My Travel Style is …

Welcome to Travel Tuesday!

When thinking of “my travel style” several different types of travel styles come to mind. From luxury trips with all the perks (beautiful resort in Australia I am dreaming of you!) to sleeping in sketchy hostels and staying over night in the airport. I have packed my wardrobe into two suitcases (three times), worn all my clothes I packed due to an unexpected storm, and carried all my belongings on my back for a month.

Throughout all of my different travels though a few things haven’t changed and I consider them to be a big part of my personal travel style.

I am not afraid of hostels…
Before I traveled abroad I thought that hostels where the place that murders happened and if I ever set foot in one I was certain I would die. Yes, I was that American.

My fist experience with hostel living was in Australia where I stayed in a hostel that was more a short term student accommodation. When I first arrived there I wanted to get out as quick as possible. It was loud, dirty and you had zero privacy. Deciding to spend my three months in Australia living in this crazy hostel has been one of my best travel decisions yet.

This was my first time meeting people from all over the world, hearing several different languages all around me and learning about cultures I knew nothing about. My time in that rundown hostel was one of the greatest times in my life. I went from that girl crying the first two weeks to the girl that was crying that she had to leave her messy, extremely hot and sometime bug infested dorm room.

Since then I have stayed in several hostels throughout Europe and while some have been better than others you can always count on getting a good story out of the experience!

I try as many new things as possible…
I will admit, when I first arrived in Australia I was not open to the idea of trying new things. Clearly H called me out on this fact in our very romantic meet-cute , but everything he said was so true and it has stuck with me since. Now when I travel I try to experience everything around me, even if it scares me a little.

Like the time I said yes to climbing the Sydney Tower Bridge (hello major fear of heights over here).

Or that time I agreed to ride a donkey down a incredibly steep hill in Santorini.

Not letting the fact that I was uncomfortable hold me back and just saying yes has brought me some amazing memories while traveling.

I prioritize my budget…
My spending style while traveling has changed quite a bit in the past few years. Now instead of spending money on nice fancy rooms and shopping I would much rather save money on accommodation and spend it on excursions and local cuisine.

Money well spent on this amazing pizza in Italy.

While it is always nice to stay in a beautiful hotel, I personally don’t need that luxury when I am traveling (at least not most of the time). I try and be out and about as much as possible making my accommodation a place for me to just sleep and shower and get on with my day. This of course has lead to some interesting rooms…orange wall room in Naples I am talking to you.

For the most part though I am usually able to find decent accommodation for a budget friendly price leaving me extra money to spend on things I care about, like food, local activities, and boat tours around Capri (the money saved from the orange room was put to good use).

I eat as much of the local cuisine as possible…
For me one of the best parts about traveling is all the amazing food I get to try! Whenever H and I travel to a new place we always challenge ourselves to try a dish that is a part of the local cuisine, challenge excepted!

The most amazing pretzel in Switzerland.

Just one of my daily stops for gyros in Athens.

Sampling the wines from Tuscany, totally apart of the local cuisine.

We may not eat the fanciest of food while traveling but some of my favorite meals have come from the random street cart on the side of the road. I think the food really gives you an insight to the area you are visiting and it is one piece of my travel style that will always be in fashion.

I travel with someone I can stand for days on end…
But really, there is nothing worse than having a travel companion that drives you up the wall, I have been there and it is not enjoyable. Lucky for me I live with my favorite travel companion and always have a great time when I travel with H.

No matter what my travel style may be I always have a wonderful time, learn new things, and expand my travel bucket list. Maybe one day my travel style will include a private jet and 3 month long vacations, one can dream.

Question of the Day?
Do you have a travel style? Who is your favorite travel companion?

———–

Welcome to Travel Tuesday!

<div align="center"><a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/category/traveltuesday" title="Travel Tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/traveltuesday.png" alt="Travel Tuesday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

———–

For this week’s Travel Tuesday our theme is What is your Travel Style? Link up with us and share a post about anything related to your travel style. This could be how the way you travel has changed over time, how you prefer to travel or anything you feel is relevant. I am looking forward to reading what everyone has to share!

———–

Each week Bonnie, Sammy, Van and I will select one post each from all the linked up posts the week before that we enjoyed especially. Please make sure to head over to their blogs to see who they picked!

———–

This week I am spotlighting Elena from Elena’s Travelgram and her post about 10 stunning castles you should see in Eastern France. I had no idea there was so many beautiful castles in the East of France, head over and see her stunning photos of these castles for yourself!

———–

Ready to link up!

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:
1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between! Just make it about traveling somewhere!
2. GRAB the lovely button. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie in a link!
3. LINKUP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT.

TIPS:
1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future linkups!
2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in!
3. HOP around and meet new travel loving bloggers! Check back to visit some of the newer travel posts!

July 1, 2014 by Kiki

Previous Post Next Post

http://www.elegance-revisited.com/ TiinaL

You’re so right about the travel companion… I once travelled around the U.S with a girl I knew from university, and wanted to kill her about 10 times a day. These days I travel with my husband ( and he gets on my nerves, too, but we don’t have to he travelling for that to happen… But at least I can yeall at him and he knows it’s just me being me)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I know exactly what you mean. Being able to just vent it out and move on makes traveling that much more fun.
http://bristolinmypocket.blogspot.co.uk/ Sara Rose

Eating like the locals do is super important! ;)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree!
ablondearoundtheworld

Oh you have no idea how much I see myself into your travel style!!! I like to experience everything, from luxury resorts to Shaggy hostels, they ALL have soemthing to give to you and will open your mind! And ousch I know how it feels to travel with somebody that drives you mad! I think that’s the most important thing of all when it comes to travel: either with somebody you enjoy or alone ! xxx
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It makes for a great experience to have a mix of travel styles! And I so agree, I would rather travel alone then with someone who annoys me.
http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

My study abroad accommodation was the same way- it was a hostel, but more like short term (a semester length) student accomodation. I hated it at first and ended up loving it. I quite fondly refer to it now :) x
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Sounds so much like my experience as well!
http://www.therandomwritings.com/ Rachel G

I like to eat local food, but I’m actually probably least adventurous when it comes to food-possibly as a result of living in SE Asia where they are impossibly creative. Roti Telur Bawang, char koay teow, I’ll eat….but I can’t bring myself to try the jellyfish… haha!
I love traveling with my husband the best, we’re good at different things so that works out great when it comes to navigating and deciding what to do. We do like B&Bs for the luxury but we haven’t stayed in one in a LONG time.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, traveling with H works perfect since we balance each other so well. And I don’t blame you for not being as adventurous when it comes to food, jellyfish no thank you!
http://www.travel-vanberry.blogspot.com/ Van @ On the Road again

How cute that H was the one who opened your eyes when it comes to travelling and that he influenced you in a good way! Being open and experiencing new things is definitely a must if you want to get the most out of your journey!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I never really thought about it until I was writing this post, it is true though he is the one that has helped open my eyes to travel and is always pushing me out of my comfort zone. And it really is a must to be open to new things to get the most out of your trip.
http://www.elenastravelgram.com/ ElenasTravelgram

Guess living together and traveling together as a couple are two different things. One of the best advice I got once was - before moving it, try traveling together for at least two weeks and if you haven’t started hating each other - everything’s gonna be okay :)

Love tasting all the local stuff too and street food a lot!

P.s. Thanks for highlighting my post!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It is so true! If you can travel with someone you can handle living together.
http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.co.nz/ Ellen

Love your story about the hostel. I had never stayed in a hostel until we were older and went cycling through Denmark and we stayed in them there. I always had this vision that they were party places for young backpacking types, but the hostels we stayed in had a real mix of travelers from younger folks, families and older people like us. It was a great experience and fun way to meet people from all over as you cooked in the communal kitchen.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I had that vision as well that is was a place for parties but we have stayed in some nice hostels. They are a great place to meet interesting people that is for sure!
http://agirlandhertravels.com/ Polly

I think I’m an old lady at heart, because I run straight away from anything if I get even the slightest vibe of party hostel! Haha. Other than that, I think our styles are very similar.

Well, except I prefer skinny dudes to amazingly jacked guys. Wow! He’s got some serious guns!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  When we were planning our Croatia trip we steered clear of the hostels that looked like a party hostel vibe in the photos! And ha what can I say I like my man with some guys. And Iceland is the land of extremely jacked dudes, must be the Viking blood!
http://www.justathriftygypsy.blogspot.com Katrina Elisabet

1. You’re so photogenic. I bet you couldn’t find a single picture of yourself that people couldn’t compliment!
2. Wholeheartedly agree about having to travel with someone you can stand! I can think of quite a few good friends who I never, ever, ever would travel with, just because I know we wouldn’t click while on the road.
3. That picture of the pretzel you ate in Switzerland has made my breakfast of cereal look sadly inadequate.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Awe thanks so much, I tend to close my eyes in a lot of photos so I can find some that aren’t so flattering :) The picture of that pretzel makes my lunch look inadequate as well!
http://www.foodboozeandbaggage.com/ Food Booze & Baggage

Eating is high on my list, I love getting to try new foods and the whole experience. We do cheaper hotels, so we can spend our money on other activities. I’m only in the room to sleep and shower; we never hang-out at the hotel when traveling…there is too much to see and do!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Sounds like we have a lot in common, I love trying new food and spending as little time as possible in our hotel room!
http://prettythingandco.com/ Madaline

I love all of your pictures!!! I have to ride a donkey some time… however, strapped with Florence on my back I don’t know if it’s a good idea! I’m totally in love with hostels too (in a it’s an “experience” kind of way) - I’m sad I’ve kind of aged out of them.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, hostels are an experience for sure. And maybe not those donkeys down the slippery hillside but you definitely will have to ride one with Florence!
http://yeah-whateverr.blogspot.com/ teresa

The donkey ride in a steep hill must be really exciting! ..but does it smell good? cause I haven’t found a donkey or a horse that doesn’t smell even from a long distance. haha give him a good bath!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Ha they weren’t the most lovely smelling things but as a girl who grew up with horses it didn’t bother me too much. H on the other hand was not to sure of the smell ha.
http://www.katiestrails.com Katie

I also live with my favorite travel companion! It’s super convenient having someone you like so much around all the time. :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, makes travel that much better :)
Pingback: My Travel Style: All About People | The Things I Am Crazy For()
K J S

Enjoyed reading about your travel style. Great pics!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much!
http://wheretheheartblog.blogspot.com Caity @ Where The Heart Is

I think I was so clueless on hostels at first, I didn’t even think to be nervous about them. But my first hostel experience was a “if girls stay two nights, they get an extra night free” - so booking that, I felt a little sketched out (which you’d think would be a good reason NOT to book it, but when you’re poor .. a deal’s a deal?). Turned out it was a great location and a great experience, with a little bit of a creepy hostel manager, but we should’ve expected that.
I also feel like I was very closed to trying new things, like you! Traveling though, I’ve ben able to open up and while I’m still not as open as I’d like, I’m very adamant on trying new things and doing what I was afraid of.
Love your pics!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It is wonderful how travel can open your eye to the world and get you out there trying new things! And I totally understand, a deal is a deal!
http://hannahonthemap.com Hannah Wasielewski

My style is similar to yours in that I ALWAYS stay in hostels, or stay with someone I know from that city. I did recently find out in Uruguay that it’s not always good to go as cheap as possible on the hostel, sometimes they’re not so secure! I’d rather eat how to locals eat and splurge on activities, like climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Yes, saving on the hotels and having more to spend on the food and activities is my favorite way to travel!
http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.com/ Amanda Elizabeth

You seriously have the best travel advice! I completely agree Mark and I travel so well together I can’t imagine traveling with anyone else!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Isn’t it so fun having a partner who is a blast to travel with!
http://anothercleanslate.com/ Kate @ Another Clean Slate

I would definitely rather spend on excursions and good local meals than a fancy room. My hope is always that not much time is spent in the hotel!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Same here! If I am somewhere new I get antsy staying in my room for too long. Much more fun to experience the place and all the things you can do!
http://www.amyandthegreatworld.com/ AmyMacWorld

Great tips! While traveling alone is pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, it’s really important for me to keep doing that while I’m traveling so I don’t hole myself up in my room at whatever awesome destination I’m at! I also agree that I don’t need that nice of a hotel, except I do like a nicer one for the first few days to help with the jet lag. I also sometimes would get slightly nicer ones when I traveled alone just to help me feel more secure. And you and H are so cute! I love traveling with my guy, too. I think it helps that even when we get stressed at each other (which is bound to happen while traveling) we also forgive each other and don’t hold grudges. Necessary!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks Amy:) I am with you, not holding grudges is really important when traveling since you are bound to get a bit annoyed with each other. And staying in a slightly nicer place so I feel safe is so important to me as well. Loved your post for this linkup!
http://thethingsiamcrazyfor.wordpress.com/ Camila

Lovely post and great pictures to go along! You look like you’ve enjoyed it a lot :) I love all the points you made! It’s great that you’ve found a great travel companion in your boyfriend, I haven’t travelled much with mine yet but hopefully it’ll all be as great as you make it sound :)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank you:) Traveling with your partner definitely is a blast, of course there are some stressed out moments in there but it is great having someone you care about by your side when exploring new places.
http://voyageofthemeemee.com/ Amanda MeeMee

Props for actually staying in a hostel… I’m TERRIFIED of them b/c of the movies, haha!
Definitely have to make sure your travel partner doesn’t annoy the shit out of you… very wise! haha
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Seriously those movies, which I didn’t even see, terrified me of any hostels!
http://latitudeadjustment1.blogspot.com/ Leia

You and I share very similar travel styles! Love it!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  They are some great travel styles :)
Chelsey Patti

Good travel advice! I saw those donkey riders when we were in Santorini, you are more brave than I my friend! Cheers!

-Chelsey

-http://chelseypatti.blogspot.com
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I don’t think I would have done it if I wasn’t with others who were. Was quite terrifying!
http://englishgirlcanadianman.blogspot.ca/ Holly Nelson

You guys make such a gorgeous couple! Your travel style is dead on though - up afraid to try anything and everything!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thanks so much Holly:) It really makes travel that much more interesting when your up to try anything!
http://www.tothedayslikethis.com/ Sammy @ Days Like This

Am definitely with you on the food point! Can’t believe I left that out of my travel style ;)
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Oh the food, it is such an amazing part of travel.
Michèle

so many fantastic photos. looks like you had a great time

http://www.thefashionfraction.com

http://www.thefashionfraction.com
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank you :)
http://montgomeryfest.com/ Annie Montgomery

love it. big or small, fancy or hostel…its always a better experience with a great travel buddy!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, having a great travel buddy can make all situations fun and exciting.
http://eatseedoblog.com/ Anna

I had the same feeling pre-hostels that you had and now I love them too and would also much rather spend the money on food and doing the stuff. I’m pretty much with you on everything. The great travel buddy (it really tests a friendship/relationship doesn’t it?), and the eating of everything local. Everything. Even when not hungry.
Also, yes to being open to change. My travel style can, occasionally, be: nice hotel, feet up but mostly it’s: kinda dodgy hotel, feet going as many places as they can before they need a good foot soak.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It really does test the relationship when your traveling together! And I am so glad we opened up to hostels, they are such a great alternative to expensive hotels!
http://stylishimoto.blogspot.jp/ Anna

Hahaa loved reading this and seeing all your fun photos! Also btw I hadn’t read your meet-cute before, it’s so lovely!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Thank you Anna :)
http://www.treatsandtravels.com/ Kristen @ Treats and Travels

I’ve never stayed in a hostel, mostly because its never come up in our travel plans, but I think that I would also be nervous to try it for the first time. I’ve heard that it really isn’t that bad, just like you mentioned in your own experience, and I guess it wouldn’t hurt to walk away with some entertaining stories! Maybe one day I’ll give it a try!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  A lot of the hostels I have stayed at just reminded me of hotels in the states. As long as you read the reviews and look around you can usually find some pretty great ones for really good prices!
http://www.chicadeedee.com/ Dannielle @ Chicadeedee

I’m the same, I’d much rather stay in budget accommodation so I can save money for excursions and my favourite part of traveling abroad, the local food! It’s funny how your priorities change though.
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  Yes! The food takes priority over spacious new hotel rooms :)
http://www.northofsomething.com Jamie | North of Something

Good idea to save $$ for the food! It’s such a fun part of the culture!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  I agree, and such a tasty part!
http://hemborgwife.wordpress.com/ Bailie @ The Hemborg Wife

Hey I lived in a hostel too and agree it was one of the best experiences of my life!
- http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene Spence
  
  It makes for some great stories!
http://www.military.com/spouse/military-deployment/reintegration/returning-to-home-life-after-deployment.html Jeffrey Dowling

Thanks to Dr Brave for bringing back my wife,and brought great joy to my family?

Hello to every one out here, am here to share the unexpected miracle that happened to me three days ago, My name is Jeffrey Dowling,i live in TEXAS,USA.and I`m happily married to a lovely and caring wife,with two kids A very big problem occurred in my family seven months ago,between me and my wife so terrible that she took the case to court for a divorce she said that she never wanted to stay with me again,and that she did not love me anymore So she packed out of my house and made me and my children passed through severe pain. I tried all my possible means to get her back,after much begging,but all to no avail and she confirmed it that she has made her decision,and she never wanted to see me again. So on one evening,as i was coming back from work,i met an old friend of mine who asked of my wife So i explained every thing to her,so she told me that the only way i can get my wife back,is to visit a spell caster,because it has really worked for her too So i never believed in spell,but i had no other choice,than to follow her advice. Then she gave me the email address of the spell caster whom she visited.([email protected]}, So the next morning,i sent a mail to the address she gave to me,and the spell caster assured me that i will get my wife back the next day what an amazing statement!! I never believed,so he spoke with me,and told me everything that i need to do. Then the next morning, So surprisingly, my wife who did not call me for the past seven {7}months,gave me a call to inform me that she was coming back So Amazing!! So that was how she came back that same day,with lots of love and joy,and she apologized for her mistake,and for the pain she caused me and my children. Then from that day,our relationship was now stronger than how it were before,by the help of a spell caster . So, was now stronger than how it were before,by the help of a spell caster . So, i will advice you out there to kindly visit the same website http://bravespellcaster.yolasite.com,if you are in any condition like this,or you have any problem related to “bringing your ex back. So thanks to Dr Brave for bringing back my wife,and brought great joy to my family once again.{[email protected]} , Thanks.

My Travel Style is …

Related Posts