Traveler Tuesday – Sofie of Wonderful Wanderings
I admire people who risk the stability of a stable job or a long-term residence and make travel a priority. Seriously, if I was to start my adult life over I would be the gypsy that I am in my heart. But at this moment in my life, I like having a nice roof over my head and organic groceries on my table, which is why I am only a part-time travel blogger!
However travel blogger Sofie of Wonderful Wanderings decided differently. She left “a stable, predictable career and lead a comfortable life,” hits the road often and has never looked back on her decision. In fact, she thrives on it! By making travel a priority and she happily wanders from her home base in Belgium to the world beyond and shares her stories with her readers.
She proves you can combine work and travel, it is just a matter of organization and prioritization!
Let’s meet Sofie!
[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
My parents have taken me abroad ever since I was little, but they wouldn't let me travel by myself until I was 18 years old. Reaching that blessed age I immediately booked a six-day trip to Barcelona with a friend. The hostel we stayed at was pretty crappy, but we met so many people and had such an amazing time in the city that I became hooked. Travel was my thing.
[2] What is travel to you in 10 words or less?
Getting to know yourself by facing new experiences.
[3] What is your favorite mode of transportation and why?
A car. I know it's not ecological, but I love the freedom a car provides. True, it isn't the most practical means of transportation in a busy city, but other than that it's the perfect way to get around as you're free to stop whenever you see something interesting or leave again when you're ready for a new place.
[4] What do you typically do while traveling by plane?
When there are in-flight movies I always watch movies as I feel that makes time go by faster. Otherwise I read a book on my tablet. Now that I've gotten a new skinny laptop I might try to get some work done on my next long flight, but I don't think economy class (what I travel in) will be comfortable enough for that.
[5] What is your favorite travel memory involving food?
Without a doubt having diner at DOP Restaurante in Porto, Portugal. This restaurant is run by the famous Portuguese chef Rui Paula and the food there was exquisite. Siemen, my boyfriend, and I were a bit worried that the place would be to fancy for us, but we had a lovely evening talking and munching away.
[6] What is one blogging tip or lesson that you have learned along the way that you can share with my readers?
Know where you want to go. I've been blogging for two years now, but have only recently really decided upon the direction I want to take my blog in. I feel more confident now about the content I'll product and which partnerships I should say yes or no to, as I have a certain idea to follow.
I'm sure you can just travel blog about anything and everything and enjoy it or even get some results from it, but I believe that if you want to take this a step further, you really need to specialize. You need that annoying niche everyone keeps talking about:)
Thanks Sofie!
You can keep up with Sofie on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest and of course on her blog, Wonderful Wanderings. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her adventures!
How about you? What would you like to know about BLOGGER?
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Travel Tuesday makes me so jealous! Great interview! I love the questions especially #5
Glad you liked it Veronica!
I love following Sophie’s wanderings so I’m glad you have highlighted her. It is such a different life to be a full time traveler versus a part time traveler but at this stage of my life, part time is where I’m at.
I’ve always had a love for travel. And Sophie definitely makes that more loving
She is my soul sister! Love it!
Great going Sofie! I enjoyed reading your interview 🙂 I traveled tons when I was single (from here to South Africa, Australia, parts of Europe and Asia) and it was the absolutely awesome time of my life! Hope to do this again soon with my hubby after our kid finishes college, et al. Awww…your blog brings out the wanderlust in me! 🙂
Hey Cara!
So happy that you liked the interview and feel inspired to travel again. I haven’t even been to South Africa or Australia yet, so it looks like I have some catching up to do!:)
I also admire full time travelers, what a great life it must be! I’m a part time travel blogger myself and I’m lucky that my job has me traveling every few months for work assignments. I LOVE sofie’s blog! I can’t wait for my next trip later this month <3
Thank you for the interview with Sophie, its nice to see bloggers working together this way. I am very curious as to what and where is the unusual building she is standing in front of?
This sounds like a wonderful free life. I would love to be able to see all these places, meet new people to see how they live. I would also love trying foods from different countries. Thank you so much for sharing
yeah it is annoying that you need a niche.. but it’s generally so true.. unless you’re lauren conrad.. she does everything . i love sofie’s definition of travel. and in the case with jacob and i traveling together.. we definitely learn more about our relationship through traveling.. the good and the ugly. haha
travel is easy, says people who have money and know how
I LOVE Sofie’s quote about what travel is in 10 words! I love traveling, but haven’t done much in a long time.
traveling looks so much fun
Tell Sofie that traveling by car is my favorite also.
I followed another blogger from Belgium. It was years ago. She was 65+ and had a great blog. Anyway, she always said Belgium was so beautiful. Good luck with following your passions Sofie. You’ll never regret it.
Travelling is the best way to experience the culture and differences in life. It opens our mind into seeing beyond what cannot be seen unless someone experiences it by blending into the life of the culture. Having the travelling should be a pleasure where you’re able to taste the life. I enjoy your blogs a lot ^^ I wish I was able to have the time to travel.
I love her quote! I have definitely learned the most about myself when traveling, especially if I’m traveling on my own!
It’s nice that you get to travel. I have never traveled far from the USA and I really wish I had. I guess it’s not too late but I keep finding reasons why I can’t.
i really miss this life…my hubby and I sold everything we had when we got married and bought one way tickets to central america…we backpacked for 6 months and it was the best experience ever. now with kids its tough…but we definitely want to do a lot more travel!
I get inspired by people who left their careers. Good for her for taking that risk. 🙂
Great interview! Ahh…that annoying niche. I’m still working out the kinks there!
So jealous with her! I want to visit Portugal, too!
Pretty big decision to drop everything and travel constantly. I love having a base to come back to. It’s so annoying, why can’t we have everything!! So frustrating the whole niche thing!
Katie <3
I’m so jealous! I would LOVE to travel more. Finland is definitely on my list!
Great photo, I’m living vicariously through YOU! lol
Great interview! I love her blogging tip. “Know Where you Want to Go”
How envious this makes me feel, but I love reading about the different countries, I think that reading about the adventures of others lets some of us who will never be able to travel see other countries in our eyes, and enjoy the trip, I enjoyed reading about Sophie and her views on traveling and her blog site Wonderful wanderings, I agree travel by car gives you independence, but also has a lot of restrictions, but the best way to go at your leisure and not others
I love reading these. Inspires me to add places to my list that I never thought of traveling to.
i loved the question number 5) What is your favorite travel memory involving food? its like when i travel to various destinations i get used to the food out there and forget that i need to diet so food is like i cant live without and its fun to try differnt cusines.
@Melissa, that’s the best way to travel!
These posts make me realize how sheltered I am. I would LOVE to go to Finland someday! Ahhh, so gorgeous! 🙂
Great interview! I love the way you described traveling. Makes me realize I’m missing out seeing this beautiful world of ours. I always encourage my kids to get out there and travel. I want them to have the experiences I missed out on.
I have traveling in my blood too and there is nothing else like it. GOOD FOR YOU!
How cool, I love all of the pictures! Look like you’re having a blast!!
I would love to travel more. Great post! Thank you for sharing,
I want to travel when my boys are older – it’s going to be wonderful! Can’t wait 🙂
This is wonderful and you summed it up beautifully. I have always wanted to go to Barcelona!
I LOVE this!!! It’s my dream to be a full time travel writer/blogger… will be following your traveller Tuesday posts for sure!
@Michelle, I wish you the best of luck in your travel blogger adventures!
There’s always the expat/traveler route. For the past 15 years (yikes) I’ve worked part of the year in my “adopted” country, and traveled the rest. It’s been a great compromise 🙂
@Nancie, it is a fantastic option for many!
In many of these profiles, so many love to travel by car. I agree. There’s nothing like a good road trip. You see so much more that way.
@Camesha, road trips rock!
It is always great to read interviews with Sofie. I’ve been following her blog since close to the start and have seen how she has developed it brilliantly. She is an honest and sincere blogger who offers a great insight plus provides inspiration for those short on time for travel.
Having this niche focus is something I think will really help you Sofie. You already stand out yet this extra niche focus is sure to help you with Google rankings and a very focused audience.
Whilst many view it as brave that you have quit your job I know you are truly following your passion. As you continue to build on your success you can only travel more and create more fabulous content to draw in even more readers.
To your continued success.
@TheGuy, what a lovely comment and compliments for Sofie!
Professional blogging sounds challenging… Professional traveling sounds exciting as long as I had a home to come home to…course, I wouldn’t know I haven’t tried it. Proves there is a dream for everyone!
@Shamron, absolutely! I think blogging has its ups and downs like any profession!