March 19, 2009

RYSA 10 Questions for…Gary from Everything Everywhere

 Today we are featuring Gary, the writer of Everything Everywhere.

1. Tell me a little about yourself and where you are right now.

I am currently in Aqaba, Jordan on the Red Sea. I've been traveling around the world for the past 2 years and have visited almost 60 countries and territories in that time. I have taken close to 40,000 photos during my trip and keep and active travel blog at Everything-Everywhere.com

2. Do you research a country or city before arriving, after leaving, or does it depend?

I do some basic research, but I mostly wing it. I usually don't even have a room reserved before I go to a new city. I mostly try to have an idea of what I want to see or do or have and idea of why I'd want to go there in the first place.

3. Are there any particular travel experiences that have changed the way you look at something?

I don't think there is any one thing, it is more a collection of smaller things which add up. Our perceptions on poverty, democracy, and other religions are often not what we see in the media. Things are almost always more complex than they seem.

I was in Taiwan during their National Day celebration. I went to a fireworks festival where I thought for sure I was going be killed by the crush of people trying to get closer to the fireworks. They also had a military parade earlier in the day.

5. How do you decide where your next travel destination is?

That is difficult. I'm currently trying to get to the US in a few months because I haven't seen my friends and family in two years. That will mean cutting out some places I'd like to go for now. I usually just pick the place I'm interested in that takes me in the general direction I want to go.

6. When and where is your next destination?

I am currently in Aqaba, Jordan. From here I will visit Wadi Rum and Petra then go to Israel.

7. How do you keep in touch with family in friends? Any recommendations for student travelers?

Everyone I know reads my travel blog . I talk to many people via IM or Twitter and I call my family every few weeks via Skype. Skype is great for keeping in contact with people. It is free and you can find it most anywhere.

8. What can you not travel without?

My iPod Touch. I can show people my photos, check email, listen to music, it is my watch and alarm clock, and even a flashlight. It is very handy.

The #1 thing which effects cost is where you travel. Your budget can go a lot farther in SE Asia than it can in Europe. If you can go somewhere cheap, then you have more leeway in where you can stay and what you can eat than if you traveled somewhere expensive.

10. Any recommendations for students abroad or thinking of studying abroad, especially in this tough economy?

Do it. I have never met anyone who has regretted traveling. You can learn more in a year of traveling than you can in a year of school. If you factor in tuition, traveling is almost certainly cheaper than not traveling.

Gary, thanks so much for your time and good luck with your adventures!

Everything Everywhere chronicles Gary’s travels and adventures throughout the world. After becoming a successful entrepreneur, Gary sold it all to travel the world. He has been to more than 50 countries, with more to come.  His website is nominated for Lonely Planet’s Best Travelogue and Best Image Blog, so don't forget to vote for him after you have checked out his blog!

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