Today we are interviewing Pia from Dream and Wanderland.

Hi Pia, could you tell us all a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I am Pia from Dream and Wanderland a travel blog about my travel adventures. I love to travel. The idea of traveling the world came into my mind when I was still in school. I always had this idea of a long-term trip around the world. Ever since, I travel as much as I can in every free minute. Ok sometimes I also relax at home but yes, for me a month without a trip to somewhere, at least for a day or weekend, is a lost month. My trips are usually road trips. I rent a car and just drive from A to B and stop where ever I like as soon as I see something which I would like to explore more. Hotels or other accommodation are booked more or less spontaneously the morning when I leave one destination and sometimes even when I arrived at the next stop in the evening. I do not want to be caught in pre-booked hotel reservations. If I want to go somewhere else on that day, I like to have this freedom without taking care of canceling any reservations. So far I’ve made it to 31 countries and counting.

I can relate to wanting to be on the move, but where is home for you?

My home is my castle 😀 Actually, I am not a full-time traveler, that is why my home base is still in Dusseldorf where I recently moved to a new apartment, which I fit out as I wanted to and I love it. The first time in my life I live in a place with walls, floors, and furniture, which I chose by myself and I really like it. Another place which I call home is my parents’ place. They live not very close by so I cannot see them very often but every time when I visit them it is like home for me.

Where in the world are you right now?

In this very moment, I am home in Dusseldorf. But my next journeys are already planned and booked. Brussels, Lisbon, Barcelona and my favorite Transylvania are all coming up this year.

How long have you been travelling?

As long as I can remember I traveled. First with my parents to Eastern European countries as Czechia Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary. When I was fifteen years old, I traveled with my best friend (at the time) and her parents. We stayed in Tunisia. This was the first time without my parents. But my “real” traveling career started four years ago when I decided to stop waiting for friends, family or other people and circumstances to make some time for me. I started to travel by myself and from that time on I cannot stop. I travel more than ever and take seriously with my dream of seeing the whole world. It became a passion not only a random idea. I love to travel and I will not stop myself because of anyone or anything else.

A very tough question, but what is your favourite country?

This is indeed a tough question. There are so many countries I really liked but if I have to choose a top five I would say the following: 5) Bahamas 4) Morocco 3) Cambodia 2) the USA, and my absolute number 1) Ireland!

I can see that its hard to pick your favourite! What is the strangest journey that you have taken?

Camping is really strange for me.

I’m not used to it and I actually like to have a real bed and a private bathroom. Better to go “Glamping” for instance in the Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

Glamping in the Moab desert, Utah

On the other hand, probably the strangest one is yet to come… I will meet Dracula in Transylvania in November this year! 😀

What has been the best experience that you have had whilst travelling?

There are a lot of great experiences I’ve had: the friendliness of the Cambodians, the crazy homelike feeling I had when I visited Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Skyline

Skydiving in Key West or relaxing on my sundeck of “my” house on Eleuthera, Islands of the Bahamas.

My Sundeck!

But the best experience, which is still unbeatable is my first travels which I have done by myself. On my own with nobody who can take responsibility for me. I had to handle everything no one else. Just me, myself and I.

What is the scariest encounter that you have had whilst travelling?

The scariest moment I had on one of my travels was a “meet up” with a wild living crocodile on a beach at Dry Tortugas National Park. Luckily, I have not been in the water on this day….

What is your number one ‘bucket list’ item that you haven’t yet done?

The one thing which is on my bucket list for three years now is my dream trip to Alaska. I save vacation days, I save money but I have not made it yet. I want to do this so badly.

Do you have a packing list? How much does your luggage weigh?

I do not have an actual packing list. But I check seasons and weather conditions to pack the right stuff. Usually, it’s about 10 kilogram plus or minus one or two kilos. And a hand luggage item just in case my bag gets lost on its way. A bit paranoid maybe…? For short trips, I always have carry-on luggage only.

What can you not leave home without?

I have to take my phone, my laptop, and a camera. On long trips, I take a good book with me as well.

Do you have a favourite app for travel?

My favorite app is probably booking.com and Airbnb and a bit of TripAdvisor, too. Although they are the most common ones but for a first glimpse of accommodations and things to do they are still great.

What is your best tip for anyone about to go travelling?

My best tip for anyone who wants to go traveling is: Just do it! Stop waiting! If you want to travel then you will find a way!

Where are you going to go to next?

Next stop is a day trip to Brussels. A Weekend in Lisbon & Barcelona and a week in Romania (Transylvania)

Thank you Pia, it’s great to hear about people’s experiences from all over the world, you can read more of Travelling Sam’s interviews here.

If you would like to see more from Pia, you can follow her Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.