in both Hawaii and Peru. I would love to globe-trot with you, but chronic illness ended my travels. I’m pleased to have run across your blog so that I can travel vicariously.
May your adventures continue for many years to come.
Julene
PS You mentioned not being much of a food adventurer, but in Lima you must try the anticuchos.
Thank yo so much for your write-up on Northern Norway, islands other than Lofoten. We plan to go soon, and this gives us a nice guide with options for viewing some lesser known attractions. I’m glad to have run into your site.
Thanks, Don! I’m glad, too, and hope you enjoy your trip! That part of Norway is beautiful.
Great blog.
Thanks!
The new blog format looks good!
Thanks! I’m very happy with it.
I love your blog! It’s full of heart and honesty; very engaging and helpful content. Glad to have stumbled upon it.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Hi! My name is Chantal and I found your blog at Pinterest. I automatically fell in love. I was searching for things about South Africa because I will go there in April 2018. Can you please help me? I need some advice of you. How about money? It’s something I still don’t really get. I live in The Netherlands, I’m 19 and I’m still studying. At the moment I’m really depressed about everything, the only thing I really like and what keeps me happy, is traveling and also thinking about the South Africa trip. Is there something possible to travel more? Through the world? Without money issues…
Sadly money makes our world go ’round, and travel does cost money. There’s no way around that, really. There are ways to help defray travel costs (looking for deals, traveling in the off-season, staying in hostels), but there’s not really a way to travel the world without any money.
Not sure whether this reply goes to Amanda or Chantal or both. If this reply goes to Amanda and not directly Chantal, Amanda, you might tell Chantal that sometimes travel can be done pretty inexpensively. Just a thought (sorry I ramble on here)…there are some ways to afford some travel. I’ve never been outside the US except for Montreal, Nova Scotia, and South Africa (and a couple of brief transfer stops along the way to/from South Africa.) You’ve done a great job of affording it and sharing how by the choices you’ve made, Amanda, tho’ as you write, it does cost. My own two trips to South Africa (from near Boston, MA) cost me almost nothing! The 1st one came about by accident. The minister of the church I was going to had a connection with friends in South Africa. He wanted to build some connections between our church and his friends and their churches in South Africa. He recruited/encouraged a few of us. I wanted to go, but said that I could not afford it. One of the others to make the trip had so many “travel miles” from his own journeys that he gifted me enough to pay for the entire travel. The church people and other acquaintances we visited were so friendly and hospitable, and the currency exchange rates favorable enough, that my nights and meals cost very little more than what I would have spent while at home. That trip was about 13 days all told and it was in 1999.
The 2nd trip to South Africa came about 10 years later, in 2009. In part, it came about because of the 1st trip. Rotary International had a program called “Group Study Exchange (GSE).” Rotary International has changed the program since 2009, but it looks like some districts still offer it and there are also newer options such as “New Generations Service Exchange” & “Friendship Exchange.” There is also the long-time “Youth Exchange.” Each offers different interesting kinds of opportunities with varying requirements and costs. I’ll provide more info about GSE because it’s what I know and it gives Chantal and other readers a sample of what Rotary may offer. The GSE program we did was an amazing, unique, cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for “business people” and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. I put “business people” in quotes to highlight that the phrase need not be intimidating. The team I led included a young fellow whose first loves were surfing & photography while he supported himself by working as a sales associate in sporting goods / outdoor recreation retail store. The GSE program provided travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country’s culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at a “district” conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families. This was all “free” (i.e., at no cost) to the team members, who need not be Rotarians! Each Rotary district picks its own destination district in exchange with that host district. I think the district presidents worked it out at the Rotary International Assembly the year before. There was an application process for the leader of the trip, who had to be a Rotarian from the local district with some experience in the destination district (and whose expenses are all paid by Rotary). And there was an application process for the young professionals. It was competitive, and I cannot believe that with my limited overall experience and just the 13-day ten-years-old prior trip, I was chosen to lead this 31-day trip. The younger non-Rotarian team members also could not believe their good fortune to go on this trip! Just for the serendipity of it, I looked up Rotary Districts in the Netherlands. There are 7. By no means do all districts conduct exchanges each year. From what I can tell in a quick search, dating all the way back to 1968-70, there have at least been GSE exchanges between districts in the Netherlands and Mississippi USA, California-Nevada, USA; the Philippines; Australia; South Africa/Swaziland; and New Zealand. I don’t know about the number and extent of Youth and other exchanges and graduate fellowships between the Netherlands & other parts of the world, but it’s definitely worth a look!
Our younger 23-year-old son is living on a very low budget, waits on tables & bar tends for his income, but has managed to travel around the US a bit. Two trips are to Savannah (one in the past and one coming up) to cover a music festival for not much money. It does cost, but he truly does them “on the cheap” and some expenses are absorbed by the fact that he’s a very good writer, knows about bands/music and a publication is engaging him to cover the festival and write about it.
The most important thing I want to convey here is that there are low-cost travel opportunities in unlikely places to amazing places. Chantal, just keep your eyes open, do some more research and tell others about your interest!
BTW, Amanda, our older son went to U. of Otago for a semester + some traveling in NZ. He brought & sent back pictures and told and wrote us about his journey. That plus other reading we’ve done have convinced my wife and I that we really want to go to NZ. We hope to go next March (2019). In the course of looking for some info, I found your blog/website. It’s great. I’m so grateful to have found it! It’s chock full of interesting and useful info of all different sorts. I’ve only just begun to read so much that is here. Thank you so much for sharing so much that you have experienced and learned!
NOTE: please feel free to edit if you choose to publish this reply. I know it’s much longer than the other replies I see. Sorry! I just got going and couldn’t stop, but I hope you found it interesting/useful.
Inspiring! Just stumbled across your blog. You have a fan. 🙂
Great to hear it! Welcome. 🙂
I found your blog earlier today and have spent the morning reading through your posts. I am from the middle of nowhere Northwest Ohio and have spent the past year preparing to move to Arizona and begin my adventure. My roommate and I have started a travel blog called The Hive and are always looking for awesome lady bloggers to look up to. You definitely have become just that for us. Greetings from Ohio!
Aww thanks so much! Good luck with the move and the new adventure!
Your next adventure is to become an amateur radio (ham radio) operator and that will lead you to friendships and more around the world (I am just a vicarious traveler). If you are in northeastern Ohio (Christmas tree country), a lot of clubs would like you as a member – you would be in heavy demand as a Christmas dinner speaker as well ! You are living the life.
My fiancé grew up on a Christmas tree farm east of Cleveland – perhaps that is a thing in Ohio? I think it’s cool that you’ve been able to craft your own dream lifestyle that balances work, home, and travel. I’m working towards early retirement and then hope to do something similar. I’ve danced between slow traveling internationally, getting an R.V. and traveling across the U.S., or setting up shop in my hometown and then traveling for a month or two out of the year. Still figuring it out!
Haha, well farming in general in Ohio is pretty big business, and pine trees do grow well here! 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I stumbled upon your blog while searching for the best ones and I must say it is a very inspiring and entertaining blog. Cheers for that!
As I read through the About Me page, I could agree to a lot of things but one. Normal Life. It is great that you can balance the ‘normal’ life and the life of an adventure and travel enthusiast, but Normal according to me is a very subjective term. Those who have quit their jobs never found the life they led to be normal.
THEY’RE living a life THERE which is totally THEIRS. I am particular about grammar too.
But anyways, this is just to say that even I may not quit my job in future and travel, but I certainly won’t call that life Normal and be calm.
I am from India. Someone who is living a kind of normal life here but is interested in a lot of other things, including travel. Trekking, Writing, Music, to name a few. If you wish, do check out my blog someday.
Cheers.
Apurva
http://www.apurvaoka.com
I can’t fathom why there is a huge amount of bloggers and supposed SEO professionals who are actually useless
You are now part of my weekly website bookmarks, keep up the interesting posts
Thanks, Saul. Glad to hear I’m not useless. 🙂
Amanda, Oh my Lord! Aside from the many beautiful things about your blog, your header image is to die for! I also love that you didn’t give up your job to travel. That’s so reassuring for us part-time nomads!
That beautiful header image was painted by the amazing Candace from The Great Affair: http://www.candaceroserardon.com/. I LOVE it!
Hey Amanda;
Just wondering why you invited me to like your facebook page and how you found me.
Nice blog site. Hope you enjoy ours 🙂
Love your travel philosophy.
Pru & family.
Hey there! Most likely you liked something I posted on my page (perhaps a photo or link). That’s the only way I find people to invite to like my page. 🙂
Great site and useful information. Keep it up!
Amanda, it feels like we are the same person ))) I was passionate about Harry Potter, Lord of the rings too. I like traveling a lot. Your Alaska photos are so impressive. You inspire me to do more for my traveling.
Glad to hear, Peter! Happy travels!
Love the site. You’ve definitely inspired me to get up and get out! 🙂
Love hearing that! Happy to have you here. 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I have been enthralled reading your blog. You are a girl after my own heart…as well as an awesome photographer.
Could you suggest the best LOTR tours you did around Queenstown. I have so enjoyed reading all of your NZ adventures and have great respect for your views.
Many thanks,
Mel
Hey Mel! Thanks so much for the lovely compliments. 🙂
As for LOTR tours around Queenstown… I’ve mostly just done things with Red Carpet Tours, who offer multi-day LOTR-themed tours through NZ (I have a review of them if you search my site!). For shorter trips, I’ve also heard good things about the Nomad Safaris tour to Skipper’s Canyon, or their “Safari of the Scenes.”
Your site…It’s the best travel blog I’ve seen BY FAR. So well done and that header…beautiful! Just wanted to say thank you for creating a blog that shows a woman enjoying life on her terms. Yours is definitely one I’ll share with my young daughter who, at 8, already has a serious case of wanderlust. She begged me to let her have an outdoor adventure blog of her own and we have ended up doing it together as a great way to be creative and share our love of the outdoors. You are definitely an inspiration and I’m so happy I have stumbled on to A Dangerous Business!
Aww thank you so much, Katey! I’m glad you stumbled upon my blog, too! 🙂
I ADORE your blog header! it is the coolest one i’ve seen. Mostly because i’m a massive LOTR fan and anything with hobbit feel to it is a hit lol. Great blog as well!
Alex
Thanks so much, Alex! I really love it too! My friend Candace from Serendipity Sketches did it for me, and it’s so perfect!
Hi Amanda,
I came across your blog through my TBEX friends and loved the way you have kept it so professional still a warm touch.. You have travelled exensively.. Have you ever been to India ? If not, please visit soon and trust me keeping travel blogger experience it is the best place to travel and learn new things .. Hoping to be connected when you India.. Also do leave your two cents on my blog 🙂
I just discovered your awesome blog. Some nice posts…and I love your bucket list. I’ve been thinking of doing one myself.
Happy trails…now get thyself to Uganda!
http://gringopotpourri.com/2015/09/01/gorillas-not-quite-in-the-mist-part-one/
-Scott
Thanks for reading, Scott!
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your Ocala story. I live in Ocala and have since…. I just drew a blank on the year I moved here! I’m originally from Maryland. Anyway, you told about places I never knew about after all my years here and some places I have forgotten about. Thank it was a joy reading this. I also, enjoyed reading about you!
I seriously feel like you are my spirit animal or something! Half of my travels are planned around my love of reading- Bulgaria/Romania area has been super high up my list, also because of the Historian! Absolutely love that book, but haven’t meet too many people that have read it.
Ahhh that’s like one of my most favorite books!! You definitely should go to Bulgaria/Roomania – you can visit so many of the places mentioned in there!
(Spirit animals… UNITE!)
Very nice blog!!! I really like your travel philosophy about not having to give up a home base/be a digital nomad to experience travel.
Did you draw the lovely header illustration? In any case, it’s wonderful!
When it comes to travel, it definitely doesn’t have to be an either-or – you can have a job AND still see the world! 🙂
As for the header, that was made by the lovely Candace Rardon from Serendipity Sketches!
Hi Amanda,
I was searching for “Best Bloggers in the World” and guess what ??? Your name came in the top 5… It is then that I saw your website and I am so happy to have read your travels. Quite a few achievements you got… Amazed by the no. of countries you have visited so soon. I HAVE to follow you now 🙂 Been to India anytime ?
Great Work… Good Luck !
Glad that you found my blog! And nope, I haven’t been to India yet.
Heyy! I love your blog…and have been reading posts on your site for the past hour. I’ve been to 39 countries but just started my travel and photography blog, Visit50.com, while exploring Asia a few years ago. Like you, I was a journalism major and love being able to combine my passions for travel and writing (and photography)!
I’m creating a blogroll page of my favorite blogs – would love to exchange.
-Todd at Visit50.com
Hey Todd! I don’t have a blog roll, I’m afraid. But feel free to shoot me an email! I’ll make sure to check out your site too.
Hi Amanda,
Hope you’re well.
I know you probably already receive an inordinate amount of emails regarding content for https://www.dangerous-business.com/
I currently work on behalf of Executive Lounges, an airport lounge company specialising in luxury travel and comfort. We’ve started producing a range of content for our site, from infographics to blog articles.
I wondered if our infographic about ‘top 10 European destinations’ might be of interest for you to feature? I know you sometimes feature posts from experts within the industry. You can see our infographic here: http://www.executivelounges.com/top-10-european-destinations
Let me know what you think and if anything catches your attention.
Speak to you soon,
Emily Cocker.
Hi. I just discovered your blog this morning while looking for information about Eger, Hungary. Do you have a follow link somewhere? I would love to keep up to date with your blog. Sorry if it’s obvious and I’ve missed it.
Cheers 🙂
Hey Andrew! Yes, you can sign up for email updates if you want – there’s a box to do so in the sidebar of my site (just go to a blog post, and you should find it just under the social media follow buttons (it says “Jpin 90,000 monthly readers” at the top)!
Hi Amanda,
I’m from Singapore and chanced upon your blog. Really enjoyed reading your amazing travelogue! ^^
Thanks so much for reading, Sherine!
Hi Amanda! I came across your travel blog while doing some research for the extended New Zealand trip my husband and I are planning for next year.
All I can say is, we could seriously be twins!! I also grew up in rural Ohio (Go Buckeyes!) and have always been a huge Tolkien fan. Your blog has been very insightful and informative in our planning process. We are planning a year long trip to NZ so we can fully experience everything the North and South Islands have to offer. Since we are planning to go on a work holiday visa, I found your NZ page very helpful! We definitely want to see what’s off the beaten path…but still trying to determine the best way to get around: bus system, campervan, or purchase a vehicle to use for the year. What methods did you use to get around while you were in NZ? Thanks!!
When I lived in NZ, I was in Wellington, which has a fairly decent bus system. And I was studying there, so I wasn’t traveling all the time. If you plan to do a LOT of traveling in that year, though, I would probably look into buying a car or van for the year. That would probably make the most sense, and probably save you some money.
As for where/how to buy a car or van… I’m afraid I don’t have any tips for you on that since I’ve never done it!
Hey,
I just wanted to tell you, you are such an inspiration to me. As a young girl that wants to travel alone but doesn’t quiet know how and the dos and don’ts of traveling alone. I found your website very comforting and living proof that I am not the only one that wants to do this! I would just like to thank you.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you very much
~The high school girl still waiting to travel on her own
Thank YOU, Tianne! I have a feeling you have some great adventures ahead of you. 🙂
Hey Amanda,
Just read your 10 ways to start a travel blog. While I have started my travel blog, I am going to use your 10 tips to make it better. I also have a journalism degree and currently design pages for a newspaper. LOL!!
Glad to hear you found that post helpful, Heather! And yay for the copy editors and layout designers of the world! 😀
[…] About Me […]
hi Amanda,
extraordinary travels indeed! i am just beginning my travel journeys again- starting with a bit of biking in NZ and then to North/South America next with my trusty surly- so excited. there is so much to see in the world, everywhere! i will definitely be keeping posted on your adventures!
esse
Awesome to hear! You’ll have so many adventures with your bike!
Hi Amanda,
We just wanted to reach out to you to let you in on some exciting news; very soon American travelers will have access to free rental cars courtesy of transfercarus.com.
Transfercar is the market leader offering free rental cars in Australia and New Zealand, and will be the first to offer this service to the American public.
We get our supply of rental cars from rental car companies who need to relocate vehicles to a new location to position their fleet for new hires.
So far, we have serviced over 100,000 happy customers Across Australia and New Zealand and look forward to offering the same service in the US.
If you think this service would be of interest to your audience, please feel free to help us spread the word and let them know.
Your can check out our websites at the below links
http://www.transfercarus.com – New site for the USA – rental cars will be available soon!
http://www.transfercar.com.au
http://www.transfercar.co.nz
Hope to hear from you soon!
Best regards,
Wesley Bradley
I found your blog on twitter and loved reading it especially the post about riding elephants, which i believe was your recent post. your writing is very sublime. keep up writing about the good stuff, you are inspiration for many people. thanks & regards @KASHMIR_LADAKH
Thank you very much! I’m glad you like my site.
Hi Amanda! I stumbled on your blog through BootsnAll Travel. From one Ohio girl to another, I like your spirit, your writing style and your openness to having fun. In 2013 Len and I spent 6 weeks exploring North and South Islands of NZ using workaway.info (check out “Be a Workawayer: An Affordable Travel Option” my post on their blog) to plan our stays with families in exchange for room and board. It was such a fantastic experience that we are returning this October for a 6 month stay. I am thinking about starting a blog…I like your blog and it gives me some hope that i can succeed too. Any advice for a beginner? Gina
Welcome, Gina! Really glad you found my blog – and that you share my love of New Zealand!
As for starting a blog, I would say give it a go if you really love writing and want a place to share your stories!
Thanks, Amanda! I’ll stay in touch…
Gina
Definitely! If you do decide starting a blog is something you’d like to do, feel free to check out the blogging courses I’m offering now (linked at the top of my page, as well as in the sidebar!).
Hi Amanda, I also travel…North America, or as we call it, Indian Country. We live on a reservation in Murky Water ( Minnesota ) and also hang out in San Francisco and Arizona. I came across you while looking up Yellow Springs, OH. So, you are welcome to come and visit us (our family) anytime, just figure where we are at…from a PowWow in the woods to a street fair in Frisco, maybe blasting across the desert. We paddled down the Hudson last summer and have been talking of going to Slab City – RU familiar with it? My name is watso. Well, enough for now. May smiles be your companion.
Hi Amanda, I always love to check the “about me” section to get to know why and how people ended-up making a great blog like you did. I really love travelling but after a series of event in mid 2013 (my dad got really ill), I have to uhmmm well.. kinda stop travelling to far away places. After reading your blog, I had an idea to write posts about my hometown. I can still travel in nearby places on weekends. I’m currently living in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, so if you would like to have a post about it (I haven’t seen mush of Asia on you travels), I would really love to be a guest blogger (and I love photography too). I’ll be following your blog then 🙂 seen you around 😉
Hey Amanda! I just discovered your site and I love it! It’s great to see another Ohioan traveling the world, I don’t meet too many of us out there.
Yay traveling Ohioans! I’ve met a couple more of our kind on the road, but you’re right – we need to be better represented!
Hi Amanda!
Just wanted to let you know that you are a HUGE inspiration! It’s great to see that you are making the Travel Dream work, and look like you’re having a great exploring and writing/blogging! Wish I could meet you (ohmygosh, HUGE Lord of the Rings and horse fanatic as well while growing up!!), maybe we will cross paths someday, I am hoping to spend my twenties wanderlusting around the world as well! Until then, I’ll be following your amazing blog!
Hantalë ar mára mesta. 😉
Thanks SO MUCH, Laura! Always great to “meet” a kindred spirit, and of course always awesome to hear that I’m inspiring people! Good luck following your own travel dreams!
Hi Amanda –
I just nominated you for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award, here is the link:
http://thetravelwench.com/2013/12/15/dragons-loyalty-award/
I really enjoy your blog!
Thanks!
Michelle
Amanda, I love your writing style and your pictures. I have just nominated you to enter the Capture the Colour photography competition
Aww thanks, Fiona!
Hi Amanda,
I have always loved traveling and took to travel writing recently. I have been looking at various travel blogs for some inspiration to start travel blogging. I felt an instant connect with your blog. You have some really wonderful posts on traveling and I really got that much needed push stop procrastinating. I am from India and would love to tell me more about my country when you plan a trip here. All the best.
Ankita
Thanks for reading, Ankita! So glad to hear that my site has inspired you to stop procrastinating and get traveling!
You have a fantastic blog, particularly your photos. I can see that you’ve been to many places, but I hope next time you’ll travel to UK for a balloon hot air ride experience. Its a good experience I had in UK. It’s a bit adventurous but full of fun. Anyway, thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with
I would love to take a hot air balloon up over the UK!
Hi Amanda,
You have a fantastic blog. I like how your travel blog was
fueled by LOTR as I am a Tolkien fan too.
On a different note, you should visit South East Asia – Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia if you haven’t yet. Lot’s of wonderful places – you can even do “temple run” in Sim Reap.
All the best!
I hope to visit SEA later this year!
Hi Amanda,
I am loving reading through your site……. you are so lucky to be able to travel where and when you want to….
I have only managed Thailand and Cambodia and of course my country of the Philippines. We have so many problems with visas and also earning enough money to pay for trips.
I am a registered nurse and love to travel when i can.
May i ask you if it is possible to exchange links with my website http://islandgirltraveller.com/
and i will reciprocate. Thankyou and enjoy your RTW trip. hope you can drop in to Philippines on the way and especially my island of Sibuyan
Love it that you can write your name upside-down.
Just discovered you on Landlopers. Great site!
If you’re ever in Paris and would like to go on a treasure hunt at the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay, drop me a line. It’s what my company, THATLou, does.
Kind regards,
Daisy
A museum treasure hunt? That sounds cool!
Quickly stopped by before dinner after reading your response to the 1000 1000 challenge! You’ve built a cool blog! We kinda feel identified with your “normal” style and would love to read more! We know challenge’s 2nd part is around the corner! 🙂
Thanks, Inma! Glad that you can relate to my travel style!
Amanda! So amazed at your blog, I don’t know how I’ve not come across it before. As a fellow kiwi I’m glad you have such an obsession with my country – makes me proud. I just recently watched The Hobbit and planning to get married near Peel Forest.
I’d have to say I can also blame Carmen Sandiego and the road trips I took with my dad across the North Island.
You truly are an inspiration and now I know I should “just do it” when it comes to writing about my travels, past; present and future.
Thanks and keep on spreading the good travel karma 😀
Suz
Thank YOU, Suz! Happy travels!
Hi Amanda!
It’s awesome to see adventurers like you out exploring the world. A couple of years ago, I taught English in France to elementary students and had the opportunity to travel to another 11 countries on the European continent (while on break of course). I know what you mean about that pesky travel bug! I call it my itch I can’t stop scratching!! And New Zealand! Ahh….my ultimate destination, and why? I too was a LOTR nerd in high school; how stoked are you for The Hobbit to come out??
Anywho, I just wanted to tell you about our great app INTERPRETRAVEL. It’s the first to market, on-demand, live interpretation app! In lieu of a faulty translation, INTERPRETRAVEL connects you instantly with an interpreter from our language catalogue. INTERPRETRAVEL just adds that confidence, reassurance and security knowing you literally have an interpreter right in the palm of your hand.
If you have any questions on INTERPRETRAVEL, please email me and let me know. I’d love to hear more about your adventures! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest; that way we can keep in touch!
Safe travels my friend!
I am SO excited for the Hobbit!
And thanks for introducing me to your app. I’ll have to check it out.
Hey there, Amanda! I just found your blog, and I really like it!
I also am beginning to wonder if we were separated at birth. ;D You mentioned going to New Zealand with your mom for two weeks in 2005. Well, guess what? My first overseas trip was to Germany…. in 2005… for two weeks… with my mom!
Okay okay, so maybe that doesn’t make us twins, but I still thought it was funny. X) I’m also a grad student (and thus feeling guilty about spending so much time looking up travel stuff!), and I also speak some German. 🙂
So here’s a big energetic wave from me! Keep traveling, keep writing!
Hey Sarah! Welcome to my blog! Hopefully my travel stories help keep your grad school spirits up (we all need distractions sometimes!!)
Wow, that was fast! 😀 Thanks! Yes, we certainly do… Off to browse some more, and then… homework!
Hi Amanda – very nice site layout and content. Enjoying your blog very much. Cheers Dave
Thank you, Dave!
Oh I see – Flickr’s got beef with Pinterest, eh. Seems a bit odd to me that Flickr would make the choice on behalf of its users to cut off (or at least stifle) that traffic stream. But I’m no insider so what do I know. Only time will tell if it was a wise move.
Well I have a hack that circumvents Flickr’s block. I could link it back to your site for example: “Photo courtesy of https://www.dangerous-business.com “. Is that cool with you; what do you say?
Double J
Like I said, I think it mostly has to do with copyright concerns. I don’t mind if you still pin my photos, though, as long as that’s all you’re doing with them! 🙂
Hey Amanda,
I love your blog particularly because your the photos. That said what’s up with not being able to pinterest the photos?
Hey JJ! The only explanation I can come up with is that I host my photos on Flickr, and have a copyright on all of them. I read a while back that Flickr was going to disable sharing to Pinterest, so maybe that’s why you aren’t able to? I haven’t done anything on my end to prevent sharing, so that’s the only thing I can think of!
New fan, love your site!
Thanks, Nick! Glad you found it! Welcome!
Hi Amanda!
I’m a kiwi from Christchurch, currently living in San Diego and working as an Au Pair. I just found your blog and I’m enjoying reading through your posts 🙂 Loving your Tolkein quote by the way-my website is onetravelsfar.com- “Little by little, one travels far.” Great minds hehe
Welcome to my site, Stacey! So glad to hear you’re finding things you like!
Hi Amanda!
I stumbled upon your blog and love the Lord of the Rings quote, was it one of Bilbo’s? Anyways, just thought I’d leave a comment and say thanks for the wonderful website! I’m going to book mark it and check back! All the best for your future adventures.
Hi Amanda! So glad you stumbled upon the site and like it — and yes, that quote is indeed one of Bilbo’s!
[…] part of our “Travel Tips” series, we interviewed Amanda Williams who spent 5-months living in Wellington on a study abroad program. She lived right in downtown […]
nice to meet someone with the same interest…travel travel and travel..wish you a safe and sound travel all the time..who knows one day our ways would meet…let me know if your heading to germany in your future travel..
Hello,
Just wanted to leave a comment to say I think your attitude towards what defines a traveller is great – you dont have to be on the road continiously to be a traveller – I take a few trips a year cause thats what I can manage & reckon thats good enough – others have a different attitude though eh?!
Glad to have stumbled across your site.
Cheers,
Laura
Thanks for the comment and kind words, Laura! I’m a total believer that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to travel. Whatever works for you is what you should do!
nice to meet you Amanda…i am also a travel addict..not really a pro writer and photographer but i just simply love to travel and take pictures of all kinds…
Nice to “meet” you as well, Ruby. Thanks for stopping by!
Nice to meet you!
I had no idea there was such a thing as “Christmas tree farm”. And I didn’t know some towns in the U.S. didn’t have McDonalds. One article and I learned two things already! 😆
I’m also a travel junkie, also looking for a life at home/travel balance, also love writing. And traveling. Duh.
I move from France to Canada a few years ago and I love being based in Canada even though the travel bug is still there… It’s somehow comforting to see we are all struggling with the same balance problems!
Nice to meet you as well, Zhu! It’s always great to hear from fellow travel enthusiasts.
Hi Amanda,
It’s nice to come across someone similar to me – I like to have my house and dog and job, but I love to travel too. It’s hard balance, but I enjoy it a lot. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Vanessa
Hey Vanessa! Thanks for dropping by and saying hello. I know my travel style isn’t ideal for everyone, but it works for me. I like having a home base!
Hi,
Do you need “Guest Bloggers” for your blog? I represent a large community of writers who are trying to get their unique family friendly content published on sites such as yours. My writers are just looking for exposure so there is no charge to you for the content.
The writers I represent are professionals and are not churning out garbage content that reads like a sales ads. Each piece takes time to create and is usually 700 words or more in length. We hope to establish a long term relationship with you. You can also feel free to monetize the articles with banners ads or Google Adsense etc.
PS. I am sure you will want to see some writing samples so just let me know and I can show you several.
Thanks,
Paul White
Inventory Manager
(913) 837-3055
[email protected]
Saw you posts in planning a trip to Chicago…and you missed my hometown, Cambridge, NZ by 20 miles….nicer than Matamata …so ok no hobbit town…but more trees and horse!1 regards
Jeff
Ft Smith AR
I lived with a girl in Wellington whose family was from Cambridge, I think! And yes, sadly, I have not yet been everywhere in New Zealand… maybe someday!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope my Chicago posts were helpful to you.
Love your blog! I’m a small town girl (from NY), grew up on a Christmas tree farm and love to travel too. And I live in Columbus, OH. If you live near C’Bus and ever want to do an informal OH Tweet up of 2 (or maybe there are more of us) let me know.
Thanks for stopping by, Michela! You grew up on a Christmas tree farm, too? No way! How cool.
I currently live in the Findlay area, and will be moving back east this fall. But the next time I’m in C’bus, I’ll be sure to drop you a line!
Hi Amanda
Great site! If you’d like to swap travel links, my site is at http://PaulKilfoil.webs.com/Leisure.htm. I’ll put a link back to you at http://paulkilfoil.webs.com/TravelInfo.htm.
Regards
– Paul
Hi Amanda,
I like your enthusiasm when it comes to travel. I have a few U.S. recommendations, if I may be so bold!
First – it looks like you have never been out west! California is huge, and of course this should be on anyone’s travel list if you live in the U.S. including San Francisco, Monterrey, Big Sur, and Yosemite National Park. If Southern Cali is more your thing then you’ll have L.A./Hollywood and San Diego on the list.
But it would be a crime to skip over the Grand Canyon; Sedona, AZ; Zion National Park, Badlands, Capitol Reef or any of the other completely fantastic natural wonders you’ll find between northern Arizona and Utah too.
A little closer to home, if you drive a bit east into upstate New York, you’ve got access to the Adirondacks, which is a wonderful playground of mountain peaks. Lake Placid (of Olympic fame) sits in the center. It’s surprisingly close to you and won’t require a plane ticket, nor will it break the budget. A little further south, closer to the Catskills, don’t overlook Woodstock, NY or New Paltz and Saugerties which are both charming and small. If you go WAY north in NY state – even above the Adirondacks, you’ll hit Lake Champlain.
If you keep going east, you’ll get to see the Green Mountains of Vermont (and if you like to ski, Vermont has some great spots…)
None of these places require a passport and all hold the amazing potential for adventure.
Enjoy!
Carol
Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions, Carol! It’s true that I have not yet conquered much of the U.S. But, my sister and I are planning a road trip out west this summer, so hopefully I’ll have the chance to visit a lot of the place you mentioned here!
Hi,
Ive Traveled to 75 countries + and lived overseas a few times, alot of the places Ive dug into deep once all the touristy stuff was complete! Alot of the European countries Ive lost count of my visits. I dont have a blog, I enjoy reading others. I have a FB which oneday I may open publicly for others to follow. Im on my way to Haiti, Cayman Islands, and Jamaica in a few mths (78). Carol thanks for mentioning all the US travels, Ive been to 38 of the states so far! We live in a beautiful country for those who dont wanna Wanderlust overseas! Ciao
Thanks so much for dropping by! 🙂 Enjoy your travels!
Dear Amanda,
I dig your blog! I was wondering if you wanted to exchange links. http://www.runawayguide.com
Also, if you have any guest post opportunities, let me know.
Cheers,
Leif
I see you haven’t been to Los Angeles yet! I love my city and would totally show you around if you ever make it out to the West Coast. Represent!
The only times I’ve been to L.A. have been when I’ve flown through the LAX airport! But, my sister and I are planning a road trip for later this summer that should see us in the LA area for at least a day or two!
you wanna know something awesome? i have a ton of things in common with you, and as a junior in high school, my dream is to travel the world 🙂 your blog is really awesome and i look forward to reading more about your adventures! 😀
Hi Nat! That is indeed awesome that we have so much in common! It was about the time when I was a junior in high school that I decided I wanted to travel the world, too.
I wish you the best of luck, and would love to hear about YOUR adventures, too!
Hi, I’m a PhD student (also a journalist by degree) undertaking a research on Global Nomads, on professionals that have adopted a hyper mobile lifestyle. I’m particularly interested in individuals who have lived and worked in at least three different countries. All it takes is a 40mins Skype call, so please let me know if you would like to participate. Also, I would like to know if you grant permission to use the textual content of your website for the analysis (it may include a few short quotations that will be referenced accordingly).
I hope you have a small gap in your busy schedule!
Gabriela
@GabbyGNomad
[email protected]
http://forthenomads.blogspot.com/
Oh wow, you’ve been to many places! I’d love to visit Australia and NZ someday too!
Yes, I’ve definitely been lucky, getting to see so much of the world at my age. And you should definitely visit OZ and NZ if you ever get the chance!
Hi Amanda – I’ve been running Dave’s Travel Corner for the past almost 14 years, http://www.davestravelcorner.com and I was wondering if you have some time to check my site out and if you like what you see, perhaps you could add a link back on your
blogroll. I have already added your site under my Resources >> Blogs of Travel section.
Thanks 🙂
Dave
Sure thing, Dave! Just added you to my blogroll. 🙂
Hi! We are interested in a link exchange as per you message on ‘The Travel Blog Exchange’. We’ve gone ahead and added your blog—you can find it here:
http://www.twortw.com/links/blogroll/
My wife and I launched our blog almost a year ago and have since been actively seeking blogs on which to link to, comment on, and actively support!
Hi there! Thanks for adding me; I’ve just added you to my blogroll as well, and checked out your site — I love it! Definitely will be checking in regularly.
Hi, I’ve seen your blog at TBEX. I’ve an travel blog http://business-flights.iflybusiness.com/ and I’ve been interested in link exchange. Can you give me a link for my blog on your blog at http://dangerousbusiness.wordpress.com
under BLOGROLL section ?
I’d be glad to add you to my blogroll section if you’d link back to me, as well.
We would love you to consider a link exchange.
My partner Danielle and I are currently traveling to nearly every country in Africa (we are writing now from Dakar, Senegal) meeting with farmers, workers, NGO’s and community groups writing about innovations and projects that our working to alliviate hunger and poverty. We travel blog everyday at BorderJumpers (www.borderjumpers.org). We are trying to highlight stories of hope and success.
Thanks so much for your consideration!
All the best, Bernie and Dani
Would love to exchange links. I’ll shoot you an e-mail.
Hi Amanda,
Saw your post on the TBEX forum about link exchanges. If you’re interested shoot me an email 🙂
Thanks,
-Anil
Just found your blog and am loving your posts! It may be because I’m a small town Ohio girl moved to Fl, so I can appreciate your point of view. Thanks for sharing!
Happy to hear it, Erika – and welcome!