Traveler Tuesday – Abbie of Speck on the Globe
I'm so pleased to introduce you to another amazing BlogHouser, Abbie Synan of Speck on the Globe. She is confident solo travel who treks to the far corners of the globe to seek out new cities and new experiences. She is constantly on the go and concerned about sustainable travel. I am jealous of her recent adventures in Morocco which you can see on Instagram.
She is a beauty, you cannot miss her freckled-face (get it? Speck on the Globe?!…) smile wherever she goes, her smile lights up the room and I was honored to meet her in Indianapolis.
Let’s meet travel blogger Abbie!
[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
Probably cliché, but I think my whole life! When I was growing up I was such a social child, I loved to go anywhere, and was dubbed a little “gypsy baby”. If I had to pick a specific event it would be my first real sense of exploration was when I was 16. My aunt and I went to Ireland and it was my first flight, my first trip overseas and from the moment I visited I knew there was more of the world I wanted to see.
[2] What kind of traveler do you define yourself as?
I prefer “slow travel” if I can help it – I think I could have easily covered a lot more ground over the last five years but I’ve opted to stay in cities or countries longer to make a more lasting impression. I love being able to have a routine in a place (yoga classes or going to the same little café every afternoon for tea) and being more immersed in the location.
[3] What do you love most about traveling?
There’s way more pros than cons about travel in my mind. I love the sense of adventure, the feeling you have when planning to visit a place you’ve never been. The excitement of trying something new and the comfort you feel when meeting new friends and connecting with people that may on paper be completely different from you. Travel to me is exhilarating and I think that is what I love the most.
[4] What to you dislike about traveling?
Carrying all of my luggage. I pretty much live out of my suitcase or backpack and after a while on trips where I’m bouncing around a bit more I start giving them an evil eye when it’s time to move to a different place. If I had one lavish wish it would be to have someone just move my luggage around for me. It’s lazy, I know but sometimes I’d love to just go with no baggage. You could take that figuratively or literally I guess!
[5] Why should people travel?
I’m a big believer that we should look at ourselves as more as global citizens. I think travel is a living classroom; it’s a way to eliminate stereotypes, educate yourself in world history and learn more about yourself in the process. It can be a scary, rewarding, eye-opening experience. Just like introvert vs extrovert, I think travel doesn’t have to appeal to everyone and it isn’t right or wrong, but I do think it’s important for everyone to try at least once. It doesn’t have to be exotic, but getting outside of your own backyard is important for self-awareness and global insight.
[6] What famous person would you like to travel with?
I think I’d have to travel with someone who would be fun on vacation, either someone who makes me laugh or makes me smarter so I’d have to pick either Neil deGrasse Tyson or Aziz Ansari.
[7] What won’t you travel without?
My Computer – at this point it’s an extension of myself.
[8] Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with.
Camera, bathing suit, journal.
[9] If you’re a foodie, what's your favorite food city? Do you have a restaurant recommendation?
I’m in the “live to eat category” and not “eat to live”. I love food, learning about local dishes, how things are prepared and why foods are important in the different regions. I’m a big believer that food is one of the ways to connect with a culture, it’s usually the focal point of family and friendship. Food tours or cooking classes are always a great way to really dive into in a place through a plate.
[10] What's one location on your bucket list?
Mongolia or Bhutan. I’m of the mindset that if a destination pops up on the list then I’m thinking “When or how can I get there?” instead of “I wish I could go there”. That philosophy has gotten me to a lot of other places that have previously topped the list.
[11] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?
Keep working at it and don’t be discouraged! It is a competitive, draining and occasionally overwhelming job but it can also, usually simultaneously, be the most rewarding. You work for yourself, you have a creative outlet and you are making a dream to see the world a reality so don’t let a few setbacks in the beginning squash a dream. I usually try to remind myself that if it wasn’t work they would call it something else 😉
Abbie's Lightning Round of Favorites
Airport: Singapore
Mode of Transportation: Train
City or Country: City: Florence / Country: Myanmar
Travel Gear: Camera
Travel snack: Pringles (they are EVERYWHERE and are my go to “American” snack)
Book: Passionate Nomad – it’s a biography about Freya Stark, one of my favorite explorers
Movie: I’m a notoriously horrible movie watcher (I talk & ask questions) so I don’t often watch but I’d pick The Usual Suspects or Princess Bride
Song: It changes so frequently! Don’t laugh, but right now I’ve been obsessed with Hipster Cocktail Party Channel on Pandora (I know it’s horrible but it has been the best soundtrack for background work music)
Thanks Abbie!
You can keep up with Abbie on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and of course on her blog. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her travel adventures!
How about you? What would you like to know about Abbie?
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Wow, she has been to some pretty amazing places. What a great interview. I have a long list of places I hope to visit some day – and now I have added to it after seeing these pictures!
This is absolutely amazing. I’m always blown away by those who go on these amazing trips around the world. I’ve always been more of a homebody, so I love seeing the pictures from different places. It’s great for those of us that may not travel as much and what an adventure for her too!
So teo things…the first is how amazing Abbie’s photos and trips were. My goodness, i would love to do something like that. The orher is HOW COOL are you for sharing her with is on your blog! Made my day!
Hello Abbie!! Nice to meet you! I totally agree with you on having to lug your luggage all over. The worst part of traveling for me as well. Especially having to pack. I hate packing too! I love getting to know all of these great travelers every Tuesday.
It’s totally common, I too love traveling and it sparks your interest of the world around you when you visit the very first place away from your home country or even city.
All of her photos look amazing! I would like to travel more. Hopefully, once the kids are older, that will happen. It is hard to travel with triplets and an older kiddo in tow! I enjoyed reading more about this blogger.
Hi Abbie! Wow, you have traveled to some wonderful places, love your photo’s! I feel you on your statement about how you dislike carrying your luggage, lol that is my only problem when traveling. Still it has to be so amazing being able to travel like you do!
This is a fun interview. I love learning more about other writers and especially learning about their adventures. I like traveling although not as much as she does doe sure! I do like to check out things near my home and a good road trip but not by plane at all. I would love to see some more places this year and I have learned to not wait for the opportunity but to make it yourself!
I love traveling. My favorite part about traveling is learning about different cultures, foods, language, and the beauty of different lands. I agree it is a classroom to learn about not only other places but yourself.
Goodness me she has been to some fantastic places. Her photos are awesome. I wish I travelled more often. I never do, and I feel like I’m really missing out. I love learning about all the different places and history. Great to meet Abbie!
Very adventurous person you are!!
Definitely agree about the pros and cons of traveling! I feel almost nostalgic, full of adrenaline when I travel. I actually LIKE the hustle and bustle of the airports, people watching, that anticipation before you get to your location!
I too am very envious of where this beautiful and courageous woman has been