Have you wondered what life is like for those of us from different countries and cultures around the world that also have a case of wanderlust?
The ‘Travellers From Around The World’ series will shed some light on the triumphs, struggles and circumstances that lead our inquisitive, adventurous selves to leave our homes behind and explore this wonderful world.
This week I am speaking with Nam, a third culture millennial who spent half her life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. Planning to make the most out of life, she documents her passion to laugh, travel and eat on her suitably named blog: Laugh, Travel, Eat. When she’s not doing any of that, she’s either catching up on TV while online shopping or writing her novels.
Tell us a little about yourself
Hello! My name is Nam and I am a travel blogger/writer from Hong Kong. I have studied in the UK for 12 years, so I am a bit of a third culture kid who loves the city life. When I am not travelling or writing, you will probably find me online shopping and catching up on the latest TV series.
What ignited your love for travel?
I have always loved travelling, but I think it’s the excitement and trepidation that trickle through me when I arrive at somewhere new that got me addicted. The world is like an open air museum, each place and building has a story and history to tell; not to mention the amazing food everywhere has to offer!
Is travel a common practice in your culture?
It is; although most people in Hong Kong like packaged tours, because it’s easier not to have to organize everything yourself. And when they get free time in that tour, it’ll usually be spent on shopping. But it is becoming less and less common in the younger generations. However, if it’s a family trip, then it would almost 100% always be a guided tour around Southeast Asia.
What are some misconceptions in your culture about travel?
That you need to spend lots of money, since people tend to opt for the guided tour, which not only involves the fees for the tour itself, but also gratitude/service fee for the guide, host and tour bus drivers.
When you decided to travel for the first time, were the people in your life supportive of your decision? If not, how did you overcome this?
Not in particular – I spent the four months after my graduation ceremony and university finished roaming around Europe, knowing that I will move back to Hong Kong afterwards. I didn’t exactly consult my parents on this, but rather informed them. Although they had always turned a blind eye on my expenditures as long as I am being sensible and using my own money. However, my sister wasn’t very happy with me, since she decided to head home early and ended up having to help with renovation work. Plus, she felt like I was being a brat – which is a common reaction among people in Hong Kong when they learn that someone is travelling long-term. But eventually she came around and is even helping me run my blog now!
What has been one of the highlights of your travels so far?
There are so many amazing moments that it’s hard to pick! But it would be seeing a live volcanic eruption in Stromboli, the Aeolian Islands in Sicily, Italy. We booked a tour and hiked up in the evening light, seeing the eruption at the crater and descending back at night – it’s definitely an experience of a life time!
What has been one of the struggles in your travels so far?
Hoping that my things will dry before I repack them – it’s unbelievably difficult if you are moving every one or two nights and an absolute nightmare!
What is one lesson you can give to other travellers reading this blog?
Don’t travel because everyone is doing it – travel to see the world and experience new things. Be considerate and friendly to the locals and others, and try to remember how lucky we are to be able to see the world so freely when 50 years ago the concept of a holiday was only for the rich.
Stay tuned for more travellers from around the world next week. If you’d like to be featured please get in touch at thealtruistictraveller@gmail.com