CARPE MUNDO (Seize the World)
For years, curiosity has made man travel high and low to all four corners of the world. Thanks to technology, today we can achieve that, and much more, by just a few taps of a button. Whether it’s booking a plane ticket, or finding accommodation, you’ve got it all at your fingertips. And now, thanks to social media, we already know how to prepare and what to expect from wherever we’re planning to zone out to for the weekend. Such convenience would not have been possible without the continuous effort of our favorite travel bloggers; a trend which is making a breakthrough across all platforms. To get an insight of this emerging community, Tamima Islam from COLORS caught up with three rising, Bengali travel bloggers among your ‘favorites’ list.
Sabira Mehrin Saba
How I began my journey as a travel blogger:
I started travelling from an early age thanks to my family, mostly around Bangladesh. I first travelled abroad in 2015 when I won a renowned global business-case competition, which provided me a fully-funded trip to Hong Kong. Later, my first solo-trip was to Kenya, being a finalist another global pitch competition. Since then, the adventures never ended.
In 2017, I started focusing on my travel style and started blogging on Instagram. I opened a travel community called Wander Woman, which is now a growing and most-engaging platform for female travelers of Bangladesh. Following this, I redesigned my Instagram account with micro travel blogs, which aims to share important and precise information with well-crafted photographs.
How many places I have visited so far:
I have been to 4 different continents, 20 countries and 65 cities. I am set to travel to at least 3 new countries and 15 new cities by the end of this year.
The most memorable places I visited:
It is honestly difficult to pick a ‘most memorable place’ when you’ve been to so many. Every place has its own charm. However, to mention a few, Prague has been really special to me for its appeal. I discovered the beautiful city as well as myself, in its serene atmosphere. In Asia, Hội An in Vietnam stole my heart. It is a beautiful, old town with much historical essence.
In Bangladesh, hands down, Bandarban. I spent 8 months of my childhood in Bandarban and so I feel a personal connection to the place. The raw natural beauty, and the simplicity of the locals, fills my heart with warmth and happiness.
My Biggest challenges as a travel blogger:
Since I am Country Head of Malaysia for a multinational company for the biggest challenge segment, I have a lot of responsibilities along with running an impactful and influential travel community. So managing a full-time job and travelling is a tough nut to crack.
To add on, Bangladesh still hasn’t reached a level where travel bloggers are recognized by brands or avail sponsored trips, which gives me a disadvantage compared to bloggers overseas.
Some important tips I’d give to aspiring travelers:
Don’t travel for the sake of ticking it off the world map. Get to know about the place, indulge yourself in its culture and try the cuisine the country has to offer, to genuinely experience the adventurous life.
If you’re an aspiring travel blogger, keep doing what you love, but make sure your blogging doesn’t ruin what a moment has to offer. I always keep having-fun as my top priority.
Mehjabin Doha Ramisa
How I began my journey as a travel blogger:
My travel journey started when I was 16. Depression, anxiety and being diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, weighed me down. My brain was questioning everything and at that point, I couldn’t figure out who I was.
That’s when I began my first solo-trip. The first day was painful, but when I woke up the next day I felt this strange feeling of liberty; liberty to do whatever I want, whenever I want to. That day was one of the best one’s I’d ever had. The feeling of being independent in an unknown city became addictive. I had no one to listen to but myself, and by doing this over and over again, I slowly got to know myself more.
How many places I have visited so far:
I have visited about 46 countries, 37 of which I have travelled solo. I normally try to zone out of the urban areas and into the rural side, to learn more about the culture and way of life.
The most memorable places I visited:
One of my most favorite and life changing trips was when I was in Spain and Portugal during the refugee crisis. I was researching and writing about them, and therefore, my job had me very close to thousands of temporary travelers without any certainty of shelter, food and security. Seeing that up-close was probably one the most life changing moments of my life.
My biggest challenges as a travel blogger:
Typically, safety as a solo, female traveler is a major issue. I took a few martial arts classes to protect myself if I ever fall in an unplanned situation. This is where my fitness journey started as well.
Language barriers can also be an issue in certain places, especially if you, like me, enjoy visiting the rural areas where ethnic languages exist. I usually learn the basics and about their traditions to get around easier.
Lastly, I don’t consider anything to be as challenging as my mind. My mind is something I needed to conquer first. I had to attain self-acceptance of my looks, which is important when you want to be a travel blogger because you’re not always camera-ready.
Some important tips for aspiring travelers:
I’d have to say to have grit is crucial. Grit is not something you can achieve between a game or two, it’s something that comes from a goal. You have to get out there and grow despite whatever challenges you face. Get rid of self-destructing behavior. Outgrow people, outgrow your limits, outgrow yourself and enjoy the beautiful journey that is life.
Maisha Islam
How I began my Journey as a travel blogger:
Ever since I started following international travel bloggers on social media, I got inspired to be a globetrotter. I was always interested in seeing and experiencing the wonders the world had to offer. I had an intriguing childhood that allowed me to travel to a few countries with family. After I got married, my husband and I, sharing the same love for travelling, decided to start off our adventures with Thailand back in 2014. Ever since then, nothing could stop us from experiencing the world.
How many places I have visited so far:
So far, about 17 countries and 31 cities. We covered major parts of Europe and South East Asia.
The most memorable places I visited:
It’s hard to pick just one place, but based on a few factors, I could narrow the list down.
The Philippines had the best marine life experience; swimming in crystal blue waters above scenic ocean floors. When it comes to food, culture and the bohemian life I would choose Bali. Bali is as vibrant as a Van Gogh painting, with friendly people who immerse you in their culture. Paris is a top favorite as well because of it’s incredible architecture and the romance in the air that sweeps you off your feet. At night, it really is a city that shines brighter than diamonds. And lastly, I have to mention Santorini, Greece. The island has so much to offer, starting from Oia’s sunset, to the famous blue door and white walled buildings.
My biggest challenge as a travel blogger:
Being a Bangladeshi blogger to my national audience, they can only relate to whatever is accessible and convenient for them, which is why other kinds of bloggers are so easy to blow up on social media. But, for me, blogging about travel, reaching to a large audience with extra effort and stable content still doesn’t appeal to everyone in the local arena. In short, creating a following with the kind of work that I do is the toughest.
Some important tips for aspiring travelers:
Firstly, don’t over-plan or overthink before reaching your destination; you might ruin your own experience if you jump to conclusions and make up a dummy-image of what you want to see. Secondly, remember to always make and carry an itinerary! Planning out your calendar and being organized about your activities is always advised!
Lastly, I would advise you to try local things and open up to the culture. It helps you to enjoy your experience to the fullest! But most importantly don’t forget to simply have fun and immerse yourself in your new environment!
