Traveler Tuesday – Julianne of It’s Five O’Clock Here

Sometimes travel bloggers can have a hard time really nailing their niche (including me!) so I admire people like Crystal of The Cappuccino Traveler and today's Traveler Tuesday spotlight Julianne of It's Five O'Clock Here.

Their blogs are travel related through the lens of coffee, or in Julianne's case, cocktails and drinks. I met Julianne at Bloghouse in Indianapolis and enjoyed her fun-loving, irreverent, and enthusiastic nature. I'm sure you will feel the same after learning more about her!

Let’s meet travel blogger Julianne!

[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
In 1994, my parents hauled a tent trailer across the United States for seven weeks with my younger brother and me in tow. It was our first time venturing outside of California, and our varied experiences on this trip—from battling frightening, jumping black tarantulas in New Mexico to hiking in the lush forests of the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina—piqued my interest in travel and discovering new places.

[2] What kind of traveler do you define yourself as?
One who is constantly learning about the world, and wants to share that knowledge with others. Naturally curious about how the world works and why, I spent several years studying neuroscience, history, and education policy via formal education.

I’m a huge advocate for education in all its forms—that’s why my former day job was as an education researcher at a non-profit—but over the years, I’ve realized how important travel is as a form of education, especially in the 21st century. It’s how I learned the little things like you don’t have to eat your salad at the start of a meal, and more important things, like gaining the confidence to finally start writing.

[3] What do you love most about traveling?
That rush of adrenaline and emotion when you discover something new and unexpected — and love it. I have vivid memories of discovering blues for the first time at Kingston Mines in Chicago, devouring my first xiao long bao (soup dumpling) in Shanghai, and sipping my first Scotch whisky in Edinburgh. As an ancient history buff, I also love visiting places like Pompeii and Egypt. There's something hard to describe seeing ancient cities for the first time after reading about them in books for so long!

[4] What do you dislike about traveling?
I really, truly, completely loathe packing. I tend to procrastinate and pack at the last minute, which invariably only stresses me (and therefore my husband) even more. Not to mention that when we're traveling, we pick up lots of souvenirs — from artwork to liquor bottles — and I always forget to leave room for them. Many a time, I've done carry-on on the way out and returned home checking my luggage. Maybe I'll learn one day!

[5] Why should people travel?
To become more compassionate. It's hard to hate somebody once you've sat across the dinner table from him.

[6] What famous person would you like to travel with?
Audrey Hepburn, because Paris is always a good idea. Or, if I'm feeling adventurous, I'd travel with Alexandra David-Néel, who visited Lhasa, Tibet in 1924 when it was forbidden to foreigners. Wait — does the person need to be alive? Then I guess I'd say, Jennifer Lawrence, because you definitely want her on your side in a beer-soaked brawl in Budapest. Plus, she seems hilarious and wise at the same time.

[7] What won’t you travel without?
My iPhone, camera, and tissues. Seriously. You never know when tissues will come in handy (read: bathrooms in China, tearing up during a film in an Italian cinema… the list goes on). Plus, I rely heavily on my phone's GPS function… I really should keep paper maps handy in case my iPhone battery goes to zero and I can't find an outlet!

[8] If you’re a foodie, what's your favorite food city? Do you have a restaurant recommendation?
We're a bit spoiled living in New York City. There are so many options here that you could spend your entire life eating your way through the city and never finish. That being said, I adore the food in Rome. There's nothing like piping hot pasta that's been made by a grandmother working in her family-run trattoria. We're heading to Tokyo soon, though, so I have a feeling that Rome will face some stiff competition!

[9] What's one location on your bucket list?
Peru. Hands down. I really want to see Machu Picchu.

[10] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?
Patience, young Jedi. I made the mistake of wanting to go from zero to 100 in no time at all. In reality, there's so much to learn, and you're not going to master social media, affiliate marketing, editorial calendars, and photography overnight. Cut yourself some slack.

Also, realize that there will probably be people out there who won't understand or agree with your decision to blog — especially if you do it full-time — but joining communities of like-minded people, like Travel Blog Success or BlogHouse, will go a long way in supporting you when you feel down.

Julianne's Lightning Round of Favorites

Airport: SFO
Mode of Transportation: Train
City or Country: Italy
Travel Gear: Packing cubes! Such a lifesaver.
Travel snack: Pretzels
Book: Anything by Kurt Vonnegut
Movie: Charade (1963, starring Audrey Hepburn)
Song: “The Rose” – Bette Midler

Thanks Julianne!

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

How about you? What would you like to know about Julianne?

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