Travel bloggers come in all shapes and sizes and I think Karisa of Flirting with the Globe is my favorite flavor! Her access to travel is the same as mine – full time corporate gal who maximizes every free moment to explore the world! She shares her experiences on her wonderful travel blog and offers advice on how you to can travel while working full time.
Let’s meet Karisa!
[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
The first time I traveled out of the country it was for a family vacation to Cancun, Mexico when I was about 13 years old. I found myself dazzled by the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza and fascinated by the cultural differences between Mexico and the United States.
[2] What is travel to you in 10 words or less?
Exploration of other cultures by immersing yourself into their lifestyle.
[3] What is your favorite mode of transportation and why?
Since I’m a full-time attorney, I only get to be a part-time traveler and adventuress. Because of this, I prefer to travel by plane so that I can maximize my time spent exploring each destination and minimize my time spent in transport.
[4] What do you typically do while traveling by plane?
When on a plane, I’m almost always re-reading my guidebooks to refresh my memory of what I want to do and see when I arrive at my final destination. Assuming I have room in my carry-on luggage, I also bring my guidebooks for my next trip so that I can utilize my free-time in the air by planning my next adventure!
[5] What is your favorite travel memory involving food?
While in Chiang Mai, Thailand my girlfriends and I took a full day cooking class. The day started by picking up ingredients at the local market and then picking herbs from the school’s garden before jumping into our lessons on how to make delicious curries and several other traditional Thai dishes. Everything tasted fantastic and we had a great time learning recipes that I am now able to cook for myself at home.
[6] What is one blogging tip or lesson that you have learned along the way that you can share with my readers?
Be real – readers are reading your blog because they are interested in your genuine thoughts and opinions. Personally, I find my posts that I wrote early on to be too PC, sterile and overly formal. When I stopped “writing like a lawyer” and started “writing like Karisa” my blog started to build a loyal following. That said, I’m still a new blogger and a work in progress, so I still struggle with this from time to time – but, I’ve gotten SO much better!
[7] Where to next?
I’m off to Turkey, Bosnia and Malta next! I’m thrilled to explore these countries with three of my closest girlfriends. After that, I’m headed to Norway (Oslo, Flam, Bergen) and Stockholm, Sweden for a long weekend. (I know what you’re thinking… And yes, I’m traveling all that way for just a long weekend since I have to get back to the office for my “real” job. J)
Thanks Karisa!
You can keep up with Karisa on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, StumbleUpon, Pinterest as well as her blog. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her adventures!
How about you? What would you like to know about Karisa?
March 3, 2015
I can’t get enough of these blogs, as an avid traveler, myself!
March 3, 2015
Great, Carol! I can pretty much speak for all bloggers when I say that we LOVE you reading our posts and interacting with us. 🙂
March 3, 2015
Wow, what terrific photos! It seems like Karisa has gotten to travel quite a bit for a part time traveler so way to go. I’m happy to find another travel blogger to follow and want to hear all about your experiences in Scandinavia (as short as they may be) because that is high on my list of places to go.
March 3, 2015
Thanks, Tamara! I’ve got two posts up on the blog about my trip to Scandinavia already and more to come! (I completed this interview with Andi before the trip, but I am back now)! I would love to hear your thoughts! 🙂
March 3, 2015
A girl after my own heart! Great photos!
March 3, 2015
Thanks, Ash!
March 3, 2015
I too love to travel and so enjoy the adventures of others. Between all of us I think we could cover the globe! ps: I’d like to know what was Karisa’s most disappointing travel experience.
March 3, 2015
Great question, Cheryl! Although I was only there about 24 hours (so perhaps not a fair representation), I didn’t really click with Dubai.
March 3, 2015
One of my favorite food memories is very similar to Karisa’s. I bought food in Chiang Mai at the market and then hiked all day to one of the most amazing meals on a mountain top. I love her sense of adventure!
March 3, 2015
Thanks, Kelly! Chiang Mai is pretty amazing, isn’t it!?
March 3, 2015
I love to travel but it’s been awhile. I loved reading her perspective, and of course those photos! Sigh. That elephant? LOVED IT!
March 3, 2015
Thanks, Cathy! My day bathing elephants in Thailand is one of my most favorite travel experiences to date!!!
March 3, 2015
Love the photo with the elephant…and I must say, I am also jealous of the ability to pack with CARRY ON.
March 3, 2015
HAHA – thanks, Sheryl! 🙂
March 3, 2015
I love the picture of her on the elephant – that is such a cool life experience!
March 3, 2015
It was easily one of my top travel experiences to date, Shannon! She was an amazing creature!
March 3, 2015
Wow! You are so blessed to have traveled to so many places! I am jealous! 🙂 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the elephant picture!
March 3, 2015
Yes, I am very grateful for the opportunity to do so! And, she was an amazing animal, Breanna!
March 3, 2015
I love that there are so many travel bloggers through whom I can travel vicariously! Such fun to see the pics and hear the stories (and tips… just in case I one day have the time and funds!).
March 3, 2015
Lisa, we love you following along and interacting with us! 🙂 Also, if you look and wait for them. there are some AMAZING deals out there! I had to wait until after law school to do most of my traveling (and unfortunately, will have student loans for years to come), but I find it worth it to prioritize travel when I can since you can’t place a price tag on memories. 🙂
March 3, 2015
So much fun to learn more about Karisa. I love love love that photo with the elephant!
March 3, 2015
Thank you, Lois! One of the best days of my life was spent with that gorgeous, kind animal!
March 3, 2015
LOVE that elephant photo! I’m a (retired) lawyer and could never be described as an adventuress. But this looks like a fun blog for an armchair traveler to follow.
March 3, 2015
Roz, it took me some time to earn that travel, trust me! 🙂 Would love to have a fellow attorney follow along! 🙂
March 3, 2015
*earn that TITLE! 🙂
March 4, 2015
I can appreciate her thoughts on writing as a blogger.
I find myself sometimes reverting back to the way I would write for my art history professors when I tackle art or culture topics. Even after 4 years it is a tough habit to break but I think I’ve gotten better at recognizing it.
March 5, 2015
I am the same Murissa! Admitting it is half the battle. 🙂
March 4, 2015
Excited to follow her now too! So many fun adventures!
March 5, 2015
Thanks, Kristine. I’m excited to have you along!
March 5, 2015
It must have been a wild experience with that elephant! Great photos!
March 5, 2015
Mai – one of the best experiences in my life!
March 5, 2015
beautiful pics <3
March 8, 2015
Thank you, Ayesha!
March 9, 2015
Wish I could afford to travel… need to finish college first 😀