Today we are interviewing John from in the loop travel.

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

Hi there! I started my website InTheLoopTravel.com almost five years ago as a way to document my travels for friends and family, and it evolved into much more as I started cruising and writing more, offering tips and advice for readers on how to save money and stay fit while traveling. I enjoy cruising very much, and it’s my primary means of seeing the world at this time. I’m trying to show people that this style of travel can be anything you want  and that it’s not simply for lazy people who aim to overindulge at the buffets. I have been to about 50 countries, and my favourite thing is to meet new people from other cultures in new destinations. It helps me see the world as a smaller place and to understand that no matter where we are from, we basically all want to find happiness and our fair share of joy in this world.

Where is home for you?

I live in New Jersey now, but I was born and raised in Rochester, New York.

Where in the world are you right now?

As I write this I am about to set off for Panama and Costa Rica to sail with UnCruise Adventures, my favourite expedition company. They put together the most fun small-ship experiences you can ever imagine in Alaska, and I can’t wait to try their Panama Canal itinerary.

How long have you been travelling?

I didn’t really expand my horizons until I was about 35 (I’m 50 now) when I took my first overseas trip. I have loved traveling ever since, and have been doing so even more enthusiastically the past five years.

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

I have had wonderful the most amazing experiences in Greece, sailing the islands in summer time the past three years. The food, the people, the serene little pieces of outdoor paradise you can find all make it a favourite.

What was your least favourite place? Why?

I usually can have a good time anywhere, but I must admit that some of my time in Jamaica has been less than ideal because of the constant harassment and hustles you face with people trying to shake you down.

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

One day and night in Brussels when we connected with a couple Englishmen, did a heavy night of drinking and eating (wonderful Indian restaurant), before settling in at an Irish pub to watch a big cricket match while having the finer points of that confusing game explained to us by a contingent of friendly Pakistani gents.

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

I dropped my wallet in a van on the way to the airport in Rome and only realized it after passing through security. I was on my way to Santorini with no money or credit cards, and I had about 1,000 euros in that dang wallet. Luckily, a few fellow travellers I knew were in the van after me on the way to their separate terminals for different flights and were able to hand off my wallet to an Alitalia Airlines employee, who got it to me just before my flight to Greece took off. Lesson: Always take time to check the seats of your taxi, Uber or shuttle, etc., before rushing off.

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

I need to learn to scuba dive.

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

I used to use a packing list, but I travel so frequently now that I’m generally always in a state of “packed” for a trip and might make tweaks based on the destination/weather.

What can you not leave home without?

The proper power sources (portable chargers), plugs, and adapters.

Can you recommend a book that’s great to read whilst on holiday?

I am reading “Havana: Without Makeup” by Herman Portocarero, the European Union ambassador to Cuba. It’s a raw, realistic look at Havana as it emerges from the shadow of Castro.

Do you have a favourite app for travel?

Just the basic social media apps. The app for whatever airline I am currently flying is my favourite at the time, essential for info like tracking gate changes or utilizing the line’s entertainment options.

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

Prepare meticulously, but also expect the unexpected. Be calm and flexible, so you won’t let stress ruin your adventures.

Where are you going to go to next?

I’ll be in Panama, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Cambodia, Morocco and Spain in the coming months.

Thankyou John, it’s always great to hear from other travel bloggers. Come and have a look at the rest of the interviews on Traveling Sam.

John Roberts is a freelance writer and operator of the website InTheLoopTravel.com, where he writes about cruising and fitness-inspired adventure travel.

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