Amanda Williams is the author and creator of A Dangerous Business. Her travel philosophy is one that can be quoted from J.R.R. Tolkien: “It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no telling where you might be swept off to.” She is a recent college grad who has an obsession and love for travel. I loved getting the opportunity to chat with her as a fellow Travel With A Mate guest blogger. After speaking with her we quickly concluded that “great minds think a like” (referring to ourselves). I hope that our paths cross someday maybe even in… who knows- New Zealand?

What has been your favorite country and why?

My favorite country, hands-down, has been New Zealand. I first traveled there after graduating high school, and loved it so much that I went back to study abroad there for a semester during college. I’ve been to a handful of other countries, as well, but I think my heart will always be in New Zealand. Not only does it have some of the most beautiful, stunning landscapes I’ve ever seen, but the people there are some of the friendliest, funniest I’ve come across.

Where are you writing from today, and what made you decide on this place?

I’m writing from the ever-exciting state of Ohio. (Please note the sarcasm…) I didn’t necessarily “decide” on Ohio so much as “settled” on Ohio for now. It’s where I grew up and went to school, and, subsequently, where I finally landed a job. I’d love to move abroad one day, but logistically and financially speaking, it just wasn’t feasible for me fresh out of college.

What are your future plans for travel?

I have so many travel dreams. Hopefully they’ll all get realized someday, but right now I’m just trying to scrape together enough money to pay my bills every month. Hopefully once I put in a few years in the journalism industry, I’ll find something that allows me more flexibility and freedom to get out into the world. This summer, I’m going on an Alaskan cruise with my family, and I’ve got a couple of in-state trips planned. But nothing beyond that. Sometime in the near future, I’d love to road-trip across the U.S., and, of course, go back to New Zealand.

Were you scared traveling?

Oddly enough, not really. I’ve only traveled completely solo once, though, and that was to New Zealand when I was studying abroad there. I was a little nervous on that trip, but not really scared. I’ve come to realize that nothing has to be scary if you can be rational about it. I knew I was going to love being a New Zealander for a few months, and that all the details would eventually fall together (which they did). I’ve been fortunate enough not to have encountered any truly harrowing situations on the road (knock on wood) that would make me scared to travel. That, and I’ve always sort of been an adrenaline junkie anyway.

What made you decide to start writing a blog?

It was a pretty natural progression, really. I majored in journalism in college, and have always seemed to be writing something or other. I started my first blog when I studied abroad, in order to keep my family and friends up-to-date on what I was up to Down Under. When I got back, I started to realize that combining my two passions – traveling and writing – was exactly what I wanted to do. I’ve been inspired recently by some other bloggers who have slowly turned their humble websites into their careers, and I figured it couldn’t hurt to try it myself. Plus, I like writing, and especially writing about places I’ve been. Keeping a blog not only helps me keep track of my thoughts and ideas, but posting new things gives me a sense of accomplishment, too. Maybe what I have to say can help or inspire someone else out there.

Any advice for future travellers?

Don’t travel simply to cross things off a list. Travel with an open mind. If you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask; there are more good people in the world than you may think. And travel for yourself – do things your way, and don’t let someone tell you you’re doing it “wrong.” Most of all, have fun!

Have you found any language differences to be difficult?

For the most part, I’ve been fortunate enough to have had very few issues with language barriers. But there were a few instances in China where cab drivers got directions confused, and I ended up in completely different places than I had originally wanted to. It can get frustrating if you let it, but, really, it’s all part of the experience.

What is the one thing you would do before you die?

I can’t possibly choose just one! I could list tons of things I’d like to do or see before I die… but, really, I’d like to eventually do some volunteer work abroad. I want to feel like I made a difference.

What is the one thing that if you could change about the world, you would?

I wish people could find more tolerance for the unknown.

What is your favorite book and why?

This, again, is an impossible question. If I had to choose just one, I might say “The Historian.” It’s a mixture of historical fiction, fantasy, horror, and travel writing. It’s made me really want to explore eastern Europe.

What is the most nerve-wracking thing about traveling?

It could change daily! I suppose just knowing that your journey will be impacted by all manner of outside forces. You can plan your trip as thoroughly as you think possible, and then have one little thing – perhaps the weather, illness, a canceled flight, or any other sort of misfortune – cause you to have to completely scrap everything and start over. You really have to learn to be flexible, and roll with the punches.

What has been your biggest influence?

I don’t think it’s been just one thing. I’ve had really supportive family and friends that have allowed me to nurture all these big travel dreams. I read a ton. I try to be present in everyday life and pay attention to what’s going on in the world. Not only do all these things help me as a traveler, but I think they’ve helped me grow as a person, too.

You can follow Amanda at her blog, or her twitter.

Thanks for reading,
DreamTravelerJess