Michael Hodson was an attorney in Northwest Arkansas before he gave it up in 2008 to circumnavigate the world without leaving the ground. This unique endeavour took him 16 months, during which he travelled across 6 continents and 44 countries. He is now a full-time blogger and runs a successful blog, www.GoSeeWrite.com, in which he writes about the destinations he has been to. Additionally, he regularly posts photographs and videos on his blog.
Michael Hodson lists Cape Town, Istanbul, Munich and Budapest as few of his favourite cities and wants to live in countries like Colombia, Argentina, Turkey, New Zealand, Thailand and South Africa
Michael's work has featured in several prestigious publications, like the Huffington Post and Conde Nast Traveller. Michael Hodson is one of the founding members of the Professional Travel Bloggers Association.
We interviewed Michael to know more about his travel around the world and here is what he had to tell us.
From a criminal lawyer to a world traveller, that's quite a leap. How would do describe it?
It's the most fascinating adventure out of all the adventures I've had. When I started my trip around the world, I didn't fully understand that it was something I would still be doing today. I'm amazed everyday with the changes I've made in my life.
Would you call yourself a backpacker, a leisure traveller, or you don't strictly fit into any category?
I would describe myself closer to a professional nomad. I definitely travel and backpack but I also work really hard while I'm on the road.
You have travelled in train from Budapest to Amsterdam while stopping at cities like Frankfurt, Vienna and Ghent. You have also enjoyed a train trip to Seattle. Other destinations you want to cover while riding trains? Or any train routes that are on your wish list?
I absolutely love trains. It's my favorite method of transportion. I'm not sure when I can make it happen but I'd love to travel across Canada by train.
Turkey and New Zealand feature among the countries where you would want to live. We would love to know a couple of attributes of these two countries that make you want to do so.
I love the relaxed atmosphere in Turkey coupled with the history and culture. New Zealand, for me, just feels like home. It's beautiful and I never run out of things to do.
What were the best and worst parts about your trip to Mt Kilimanjaro?
Describing the best parts of that trip is difficult. It's the feelings and emotions I got while looking around and realizing where I was at what I was doing. Travel definitely helps me realize why I'm breathing; to experience the world. The worst part was the physical aspect. My legs were hurting after all the walking we did.
Finding good deals on travel is a must for budget conscious travellers. In your journey around the world, at what places were you able to find great bargains?
Hostels are a great idea for budget conscious travellers. When it comes to flights, trains, and tours it's important to do your research and be patient. Chances are, if you book the first thing you find it won't be the best deal.
You have travelled across the United States extensively. Which top three holiday destinations would you recommend to tourists travelling to the USA for the first time?
The United States has so much to offer that it really depends on the traveller. One traveller might want to lounge on the beach in Hawaii while another wants the lights and action of Las Vegas. I really like (and would recommend) San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle.
Please let us know your favourite backpacking destination and the best things that a backpacker can do there.
I think Eastern Europe is a great backpacking destination. A backpacker can easily cross into many different countries, learn the historical background of these places, and experience the culture. It's not too pricey either!
You are a big advocate of ground travel. What is the single most rewarding thing about using ground transportation?
I'm going to answer that the same way an advocate for air travel would. Time. A lot of people would prefer to get to their destination faster but I'd be much happier on land where I get to take my time, enjoy the scenery and plan/prepare/daydream about what adventures are ahead.
Any strange or funny travel experience that you would like to share with our readers?
There's so many! I once talked my way onto a cargo ship to cross the ocean and fell of a bicycle suring a tour and ended up in the hospital. I would absolutely love for your readers to follow me on facebook so they can keep up to date with all kinds of stories like these!
This interview with Michael Hodson 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.
