Travel Blogger Spotlight Series: Hannah Williams from Caravan of One
This month’s Travel Blogger Spotlight falls on the lovely Hannah Williams from Caravan of One, who has taken the brave leap to travel solo after quitting her desk job. Find out what makes her tick.
Butterflydiary: You’re entering brave new territory right now as a full time traveler. How did you arrive at this point in your life?
Hannah: I think that in a way my life has always been building toward this point. I traveled quite a bit growing up with my family. I also studied abroad several times as a teenager. Before reaching the decision to travel full time, I had done several extended trips to the Middle East.
However, with each consecutive trip, I had more and more difficulty returning home to US and to “the real world.” I would start working again, rent an apartment, buy new furniture, and try to pretend that I wasn’t still thinking about travel around ninety percent of the time. Finally, I just came to a breaking point. I knew that I wasn’t happy doing what I was doing. I wanted something different. I knew that a two-week vacation every year wasn’t going to cut it.
Why a travel blog?
Before this point, I never considered full-time travel as a feasible option. One day, by accident, I stumbled upon a couple of travel blogs and read about how they were able to make their living on the road. Then I had the thought, “I could do that!” Everything just took off from there. Now it’s been about eight months since I started my blog.
What have you loved from travel blogging? Pet peeves?
The thing that I have loved most about travel blogging is that it has given me a great sense of accomplishment. It’s extremely rewarding to watch my blog constantly growing and changing. I don’t know if this is a pet peeve per se, but one of the most frustrating things about travel blogging is just how much effort it takes and how slow progress seems to be sometimes. I try to enjoy every victory, no matter how small, but sometimes I just get downright discouraged.
Name the place you’d most likely return to based on your travels and why?
I’d love to go back to Syria someday. Obviously it’s not possible now given the current state of affairs. However, that doesn’t stop me from praying for peace.
In general, the Middle East is one of the regions of the world that I love the most and just keep going back to again and again. I think it’s mostly because of the amazingly friendly people. The food is also pretty delicious, I might say.
Most favorite foodie destination?
That’s a hard choice. I think it would have to be either Lebanon or Jordan. Just thinking about crispy falafel, creamy hummus, and melt-in-your-mouth shawarma makes me want to jump on a plane right now!
What are you currently reading?
In the world of travel blogs, Wandering Earl’s has always been my favorite, and the one I always keep coming back to read. He is always so friendly and approachable. Ultimately, he’s the kind of travel blogger I hope to be like. I hate to admit that I haven’t had the time to read many books or magazines lately. Does my Let’s Go Great Britain guidebook count?
Any travel idols/ inspirations you can share?
Well this might seem like a strange choice, but I love Ian Wright from the Globe Trekker TV series. I have always wanted to travel the world with him. He finds the humor in everything no matter where he is, and I think that’s really one of the best traits you can have as a traveler.
If you could really get Aladdin’s magic lamp, what would your three wishes be?
1. I would wish for a personal assistant. I have too much work than I know what to do with. 2. I would wish for world peace. It’s cliché, I know. But having worked in a non-profit refugee resettlement agency for more than a year, world peace is something I have often hoped for. 3. I would wish for the genie to be free, of course!
Thank you Hannah! To be considered for our monthly Spotlight Series, please email me at charu@butterflydiary.com.
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I so agree about Ian Wright – he is just such a great presenter. Brave, funny, smart and really good at connecting with the people he mets and interviews and getting interesting insights from them.
Great interview! I agree with Hannah about wanting to go back to Syria someday. I went two years ago and loved it, and it has been sad to see what is going on there right now.