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Writer's picturegracebudhram

33 and Counting

Updated: May 23, 2018

Meet Denise - Mother, Wife and World Traveler. Denise has visited 33 countries under 33 years and she's just getting started. Check out my interview with her on her passion and love for travel! Maybe she will inspire you to live your life on another part of this world and you may learn a thing or two that you didn’t know.



I chose to interview Denise because she exudes the traveling lifestyle that is so sought after – trips that seem unimaginable but are truly possible. She picks unique destinations that are not your typical destination and isn’t afraid to try something completely new on another part of the hemisphere. Denise ties adventure, history, relaxation and fun all in one trip while looking chic at all times. She balances both family vacations along with romantic escapes for two and of course a splash of some friends’ getaways because who can’t use a fun escapade occasionally with a group of people down to have a good time. Read more on the girl versus the world!


How many destinations have you been to? And what are some of the destinations you have visited?

I’ve been to 33 countries and numerous states within the US because after all, Florida and California are great destinations to visit. More specifically Internationally: Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, London, France, Italy, Egypt, Seychelles*, Maldives *, Dubai, French Polynesian *, DR, Curacao, St. Martin, St Barth’s, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Mexico, Barbados, Antigua, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Thailand, Greece, Dominica, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Iceland, Spain, Indonesia, Bahamas, Peru & Colombia. Within the states: California, Vegas, Florida, Baltimore and Philadelphia


What are your top 3 favorite destinations?

I have so many!

Top 3 family:

Hawaii

Italy

Disneyland, Paris


Top 3 with my husband:

Bora Bora

Maldives

Bali & Peru are tied


Which destination was the most affordable that you would recommend to others?

There are affordable trips all over the world, with so many options on where to stay, traveling on a budget has become quite easy.

Some of my most affordable destinations include:

Thailand

Peru

Brazil

Costa Rica


In my travel lifetime I’ve met some awesome world travelers and have learned so much from them. Although, I have not traveled through most of Asia nor South America yet, I have learned through experienced travelers and my own research that these countries can be explored on a small budget.


How do you decide on where to visit next?

I want to see the world, all 195 documented countries. The likelihood hood of that is unrealistic for me. So, I’ve become very picky with my travels. Here’s some factors to be considered: the budget, the occasion, the weather, activities, distance, length in how many days I have, and lastly my personal goal: my bucket list.

It’s never easy choosing my next travel, but this helps me narrow down my destinations.


What sources do you use to research/book your tours?

Luckily, I have the time, patience and a husband that loves to be involved in our planning. TripAdvisor- I love to read people’s opinions on their pros and cons. Although, no two persons are alike, it gives me a feel of what to expect in a nutshell.


Google- With the endless resources we have out there, there is no better way to learn about a destination than by reading. Books can be a little outdated, the internet offers way more up to date and live information. If you want the best out of your trip, take your time planning and reading - enlighten yourself. Educate yourself on a country’s culture, currency, crime rate, high & low season, etc.


Kayak’s price alert has been so resourceful in booking my flights. I’ve received emails at 3:00am regarding a $200 price drop and have booked at that very moment (crazy I know, I call it determined to get the best deal)!


Instagram- Bloggers & travelers alike use this platform not just to post pictures in front of the most common monuments, but to expose new places, hidden gems, great eats and so much more.


How do you juggle work/family/vacation life?

It’s never easy balancing work, family and travels. But learning to balance the three is key. You must learn to prioritize, organize and plan so that one doesn’t overlap the other.

I’ve set boundaries at work, I am present during my traditional 9-5, but after 5 I am full on mommy mode. Work emails do not get responded after 5pm and I’ve made that clear at the office. It’s important to be present during family time. It’s when I schedule doctor appointments, PTA meetings, grocery shopping, my day to day as a mom and wife. I refuse to give my job the power to think it’s ok to interrupt my daily routine for an email that can be responded to in the morning. So therefore, travel is completely all about just that – the trip itself.


Why is it important to you to include traveling in your life?

Everyone travels for different reasons. For me personally it’s about getting out of my comfort zone. Learning new cultures helps me appreciate my own that much more. The food - I love getting out of my comfort zone and trying traditional dishes of the countries I’m visiting. I’ve learned to appreciate life more through my travels, I’m still learning and evolving through my travels. In the end if you can travel why the heck not?


Any absolute travel tips/tricks you would like to share?

I have been very fortunate to travel around the world and have learned that most people’s biggest fear is funding the trip. I’ll leave you with my favorite travel quote... “Travel while you’re young and able. Don’t worry about the money, just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.”


That concludes my interview on Denise and I know that just from her photos, I am looking into my own personal next adventure. I would like to thank Denise for her time and enthusiasm for this interview. I am excited to see where her next stop is and hope to interview her on some unique adventure she would like to share with us in the future. In the meantime, keep exploring all the different components of what makes this world so beautiful!


Travelers alike: If you are interested in being interviewed or to be featured in the future, please contact me at grace.budhram@avoyanetwork.com.



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