This week, WSGT is interviewing Michael Hodson of @GoSeeWrite, a travel blog dedicated to showing people the wonders of overland travel.
1.)Where was the first place that you traveled that made you think WOW—travel is amazing (think history book come to life or …..)
Cape Town, South Africa, was my “wow” destination. As soon as I got there, I knew that travel was going to be a long term thing for me.
2.)If you had unlimited resources, where would you go and what would you do?
Right now, I’m pretty happy focusing on my company Only In VR. With unlimited resources, I’d like to travel around doing what I’m passionate about: VR video.
3.)What were you afraid to do and how did you find the courage to overcome it?
I was afraid to quit my job. Financially, quitting your job and travelling the world is crazy! It’s not easy and no one will simply pay you to do it. It takes a lot of work. I didn’t overcome that fear, really. It was more like ripping off the Band-Aid and hoping I didn’t bleed.
4.)What apps do you use regularly that make your life easier?
I’d be lost without XE Currency. It really helps when I’m travelling to different countries in a short period of time. Currency can get confusing. Google Translate can be a big help as well when trying to order a beer!
5.)What place do you wish more people had seen?
A lot of people want to get to New Zealand but I wish more people could! For us North Americans, it’s a pretty long and expensive trip but it’s definitely worth it. New Zealand is one of my favorite places in the world.
6.)Best advice you have been given and by whom?
There were so many people who supported my decision to quit law and travel full time. I’m thankful to every single one of them for believing in me.
7.)When were you surprised by the kindness of strangers on a trip?
I got into a little bit of trouble in Costa Rica. When I say ‘a little bit of trouble’, I mean I face planted off of a bike during a tour of Costa Rica. I went straight over the handlebars and landed face first on the asphalt. I received so much help from the tour guides and had so many messages and kind words from my readers. Even though my readers weren’t on the trip with me, they were still kind strangers who I felt were there for me.
8.)What inspired you to travel for extended periods of time or live in a new country?
I was tired with my everyday life. I needed a change and I needed it to change my life, not just a week or a month. Every day has been something new and it’s been fascinating.
9.)I travel because….
It challenges me everyday, opens me up to new experiences, and because I hate being cold.
Michael took off in December of 2008 to circle the planet with no reservations and without leaving the ground. Sixteen months later, he succeeded. His permanent travels have just continued from there. Michael is also the proud owner of OnlyinVR which offers virtual reality tours.
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