When I initially started The Longest Weekend, it was meant to be a detailed account of our travels on our sabbatical. A visual scrapbook, a reason to edit and organize my photos, another way to remember that amazing risotto we had in Paris… I told myself that even if only my grandmother reads it (Hi, Shannon!), it was a worthwhile venture.
But one of the best things that’s resulted from blogging is the community that I’ve found from all corners of the globe. I’ve connected with other adventurers who are following their dreams and taking us all along for the ride.
When you’re a new blogger, it’s not everyday that you get nominated for an award in the field. You can understand my excitement when I was nominated for the Liebster Awards – an award for bloggers, selected by bloggers.
Created by The Global Aussie, the Liebster Award is in it’s seventh year and aims to recognize and create exposure for newer blogs. You can check out the full details and rules here!
I was humbled and excited to be nominated by fellow travel blogger and my new Instagram gal pal, Cameron from Cam on the Geaux.
Cameron is an American living in the UK, and we immediately bonded over our love for travel, Europe and SEC football. She has a beautiful blog with fantastic travel tips – be sure to check her out!
Cameron at Lake Bled in Slovenia
Each Liebster Award nominee is asked a series of questions to answer, then pays it forward to other blogs.
Without further ado, here we go…
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?
You’re looking at it! Earlier this year we quit our day jobs, donated most of our worldly possessions to charity, and decided to travel full-time.
I’ve always been a “by the book” kind of girl, but a dreamer at heart. More often than not, there’s never a good time to turn your life upside down and make a huge life change. There will always be tradeoffs, but if you have a big dream that isn’t going away, it’s worth making the sacrifices needed to make it happen.
For more on how we became full-time travelers click here.
Where is your favorite travel destination, and what makes it so special?
At the risk of sounding cliche, I’ll say it anyway: Italy, hands down.
Italy is one of those places that most people dream about visiting, and when you get there it smells, tastes, and feels even better than what you imagined.
While parts can be touristy, it’s all with good reason. I’ve been with my family, I spent a summer studying here in college, and I brought my husband Travis back last fall. It’s the place that I can return to again and again, and it never gets old.
Thanksgiving Day in Positano, Italy
What top three destinations are on your travel bucket list right now?
Bhutan – A country that measures Gross National Happiness instead of their GDP is worth a visit in my book. Ever since I first saw photos of the Tiger’s Nest in college, this tiny Asian nation has been at the top of my list.
Patagonia – I first fell in love with South America when I visited Peru last year, and since then I’ve been dying to visit Patagonia… Chile or Argentina, I’m not picky! The ends of the Earth-esque landscape, endless hiking trails and striking glaciers place this destination at the tip-top of my travel bucket list.
Japan – I’m completely intrigued by Japan. The vast traditions, the cherry blossoms, the bamboo forests, the ramen – I’m dying to go. Also after hiking the Camino de Santiago this year I’ve added the O-Shikoku pilgrimage to my bucket list, a 700 mile hike to 88 temples around one of Japan’s islands.
What’s the most memorable keepsake/souvenir you’ve bought during your travels?
An Omega Seamaster watch from the 1950’s. We bought it in Havana, Cuba on New Year’s Eve at a vintage book market.
We knew the risks of buying jewelry in this type of setting – it was either a very expensive paperweight or the souvenir of a lifetime. When we returned to the States and had it checked out, much to our surprise it was the real deal!
The colorful streets of Havana, the Omega Seamaster in action in Paris
If you were gifted a private plane or a private yacht which would you choose? And why?
I’d go with a private plane because the efficiency factor, and the possibilities are endless!
What’s the longest you’ve been away from home on vacation? Do you think you could go more than a year?
We just returned from spending five months in Europe and the Middle East, so that stretch takes the top spot.
Could I go away for longer? Given the proper setup, yes. While we wouldn’t change a thing from our first stint abroad, we learned that we would like to maintain a home base of some sort going forward.
Constantly being in new places is exhilarating, but at times also exhausting. Maintaining the consistency of a routine would be essential for us to be away for more than a year.
Feeling small at the Lost City of Petra, Jordan
If Queen Elizabeth II came to your house to eat dinner, what meal would you cook for her?
It’s no secret that I am a diehard Barefoot Contessa fan. For Her Majesty I would cook my go-to dish – Ina’s Lobster Mac and Cheese. Simple, all American with a hint of class.
How long have you had your blog & what are your long term goals?
I first started my blog when my husband and I left on our sabbatical in May of this year, with it officially launching in July… WordPress had a much steeper learning curve than I had anticipated!
Since we embarked on our travels, I’ve had the wonderful problem for a blogger of having more content and ideas than I have time to get it out there. We traveled at a whirlwind speed through our first five months, so I am excited for our next leg this winter we will be staying in one place for a bit.
I’m looking forward to investing the time to taking my blog to the next level and furthering my skillset. Think more SEO, Pinterest, affiliate marketing, a newsletter, and of course more destinations and coverage from our adventures!
What is your ideal date night?
For me, an ideal date night needs three things: a great view, great wine, and Travis. Anything else is just a bonus!
A date night to remember in Amsterdam
Now for my 2018 Liebster Award nominations…
Mindy on the Move
Mindy is an adventurer at heart, and her blog dives into her love for the outdoors and all things in the wild.
Her experience working in the film industry lends itself seamlessly to the storytelling on her blog. Her photography is stunning, and it’s getting me very excited for our next adventure in the mountains. Check out her blog here!
Mindy from Mindy on the Move
Live with Habiba
Habiba takes being worldly to another level – she was born in Morocco and speaks five languages!
Her passion for the outdoors is infectious, and her narration of her travels is truly inspiring… Is anyone else now feeling a trip to Peru?! Check out her blog here!
Habiba at Rainbow Mountain in Peru
Sunsets and Rollercoasters
Joanne, the voice behind Sunsets and Rollercoasters, is proof that the travel doesn’t stop when you have kids… In fact, it’s even more of a reason to do so.
Joanne and her husband have traveled to more than 15 countries with their three children, blogging and sharing her top tips along the way. Talk about inspiring! Drop by her blog here.
A beautiful shot from Joanne’s recent trip to Budapest
Up and Gone
An American expat living in Germany, Gabrielle has been wandering the globe since she was 17. She guides us through her travels and life abroad on her blog Up and Gone.
I love her adventurous spirit, plus her photography is gorgeous. Click here for her site!
Gabrielle from Up and Gone in Berlin, Germany
My questions for the nominees…
Where have you visited that surprised you most, and why?
Describe the best and worst meals you’ve ever had while traveling.
When were you tested most while on the road?
What’s your best piece of travel advice for traveling with another person?
Where are you most excited to travel to in 2019?
Other than your passport, what’s the one item you never leave home without?
What’s your cure for homesickness while traveling?
If you could live anywhere in the world other than where you live now, where would it be and why?
You’re shipwrecked on a deserted island… What’s the one tool you would want for survival?
What are your top three bucket list destinations at the moment?
I hope that you’ve enjoyed the change up today on The Longest Weekend. If you know someone who should be nominated for the Liebster Award, please send me a message!
More importantly, I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect and share with other travelers from around the world, bloggers and readers alike. Community is everything, and a strong one makes the world a better place.
Cheers,
Meredith
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