Making one’s way in the travel blogosphere is a labour intensive journey. With so many talented bloggers out there writing about their experiences on the road, it can be tough to get your voice heard.
That seems to be the motivation behind the Liebster blog award. It’s a bit like a chain letter in a way. Bloggers nominate other bloggers new to a blog space to respond to a series of backgrounder questions. The nominee, in turn, selects 3-5 other new bloggers to do the same. In the process, the blogger’s profile rises a little higher. Nice idea!
I want to thank Anita, who is a foodie/travel blogger over at Pretty Delicious Travels for selecting me for the award. Below are Anita’s questions for me and my responses:
Tell me a little bit about your blog?
Tag Along Travel is about making the most out of life with a frequent business traveller. Although I’ve travelled a bit for work, it’s my husband Steve who racks up the frequent flier points. I’ve spent the past decade evolving from disliking how much he travels to enjoying it when I can tag along, loving the perks of travelling with someone who has preferred airline/hotel status, and finding ways to make it work when we’re apart.
It struck me one day that there must be tons other spouses in the exact same situation and how it would be great to connect with them to share tips and travel experiences. I was also looking for a new challenge and starting a travel/lifestyle blog seemed like the perfect fit.
What were the early challenges you had with your blog and how did you overcome them?
I have a public relations practice and I’ve had a blog in that space previously so I knew going into this how much work it would be, especially in the very dense travel sector. My blog is pretty new (just under 2 months) so I’m not sure I’ve “overcome” the challenges yet. I would say that the biggest challenge is reaching my specific audience – the significant others of frequent business travellers. Social media promotion is also very time consuming and it takes lots of experimentation to figure out what works well.
I also wanted to include video on my site and had very little videography experience. I took a workshop and watched countless YouTube tutorials. I’ve done one introductory video so far and I’m working on two more of recent trips to the Netherlands and Turkey. It’s been a huge learning curve, but I’m enjoying it.
Who’s your favourite blogger/blog?
Anita at Pretty Delicious Travels now. 🙂
I actually have a few, but one I’m pretty loyal to in my public relations work is Brad Phillips’ blog Mr. Media Training. It’s a great go-to resource for media relations expertise as well crisis management guidance based on real life, topical examples.
What’s your favourite travel destination?
I always say my favourite travel destination is the place I’m visiting at the time. Some of the trips I’ve adored most have been to France and Costa Rica. I also have a special place in my heart for New York City, but who doesn’t?
Where will you be travelling in 2015?
We have just booked a cycling/boating tour of Vietnam this spring for vacation so that’s a for-sure trip. Beyond that, who knows? Steve travels all over the world for work and I tag along when it works out and it’s somewhere interesting.
Name your favorite food/s
I LOVE good food and eat a lot (Steve claims I’m responsible for consuming two thirds of the groceries we buy). My favourite comfort food is pizza. I’m also very fond of Indian food.
What camera do you use for your blog?
I use my iPhone 5s or Steve’s iPhone 6+. I’m not a photographer, but I’m getting better. I may invest in a proper camera at some point, but right now my iPhone on a monopod is all I want to carry around with me.
Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
I make a resolution when it strikes me. Making resolutions for New Year’s seems like a setup to me. So few people keep them. As I get older, I also have become better at not thinking in absolutes. If I’m striving to do something differently, that’s a good thing, even if I’m not always hitting the mark. I’m working on becoming a more independent traveller and getting over my fear of getting lost at the moment.
What’s your workout routine?
I run about 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) per week and do a medicine ball boot camp twice a week. I also walk about a half hour to an hour every day in addition to walking to commute to appointments and errands when I can.
What are you looking forward to most in 2015?
More travel, of course, as well as seeing Tag Along Travel’s community grow I hope.
So, now it’s my turn to tap some newer bloggers for the Liebster Award. Here’s my list:
Olivia Christine – Global Traveler
My questions for this group are as follows:
- What’s your blog about?
- Did you have any misconceptions about what it would be like to be a blogger? If so, what were they?
- What’s the most important thing you’ve learned so far from blogging?
- What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
- What are you most vain about?
- What well-known person would you most like to meet and why?
- How many cities/towns have you lived in and do you have a favourite?
- What’s your favourite time of year? Explain your choice.
- Have you ever been the victim of a con or scam while travelling? If so, what was it?
- What’s the greatest kindness you’ve experienced while travelling?
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I really enjoyed and related to your answers. We’re actually in Costa Rica right now so I can see why you like it so much. We actually started traveling and blogging too partially because my husband was traveling so much for work. We decided what we really wanted to do was to travel together. It’s been about a year now and it’s been fantastic. Hope you see you on the road and look forward to following your blog. Jen http://www.venturists.net
Thanks for the comment Jennifer. I think Costa Rica appeals to me because it is not yet overridden with tourists. Are you finding it the same? I fear this is going to change as it’s becoming a more popular destination.
I see from your blog that you are presently in San Jose. If you have the opportunity, check out the Park Cafe restaurant. We were blown away by it. Unique setting and the food was stellar. Here’s the link to my TripAdvisor review: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g309293-d1051722-r194431028-Park_Cafe-San_Jose_San_Jose_Metro_Province_of_San_Jose.html#REVIEWS
Looking forward to diving into your blog further. Cheers!
Great responses! And I agree that it doesn’t take much to fall in love with NYC 🙂