Recently I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Miriam of adventurousmiriam.com. A full time travel blogger and freelance copywriter, her eponymously named blog is a testament to her commitment to making travel a huge part of her life. She is fiercely dedicated to wresting as much as she’s able to out of her travels and grabbing the bull by the horns, so to speak, by pushing the limits of each destination to discover the most rare and memorable of experiences. A true adventurer with more stories than I’m able to uncover here, so definitely read her blog, get to know her, and be sure to ask her how she snuck into Bolivia!
Tell us a little about Adventurous Miriam. Who are you, what are you all about, and you’re first introduction to traveling?
Haay, everyone. So glad to be here. I’m Miriam and I’m a fearless adventurer (sort of). I went on my first backpacking trip when I was 23 and it made a huge impact on me. Since then I haven’t been able to stop exploring (not that I’ve tried), and today it is a fundamental part of my life.
Clearly traveling is a huge part of your life. I think the term you used was “Fulltime travel obsessive”. What was your inspiration to live a life of travel and experience life on such a grand scale?
Well. Traveling is the one thing that makes me feel like I’m living life to the fullest. And that’s essential to me. Traveling inspires me to do new things and never settle for less. It gives me perspective, and I feel I’m a better person because of it. It wasn’t until last summer that I decided to become a freelancer and be able to travel whenever I wanted. It’s the best decisions I’ve made.
Money is generally what holds most people back from seeking adventure. Do you think this is a good reason and how do you fund your own adventures?
It’s a good reason, yes. But traveling is not as expensive as most people think. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to take a trip – not even to the Maldives! With the right research, it’s totally possible to travel without breaking the bank. Personally, I fund my travels through copywriting and this blog.
What are your three steadfast rules that you abide by in order to stay on budget while on the road?
Although I’m not religiously budgeting, I manage to cut my costs by following these simple steps:
- Research. I read blogs, check for free things to do and plan at least 1 month in advance whenever possible.
- Timing. Traveling during low season can help save a lot!
- Local knowledge. I always ask locals for advice on restaurants, sights and fun experiences.
I can see you’re one hell of an adventurer! What is your philosophy on maximizing your experiences and getting the most out of your travels?
Thanks for that! I make sure to push my limits and challenge myself all the time. That way I always try something new and live life to the fullest.
What’s one of the craziest/dangerous situations you’ve experienced and how did you get yourself out of it?
That would probably be when I sneaked into Bolivia. But that’s a story for another time.
If you could offer only one survival/safety tip, what would it be?
Research, research, research. I always read up on safety and scams before visiting a new destination. I also make sure to inform my family of my whereabouts. So far, that has kept me out of harm’s way.
So, I got to ask, only because I’m addicted to the sweets myself and by your own admission you have a “sweet tooth like a 5-year old.” What’s the most awesome dessert you’ve EVER tried anywhere?
Ha, that’s a tough one. Well, there’s no denying that Danes make the absolute fiercest cakes of all time. I’ve had deserts in many countries, but Danish strawberry tart with pastry cream, marzipan and chocolate à HELLO, AMAZINGNESS ON A PLATE. It just doesn’t get any better than that (hence my addiction).
How have you evolved as a traveler from when you first started to how you are now?
It has definitely made me more independent. Traveling has taught me so much about myself and the world we live in. Solo travel in particular has been a learning experience and I’ve become stronger mentally and learned to trust my instincts. Funny enough, it’s something I had never imagined myself doing. EV-ER. But here I am, traveling solo ^^.
Lets talk about gear. What is the one essential piece of travel gear you must have on your adventurers, and why?
That would be my camera! I absolutely luuve my Canon, and I never leave home without it. Some might say that I experience too much through the lens (aherm, husband), but taking photos is a real passion of mine and it helps perpetuate everything I see and do.
Of all the destinations you’ve been to, what was your most memorable experience?
Uyuni, Bolivia. Definitely. Visiting the salt flats in the rainy season and experiencing how the ground turned into one giant mirror was nothing short of mind blowing.
Where are you now, and where will your adventures take you next?
Right now I’m in Denmark, but I’m leaving for the Balkans in a week. I will be traipsing around Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro in June, which I’m super excited about since this is a whole new region for me.
Do you have any final advice for those who wish to live a life of travel?
Sure I do. Dear travel lovers and hoping-to-be adventurers: Traveling really is the only thing you buy that makes you richer, so make sure to go for it. Live a life with no regrets. It might seem scary or impossible at first, but anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
About Adventurous Miriam
Freelance copywriter. Fulltime travel obsessive
In 2006, I went for a six month backpacking trip through Asia and it changed me. Since then I’ve traveled extensively in Latin America and returned to my beloved Southeast Asia every chance I get.
I live in Denmark with my husband Thomas, and he’s usually the one I travel with. Plus he’s cute and I like him. When we’re not roaming the world together, I travel alone or with Pernille, my trusty travel wingwoman.
Website: http://adventurousmiriam.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventurousmiriam
Instagram: https://instagram.com/adventurousmiriam/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adventurousmiri
Carey
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