| Interview from Brooke vs.The World |
|
March 16, 2009 RYSA 10 Questions for…Brooke from Brooke vs the World Today we are featuring Brooke, the founder/writer/editor/prolific traveler from Brooke vs the World.  1. Tell me a little about yourself and where you are right now. I’m an American from Illinois, and not Chicago (so not the cool part – haha), who is currently sitting in my shoebox room in a house in Sydney, Australia listening to my French house mates sing “Down Under” by Men at Work. 2. How do you decide how long to stay in one location before moving on? How much of your trip was pre-planned? I leave when it just feels right to do so. I wish I could give an answer, but it really just depends on the place and my mood. Ukraine was a place that was just not making me happy, so I felt it necessary to leave. I mean, why do something that doesn’t make you happy when you can change it, right? As for planning, I don’t do as much as I used to. It is probably good to have a rough idea of places to see, but nothing set in stone – no, no, no. 3. What made you give it up to travel around the world? Being the type of person who feels that anyone can do anything if they want it bad enough, I decided to stop talking about how amazing traveling the world would be and just do it! Travel has always been a passion for me. Even way back in family road-trip days, my suitcase was packed at least a week in anticipation. Something about the feel of a new place and a taste for adventure fueled me even as a child. Traveling the world was only natural. 4. Any advice for solo travelers? Be open. As a solo traveler you have an amazing opportunity to do what you want, when you want. Traveling opens up so many chances for adventure, so by making yourself available, you will have an unforgettable time with new friends and experiences! 5. How do you keep in touch with family and friends? Any recommendations for student travelers? My travel blog and Skype are the two main ways I keep in touch and share my adventures with family and friends. Blogging not only shares my stories with anyone interested in reading, but it also provides an online scrapbook of my trip. As for Skype, I recently added a webcam to the experience and it really is an amazing way to feel closer to loved ones in America. I would have to say that the first time I spoke with my grandma via webcam was probably the funniest thing that has happened this year thus far. 6.What could you not travel without? My passport… literally. 7. Any favorite experiences or foods from your travels you can share with us? I think living with a Kyrgyz host family was amazing. Even though it was probably one of the toughest things I have ever done, those 7 weeks were an insightful look at a culture that not too many people know about. As for food experiences, take a look at these blog posts: Shoro and Salo. 8. What is your next destination? I have no idea. Any suggestions?! 9. Any recommendations for traveling on a budget? Keep a money journal. I know it sounds tedious, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to lose track of spending on the road. Those quick stops for a gelato or a beer sneakily start to add up. If you keep a journal, you can have a better idea of where the money is going and adjust accordingly. Also, just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you should forget to have fun. Sometimes splurging is necessary… After all, why be in a place if you can’t really experience it?! 10. Any recommendations for students abroad or thinking of studying abroad, especially in this tough economy? For students thinking of studying abroad, especially in this tough economy, I can recommend for them to head off the beaten track and try something a little bit more adventurous. As much as I loved every minute of my semester in Italy in university, it was a downright pricey trip to take. In actuality, some of my best travel memories have been produced from going to places in the developing world and doing language study. I learned more and did it spending less money in the process. Brooke vs the World chronicles Brooke’s adventures as she travels the world. She just left the Ukraine and is currently in Australia. Check out her blog to read more about her travels. For More Interviews from Travelers and Others, chek out: Interview With The Guys and Gals at EuroCheapo.com! -March 4, 2009 Interview With Karen from EuropeALaCarte Blog -March 5, 2009 Interview with Shannon, who runs the Institute of International Education's website! -March 11, 2009 Interview with Brooke from Brooke vs. the World website -March 16, 2009 Interview with Nick from BudgetGlobeTrotting.com -March 17, 2009 Interview with Justin from Corporate Whore No More website -March 18, 2009 Interview with Gary from Everything Everywhere website -March 19, 2009
|
