Traveler Tuesday – Daisy of Beyond My Border

When I learned a little bit about Daisy of Beyond Whose Border I was fascinated by the game of tug-of-war that her early life consisted of. She was pulled back-and-forth between China and Canada all their different life, culture and language – I thought my military childhood was eventful, Daisy's life was like a top spinning around. Despite what would appear to be a tumultuous life, she has a positive outlook on life and I really like her writing style!

Let’s meet Daisy!

[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
I was on my first flight at three months’ old! Due to my parents’ work, we moved around quite a bit. Between 12 different schools, 5 cities, and 2 countries, I fell in love with different cultures and people. My first solo trip was a layover in Iceland. After spending a few days, I went onwards to finish my study abroad term in Paris. From there, I traveled across Europe and spent two months backpacking Turkey. I haven’t really stopped since.

[2] What kind of traveler do you define yourself as?
I’m a budget backpacker. I love slow travels and really enjoy taking my time to explore new places, experience new cultures, and meet new people.

[3] Which country do you come from/call home?
I’m Chinese Canadian. Due to the constant moving back and forth, both are home to me

[4] What do you crave from home when you are traveling?
I don’t think people realize how diverse Chinese food can be! Every region has a specialty unlike the other. I really crave the cuisine from Xi’an, the city I was born in, as it has some of the most delicious street food in the country.

[5] Tell us about your blog
I focus on budget travels. Not only is it economical, but budget traveling also allows me to experience life like a local. In addition to documenting my couchsurfing and backpacking journeys, I write guides and advice that cater to those who wish to travel off-the-beaten-path. If I can inspire someone to explore a bit more or help one person along the way, I’d call it a win!

[6] What do you love most about traveling?
Aside from exploring an unknown place, I love meeting locals and hearing different narratives. One of my favorite things about traveling is interacting with people you’d never have the opportunity to meet with otherwise. Through traveling, I’ve always felt connected to the world a sense of belonging no matter where I was.

[7] What do you dislike about traveling?
Although exciting, traveling can be quite tiresome if not properly planned. There’s always a feeling that time passes too fast on a short trip, yet feeling a tad homesick when I’m on a long journey.

[8] How do you prepare for a trip?
I am quite spontaneous when it comes to traveling. My routes are generally unplanned and I rarely do much research beforehand. For example, my last trip was a month-long backpacking journey across Colombia. I bought an arrival ticket to Bogota and a departure ticket from Cartagena. My trip between these two cities was unspecified. After meeting my couchsurfing hosts, they gave me recommendations as to where I should head towards, eventually turning my two-city itinerary into a three-city four-town country tour.

[9] You have won the lottery, now tell us where you want to live.
I’d start with Italy or Istanbul for a year or two, then change it up every few months between countries in different continents.

[10] Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with.
Phone, DSLR, GoPro

[11] What is your favorite article of clothing?
I love a pair of high-waist wide-leg pants. They are super comfortable to travel in, and really cute!

[12] Your single most treasured personal possession.
A bracelet that my mom gave me

[13] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?
Write with a purpose, but most importantly, have fun writing for yourself! When I first began documenting my trips, I did it to assure my parents that solo traveling is not as worrisome as they’d like to believe. This gave me an incentive to write without much stress. But it wasn’t until I began writing for myself that I truly started enjoying putting content online.

[14] What are three other blogs that inspire you?
The Blog Abroad
My Life’s A Movie
Goats On The Road

[14] Your favorite travel resource on the web?
Skyscanner.com

Daisy's Lightning Round of Favorites

Airport: Toronto
Mode of Transportation: Air
Window or aisle: Window
City: Istanbul
Country: Colombia
Travel Gear: Phone, DSLR
Travel snack: Kinder chocolate bar
Book: Atlas Shrugged
Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Song: Fat Old Sun-Pink Floyd
Quote: There’s no such thing as a life that is better than yours.

Thanks, Daisy!

You can keep up with Daisy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and of course on her blog. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her adventures!

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