TRAVEL TUESDAYS: INTERVIEW WITH BETHANY OF PROGRESSION OF HAPPINESS

This week we would like to introduce Bethany of Progression of Happiness. Bethany is an 18 year-old university student in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada. She loves shopping, travelling, planning imaginary trips, learning languages, making spreadsheets, and challenging herself every day. She blogs about her journey of living a full life on a student budget!  Young people often don’t think they can afford to travel on their own, but she firmly believes you can do anything if you work hard enough. 

1. What inspires you to travel, and how would you define the word ‘traveler’?

When I think about travel, I’m so overwhelmed by how much there is to see in this world. We all live in our own little bubble, and traveling is an incredible way to broaden your horizons and learn new things. I’m a big advocate for challenging yourself and continuous learning!

As for how I would define the word traveler, I would say it’s someone who’s passionate about experiencing new places and cultures. There’s no ‘best’ way to travel – anyone with the passion is a traveler!

2. For those who don’t yet know you, can you explain your travel style? 

Currently I’m a school-break traveler!! I would love to be a nomadic traveler…I think that’s my dream. Right now it’s all about fitting in travel whenever I can and making the most of the time I have!

3. How do you afford your travels?

Saving and dedication! I’m paying for university myself without loans or parental help, so it can be hard to pay for trips. I still travel with my parents, but I take every opportunity to budget and see if I’ll be able to go away the next school break. I like to take advantage of international conferences and competitions!

4. Where was your first international trip and how old were you?

My parents actually moved us to Australia for a year when I was three, which was a pretty big deal! We did a job and home exchange, and I must say that was a super cool experience.

5. Where has been your favorite destination? Where has been your least favorite?

My favourite destination has either been New York City or Antigua! I love big cities and tropical islands.

6. If you had to settle down in one location forever, where would you choose and why?

I really don’t know if I can say that now as there are so many places left to experience! Right now it would be New York City.

7. Have you ever had high hopes for a destination, tour, etc., only to be disappointed in the end? Or any travel mishaps?

My memory of Barbados is completely tainted by the last day! I’ve always been scared of water and also can’t swim, and a few hours before we had to leave an enormous wave slammed me into the beach while my parents watched helplessly…it was horrible and definitely didn’t help with the fear.

8. What’s the funniest or weirdest cultural idiosyncrasy you’ve either witnessed or experienced?

I feel like there were some weird things in Australia, but I don’t remember enough to say! I find it beyond weird that they call hoodies/sweatshirts bunnyhugs in Saskatchewan, Canada. I mean who thought of that!?

9. What keepsake do you have to get at all your destinations? 

I used to buy way too many souvenirs and always forgot about them soon after I got home! I love buying local-made jewelry, but I really try to stop myself from buying keepsakes.

10. How about the one thing you cannot travel without?

Cannot travel without a book! I read around 200 books a year and although I have an e-reader, I still lug giant hardcovers on trips. Plane rides are horrific without lots of great reading materials!

11. Why did you begin blogging? And how did you come up with your blog name?

I started blogging last year about business and professional stuff, but let it slide because I didn’t enjoy it a ton. Then I realized that I’ve been reading dozens of travel blogs, so why not start one of those?! Especially as I graduate soon and will be travelling tons more, I thought it was a great time. I have a post explaining my blog name, but basically I believe that we are all in charge of our own happiness and I try to make the most of life! I wish it was more travel related.

12. What’s next for 2014? 

In October 2014 I am making my first solo trip overseas to Beijing and Hong Kong! There’s also something hopefully happening in September but I don’t want to jinx it. I’m also starting to get my TEFL certificate so I can teach in Korea when I graduate!

Traveler Toss-ups

Backpack or suitcase? I’ve actually never travelled with a backpack, but I absolutely should…I’m too out of shape to carry a suitcase up more than 2 stairs.

Window or aisle? Long haul window because I’m a champion plane sleeper, and if I’m going somewhere new I love looking out at the view! If it’s just a short connector, aisle. Hate feeling confined!

Solo or group? October is my first solo trip, but I think I will prefer it…I’m very independent and working on my own timeline appeals!

Tapas or sushi? Sushi!

Beach or mountains? Mountains! I have a super short attention span, mountains captivate me for longer.

Be sure to follow all in Bethany’s progression of happiness:

Visit Bethany’s site: Progression of Happiness
Follow Bethany on Twitter: @bethany_dickey4
Follow Bethany on Instagram: @bethany_dickey4