Catrina – 24hourslayover

70 countries and counting, find out why Patagonia is top of Catrina’s bucket list and why she loves Myanmar!

Why do you love travel?

I love that travel gives you the opportunity to experience and learn first-hand about other cultures. It makes you appreciate the simpler things in life, and opens your eyes up to the fact that money doesn’t buy happiness, but that it really comes from within! Travel totally expands your mind, teaches you to let go of your cultural norms and makes you realise that there isn’t just one way to live. 

I also love travelling because every day is unpredictable and different! You constantly come across new challenges and travelling really tests you at times! It pushes you to new limits and forces you to get out of your comfort zone. Things don’t always go to plan, but you learn how to adapt, be flexible and just go with the flow, and that’s what I like! 

What destination is top of your bucket list? 

Patagonia! I have travelled round the majority of South America but Patagonia is one part I have always been desperate to travel to – the landscape just looks out of this world! Whilst these last few years I have travelled a lot around warm and tropical destinations, I actually get a lot more excited about visiting colder destinations! I really love hiking and being surrounded by nature and beautiful views, so I know Patagonia would be my ideal destination! And although I have a lot of travel plans arranged for the next year, I would love to make this bucket list idea a reality of mine in the next couple of years! 

Where is your most favourite place you have travelled to (and why)?

I get asked this a lotttttt, and having travelled to 70 countries it’s really hard to pin down a favourite one! I have to say that visiting Bagan in Myanmar was a really special and unique experience, and totally unlike anywhere else I had visited before. Myanmar is such a beautiful country and thankfully, because it is still relatively untouched by tourists compared to neighbouring countries such as Thailand, the country still feels so authentic. 

What is your most favourite memory or experience whilst travelling?

My favourite memories I take away from my travels are always the encounters I have with the local people. Wherever possible when travelling I will stay overnight in a homestay as opposed to a posh chain hotel – I will spend time with the family and really try to live like a local, totally immersing myself into the culture. Not only are these memories far more precious to me, but when you are staying with a local family you can see first-hand how you are contributing and making a difference to people’s lives. I really believe supporting local families and businesses is crucial for sustainable travel and do all I can to support then. 

What is your favourite photo from your travels?

I have so many that I love, but one of my favourites has to be this one in Singapore. I love it for two reasons; one because it reminds me that even when we are busy we need to take time to relax, be present in the moment and enjoy those things around us. And two, it reminds me that you can experience amazing things for little or even no money when you are travelling! This incredible light show is held every night in Singapore at 7.45 and 8.45pm and it is free to watch! Many people think that travelling is really expensive, but even in Singapore – one of the most expensive cities in the world, you can do many things for free or very cheap!

Find more of Catrina’s travels on her site, Instagram and Facebook!