Meet the Nomads: Toni White

I stumbled upon Toni's blog while searching for other blogs of newbie backpackers like me. Toni is a 23 year old British gal who started backpacking just a couple of weeks ago.

A brave young gal who pursued traveling on her own in Asia. Her blog is a mix of funny, witty and sometimes emotional notes about her experiences in life

Follow her journey as she tackles Asia and beyond on her own at http://www.reclaimingmyfuture.com/.

Below is Flip's short interview with Toni.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

"I've had the passion for as long as I can remember. My father used to live on Jersey, an Island just off the coast of France and since I was 6 I used to fly there by myself at every half-term and holiday. I loved it! Carrying my teddybear and a colouring book I would be taken of the by the stewards and crew so proud of myself that I could do it alone!"

What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?

"Fingers crossed I've never really had a really bad experience when travelling or on holidays. I think the most negative thing I've come across is the touts begging for business in several countries. Yes it's part of their cultures but sometimes the touts get too much and can sometimes get physical or threatening especially to a single, white female...they think I'm 'fair game' which, as a bossy independent Westerner, is often a struggle to understand and accept."

What’s the most outstanding travel experience that you’ve ever had?

"White water river-rafting in the Dominican Republic! It was a gorgeous sunny day up in the mountains, Grade 2-3 waters and my first time rafting. Our guide was perfect, us 'women' did the hard work (not the muscle men up front) and it awakened the adrenaline junkie within!"

What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?

"That it's harder than people think, especially when you're doing it alone. Yes, you're more open to other people talking to you and you make more of an effort but it also means you have time to think and come to personal realisations that are something difficult to face."

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

"What keeps me going is 'what's on the other side' as it were. Whether it be a beach or a city, friends or travelling alone; it's knowing that whatever you want and need is on the other side of your flight or bus trip. If you want a beach and you're going to Thailand, you're going to get it and if you want a weekend of partying, you get yourself to Hong Kong; it's whatever you want it to be."

This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?

"Without a shadow of a doubt it would have to be Stephen Fry. Quintessentially English, incredibly smart, fantastic humour and hasn't had as easy a life as people think."

What could stop you from travelling?

"Exhaustion. Not necessarily physical but emotional. When you're completely fed up with seeing another bus terminal or airport and you just need to chill out and relax; listen to yourself and stop to take a breath."

Among the places that you’ve been to, which one fascinated you the most?

"Hong Kong. For me it had the perfect mix of jungle versus urban metropolis and Chinese versus Western influence. The two cultures appear to mix at some points and run parallel in other ways; fascinating!"

What's the best travel advice that you could give for a novice traveler like me?

"Plan. Don't necessarily book but have an idea of where you want to go, companies that do the tours or activities you want to do and the average costs in each place etc. I've created my own 'bible' for the road to cut down on all the guides you need to carry."

What do you think about yourself?

"Hhmmm diffficult. Curious, can be bossy, organised, outgoing and confident. Oh and I'm a magpie...anything that sparkles and I'll buy it :D"

"The personal journey of a 23 year old first-time backpacker as she learns some lessons about the world, other people and, most importantly, herself." - Toni