Bloggers & Influencers Laid Bare - Introducing Girl About Europe
- Helen
- Apr 6, 2019
- 5 min read
The next post in the series, "Bloggers and Influencers Laid Bare..." introduces Sarah, who is the actual real-life blogger and inspirational young woman behind 'Girl About Europe'.
I first discovered Sarah on Twitter and was impressed by her passion for travel, honesty, true personality and obvious hard work in being a travel blogger and influencer!
Sarah describes herself as a 'part-time backpacker, travelling on the cheap' who wants to see the world differently while inspiring and sharing her honest experiences.
Sarah's approach to her travel blog is refreshing and I would recommend you learn more about her from the interview below and then start to follow her as she continues her journey.
So, here is Sarah a.k.a, 'Girl About Europe'!
An Interview With Sarah, 'Girl About Europe'
Thank you Sarah for agreeing to be grilled!
In your own words, can you introduce a little about yourself and your blog, Girl About Europe?
Of course!
My name is Sarah and I'm a Pre-Travel Service Advisor from York.
My blog, Girl About Europe, is where I like to write and share honest accounts about life as a part time backpacker, tips on budget travel and enjoying a more minimalist approach to life.
I started my blog nine months ago so I’m still new to the blogging world but so far almost everybody I’ve encountered has been so supportive.
Can you talk a bit about your travels?
I love solo travel, the reason being that I find it easier to approach other solo travellers and be approachable as well. Sometimes larger groups can be intimidating and make it a little harder to get to know people individually.
A lot of what I do involves a tonne of long distance walking, so I like to pack light. Really light!
My last adventure took me around Europe for 3 months with just a 25 litre day-pack and it was honestly the most exciting and efficient way to travel for me (see more on my blog).
I can spend hours and hours just getting lost.
My favourite things to do involve checking out the obscurities of a particular place and getting off the beaten track from time to time. Also dabbling in a little history and trying quirky food.
Each country I visit holds a different appeal.
In the Czech Republic I was fascinated by the array of architecture and overall city life.
In Slovenia I wanted to get back to nature and enjoy a slower approach by taking hikes around Lake Bled and Bohinj.
However, don’t be fooled by my name, I’ve also travelled across the Pond too.
I used to live in San Francisco, California and have worked on board merchant vessels in Hawaii so I will be including some stories from my time Stateside.
What made you embark on the adventures you enjoy and why did you choose to also inspire others in the way you do?
For me taking this adventure was a personal goal I'd always wanted to achieve, living in a world of rules and routine I wanted to experience life by my own means and pace. The goal was to see the world a little more but more importantly see it differently through learning and lifestyle.
In terms of inspiring others, all I can hope for is that others can relate to what I say and that it encourages people to get out there and give it a shot. I’m rooting for them!
What has been your best experience to date?
One of my best experiences to date was taking a road trip from California to Oregon to visit Crater Lake.
I was absolutely blown away by this stunning national park.
It was also great to spend some time away from technology and get back to nature with my husband. We live 5000 miles apart so it was very special for us to get away.
… and your worst travel experience?
My worst travel experience was at a hostel in Bratislava.
One of the reception staff members harassed me. He came into my dorm when nobody else was around and would try to hit on me: on two occasions he grabbed my face to try and make out with me but I pushed him away and told him to leave me alone.
He was a creep and would pester a lot of the other girls too... to this day I’ll never know what was wrong with him.
I stayed one night out of the four and left without paying (it was one of those hostels where you pay at check-out).
Who inspires you?
My Grandfather Malcolm. A cancer survivor, worldwide marathon runner and once a Coldstream Guard for Buckingham Palace.
Growing up with my grandparents I would see all his medals and achievements displayed around the house, reminding me of his running accomplishments across Sydney, Australia; Moscow, Russia and London, England to name a few.
Both my grandparents were world travellers.
My Grandad still jets off to this day and he’s 82!
What motivates you?
My motivation is fuelled by curiosity, it’s always been there.
I get too bored with routine and love to change things up.
I can't stay in one place for too long which explains why I've moved so many times! The same with work, I've had jobs on airlines and cruise ships with hostel working in between.
What three things would you not leave home without, no matter where you were going or what you were doing?
1. My passport is my most precious possession, it’s my ticket to the world. I panic if I don’t know where it is.
2. My kindle as I love to read, particularly travel guides and autobiographies. I’ve never been one for fiction though.
3. Snacks, a girl gets hungry 😂!
Do you have any advice for someone in your situation who is starting out and considering the type of travelling you do?
I’m not going to sugar coat this.
Keep your wits and go with your gut feeling, if something feels off then you’re probably right.
Be smart and safe when travelling because you will meet ass-holes from time to time but also many amazing people too.
Do you have any advice for someone considering blogging?
Keep it real and relatable - there are too many travel ‘influencers' out there chasing the Instafame game.
Inject some personality and individuality to your work.
Write about topics which spark happiness because it will show.
Lastly, don’t beat yourself up over writer's block, it happens to all of us!
What are your future plans?
At this moment in time I'm just focusing on my blog and building friendships.
I am also moving to the other side of the country come April so I’m excited to explore my new home base.
As for travel; me and my husband will be travelling to Finland, Estonia, Canada and New York in the upcoming months.
Thank you Sarah! Do you have any final thoughts?
I just wanted to add that following my heart into the world of travel blogging has brought me so much joy and I’ve met so many wonderful people and for that,
Thank you all for your support!
A huge thank you to Girl About Europe's incredible Sarah for her time and very real answers to the questions in this interview....
No sugar coating the realities of travel but the rewards it can also bring.
As Sarah mentioned in her answers she has recently written about her experiences back-packing around Europe alone, with just a 25 litre backpack over on her own website and she has many more travels planned!
Make sure you follow Sarah as she continues to share her discoveries and learning about the world as she travels....
Links to Sarah's website and social media -
Sarah's Website, Girl About Europe: www.girlabouteurope.com
Sarah on Twitter: @Girl_About_Eu
Sarah on Instagram
If you enjoyed reading about Sarah, why not also read about the great bloggers Kiwis Fly The Coop and Pant 'n' Purr who have also laid themselves bare in earlier Q&A posts!
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