“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
My guest today is Addie – a traveler, bargain hunter, and family girl. Her goal is to travel as cheaply as possible without sacrificing her experiences while on the road.
Addie runs the Traveling Mrs. blog – in hopes of inspiring those who think traveling is impossible in their lives, to take the leap and make a trip happen.
What got you into traveling?
I’ve always enjoyed traveling and was lucky enough to travel in the US, and a few European countries before I was even a junior in high school. And although I’ve always enjoyed it, it wasn’t until a few years after college that I really got into traveling.
I was in a sales job that I didn’t love. I would dread going to work, and count days until my next time off. That year I attended a Life Success Seminar. And through a series of exercises, I realized that the two things I am passionate about are my family and traveling.
I was initially bummed about this discovery because I was hoping to uncover a hobby that I could do from home to fill my days. But, I realized that traveling doesn’t require for me to wait for a family vacation, right?
This led to the impulsive decision of quitting my sales job and booking a 3-month trip through Europe. That trip was life-changing and has instilled a NEED to travel that has only grown.
What was your first travel experience like?
My first travel experience was a trip to New York City when I passed 8th grade. My sister and I went together. And I remember being so excited to board my first flight and was surprised when my ears started popping at takeoff!
When we got to NYC, I was amazed to see the tall buildings, the amazing food, and the extravagant shopping options. We did so many touristy activities like going to the top of the Empire State Building, visiting Times Square, walking through Central Park, and shopping on Fifth Avenue.
I had so much fun exploring a new city and I couldn’t wait to get my pictures developed when I got home. I guess if I had to sum it up, my first travel experience was awe-inspiring.
How did you take up blogging?
In 2015, I was pregnant with my first baby. At a time when most people are thinking about settling down, I couldn’t get the idea of traveling out of my head. Thankfully, my husband likes to travel too. So it wasn’t hard to convince him that our “babymoon” should be another European tour, for another 3 months.
When we told our families, everyone gave us a stunned and almost disappointed look. And told us all the reasons why we shouldn’t be traveling.
When we got home from that trip, with money still in our pockets and jobs still in tow, I decided that I wanted to start a blog – to show people that traveling doesn’t need to cost a fortune and that anyone can do it. I wanted to inspire everyone to take a trip. And that’s how Traveling Mrs. was born.
Which is your favorite destination and why?
Barcelona in Spain. There is something about the city that keeps me going back. I’ve been there 3 times, and each time, I fall in love all over again.
There is something about the friendliness of the people and the slowness with which time passes, that I love. There are so many things to see and do – both tourist stops and native hidden gems.
It is one of the most lively, artistic, unique places I have been to. And the people have a true pride in their Catalan history and culture which is so different from the rest of Spain.
Tell me about one of your most memorable travel experiences.
I was boarding the Metro (subway) in Paris when somehow, my passport fell out of my purse and slipped right through the gap between the platform and the train. I jumped off the train leaving the group that I was with, to see my passport lying on the tracks as the train left the station.
I didn’t know what I was going to do. Suddenly, a man jumped down in the tracks, grabbed my passport and his buddy grabbed his arm to help him back up to the platform. He handed me my passport and I was ready to be on my way again.
I couldn’t believe what had just happened. It turns out the man was from a city about 45 minutes from my hometown in Ohio.
What is your advice to people who wish to travel but think they can’t?
Just go. Buy the ticket. If you make it a priority, you will find a way to make it work.
There are thousands of blogs and books out there to help you figure out all the details, but it is more affordable and easier to do it than you think. You just have to pull the initial trigger. It will be one of the best decisions you make!
I couldn’t agree more, Addie! You can follow Addie on her adventures on:
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