Sisterhood of the World Travelling Bloggers

I was chuffed to get nominated by Fairlie from FeetonForeignLands as I'd just noticed a well known travel blogger talking about it, and it suddenly felt like I was somehow playing with the bigger fish, rather than paddling on the edge. So thank you, Fairlie. Perception is everything!

1. What was the first blog post you wrote?
We planned a wonderful family vacation in the Maldives, and everyone kept saying before we went "But what will the kids do? It's for honeymooners". The kids loved it, as did we, so I thought I'd share it. And thus a blog was born.

2. Have you ever had a brag-worthy upgrade travel experience?
Absolutely! The wonderful Marina Bay Sands moved us into a suite that had 18 rooms - it was incredible!! I was certain there was a mistake, and even went back to reception to explain we had no money. However, the grand piano and karoke room were ours for the night.

3.Is there anywhere you would never, ever, in a million years return to?
Only in the sense of funds and time is finite, so I should see new places over places I've visited. However, I've liked everywhere I've been so far, and would happily return to them all. That said, there are countries I don't think I'd like to visit...but that's more risk aversion than cultural.

4.What’s the top three destinations or experiences on ‘your list’?
I'm that person that whenever you talk about a place or show me pictures, I suddenly want to visit it, so top 3 is hard. I'd say Northern Lights in Sweden/Lapland, Galapagos Islands for the wildlife and Antarctica. I realise that makes me sound more outdoorsy and adventurous than I am, but I'd be doing it in my style and pace.

5.What do you enjoy most in other people’s blogs or social media feeds?
Photos!! A picture says a thousand words! A number of my friends no longer put travel photos on Facebook because their friends get all judgmental so I've finding I spend more time looking at tourist bureau postings from around the world!

6.What type of carry-on luggage do you have and what’s in it?
Just a backpack and handbag - usually book, polarfleece for plane and wallet & passport. If going with the whole family, then ipad, DS, snacks and a myriad of other junk...

7.What’s the first thing you do when you get to a new destination?
Start the sightseeing! Or head to the pool if the kids are tired. Why waste a minute?!

8.If you could pick anyone (dead or alive, and other than your usual travel companions) to sit next to on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Hmmm, tricky. I'm kind of a movie nut so I'd like someone who would be interesting for the meals but then leave me alone to catch up on the movies I've missed. Terrible answer, I know. So I'll say Aki Ra because he's my hero, though it would make me feel bad about being so superficial and wanting to watch movies.

9.What is your most popular blog post?
By far Responsible Tourism - what Siem Reap could teach the World. It is the most read on my blog, but it was also translated into German and did well on a German travel blog. That city should be top of your list if you haven't been, it was a game-changer on my world view, and how I see my role on this planet.

10.What makes a memorable moment for you?
Everything in life can be memorable - a good time when you laughed, seeing something for the first time, seeing something with 'new' eyes, seeing beauty, experiencing joy. Travel offers a lot of this, and I guess that's why it's so special.

So I now need to find 10 travel bloggers worthy of the Sisterhood...

Malinda MyBrownPaperPackages
Seana Sydney Kids Food & Travel
Lyn The Travelling Lindfields
Bonnie Rose BonnieRoseBlog
Chris & Heather A Southerner & a Brit
Bethaney Flashpacker Family
Zita It's time....
Ting My Travel Monkey
Alane Packing my suitcase
Nancie Budget Travelers Sandbox

My 10 questions:

1. What is your most popular post?
2. What was your favourite destination, and why?
3. What is the weirdest thing you've eaten, and did you like it?
4. If you had to move city, where would you live?
5. What is the favourite travel photo you've taken, and why?
6. Luxury for less time or longer on a budget?
7. Worst travel experience?
8. Best upgrade or freebie?
9. If you could time travel, which country or city would you go to, and in which time?
10. Do you like flying?

"Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award recognizes the unique voices of women bloggers around the world.” (Chris, just scratch out women).