Travel Blog Ep. 5
Amanda Chamberlain, 34, Victorville, Paralegal.
What was the defining moment that you knew you were meant to explore the world?
The moment I realized I was meant to explore the world was just after my daughter turned one. I had always enjoyed family vacations with my parents as a teen but with my own daughter..it was much different. I wanted to research all the things to do and explore before heading to our destinations. Mainly because I wanted to teach and experience with her. I found joy in teaching my daughter about the big world outside of home and what better way than through travel. And so, as a family we started traveling local, surrounding States, and out of the country. We started with small travel trips and advanced along the way.
Best travel story, go. (Not a question but whatever. We do what we want)
Best travel story… a trip planned for, but not planned out. To where? We had no idea. The sporadic trips, in my opinion, always end up being the best time and most memorable. My husband and I ventured off to travel along highway 1 for the weekend. The problem was... it was valentine's weekend. I feel like we lucked out by scoring a room in three different cities, for three separate nights. Our adventures during the weekend include long drives through winding canyons, new experiences, hiking to a waterfall, craft drinks and fine dining. Best story for me because it was sporadic, and yet, we had the best time, as if we had planned it out that way. Personal take away for me is not to always plan out every detail. If you can be sporadic... do it once in a while. I mean you only have one life to live.
What’s your all-time favorite place to visit, and why is it special to you?
For me there's something about Sequoia National Park. I would have to say I love to revisit because I never become bored walking alongside the giant Sequoia trees or enjoying the Kern river, no matter how many times I've done it.
What’s your least favorite city and why? (Think of a place where you just didn’t feel satisfied after you left. Or it’s completely overrated)
My least favorite city, there isn't one. I can honestly say that even with a few mediocre experiences, in a few different cities, the experience was still worth the trip. Worth the trip because it was an experience.
Was there ever a time you felt unsafe or have gotten into a bad situation? How did it play out?
Just thinking about this unsafe and bad situation now, gives my stomach knots. Luckily, the situation played out in our favor, but could have gone a completely different way. Ok, so imagine hearing a loud bang against the cabin wall you are sleeping up against. Now imagine you opening up curtains of a window on the same wall, and immediately being face to face with a black bear's left paw and snout. Yup, luckily he was just as afraid as my husband and jumped away. But thinking about the fact that the window was simple plex glass and if that bear really wanted in our cabin, it was simple enough for him. Lesson for us, always have your car keys and survival knife next to you where you sleep.
What’s one item, (other than shoes or clothing), that you absolutely must have on all your travels?
The one item I have always traveled with, is my fanny pack. Yes, I know it seems so very 90's of me. My fanny was helpful when my children were small and I needed quick access to my wallet and later transformed in carrying survival tools during hiking adventures.
Do you prefer solo or group travel? Why?
Solo! We enjoy family and friends tagging along with us on adventures, but getting family time in is so important. I prefer to travel with my husband and kids over large group outings, plus not everyone is into random hikes and or foodie finds like us four are.
What is the one place you would say everyone should absolutely see at least once in their lifetime? What did you love about it?
One thing everyone must see, is more of what everyone should do once, and that is being off the grid. The kind of off the grid where you do not have cell service and can see the night sky stars.
Have you ever had a life changing moment or epiphany while traveling?
I can't say that I have. When I do I'll definitely let Modern Drifter know all about it.
What city/country would you love to see next?
I would love to visit Germany during Oktoberfest. My family and I talk about it all the time. We have not missed out on celebrating Oktoberfest across socal for the last 5 years.
Where can people follow your adventures on social media?
Instagram @Daycationwithamanda
Pinterest @Daycationwithamanda
Twitter @Daycationwitha