This week we bring you an interview with world traveler Gary Arndt who has been traveling around the globe since March 2007. He is running the succesful Everything Everyewhere Travel Blog and in this interview he tells us about the countries he has visited, his most memorable adventures and he gives some advice on how you can become a world traveler.
In 2007 you sold your house and started traveling the world. What inspired and motivated you to take this big step?
I didn’t really know what to do with my life so I decided to travel around the world. I had gone around the world once before on a 3 week whirlwind tour for business and I always wanted to do it again.
What was the first countries you visited and what were your plan at this point?
I started in the Pacific. I’ve always had a fascination with smaller countries and I also knew it would be one of the more expensive areas to travel in because of the flights. I spent 3 weeks in Hawaii learning to SCUBA dive then went to Tahiti, Easter Island, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Fiji. The basic goal was to keep going west.
You must have many memorable experiences on your travels, which are dearest to your heart?
I wrote a post last March of my 10 favorite experiences to celebrate my 4th year on the road. These included swimming with jellyfish in Palau, being in the water with Great White Sharks in South Africa and spelunking in Borneo.
Which cultural events and traditions around the world can you recommend and why?
I had the pleasure of visiting Jerusalem during Holy Week, which was quite the experience. It is something I’d recommend to anyone, regardless if you are religious or not. I had a great time during Songkran in Thailand. There are many small festivals all over Spain during the year which are unique and interesting as well.
Where are you now and what are your plans for traveling in the near future?
As I write this, I’m at the airport on the Isle of Man. Today I’m flying to Glasgow, Scotland. From there I’ll head down to London, fly back to the US for a few weeks and then go to Antarctica in January. I am planning to spend a month working in Belize in February.
How do you decide where to go?
I wish I could give you a straight answer. Sometimes I depends on where I’m invited. Sometimes it depends on what I’m near. Sometimes it depends on the weather.
You travel mainly overland, why is that and what are your favourite means of transportation?
I’ve been flying more the last 2 years, but that being said, I really don’t enjoy flying. Land travel is cheaper and you don’t have the hassle of going through an airport.
What things in your luggage do you find absolutely essential?
For what I do, I need my camera and laptop. Without those I wouldn’t be able to run my website.
Do you ever get tired of traveling and if so why? When will you settle down?
I can get tired in the short term. Especially if I am in a stretch where I am in a new city every day, but I try to keep those stretches few and far between. I still love traveling and I still love what I do. If I stay in one spot for more than 2-3 weeks, I start getting the itch to get moving again.
How do you fund your world travels?
It started to travel with savings from selling my house and my business. Now I am often invited by tourist boards and I earn revenue from my website.
What is it about traveling that you find most fascinating?
Learning new things. You are confronted with new things every day you are on the road. Some are big and some are small, but there is a whole world to learn about and you can never come close to learning it all.
Do you you have any advice to people who would like to take up long term and long distance travelling?
Do it. I don’t know anyone who has gone on an extended trip an regretted it. Don’t worry too much about your planning. Your plans will fall apart the moment you start traveling. Save up your money, be frugal and just hit the road.
See more from Gary Arndt on his travel blog. Photos from Everything Everywhere.
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