Traveler Tuesday – Michael of Bemused Backpacker

Okay, I'm stating this right now: if I ever become a backpack traveler, I want to make Michael of Bemused Backpacker my new best friend. First of all he is definitely got legitimate experience and he has done an amazing job of sharing that and creating resources for others. But mainly, I  know if I get hurt, I've got an trained nurse who specializes in emergencies, and trust me if I ever turned into a backpacker, I would be having them! He also shares travel health advice and information for other backpackers and has written several books.

Let’s meet travel blogger Michael!

[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
I think it started during my first gap year to south east Asia after I graduated from my first degree about fifteen years ago now, where I mostly travelled the traditional banana pancake trail. I had been abroad on shorter trips to Germany and Italy and a few other places before that, but it was that first trip to Thailand especially that really woke my wanderlust up, and I haven't stopped since!

[2] What kind of traveler do you define yourself as?
A backpacker definitely, although I do switch to flashpacker every now and then and upgrade to a private room, get a little upgrade or just travel in a bit more comfort. I think travel is about experiencing as much as you can and not restricting yourself to one experience. I suppose independent traveller will work just as well!

[3] What do you love most about traveling?
The experiences you have, the people you meet and the fact that travel has made me into the person I am today.

[4] What do you dislike about traveling?
People who recline their seats on aeroplanes!

[5] Why should people travel?
To open their mind and fill it with new paradigms and ideologies, and to actually live their life, fill it with awesome experiences, forge themselves into a better, stronger, more worldly version of themselves and to make that flashback at the end of their lives something that is worth watching!

[6] What famous person would you like to travel with?
Brian Blessed! Because he would be awesome, and I'd get him to scream ‘Gordons Alive' down the earhole of anyone who reclines into me on the flight!

[7] Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with.
My first aid kit, my camera and a pad and pen.

[8] If you’re a foodie, what's your favorite food city? Do you have a restaurant recommendation?
I wouldn't call myself a foodie but I do love food! My favourite place for food is Singapore and I love any of the food courts there! Maxwell Road food court is one of the most popular but there are dozens in Chinatown within a few minutes walking distance that are just as good (and often not as busy!) If you want a specific reccomendation I love Sushi King!

[9] What's one location on your bucket list?
Antarctica!

[10] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?
Plenty! Right from the start treat your blog as a business and be professional in everything you do. Get your brand right, know what you have to offer and sell, get your price list and media kit sorted and most of all stop working for free! Other than that I would say stop following the crowd, most bloggers are like herded sheep. Be unique.

Michael's Lightning Round of Favorites

Airport: Changi.
Mode of Transportation: Boat.
Travel Gear: My old trusty army bergen (backpack).
Travel snack: Does anything from a street stall count?
Book: The Sphinx Legacy (Michael's own book!)
Movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Song: Black Keys Howlin For You.

Thanks Michael!

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

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

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