Traveler Tuesday – Going Places with Anwesha

I don't know Anwesha, but I am passionate about meeting new bloggers in the travel blogging space. When I read her responses I knew that the two of us would have no problem hanging out. Aspiring other people to travel through my own travel and experiences is something that the two of us have in common! I certainly am signed up for Going Places with Anwesha!

Let’s meet Anwesha!

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

My father had a transferable job, because of that we used to move from city to city with him. I guess, since then I had wanderlust within me. I never shied away from exploring new places and meeting new people. Growing up, we used to travel a lot as a family so I enjoy roaming around in my free time.

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

It’s really hard to define myself as any one type of traveler. I am not a big fan of solo travelling and I like to travel in a group or with my husband. Sometimes when we are visiting countries and we are short of time, we try to squeeze in as much as possible. But then sometimes, I like to relax and enjoy the moments. There is fun in doing nothing as well in a new place. I am also a bit of an organizer type, where I try to figure out everything before we step out of the house and plan meticulously every day of my journey (which doesn’t always work out).

[3] Which country do you come from/call home?

I am from India, the land of diversity. I was born and brought up in Kolkata but currently, staying in Bangalore because of my work.

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

When we are travelling for a longer period of time, I always crave phuchkas. They are mouthwatering street food from Kolkata (you should definitely try one when in India).

[5] Tell us about your blog

After my trip to Mauritius, I mustered the courage to start my own travel blog to initially document my journeys. But gradually, it became more than a mere travel journal. I aspire for my blog to motivate others like me to travel, to encourage them to take that first step, to do what brings them happiness and to make their own mistakes because that is how one learns. I named my blog as “Going Places With Anwesha” because I want to take my readers to those places through my stories (writings).

[6] What do you love most about traveling?

I love the fact that travelling helps me to escape my mundane life. It’s like I am someone else when I am travelling, it definitely makes me appreciate my life and brings my happier self out.

[7] What do you dislike about traveling?

The exhaustion. When I travel I don’t really feel it right then and there (probably because of the excitement) but after coming back to my house, it just hits me. Usually, a good night’s/day’s sleep will pull me through it.

[8] How do you prepare for a trip?

The first thing will be to zero on a destination and to research it. Next step would be to plan an itinerary, finalize mode of transports, read reviews of hotels and activities and pre-book them. I like to assure myself that if anything goes wrong, we still have a place to crash at night.

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

If I ever get a chance to live somewhere else other than India, I would stay in an apartment with a view of Eiffel Tower in Paris. Paris has been on top of my bucket list for a very long time but it can be expensive to live and travel in France.

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

Cell phone, a power bank (to charge my cell phone) and sanitary products (it can be difficult to get those in remote locations)

[11] What is your favorite article of clothing?

I love jeans. They are appropriate for almost all season and places. Lately, I have also developed a love for scarfs. They can be useful in many ways and many situations.

[12] Your single most treasured personal possession.

It would be my camera – Canon 1300D. My husband gave me that as a wedding gift, which he ends up using more than me as he loves to take pictures of me in new places. Other than that I don’t like to carry expensive items while I am travelling.

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

My only advice would be to not shy away from things you feel happy about. I would say go for it. And then express yourself in your writing. Nobody is perfect and you could also get better with time.

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

The Travelista, Truly Nomadly and Monkey Inc. I just absolutely adore these ladies and their work. Jess from The Travelista has inspired me a lot during my initial blogging days. I truly admired her writing style and her cute website. Sharanya from Truly Nomadly and Ankita from Monkey Inc are from India and I feel I can relate to their stories more. These ladies are slaying at travel blogging.

[15] Your favorite travel resource on the web?

Airbnb is currently my favorite travel resource for booking homestays. I have been staying in Airbnb properties from a few years now and I am absolutely loving it.

Anwesha's Lightning Round of Favorites

Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore)
Mode of Transportation: Car
Window or aisle: Window
City: Kolkata
Country: Mauritius
Travel Gear: Camera Tripod
Travel snack: KFC’s popcorn chicken (I buy them every time I board a flight from Bangalore airport
Book: The Unexpected Guest
Movie: At this moment, it’s “Uri, The Surgical Strike”
Song: This is ever-changing but at the moment its Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You
Quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.” By Mark Twain

Thanks, Anwesha!

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

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