Published on October 5th, 2012 | by Charu Suri

Travel Blogger Spotlight Series: an Interview with Chrystal Clear

This month’s travel blogger we spotlight is the extremely well-traveled Chrystal McKay, who has been on the road every since she was a teenager. Follow her adventures on her site, and on Twitter and read our interview below to get to know her a bit better.

What made you want to travel all around  the world AND be a blogger? Which one came first?

Chrystal: I was a traveler long before I was a blogger. My family went coast-to-coast in Canada when I was young, and my first foray into solo travel was at 16, on a high school French exchange to Switzerland. I started blogging in January 2010 when I moved to Thailand, again for an exchange except this time for University, and I used it solely as a means to let my mother know I hadn’t died in the big bad world of Asia. I realized I loved blogging in 2011 and decided to be more serious in 2012. I bought my domain and changed my style to share my experiences instead of writing “Yes I’m still alive mother” posts.

In Dubrovnik, Croatia

Which places have left a lasting impression on you and why?

My number one would be Slovenia. My number two would be Thailand. Slovenia I went to this past June for a mere five days, but within those days I fell deeply in love with the country and I’ve been on the search for cheap flights back ever since! There is just something innately charming about the country; its penchant for nature, its enduring citizens, and its relaxing cities.

Thailand because I was never happier than during the 6 months I lived there. Every shade of foreign fruit at my disposal, a cuisine that opened my eyes to a whole new culinary world, and a country that is geographically diverse; from mountains, to beaches, to forests.

Chrystal on Easter Island

You win the lottery. What do you do with your millions?

I’ve always been close with my extended family, although I wouldn’t consider myself a family-person. It was only when I in Bolivia last Christmas that I realized how much I cherished holidays with my whole family. So since I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing family, my money would go back to them. I’d want to have them explore the world with me so I can show them that I’m not the “Crazy One” in the family! I’m simply world-curious!

Which place has completely surprised you and why?

Croatia. I always knew the country was beautiful with all the Pinterest creeping I’d done, but I couldn’t comprehend HOW stunning until I was there. I remember the colors of the country best; the orange houses, the blue oceans and skies, and the greys of the city walls. Each city was breath-taking and things only improved with each city I explored. I’d recommend Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb for my three favorites!

Another surprise about Croatia was the cost – I wasn’t expecting it to be so much! I just went in naive is all, it isn’t that expensive in comparison to Western Europe, it just isn’t as agreeable as Eastern European prices!

What’s the one thing you love about travel blogging? Pet peeve?

I love the outlet of sharing my story. I’m so grateful to my readers who want to read about it and especially when they interact with me so I’m not so lonely, but more so I love having an outlet to write everything and have it be maintained for the future.

Pet Peeve would be not being a natural writer. I often hit road blocks when it comes to words. In my mind I have such vivid colors and thoughts that I simply can’t express in a manner which represents what my mind sees. I try, but for all the reading I do, I still reach for my thesaurus to stop myself writing another “Beautiful Cliché”.

Where are you off to next?

Funny thing is; it is unknown. In February 2013 I am heading to Southport Australia to attend Graduate school, but for the next 5 months I am so uncertain. I’m hoping to obtain a contract job abroad, but here’s hoping!

Thank you Chrystal! To be considered for the Travel Blogger Spotlight series, email me at charu AT Butterflydiary DOT COM.