During this installment of the “Love of Travel” Series, we want to introduce you to Frank and Nicole (The Wondernuts – Travel Blog). They strive to better themselves through experiences while traveling, and believe in building their bond as a couple through travel. They do all this while maintaining careers at home. They prove that you can balance all of this while traveling and seeing the world.
Like us, you both have professional careers & enjoy traveling when you can. What made the two of you want to start a travel blog?
We were blog readers before we started our blog. We often read stories that were very factually incorrect, a little offensive and sometimes even culturally insensitive. We’ve read blogs that referred to Los Angeles as “La La Land,” and referred to Taiwan as a “the second China.” So, we started a blog, mostly for fun and partially to write some of the wrongs we read.
Were you both travelers before you met & what have you learned about each other while traveling together?
Frank and I have been traveling since we were pint-sized. I’ve traveled all over the United States. Frank has traveled a lot of places and he’s lived in countries like Taiwan, Japan and Costa Rica. We both were kind of nurtured with the travel bug as kids. In our opinion, people who have had the chance to travel when they’re young are more open and accepting of change. We get along well on our travels because of that reason. We learned that our favorite mode of transportation when we travel is our own two feet. We walk an average of at least ten miles a day! We also share an appreciation for everything we experience. It’s wonderful that we can enjoy cultures, food, architecture—just about everything—together.
Can you share with us one of your most memorable travel experiences or destination?
Hands down, one of the most memorable experiences on our travels was when Frank proposed in Paris. We walked to the Jardin des Tuileries. It was beautiful, with all kinds of gorgeous flowers everywhere and the park was surprisingly secluded. It felt like we were the only ones in the park at that moment. I was seriously in awe just to be in Paris. In an instant, I turn around and there’s Frank on bended knee proposing. That’s a moment I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
We completely agree with your view that most everyone can travel if they really want to, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! What are some things that you do to afford your travels?
First thing’s first, make traveling a reality. If you want to travel, go travel. It doesn’t just happen, you have to make it happen. That being said, our first goal is to make a travel plan. Once that happens, we set our second goal to save. The savings goal is different for everyone. If you are a baller, you probably don’t have to save a lot. If you want to feel like a baller, then you will probably have to save a lot. Therefore, it’s best to take a look at your income and create a reasonable budget that you will put towards your travel goal.
We also have credit cards that provides rewards toward loyalty programs. You’re going to spend the money anyways, so you might as well get something out of it.
You may also want to set up alerts on numerous travel websites (ie: airfarewatchdog.com, subreddits) so that you can plan your travels around sales.
To us, traveling is easy. However, traveling on a budget is the hardest part. Frank spends hours daily researching to make sure we travel efficiently, which translates into saving money. Not to worry, though, he loves planning. I once asked him what he loves about travel and he said: “the planning and then seeing all that planning unfold successfully.” Maybe he was a travel agent in his previous life!
What’s the biggest piece of advice you have for others who work full time jobs & also want to see the world?
Do what you love. That is probably the best advice we can give you. You need to do what you love and that way you will never feel like you need to escape from your job. That means building and establishing a career you studied for and that you have worked on and then taking pride in your career. Don’t get us wrong, some careers are high-stress. You may desperately need a vacation from that career. But, if you understand the stakes that come with your career, it won’t ever feel like an “escape.”
The second thing we would recommend is to rearrange priorities. If you truly want to travel, you won’t keep making excuses for yourself. You will find a way. You’ll save money, work a little over time, quit buying the non-necessities and you’ll just go. So go already.
** All photos were kindly provided by The Wondernuts
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We would like to thank Frank and Nicole from “The Wondernuts” travel blog for sharing their love of travel with us. We wish them the best and look forward to hearing about their upcoming adventures together around the world. Be sure to check out their blog for great travel stories, beautiful photographs, and inspiration at http://www.thewondernuts.com.
Great interview with a great couple. Wholeheartedly agree – make priorities and then make them happen! All the best, Frank and Nicole. Looking forward to following your adventures!
Cute post. Good for them! Love the pics too 🙂