Traveler Tuesday – Linda On The Run

As I approach the end of my 40's I tell anyone entering that decade that I definitely enjoyed it and think my 50's (when I reach them, not quite there yet!) are going to be great, but Linda of Linda on the Run certainly makes her 60's look good too! She's had a lot going on with family and lifestyle changes, but she has the kind of spirit that just doesn't let adversity get the best of her, she is quick on her feet (literally!) and keeps ahead of bad times by traveling, running and checking out vegan eats around the world.

Let’s meet Linda!

[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
When I was a child my parents always took us on summer trips to the beach, Niagara Falls, NYC and all places in between on the east coast. I learned quite early that our world is a very interesting place and I developed a thirst for travel. Grown up and married with two daughters, we had an RV and a nomadic life for many years as we visited 49 US states and 7 Canadian provinces. I’m happy to admit my daughters have inherited my love of travel.

[2] What kind of traveler do you define yourself as?
I’m a “I’ll sleep when I get back home” kind of traveler. I like to use up every single moment soaking up the culture I’m in. I don’t want to miss anything! Go, go, and go some more. It’s safe to say I do not use travel to rest!!

[3] What do you love most about traveling?
Traveling keeps me flexible. Traveling to other countries, with different cultures demands a special respect and openness to the current situation. I love seeing people all over the world and how they live, what they eat, where they work and how they provide for their families. Traveling enriches me as a person and I believe in turn I enrich my family & friends through my experiences upon my return home. The flexibility and respect of those who live differently than me that I acquire during traveling aid me in being more open and less judgmental in my everyday life.

[4] What do you dislike about traveling?
I dislike when planes are not on time and cause delays or canceled plans. Or when hotel reservations are mixed up.I hate the feeling of not being in control that travel often brings when things do not go as planned, but I’m certainly learning to handle things better, and admit that Plan B is often far superior to the original plan!

[5] Why should people travel?
Our world is such a marvelous place. There is so much to see and so much to learn from other cultures and their people. Travel expands our horizons, makes us humble, keeps us flexible. Travel gives people an appreciation of what they have, or the incentive to want more and do something about it: for example, move to their fave destination. I did it! I moved from dreary-weather Ohio to Florida where it’s never dreary.

[6] Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with.
I NEVER travel anywhere without my running shoes. Running is my salvation and I have loads of wonderful running memories from other countries. It’s also a great way for me to connect with other people as well when I travel. Number two is my red pillow. It’s huge for me to have that little piece of home “comfort” when not sleeping in my own bed. It’s also sentimental to me because my daddy made my red pillow (it’s small, approx 12”x 8” and easily fits in my carry on bag when flying,) and I use it when I sleep while traveling. Third thing for me would be red lipstick. I do not even leave my house without my red lipstick, so it’s mandatory when I travel!

[7] If you’re a foodie, what's your favorite food city? Do you have a restaurant recommendation?
I’m vegan. While I have no particular fave food city, I find cities on the west coast of the USA and Canada are far more progressive than the rest of the country food wise. Same goes for the European cities I’ve been to, many more vegan options and an understanding of what veganism is. I tend to frequent smaller independently owned restaurants over chain ones.

[8] What's one location on your bucket list?
Since my teens, I’ve always wanted to go to Egypt to see the pyramids!

[9] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?
As a new blogger myself, I would explain to a newbie that there is nothing “magical” about blogging. It takes dedication and a lot of hard work to have a successful blog. I’d advise asking a lot of questions because it is my experience that bloggers are friendly and willing to share their experiences and mistakes.

[10] What are two other blogs that inspire you?
Topping the list is Follow Me Away, the travel blog of (my daughter) Victoria Yore and her boyfriend Terrence Drysdale (who were recently spotlighted in Traveler Tuesday!). The content is always fresh and the photographs are jaw-dropping. I know firsthand how hard these two talented millennials work to make their blog a success & that inspires me to learn as much as I can about blogging and work hard to find my own niche.

Then there is the vegan foodie blog, O She Glows, by Angela Liddon. I’ve followed Angela for many years. Her vegan dishes/recipes are spectacular as well as simple enough for anyone to make because her instructions are easy to follow. She makes being vegan even easier!

Linda's Lightning Round of Favorites

Airport: Tampa International Airport
Mode of Transportation: Car (if applicable, once I reach my destination) because I like being in control!
City or Country: Alaska, USA! Simply my ultimate fave. So beautiful. So remote.
Travel Gear: My 20” roll-aboard suitcase.
Travel snack: I bring my own homemade pb&j sandwiches and apples when I travel, and organic vegan trail mix.
Book: Anything on triathlons or running.
Movie: My fave movie is “Leap Year.” It was a box office bomb so it’s not well known. The lead character, played by Amy Adams, travels from Boston to Ireland for the Leap Year weekend in pursuit of a dream, only to learn many valuable lessons about what truly matters in life!
Quote: Life is not a dress rehearsal.

Thanks Linda!

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

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