I’m Chris – a surfer, photographer, travel blogger and ocean lover originally from Devon in the UK.
I’ve been on the road since 2009 sharing reviews, advice and stories over at BackpackerBanter.com as well as running online travel agencies EpicGapYear.com and RTWBackpackers.com …I work hard and play harder!
When were you first bit by the travel bug?
I’ve always had a desire to travel – inspired alot by my surfing and David Attenborough documentaries – but it first bit when I headed to Australia for a year’s working holiday visa. That really set the wheels in motion
What’s your travel style? Why do you prefer this style of travel?
I’m definitely a budget traveller and backpacker – sure I enjoy the nice hotel now and again but I really enjoy getting in the thick of it.
I rarely stray from the coast too so can I also count myself as a beach traveller as well…that’s a thing right?!
How do you fund your travels?
To begin with I had some savings behind me (about £5k) but since hitting the road I’ve juggled a number of jobs – including work for accommodation, surf coaching, photography…basically anything that brought money in or cut expenses down!
These days though I’ve built my travel blog into a source of income and over the last few years I’ve launched a couple of online travel agencies which help connect travellers with some of the amazing trips and tours I’ve taken on my own adventures.
What first inspired you to start Backpacker Banter and your travel agencies?
The blog (as with most travel blogs) started as a way to keep family and friends informed but it soon snowballed into something bigger and I realised the potential of what it could become.
Online business wise – they’re natural extensions of the travel blog. People come to me for advice on what to book so why not help them book it?!
What’s been your most popular blog post? Why do you think this blog post resonated with your audience?
My “How Much To Budget For” series is easily the most popular – sounds pretty boring but that’s the kind of thing people worry about when planning their travels!
Sure it’s nice to read about diving in Koh Tao or the temples of Angkor Wat but I’ve taken the time to note down all my expenses to help people plan the basics.
What’s been your favorite destination city and why?
I’m torn between Byron Bay in Australia (where I’m currently based) and Siargao in The Philippines. Both awesome surf destinations and great vibes.
I think Siargao slightly wins out now though due to being WAY more budget friendly!
What picture have you taken during your travels that you’d consider to be your favorite and why?
Geez that’s a tough one! I’d say either a shot of my buddy Pat surfing in Byron Bay, mainly due to the technicality of the photo and how much work it took to get right or my Angkor Wat sunrise because…well it’s an Angkor Wat sunrise!
Have you eaten anything during your travels that absolutely blew your mind? What was it and where?
I’ve eaten some weird and wonderful stuff on my travels – from deep fried bug and fish head soup to guinea pig and BBQ guts! I’m a veggie now though so things are a little tamer!
My favourite dish worldwide has to be Massaman Curry.
Tell us about one of your greatest experiences during your travels.
Swimming with a pod of 300 wild dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand is always up in my list of favourite travel experiences. It was just incredible! They were so curious and playful and I shot some awesome pics.
Definitely one for the bucket list!
Tell us about one of your worst experiences during your travels.
I managed to smash my cheek bone and nose surfing in Australia. That really sucked! Made for some amusing pictures though!
What has surprised you the most about traveling?
That more people don’t do it!
What’s one thing you seek out in every city you visit no matter what?
Usually some waves! I’m not a city person at all so you’ll usually find me in destinations filled with tropical waters, surf and scuba diving.
Do you have a favorite travel hack or best piece of travel advice?
Start saving…like NOW! It doesn’t matter what your travel dream is start saving towards it. It might not happen overnight or even in a few years – but if you don’t start saving it’ll never happen!
Any future travel plans?
Well I’ve just finished off a big stint of travel through the Maldives and Sri Lanka and I’m now in Australia again – I’m going to be based here for a while exploring more of what it has to offer.
Stoked to tick Uluru off my list of places to see soon!
Favorite travel quote?
“If you don’t spend your life building your dreams someone else will hire you to build theirs” – it’s more of an inspirational business quote but I think it applies to travel too!
Go out there and see the world else you’ll waste it working a job you hate!
What has travel taught you?
To take risks and to always be cheeky enough to ask. The worst people can say is no!
Special thanks to Chris of BackpackerBanter.com for taking part in our Good Travel Interview series. Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the interview.
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