Elena and I are wanting to start a piece on our social media site and want you to really be a part of it, so we would be honoured if you would answer the questions below for us. It can be funny, inspirational – whatever!
We want it to be your piece.
We will team it up with a couple of your favourite travel pictures of yourself.
What’s the purpose of this little piece? – We want to motivate and inspire others into what is is that you and we have, the crazy, fun and exciting world of travel. But most of all you are our friend and you truly have inspired us with your personality and travel stories – why not let us share them with the world.
Wayne’s Answers
What’s the best bit of travel advice you have ever received?
Travel light – There is no point taking half the stuff you “think” you need when you go on holiday. I wrote a piece about What to take on a 3 week holiday in Thailand and this is now how we travel. It wasn’t something I was told, it’s more of something that I’ve learnt along the way.
What inspired you to start travelling?
My lovely wife. Having never been outside of New Zealand I travelled all the way to Russia to meet her in person, I had no idea about travel and when told I needed a visa I went to the bank for an application for a visa card.
What is the best savings tip you can give to anyone trying to save up to travel?
Downsize all that you can, I bet you have loads of stuff you can sell to raise money for your trip. Stop dining out! This was a biggie for us as we would dine out a couple of times a week and Tuesday night was pizza night – all gone now and so proud to be eating healthy now.
What is your proudest accomplishment you achieved while travelling?
Getting lost in Vietnam while riding a motorbike in the hills around Mi Son. The trip was to be 30km and I managed to make it 170km! Not only did I get lost but the bikes front brakes ceased and I had to get help form the locals with a total language barrier I managed to get back on the road and made my way back to the hotel with no brakes.
What is the best and worst thing about travelling as a couple/single?
The best thing is sharing our experiences together, Elena is my best friend and travelling without her is strange, but I admit I do enjoy the solitude now and then. just to feel the presence of where I am.
The worst thing about travelling together is that Elena thinks she is the leading authority on directions, yet she is the one who will turn a map upside down in the vain attempt to get clarity on our directions.
In what ways, if any, has travel changed you?
I now understand that there are different cultures in the world and not to be afraid of them. I don’t believe others formed opinions based on media hype. I guess now unless either you or the person you’re talking to has had a first hand experience with a certain culture the conversation is speculation.
What would you say to people who want to travel but are worried about safety issues?
Ha, have you ever tried to cross a really busy road?
You got more chance of getting hurt there than anywhere. Remember when traveling your senses will guide you in all situations and in most cases you’re the one overreacting. I’ve found that generally all people are good regardless of race, religion or status. Most people are curious and to date I haven’t come across someone that has wanted to harm us during any of our travels.
If you had to chose a country other than your own to settle down in, where would it be and why?
That’s a hard question to answer and there are several places that spring to mind.
- Phuket – I just fell in love with this place and know that at some time in the future we will settle here for 6 months
- Mainz – Germany – I reckon that this would make a great base for us to see all of Europe. We have great friends here in this city too. We even talked about renting an apartment here for a month on our next trip to Europe.
What city was best value for money?
I couldn’t think of one.. so here’s my top 5
What was the first overseas trip you took?
1997 – Russia (to meet my gorgeous wife)
If you could travel with one celebrity, who would it be and why?
Sir Richard Branson – Now here’s a guy who knows travel and has a passion for life.
If you could travel back in time, which era and place would you go to and why?
I would have loved to be on the wagons heading west across America discovering the new world
If you could only describe yourself as one would it be: beach bum, city slicker or country bumpkin?
hmmmm….. I’d be a slick, beach bumpkin…..
Seriously, give me the wide open spaces
Ok. Now it’s your turn, answer the questions by copying them and emailing your answers to us (along with a photo of yourself)…Love to hear about your travels
