Seasoned Traveler Q&A: Mike of 1000 Fights

Today’s Q&A is from seasoned traveler Mike, who blogs with his wife Luci about their travels at 1000 Places to Fight Before you Die.

What or who inspired you to start traveling?

My mother was a first grade teacher…so I grew up reading a ton books. I guess I grew up wanting to see the places that I envisioned on the pages.

Give us a brief history of your traveling life.

My first overseas trip was right out of high school to Taiwan. Followed up with visits to N. Europe, middle east, South America and southern Africa. My fav location was going up the river Del Madre Dios in Peru. Went into a camp back in the Amazon. The beauty was indescribable.

Many, many people want to become well-traveled, but few actually do. Why do you think that is?

Fear. Fear of the unknown Fear of other people Fear of different food Fear of another culture Fear of making an investment in oneself.

What is the greatest travel-related challenge you have had to overcome?

We really try to make a connection with the people we meet on our adventures. Sometimes it’s hard with limited time. The most memorable and meaningful memories of our trips involve people we have gotten to know for a few days.

What is one thing you cannot live without when traveling?

I must know the language. No need to speak to perfection…but I must be able to communicate and understand the people of each place we travel. To do so, I must be able to enter into their world via their language.

What is something you wish people WOULD live without when traveling?

I really wish people would live without cameras. Capture the moment in your mind and enjoy.

What are your favorite travel themed books, blogs or movies?

Movies: Fitzcarraldo
North Face Books: Into the Wild, the Conquest of the Incas, the Country of my Skull
Blogs: http://theroamantics.com/

Where are you going next?

Bosnia.