Bloggers & Influencers Laid Bare - Introducing The Thoughtful Traveller

It is with grateful thanks and huge pleasure that in this edition of, 'Bloggers and Influencers Laid Bare...', I was able to secure Nick, a.k.a, "The Thoughtful Traveller" to give up some of his time to answer questions all about himself, his blog and his general online presence!

Nick is from the UK and, as I have with others, I discovered Nick through the supportive travel community on Instagram.

Nick started his blog, 'The Thoughtful Traveller' last year but already has many impressive, detailed and inspirational posts about the travels he has been on - offering his experiences and tips. Describing himself as a passionate travel photographer, Nick is certainly worth following on Instagram if you want to see the results of his passion!

Anyway, I must stop waffling on and just let the man himself speak.

Here is Nick...

An Interview With Nick, 'The Thoughtful Traveller'

Thank you Nick, Mr. 'Thoughtful Traveller'.... so over to you -

In your own words, can you introduce a little about yourself?

I’m Nick, I live in the UK and would say I’m a part time traveller around a full time job.

I have just completed my Masters degree in Human Rights.

Cooking and baking are how I relax and unwind at the end of a hard day.... I’m not at a Bake Off level but make a decent Christmas cake!

I love photography and travel and wanted a way to combine them both.

Can you talk a bit about your travels?

I have done a group tour of the southern American states and I will be doing a tour in Canada later in the year but I mainly travel with my partner in crime, Chris..... he’s generally the organiser and we have recently returned from an amazing trip to Cape Town.

Bo Kaap - Cape Town

We have also been to Berlin, Budapest and on an Italian city tour, as well as some great trips to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival (to name a few).

I have also been lucky to get over to New York twice and love the city nearly as much as London.

I took my parents and they enjoyed it as well. I think my love for travel is slowly rubbing off on them too!

I do enjoy travelling solo in the UK.

I love the Lake District and any coastal town as I am fascinated by sea-side tourist spots and how they have changed over the years.

I guess I'm an eclectic traveller!

Can you introduce a bit more about your blog, The Thoughtful Traveller?

Section of the Berlin Wall

For me, The Thoughtful Traveller is mainly my scrap book or memory box of my travels that I can look back on and enjoy.

It also gives an honest account of where I have been and what is on offer in places in terms of where to eat, what to see and the hidden gems you find on walks around.

It’s called, 'The Thoughtful Traveller' as my academic background was in taking ideas and giving your own take and thoughts on a situation, so that’s what I try to do in reflecting on my travels.

It is also something for others to enjoy if they wish (a bit like showing off your holiday pictures to people that actually want to see them).

People can choose to engage with what connects to them.

I have a range of posts up on the site, some short pieces on a particular subject and others offering short city guides.

What made you embark on the travel adventures you do and why did you choose to also inspire others through The Thoughtful Traveller?

I worked in hospitality for many years and missed out on years of holidays and breaks so now I have a more structured routine I make the most of it.

I don’t know if The Thoughtful Traveller is inspirational but it shows you can be over 30 and still do what you love to do and that travelling isn’t just about gap years and back packing...

Travel can take whatever form you wish it to take and every style and experience is relevant and interesting enough to share with others

What has been your best travel experience to date?

Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand Beach, South Africa

Right now I would say that Cape Town was the best and most amazing trip so far.

The safari, the food and the many places to see and things to do make it somewhere I would recommend to everyone to see and experience.....Table Mountain at sunset is amazing and Boulders Beach for penguins is beautiful, so yes - get to Cape Town!

I also loved Munich, a fantastic city break and a trip to the Zugspitze is a must!!

…. And your worse experience?

Nothing terrible springs to mind, although a bus trip from London to Scotland around 10 years ago still haunts me as the worst and most uncomfortable 12 hours of my life.

I have always flown to Scotland since then and think the extra £20 is worth every penny!

Who inspires you?

Anyone that enjoys seeing the world.

You can learn so much from a variety of people. I love reading books related to stories of travel, not just a travel guide, as I want the story as well as the city information.....

I recently read, "It’s On The Meter” by Paul Archer and Johno Ellison and the amazing, 

"Khayelitsha: Umlungu in a Township" by Steven Otter which were both fantastic but I will also dive into blogs, vlogs and travel articles if I need ideas on a place I’m going to or for inspiration.

What motivates you?

Zugspitze, Germany

For me it’s knowing there is so much to see and a limited time to do it all....

That’s not meant to sound morbid but just to say that life can change so fast so whilst I can travel and see the world I want to do it. 

What three things do you never leave home without, no matter where you are going or what you are doing?

My passport if I am going abroad but my top 3 are...

my camera, phone and sunscreen (as I’m likely to burn in the tiniest amount of sun exposure!).

Do you have any advice for someone in your situation who is starting to consider travelling more?

In terms of travel... Look for flight deals and weekend breaks as good options to see Europe on a budget. 

I like to have one “big” adventure a year and a couple of weekend trips in Europe and I try and see as much of the UK as I can so I can practice my photography in new places. 

If you want to travel....Go for it 😀!

Do you have advice for someone considering blogging?

Beach huts, Muizenberg Beach, South Africa

I’m new to this but I feel you should just be yourself, enjoy what you do and realise that your ideas won’t appeal to everyone but someone will connect.

Each experience you have is unique to you so share your story.

Write what you know and share the pictures that you like... don’t get too worried about Instagram and Twitter numbers and just do what you enjoy. I have found people are genuinely positive over all platforms. 

If you are happy with your work then that’s okay and I have found my style has evolved over time, which is natural. 

What are your future plans?

This year I’m doing two trips to Sweden, Stockholm and Gothenburg which I’m looking forward to as last time I was in Sweden it was winter and so Stockholm in the summer will be interesting.

I’m also off doing a tour of Canada in the Autumn which includes Toronto, Quebec and Montreal so I am looking forward to the photography opportunities that will come up.

I have an ever growing list of places I want to see. India and a return to New York are high on the list but I love reading blogs from other travellers for inspiration.

I may even try vlogging on some trips to see how that works.

Thanks Nick... Is there anything else you want to say or final thoughts?!?

I hope that people find the content I share useful and positive as I am enjoying the process. 

I have found the blogger community so supportive of each other and hope that it continues. I love to support others on the journey they take with positive comments on posts and photos as well as sharing ideas.

Happy travels everyone!

Thank you so much Nick for taking such time to provide some great answers and letting followers know a bit more about you!

I can certainly attest to the beauty of Cape Town and I am about to plan a trip to Zugspitze on your recommendation!!

As for the future vlogging idea - I hope you do it!

Following Nick and his future travels is something I will be doing with interest and hope that this has encouraged you to do the same...

Knowing that that will be case, to make it easy for you to start following Nick, The Thoughtful Traveller, here are links to his website and social media channels!

The Thoughtful Traveller Website & Blog: www.thethoughtfultraveller.uk

Instagram: @thoughtfultraveller.uk

Twitter: @thougfultrips

If you have enjoyed reading all about Nick, his blog and travels, why not also check out others in this series of 'Bloggers & Influencers Laid Bare - Introducing....'.

You will find interviews with some awesome people, including a couple of travelling Kiwi's, two young Australians who have moved half way around the world to house-sit and a young woman who has travel and Europe in her blood!