Liebster Award

I’m so delighted to say that I’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award by the wonderful Clare Thomson at Suitcases and Sandcastles. I’m particularly honored to have been nominated by Clare, as I’ve long admired her writing and devour her posts whenever I see them. She’s a published travel writer in her own right, with articles appearing in a variety of news publications. I’m always inspired by her style of writing and hope to be as gifted as she is some day! She lives in the UK with her husband and two boys, and has traveled as a family to Egypt, Morocco, Bali, just to name a few.

So what is a Liebster Award?

A Liebster is an award given by other award winners to fairly new bloggers to promote and recognize up and coming blogs. In German, ‘liebster’ means ‘dearest’ or ‘sweetest’. The award was created to recognize new bloggers and welcome them to the blogosphere.

What are the rules?

Once you have been nominated you need to write a blog post thanking the person who nominated you, with a link back to their website, and answer the questions they’ve asked you. Then you nominate up to 11 blogs of your choice (remembering to let them know that you’ve nominated them) and provide 11 questions for them to answer

Here are my answers to Clare’s Questions:

What do you most enjoy about blogging?

I love to write about places that have inspired me and hopefully convey that feeling of inspiration to my readers. And to be informative and share tips and information with others – there’s nothing that makes me happier than when someone comes up to me and says “I never knew about that place until I read your blog, and we’re now making plans to go!” It’s a great feeling.

Where do you write most of your blog posts?

Ha, one would think in my spanking new office off the side of the house where there’s not much traffic. Yet, I can’t get away from the light pouring in through the windows of my dining room and write most of them there. I love the quality of light in this room and find it motivating. And I write some in the comfort of my bed– so much for the office! I like this question, I may use it myself..

What’s your best piece of travel advice?

To relax and enjoy! I think a lot of travelers – me included – feel the pressure to see and do everything. That usually ends with feeling stressed and exasperated. My goal for this year is to try and not get caught up and just soak up a place by taking leisurely strolls and long, enjoyable mealtimes. Of course you don’t want to miss the main highlights, but maybe choose a few of them rather than all.

What’s your least favourite part of travelling?

The packing and unpacking. I’m an overpacker and really need to change my ways.

How would you describe your packing style?

Comfortable, but still hip. Fun shorts/t-shirts and sandals during the day, sundresses at night. And always layers. I hate being cold and pack a ton of warm tops!

What do you always take with you?

Water, sunscreen, I phone, sweater

Name three of your favourite books.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Atonement by Ian McEwan

Where’d You Go, Bernadette? By Maria Semple

Beach shack, five-star luxury hotel or gypsy caravan, what’s the best place

you’ve ever stayed in?

Le Agavi hotel outside of Positano on the Amalfi Coast is up there. Talk about taking your breath away! Perched up on the cliffside with multi levels cascading down, the views of the coast are like no other. The funicular takes you down to the pool and beach as well as other rooms. The accommodations weren’t necessarily amazing, but it didn’t matter because the views were so incredibly beautiful, and the adventuring around so much fun. Eating breakfast overlooking the dramatic seascape each morning I will never forget.

What’s the worst place you’ve ever stayed in?

From recent memory most definitely this nasty motel we stayed at when my family and I were forced to drive from FL to NY because flights were cancelled for a week. It was pretty disgusting, and we all came down with the worst virus when we got home!

Which place would you most like to go back to?

My family and I are dying to plan a trip to Spain, one of my favorite countries. We almost booked a trip this summer to Barcelona and San Sebastian, but ultimately put it on the back burner for another time because I recently had knee surgery. I don’t want to be held back in any way – when we go we are going full throttle!

What’s your biggest travel regret?

I lived in Costa Rica after college and traveled to many places down there – Chile, Cuba, Panama – but never made it to Peru and Argentina. I’ve been kicking myself ever since that I still have not been to Machu Picchu and Buenos Aires.

And now, congratulations to my nominees!

I would like to nominate the following fantastic blogs for the Liebster Award:

Piccolo Explorer

A family day out

Kidding Herself

The Helpful Hiker

Parenthood & Passports

Smiling Notes

Here are My 11 Questions:

How did you get into blogging?

Where do you write your blog posts? (Had to use that one Clare!)

What is your favorite place to go to in or around your home town/city?

What is your favorite place you’ve been to abroad?

What other hobby(ies) besides traveling do you enjoy?

What has been your worst travel “mishap”?

What is your favorite cuisine?

Ocean or Mountains?

Do you plan all your trips out or do you like to be spontaneous?

Overpacker or underpacker?

Top of the bucket list?

I’m looking forward to reading your answers and seeing who you’re going to nominate!