Traveler Tuesday – Efia of Effy Talks Life

I love it when someone meets adversity – whether it is internal or external forces – and kicks it in the butt! From what I've seen from Efia, or Effy of Effy Talks Life, she is that kind of girl! Traveling helped her focus her life and in turn, her mission is to inspire other young women to do the same.

Let’s meet Efia!

[1] When and how did you become a traveler?

I’ve always had a fascination with exploring, but I would say my love of travel came from a trip I took in 2014 to America. I won a scholarship to work with a technology innovation company in San Diego for three months with three other students from universities across Scotland. We spent every weekend on roadtrips exploring somewhere new and stayed for two weeks after too. That trip had a monumental impact on me becoming the woman I am today.

[2] What kind of traveler do you define yourself as?

Wait, can I have a list to choose from? I’m not sure haha! Um, I mainly travel solo, which I adore but recently have spent some time on trips with friends. My ex and I were long distance for the duration of our relationship so we travelled a lot together.

I’m not someone who’s super organised with my adventures. I found out I was travelling solo for the first time three weeks before and I’ve been on trips with as little as two days notice. Taking things as they embrace the chaos.

[3] What do you crave from home when you are traveling?

My own space, when you’re constantly surrounded by other people or you’re feeling a bit down sometimes you just want to be alone. Then on the flip side, I’ve been in places where I’ve found it super difficult to make friends and have spent some time wishing it was the other way round. Oh and haggis, and Yorkshire puddings… but not together!

[4] Tell us about your blog

Effy Talks Life is really this safe online space I’ve created to empower women to travel the world and to seize life by the reigns. Some people don’t aspire of travelling the world, then for them, the real journey is inside and feeling happy within themselves.

Having experienced severe depression and anxiety for several years I just wanted to help people feel less alone. At first, that person was me, but it’s now evolved into something way bigger than that.

[5] What do you love most about traveling?

I love the freedom, the adventure, and the food. Always the food. I have some of the most beautiful memories that I feel so lucky to have experienced.

[6] What do you dislike about traveling?

When you have bad times on the road and sometimes it can feel like you have nowhere to turn to. Things can get blown out of proportion. Seeing all your friends buy their first house, getting married and having kids and then you’re living out of a suitcase.

[7] How do you prepare for a trip?

I read blogs, vlogs and ask friends who’ve been before for their favourite spots. Then based on my own interests I’ll make a wee list on my phone of spots I want to hit and hope I make it there!

[8] You have won the lottery, now tell us where you want to live.

I’m actually really happy living in Melbourne, it’s a great base for exploring Asia. So I’d live here and then just take trips as and when and bring some friends along for the ride. Is that a lame answer? I just love having a home base even if I am off gallivanting around the world.

[9] Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with.

Okay aside from my phone and my laptop – a makeup bag full of medication (just in case!), my soft toy Sadness from the inside out movie and a satin pillowcase (good for your skin and hair).

[10] What is your favorite article of clothing?

It was this beautiful organic cotton dress that someone gave to me in Thailand (I was so bored of wearing the same clothes and she was having a clear out) but now I’ve worn it to death and it’s kind of the opposite. So maybe Calvin Klien underwear, sooooo comfortable!

[11] Your single most treasured personal possession.

A gold ring of my mums that I never take off, she passed away when I was 14 so it’s pretty important to me. I’d be devastated if I lost it.

[12] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?

I’ve actually written a whole blog post on this. But in a nutshell, it boils down to four things.
Communities – become part of them and create your own, let other people help you.
Authenticity – It’s very easy to be inspired by someone and then get sidetracked into copying them, don’t do it. The world doesn’t need a copy they need you.
Consistency – don’t overwhelm yourself trying to write 5 posts a week if you can’t maintain it. Stockpile blog posts so at any given time you always have a bank of them waiting to be published.
Promotion – it’s not a dirty word. No one is going to find, or read, your blog unless you tell them about it repeatedly.

[13] What are three other blogs that inspire you?

Absolutely Lucy
Nomadic Matt
The Budgeteers (vlog)

[14] Your favorite travel resource on the web?

YouTube! I could spend hours watching travel vlogs

Efia's Lightning Round of Favorites

Airport: Kuala Lumpur
Mode of Transportation: Private Jet Plane
Window or aisle: Window, always.
City: Toss up between Hanoi and Melbourne.
Country: Vietnam
Travel Gear: Suitcase haha these shoulders are getting tired. Oh and my tripod!
Travel snack: Any gummy sweets.
Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Movie: Interstellar.
Song: Right now Billie Eilish Bury A Friend
Quote: “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” Eric Roth

Thanks, Efia!

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

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