Each week we will be featuring an interview with a member of the Superstar Blogging community. These interviews will highlight the ups and downs faced on the road to success, illuminating helpful tips and tricks along the way. If you want to get inspired and succeed in the world of travel blogging, video, writing, or photography then consider these interviews must-read material! This week we are interviewing Nathan, a member of the Business of Travel Blogging course. He blogs at Foodie Flashpacker.
If YOU ant to be featured in our interview series be sure to email our Community Manager Christopher, at christopher@nomadicmatt.com.
Tell us about yourself!
I’m from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In February of 2014 I left on what I thought would be a six-month trip around SE Asia, and now, nearly three years, later I’m still going. In that time, I’ve seen fifty countries across four different continents. I really love exploring an area through local foods, and I’ve become a bit obsessed with food and wine.
How did you get started traveling? What inspired your wanderlust?
I was doing some volunteer work in Kenya, and we had a few days of down time. A friend and I went to a beach town, and I stayed in a hostel for the first time ever. While I was there, I met long-term travelers, and the concept of perpetual travel blew my mind. I had never heard of anyone traveling for six months or more in one stretch. I became obsessed with the idea, and when I returned home, I began researching. I found Matt’s blog, and I think I read everything he ever wrote, which led me to all sorts of other travel bloggers as well.
What are some of your favorite places you’ve been to? Any particularly memorable experiences or highlights?
Picking a single, favorite place is so difficult. My favorite countries for beaches would be Indonesia or the Philippines. My favorite food is either Vietnamese, Turkish, or Italian. The best places for nature and outdoor experiences have been Iceland and the Azores of Portugal. But if I had to pick one country to live in forever, I would say Spain. I really love the food, the wine, and how friendly the people are.
Have you had any misadventures during you travels?
When I was visiting Morocco I survived a direct attack to the face by some kind of crazy huge (possibly mutant) bugs. It the one and only time in nearly three years of travel that I’ve ended up in the hospital. You can read about that here.
How long have you been blogging? Why did you start?
I’ve been blogging since February—less than a year. I started at the two-year point of my trip. I started when I realized my six-month trip was turning into more of a five or six-year trip. Before February, I always made excuses—I wanted to be in the moment, not working while I was traveling. I didn’t want to have to constantly worry about trying to find good Wi-Fi or editing photos when I could be out making memories. But once I realized the trip was going to continue, I knew that I would have the time or could easily make the time.
What struggles have you had during your blogging career? How have you overcome them?
One of my biggest struggles has just been making the time to consistently stay on top of things like I need to. When running a blog by yourself, there is literally always something you could be doing. I struggle with finding a balance between doing what I want to do and doing what I need to do. I’ve learned to prioritize the most important tasks and deal with the less pressing matters when possible. My number one priority is still traveling and getting the most out of it. I’m giving up time away from my family and friends back home to be here, so I want to make it worth it.
What do you enjoy the most about blogging?
I definitely most enjoy the community. I’ve made so many connections, and people have been really great. I recently attended TBEX Manila, and it was so incredible to meet and network with so many people doing similar work.
What’s one thing you wish you knew BEFORE you started blogging?
I wish I knew how time-consuming it was. Everyone mentioned it but I thought surely it wasn’t that bad. There really is a lot of work that goes into maintaining a blog! It’s not just visit somewhere, write about it, and post. I think I was a bit naive about how much more involved it is!
In addition to this course, what other resources do you rely on for help/information?
I’m a member of several different Facebook groups that I’ve found incredibly useful. When you have a question or problem, asking for help or advice can save you a lot of time, as your issue is typically something others have dealt with and resolved themselves. I especially like We Travel, We Blog and The Business of Blogging.
What are some of your favorite travel stories/publications/books?
I’ll read anything by Anthony Bourdain. I think he’s great, and he combines food and travel, so it’s not surprising I enjoy him so much!
What are some of your favorite travel blogs?
Most of my favorites are now other bloggers that I’ve met since I started blogging just because it’s nice to see what they’re up to. Also, if they’re traveling somewhere I’ve been I can offer advice or if it’s somewhere I’m wanting to go I know I have a resource to help me plan my time there. Meg & Tom from foodfuntravel.com, Georgette from girlinflorence.com, and Amanda from marocmama.com are all blogs I follow to keep tabs on my friends. The blog that I find most useful for planning my own travels is Tim Leffel’s cheapestdestinationsblog.com. I think he does a really great job breaking down destinations that are affordable and explaining why.
Why do you keep blogging?
I continue blogging to keep making connections with other bloggers and travelers. The blogging community really is my favorite part of this experience. I’ve made friends that I hope to keep connected with forever.
What apps do you use that make blogging easier when traveling?
I love using Snapseed for photo editing, and I’m attempting to use Evernote more, as I know it can be really beneficial.
What camera gear do you travel with?
I have a Samsung camera that I like, but I almost always default to using my iPhone. Most of the photos that I post are of food, and the iPhone takes phenomenal food photos. For nature and landscapes, I’ll pull out my Samsung.
What is one thing you can’t travel without?
I know it’s not a very original response, but I would have to say my iPhone. I’m completely addicted to it, and I’m constantly using it. I also have a Pacsafe bag that I love, because it’s nice to be able to leave your laptop and passport locked in a hotel room without worrying about it.
Do you have any blogging regrets?
I regret posting things that weren’t to my niche when I first began blogging. I had read in Matt’s course that you want a certain number of posts up when launching, and instead of staying in my niche I tried to develop posts around useable photos I already had. I should have come out of the gate super focused on my niche like the course advises.
What one piece of advice you’d give to a fellow blogger?
Network, network, network. My first paid assignments I received are from a connection I made with a fellow blogger. Network like crazy and help if possible when someone asks. People won’t forget who helped them when they needed it. Even if it’s just a piece of advice or a lead you pass on through Facebook, those things stand out. I’ve passed leads on to fellow bloggers that I’ve never met in person, simply because they were kind enough to help me out in the past.
Tell us about your blog and where we can find you on social media!
My blog is www.foodieflashpacker.com There you’ll find me writing about all things food and travel related. I’m a big fan of walking food tours, wine tastings, street food, and craft beer. You can also find me on Instagram and Twitter.