Christine Amorose quit her job in hi-tech PR five years ago to travel the world. She has been to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jordan, Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, and Sweden. She loves Paris and has been to the French capital almost a dozen times. Christine runs a successful lifestyle and travel blog, www.cestchristine.com, where she shares her adventures, and offers tips and suggestions to other travellers. She manages brand partnerships at Vimeo, and despite her busy schedule, finds time to teach yoga. We caught up with Christine and here is what she has to say.
What is your travel style? And how have you grown as a traveller over all these years?
I think my travel style reflects my varied interests: I love beaches, street art, good coffee and beautiful landscapes. So when I travel, I tend to go to places to seek at least (if not all!) of those things. I seek a balance of itineraries and unplanned time to explore. I always know where I'm sleeping and at least a few things I absolutely want to see, but I like to have time to take locals' advice or wander through unfamiliar streets. I've definitely grown up as a traveler: when I started, I was 21, single and broke. Now that I'm a little bit older, in a relationship, and have a full-time job that pays well: I like to splurge on a nice hotel or a once-in-a-lifetime experience (like paragliding over the Bavarian Alps or scuba diving in Gili Trawagan) now and then, although I'd say I'm more frugal than luxury.
What have been the highlights of 2015 so far? Where are you based right now and what's next on your mind?
Curacao was an incredible highlight of 2015! I had never even heard of this Caribbean country a few years ago, and I was stunned by the colorful buildings and the incredibly clear water. It was the perfect place to spend my 27th birthday.
I'm currently based in Brooklyn, New York. My next big trip will be Costa Rica for New Year's Eve, and I'm already daydreaming of spending my 28th birthday in Greece next year.
You have backpacked solo through Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia. How do you compare backpacking experience in Southeast Asia with that in Europe?
I love them both in different ways. Europe often feels easier to me, simply because there are fewer cultural differences to nagivate. But Southeast Asia is so much cheaper! Both places are fantastic to travel (especially if you're young and solo), simply because there are so many other young travelers there: there are plenty of cheap hostels to stay in and other people to explore with. I feel like Europe is better for museums, culture and cities, whereas Southeast Asia wins for beaches and food.
You absolutely loved living in Melbourne. Tell us a bit about your Melbourne experience. What were you up to in the city?
I lived across the street from the water and Luna Park in beachy St Kilda, and did marketing and social media for a Scandinavian furniture company in trendy Prahran. I loved being able to take the old-school 79 tram every day, and I started every morning with the most delicious latte—Australia is hands-down the best coffee country! I explored street art alleys, tried out new restaurants and soaked up all of the Australian hospitality. It was a wonderful place to live for a year.
You seek out rooftop bars in every new city you visit. Tell us about your love for roof top bars.
Is there anything not to love? Rooftops in general offer a new perspective on a city, and I love being outside whenever possible. There's something so fun about having a drink with a view! In New York City, I love Gallow on the Green and 230 Fifth.
You've never been the one for goodbyes. Which places have been the most difficult for you to say goodbye to?
I still don't know if I've said goodbye to Australia forever. Before I left, I had the offer of a job and a visa so that I could stay, but I wanted to take an extended trip through Southeast Asia on my own—and I loved Melbourne so much that I knew I wouldn't leave if I chose to stay! I still wouldn't mind going back and living and working there someday.
You have been to Paris more than 10 times, but you still find the city "surprising and magical." What draws you back to the city time and time again?
I visited Paris for the first time when I was 11: my mom is fluent in French and a total Francophile, and Paris was the first international city I ever visited. I've studied in Paris and spent college vacations there with my mom; whenever I go back, I get a thrill out of recognizing places and knowing my way around the streets. Even though I've been there so many times, I always discover something new! And there's something about the cobblestone streets, the white-washed facades, the delicious pastries and the smell of fresh-baked baguettes wafting into the streets.
Southeast Asia is still one of your favourite travel destinations to recommend. Out of all the destinations you visited here which ones would you rank as your Top 3 most favourite and why?
Saigon for the cultural chaos and amazing street food, Railay for the beaches and the rock climbing, Bali for the beauty of the people and the temples.
"When I'm not travelling, I spend my weekends treating New York City like the incredible vacation destination that it is: wandering new neighbourhoods, trying new restaurants, seeking new experiences". What are some of your favourite experiences that you would also recommend to visitors to the New York City?
Whenever friends visit, I recommend walking the High Line, riding a bike around the loop in Central Park, getting drinks on a rooftop bar with an excellent view of the Empire State Building (like 230 Fifth!), and taking a boat ride on the river (whether it's the East River Ferry or a Circle Line Cruise). The New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are two of my favorite "touristy" sites that I still love to visit, simply because the architecture is just so grand.
You are an enthusiastic proponent of yoga. In what ways has yoga helped you on your global travels?
The practice of yoga is so much more than just the postures, and I find that the mental calm and composure that it creates for me has been instrumental in my travels. When I'm in a stressful situation—I can't find my train ticket, I'm stuck in traffic on the way to the airport—I try to slow down my breathing and focus on only the things that I can control. It really helps! It's also reassuring to know that I can work out no matter where I am in the world, as long as I have a mat.
This interview with Christine Amorose is a part of Travel Trolley's ongoing 'Best of the Travel Bloggers' series. We are interviewing and showcasing popular travel bloggers who encourage and inspire people to travel. Check out all the bloggers we have interviewed and showcased and learn about their interesting experiences, adventures, travel stories as well as useful holiday tips.
