Today I am joined by fellow blogger Timothy Chow of Elite Travel Blog. I actually came across Tim as I took part in his own interview series so what better way to return the favour than to have him on to The Nomad Files.
Tell us Tim, when did you discover that you were a travel fiend and what was the influencing factor?
One of my favourite travels to date was a family holiday when I was around 10 years old. It was a three week coach trip across America, starting from New York and finishing in Los Angeles.
We visited more landmarks than I can actually remember, places like the Grand Canyon were just breath-taking. Other family holidays had been less adventurous, with two visits to Disneyland and three visits to Hong Kong. That’s when I decided to begin a life goal to visit a new city every year.
Do you have a particular song/video/poem/quote that particularly inspires you to travel?
I saw a travel quote which spawned my life goal, apparently it comes from the Dalai Lama.
“Once a year go, someplace you’ve never been before.”
That’s one of my favourites as well, so simple and achievable. How would you describe your travel style? What sort of places have you stumbled upon through your travels?
Be spontaneous. I like to plan and have a good idea of what I’m going to see and do on a trip so I can cram as much into every waking minute and not have any regrets about missing anything because I’ve run out of time. But it’s good to do things not on your itinerary or in your guide book
Walking down the promenade in Nice, I repeatedly walked past the scuba diving hut. I can’t swim, but on the last day with some spare euros in my pocket, I decided to ask if a non swimmer could take part. An hour later I was suited and scuba diving. This remains one of the greatest things I’ve ever done.
Or the time I was bored of Milan and decided to take an unplanned day trip by train to Lake Como. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve laid eyes on.
Bored in Milan? Yep that sounds about right haha. Can you tell me more about Lake Como? I’ve never heard of it.
I spent most of my time photographing the lake! Having spent a few days in a rather grey city, Lake Como was the complete opposite. Blue skies, sunshine, fresh air, gorgeous greenery and scenery. And away from the lake, the streets are very pretty too. Lots of grand architecture and cobbled stones.
What took you there and how did you find out about it?
I had heard rich celebrities like George Clooney have houses there. If it’s good enough for George…
What was the food like in Lake Como. Was it different to anything you’d experienced before?
As a budget traveller I just had the usual gelato and panini (authentic and delicious nonetheless), but it tastes so much better and is more memorable because of the view of the lake and surroundings.
Could not agree more. Changing lanes a little now, think of your favourite big city. Can you share with us one hidden secret or discovery in this city that people would likely skip past unless they knew about it?
I finally ticked Paris off my bucket list last summer. I was in Montmartre to see the Dali museum (thoroughly recommend) and stumbled across the most amazing street performer I’d ever seen in front of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur.
A gentleman called Iya Traore showed off his incredible skills on a ledge and using a lamppost. You can also a great a view of the city’s skyline from here, so I had a terrific backdrop whilst photographing Iya. Serendipitous moments like these tend to be my favourite travel photos.
Isn’t Montremarte just one of the coolest neighbourhood ever? Ok last question, where do you live on the internet and social media for people to come visit?
You can find me at:
http://www.imwanderingandpositive.com/
https://twitter.com/mrtimchow
Thanks for joining us on The Nomad Files today Tim, and everyone else, be sure to drop him a line at his website or on the Twitters.
Get more like this in your inbox
I send out occasional updates on the goings on here at Anti Travel Guides. This will also open the door to a mini ebook I wrote on Essential Travel App I use to travel with.
