Travel blogger Emily Luxton: “Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way”

With passion for writing and travel, in 2014, Emily Luxton decided to quit her job to travel the world. And so far she has succeeded as a professional travel blogger who has travelled to many countries. She said: “I could go on and on… travel affords so many incredible encounters and wonderful memories. You just have to take an open mind and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.”

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Born and raised in Weymouth – a small seaside town on the south coast of England, Emily Luxton is one of the few who dared to quit job for travelling and became a well-known travel blogger. She has visited more than 40 countries and six continents and successfully built her website www.emilyluxton.co.uk sharing helpful experiences at many destinations.

Wanderlust Tips had an interview with Emily Luxton to better understand her life as a travel blogger.

What inspires you to travel? When did you decide to travel to explore the world?

When I was a kid I dreamed of adventure. I read a lot and I was really into video games (I still am), so my whole life I wanted to have an adventure. Travel, for me, is one big adventure. So for my whole life, I knew I wanted to travel and explore the world.

And in 2014, you decided to quit job for travel and writing blog. What did you do to make your dream come true?

At the time, I was working a job I hated in customer services, and I knew I wanted to make my dreams come true and become a travel writer.

The first step was starting my blog. My friend gave me the idea, and I started it in 2012 just as a way to practice writing. I spent all my spare time practicing, entering competitions, writing guest posts for other blogs, and pitching companies. Over time, I built up a pretty successful little blog of my own. And at the same time, I was saving up as much money as I could from my full time job.

In 2014, I had enough money to quit my job and take a five month trip in South America. I kept on working hard at my blog that whole time, and when I got back, I didn’t need to take another job – I was able to start blogging full time instead.

Did you face any difficulties at the beginning of the journey? Could you share some memories about it?

It was hard adjusting to life on the road at first. Things can go wrong a lot when you travel. Buses are delayed, you lose things, people try to scam you, and you get lost. But you simply have to look on the bright side of everything. It’s amazing how quickly you forget the pain of a long journey when you see an amazing view that makes the whole thing worthwhile. When things go wrong, it’s important to remember all the good things that have come out of your trip.

Until now, what countries have you travelled to? Which one do you love the most and want to go back? Why?

At this moment I’ve travelled to just over 40 countries (and counting) across six continents! My favourite region of the world is Latin America, and my absolute favourite country is Colombia. It was the first country I went to when I quit my job so it holds a very special place in my heart. It’s also one of the most beautiful, interesting, and passionate places I’ve ever been. The people are wonderful and there is so much to explore there. I’m hoping that I can go back very soon!

In your travel itinerary, you probably have many unforgettable memories. Can you share some of your memories with readers of Wanderlust Tips?

There are so many. Watching Barranquilla carnival with the locals in Colombia and feeling like a celebrity because everyone wanted to meet the only blonde girl in the whole town! Waking up at 2am to climb Mount Batur in time for sunrise in Indonesia. Swimming with a flock of about forty manta rays in the komodo islands. Camping on the side of an active volcano in the middle of a lightning storm in Nicaragua. Watching a sea turtle lay her eggs on the beach in Costa Rica, and seeing other eggs on the same beach hatching that same night. Driving over the Hai Van pass in Vietnam on a moped and feeling like I was flying as we raced down the other side. I could go on and on… travel affords so many incredible encounters and wonderful memories. You just have to take an open mind and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.

To travel the world, besides passion, we also need to care about many other things (money, skills, foreign languages).What have you done to overcome all those challenges?

I’m very lucky because I work full time as a travel blogger and freelance writer. So I don’t have to worry about money too much – because I make money at the same time as travelling. The biggest skill you need for travel is patience. That’s the only way you can deal with most problems that travel can throw at you! I’m not the most patient person in the world but after three years of constant travel I’m much better than I was! Not speaking the language is another big hurdle but it’s not as hard as you think. I always learn the basics (hello, thank you, and delicious are usually the most useful – it’s always nice to compliment someone on a nice meal). It’s surprising how far smiling and pointing can get you.

There are many people who choose to quit their jobs to explore the world, but not everyone is successful. What do you think about leaving a job to become a full-time traveller? Could you give some advices for those who are also planning to quit job and travel around the world?

I had a full time job for several years before I went travelling. In that time I saved up as much as I could and went without a lot of things, like new clothes or meals out, because I wanted to travel instead. Only when I had enough money to sustain a long term trip did I quit my job. The job I had back then was a customer services job in an office. I knew I could easily find another one like it if I needed to, so it wasn’t too scary for me! My advice if you’re thinking about quitting your job to travel would be to make sure you’re financially ready and that you have something to fall back on if you run out of money.

Could you share about your upcoming travel plans?

I travelled to the Americas until the end of 2017. I’ve been to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and the USA. Next stop is Cuba, and then I would be at home for Christmas and most of January. The first trip for 2018 looks set to be the Philippines – although it’s not quite set in stone yet. I will share and update my journeys on www.emilyluxton.co.uk, hope you enjoy it!