#1 Who are you and How would you describe yourself?
I am France Herwieline Bautista aka France, a travel blogger from the Philippines. I think the most noticeable trait that I have is my introversion. Not that I hate the crowd, but given the chance I always seek some time alone, or go somewhere that has lesser foot traffic than the city.
#2 What got you into traveling?
I tried camping alone for my 22nd birthday almost 6 years ago, ācause I had the thirst to go outdoors and clear my mind. Surprisingly I enjoyed it and the freedom that Iād felt. What started as a promise of traveling alone on my birthday, eventually grew into a full blown fascination for traveling.
#3 What is your favourite destination in the world and why ?
Iām not even halfway, but my favorite place is Bali. I consider it as a power place because it grounds me, and makes me more in tune with myself. I love the spiritual vibe of it.
I can go with friends for sure, but Iām naturally a solo traveller. The main reason is that, travelling for me is more than just seeing a place, itās also a time for introspection.
#5 Whatās your most memorable experience during your travels ?
I have a lot of memorable experiences but one that Iād like to share, is the amazing opportunity to be inside a temple in Bangkok, ThailandĀ with a friend, while people are chanting their prayers. I didnāt understand the chants but I had goosebumps. It was so surreal!
#6 Your take on responsible travel ?
I think itās time for travelers to be more conscious about their āprintsā, in places they immersed with. It might seem a big word but actually itās not. It could go as basic as keeping your trash with you, until you find a trash bin, not entertaining activities involving animal exploitation or supporting eco-friendly local businesses.
#7 How do you sustain your travels ?
I have a 9-5 job that gives me enough savings to use for wandering, but aside from that I also do freelancing, mainly web design, writing and social media management.Ā
#8 How do you manage your budget during your travels ?
I put a lot in food and good accommodations, not to the point of splurging but my general rule is, if I cannot travel in comfort, then I donāt have enough money, so no traveling. [laughs]
When it comes to watching my budget though, I only take enough cash with me, so Iāll be forced to buy things that I can only afford at that moment.
#9 Whatās the best thing you have eaten and where ?
A dessert, the coconut shake from Bikini Toppings Malacca, Malaysia deserves applause! Itās managed by an old couple which makes it more special, itās like tasting a recipe perfected through time.
#10 Best and worst airport storyā¦
As much as I love Bali, I really donāt like how extra persistent taxi drivers outside could get. I mean Iām uncomfortable being followed around, especially if I clearly said no already.
When it comes to the best experience, I like Kuala Lumpurās airport (so far). KLIA express made it easy to go to and fro the airport, saving us from being late for our flight, so hurray!
#11 What tip would you like to give to fellow travellers?
Go enjoy responsibly.
I think everybody should stay away from the āI-paid-for-this-so-I-can-do-what-I-wantā mentality. If youāve been given an opportunity to see and experience a different culture, be considerate enough to everything and everyone around it. Research about local practices and what you cannot do as a foreigner, to save yourself from offending someone. Respect the Law of the Land.Ā
Lastly, I encourage people to travel with deeper purpose. The most beautiful thing about wandering is witnessing and experiencing a side of life thatās different from the one you have back home, giving you a wider perspective about it. Take your time to see places not just with your eyes but with your soul.
You can follow France Bautista on her blog Places of Aum and Ā her social media profiles where she shares her travel updates regularly regularly :Ā InstagramĀ | Ā FacebookĀ
I love this interview. Totally agree with the point of view that you should travel responsibly and sensibly. The experience is enriching only when you show the same sensitivity to understanding the culture of a place as you would expect someone to show towards you.
More power to France.. This is a great interview. I would also rate Bali as my favourite destination. I especially loved the tip that she gives in the last question. I would love to hear more about fellow travelers from their interviews.
Great to know France. I can relate to her introversion. Itās nice to find a similarity like even I love Bali. The best part of the interview was her tips. Even I believe to travel consciously and with a deeper purpose.
This was a great interview, really enjoyed it plus the photos are great. I hear so much on Bali and Iāve never been yet. Iāll definitely have to visit. I agree with the traveling responsibly points France made too
I have followed France for a while and her work is stunning! I love following her Instagram account. She is a very good storyteller. As a solo traveler, I can deeply relate to her content.
What a lovely name, and IG feed too! Itās nice to read about a younger female traveler who wonāt compromise on good food and accommodation when traveling! I like her stance on responsible tourism too; itās so easy for us to put into practice.
THis is a great interview of th efello traveler. I enjoyed reading about her way of life, that he can safe enough money from her 9-5 job and enjoy life. I also tried the same dessert there in Malaka, from the coconut and I can confirm it was amazing! ANITA recently postedā¦Where to go after Budapest? 5 Highligts of Hungary
As a fellow solo traveler, I must say this was one great interview. I absolutely agree that thereās more inspiration when traveling alone. Seems like your readers can learn a lot from France. Thank you for sharing this, I really enjoyed reading it.
Great interview. I also travel solo a lot and agree ā thereās more inspiration when youāre alone and it seems I get more out of my trips. I do need to find ways to budget better, and I like the idea of carrying cash more. Iāve wanted to go to Bali and hear itās a great place, so the spiritual connection there is really interesting to me.
Thank you for reading the interview! You should definitely give Bali a try. Also I have this app which helps me budget my trips itās called Tripcoin. Have you tried it?
I really enjoyed the interview. We meet a lot of solo travellers on the road and would encourage those who have aspirations to travel solo to just get out there and do it. The experiences that you have mentioned are priceless. Keep travelling.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Nice points
I love this interview. Totally agree with the point of view that you should travel responsibly and sensibly. The experience is enriching only when you show the same sensitivity to understanding the culture of a place as you would expect someone to show towards you.
More power to France.. This is a great interview. I would also rate Bali as my favourite destination. I especially loved the tip that she gives in the last question. I would love to hear more about fellow travelers from their interviews.
Great to know France. I can relate to her introversion. Itās nice to find a similarity like even I love Bali. The best part of the interview was her tips. Even I believe to travel consciously and with a deeper purpose.
Hello Shreya!
Thank you for reading the interview! Glad to know you resonated with me and my ideals!
Great intereview, really inspirational. Now I have a new instagram to follow! :p
Hello Tripae!
Thank you for reading the interview! May I know what your IG handle is? So I can follow back. Thanks!
Inspired stuff! I love the focus on traveling with purpose. Right up my alley.
Hello Ryan!
Thank you for reading the interview! Have you been to any ecological destinations?
This was a great interview, really enjoyed it plus the photos are great. I hear so much on Bali and Iāve never been yet. Iāll definitely have to visit. I agree with the traveling responsibly points France made too
Hello David!
Thank you for reading the interview! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Bali and Iāll try my best to help you. ?
I have followed France for a while and her work is stunning! I love following her Instagram account. She is a very good storyteller. As a solo traveler, I can deeply relate to her content.
Hi Martha!
Thank you for reading the interview and looking at my feed! Looking forward to connect!
What a lovely name, and IG feed too! Itās nice to read about a younger female traveler who wonāt compromise on good food and accommodation when traveling! I like her stance on responsible tourism too; itās so easy for us to put into practice.
Hi there Lisa!
Thank you for reading the interview! May I know what your IG is so I can also look in to it and connect with you? ?
THis is a great interview of th efello traveler. I enjoyed reading about her way of life, that he can safe enough money from her 9-5 job and enjoy life. I also tried the same dessert there in Malaka, from the coconut and I can confirm it was amazing!
ANITA recently postedā¦Where to go after Budapest? 5 Highligts of Hungary
Hey Anita!
Thank you for reading the interview! Iām glad to know you enjoyed Malacca too!
As a fellow solo traveler, I must say this was one great interview. I absolutely agree that thereās more inspiration when traveling alone. Seems like your readers can learn a lot from France. Thank you for sharing this, I really enjoyed reading it.
Hello Daniel!
Thank you for reading the interview! Looking forward to meet more solo travelers like me. Where in the world are you now?
Great interview. I also travel solo a lot and agree ā thereās more inspiration when youāre alone and it seems I get more out of my trips. I do need to find ways to budget better, and I like the idea of carrying cash more. Iāve wanted to go to Bali and hear itās a great place, so the spiritual connection there is really interesting to me.
Hello Crystal!
Thank you for reading the interview! You should definitely give Bali a try. Also I have this app which helps me budget my trips itās called Tripcoin. Have you tried it?
I really enjoyed the interview. We meet a lot of solo travellers on the road and would encourage those who have aspirations to travel solo to just get out there and do it. The experiences that you have mentioned are priceless. Keep travelling.
Hello Jane!
Thank you for reading the interview! Looking forward to see you somewhere in the world. ?