Traveler Tuesday – Liz of It’s a Drama
I really admire Liz of It's a Drama family travel blog, she's done it all! She and her husband hit the road traveling having one adventure after another when the kids eventually came around that didn't stop them one bit. The whole family hit the road (they even spent a whole bunch of time in an RV, and you know how I feel about that!) traveling through Europe and then the ultimate! Liz and her hubby moved the family halfway around the world to New Zealand!
And you know what the It's a Drama family did? They embraced it. And loved it. And traveled. And thrived. Oh yes, and blogged about it!
Let’s meet travel blogger Liz!
[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
When I was 17 and living at home in Cornwall, England, my cousin came over from Cape Town in South Africa and invited me to backpack the Greek Islands with her for the summer. It was nothing that I’d ever experienced in my young life before, and I became hooked!
[2] What kind of traveller do you define yourself as?
My husband and I are budget travellers who are always looking for those places that nobody else has found yet! Things are going to get a lot different for us though. In November this year we are taking our two teenagers (aged 16 and 13) and travelling around the world for a year or two (depending on how long the money lasts!) I’m not sure they will appreciate our idea of travelling, but let’s see!
[3] What do you love most about travelling?
As a family, I love the closeness that travelling brings. You suddenly turn into this tight little pack, and it’s the best feeling ever. The food, the wine. Yes, I know you can eat and drink in your own country but to experience different tastes and presentations from around the world is something else. I love meeting different people, and that is what our forthcoming trip is all about so that the kids get to meet and experience how other people in the world live.
[4] What do you dislike about travelling?
Having to come home! No. (Yes!) I can't stand the fact that once I reached 45, I started questioning myself on every little detail about the flights and train tickets etc. I used to be able to whip through an airline booking in about ten seconds flat. Now, I find myself checking and re-checking my passport number about a million times before I will enter it into the computer. I've turned into one of those women! That bugs me.
[5] Why should people travel?
So that they have something to talk about when they have a power cut! Families who travel are creating everlasting memories that no one will ever take away from them. Travelling gives you independence. Travelling makes you feel alive. How dare you be born into this fantastic world and stay in one place your whole life?! travelling opens your eyes and makes you realise anything is possible.
[6] What famous person would you like to travel with?
Matt Damon's character in Talented Mr Ripley. Don’t tell my husband that though. He’d want me to say David Attenborough.
[7] Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with
My husband, my son and my daughter! After those three? Lavender oil, contact lens solution, and antihistamine cream.
[8] If you’re a foodie, what's your favourite food city? Do you have a restaurant recommendation?
Ohhh! Well, I'm about to travel the world in search of that very thing! I have lived in New Zealand for the past eight years and I'm in love with our new local beach restaurant. The view is to die for, and the atmosphere is so laid back. It’s run by a Hungarian guy and serves the most delicious melted camembert with rosemary and garlic, served with wood-fired flatbread. It’s delicious. The restaurant is called Black Sands and it's in Oakura, Taranaki, New Zealand.
[9] What's one location on your bucket list?
Croatia.
[10] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. And remember to be yourself. I was told by someone on a blogging course to be less personal. I tried and not only did it make me miserable because I felt like a bit fat fake, but my posts sounded crap. At the end of the day, if you aren’t yourself you won't be happy and if that's the case what's the point in blogging? It far too hard work for you not to enjoy yourself.
Liz's Lightning Round of Favorites
Airport: Wellington, New Zealand
Mode of Transportation: Motorbike.
City or Country: Athens, Greece.
Travel Gear: Duck down sleeping bag.
Travel snack: Does wine count?
Book: Simple Abundance – Sarah Ban Breathnach.
Movie: Captain Fantastic.
Song: Where Do You Go To My Lovely- Peter Sarstedt.
Thanks Liz!
You can keep up with Liz on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and of course on her blog. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her travel adventures!
How about you? What would you like to know about Liz?
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I love you tips of advice, especially about being more personal. I wrote my blog out of heart and that’s what I give in every post that I share. I love my family and I enjoy blogging and I think at the end of the day, if you readers can truly know who you are and your purpose, they will have a greater appreciation for their connection with you . We traveled a lot before baby but after reading this, I think that it is time for an adventure! 🙂
I am so intrigued by people who travel. The truth is, I am afraid of planes and kind of do not like travel. Maybe if I could teleport to my destinations I would not be afraid to explore more of this beautiful earth.
Really nice share, wonderful adventures. I wonder if you have any pets liz?
I have to say I also am amazed at how a family can do this, and Liz started traveling so young, it is quite enriching. I think the kids will love it – I hope so!
I love traveling with my family and sharing some of our travels on my blog. Although I have to agree with her husband I would love to travel with Attenborough as well.
It’s great to get out and travel on a budget, and also experience new things that aren’t the average tourist things to do and see. Holy, crap your kids are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to 1. Travel the world with their parents and 2. to have the trip payed for.
Liz has been on some amazing travels. I am curious about New Zealand. I know her feeling about checking and re-checking information before putting it in the computer. I find myself doing it every time I book airline tickets…I’m all nervous about whether all the info and names are correct. Does Liz bring lavender oil because it helps her to stay calm or sleep…I’d like to know.
Wow, talk about #goals! It would be awesome to up and take off with our kids in tow. Do you mind me asking how you budgeted to exclusively travel for a year or two? Like… sell the house, quit work and live off of savings? My ex’s family did that and moved overseas for a couple of years, only restarting when they got back was difficult for them.
I would love to be able to do the same thing some day- so it’s a good thing to start considering, and planning for, now!
I love that their family is always looking for budget options. So many times I read and look at Instagram photos of travel bloggers. I can’t help but think “It’s wonderful for them, but I’ll never be able to afford it” Fun to have someone lead the way and show us traveling is something everyone can do. x
It’s great to e-meet a fellow travel blogger! I can see that she has yet to go to Croatia. Ah, she would love it a lot! I went there on a sailing trip from Split to Dubrovnik and it was amazing! I hope she gets to visit soon!
I love reading about travel experiences. I’m currently in college and love to travel. Last year my friends and i took many road trips and visited different cities across the US. Once I graduate (May!) I would like to expand my traveling to outside the US.
I love finding new bad-a$$ women to follow via this series! So inspiring!