I ask all guests a series of questions that I normally ask myself after I come home from travelling, these questions are aimed to give some insight into how these travellers accomplished what they did. These questions also will help you find out if your style of travel matches well with this guest.
What led you to this destination.
The main purpose was to visit an old friend.
At any time was there a reason to leave, ever uncomfortable?
There was no reason to leave although at times the homeless can make you feel uncomfortable. Not because they’re homeless and it is never nice to see people not having a home but rather just how bold and forward they were. I’m not sure if there is a way around feeling uncomfortable from this.
Were there any surprises during your trip that were contrary to your beliefs?
For some reason I thought towns/cities on the island would not be as developed as they were. I was happy to find that they were fairly developed.
Did you run into any trouble while there?
The only trouble I ran into was my first AirBnB accommodation. Listen to the podcast for the full story. The customer representative at AirBnB was a tremendous help and worked the whole situation out with me.
What did you discover there that was off the beaten path?
The amazing view from the summit of the Chinese mountains on Quadra Island. To get to Quadra you need a ferry from Campbell River.
Do you think you found out anything about yourself that you regularly would not have?
I discovered I am much more capable of taking care of myself at a new place than I had previously thought.
If you went with anyone on this trip what role did they serve for you?
Did they hold you back from anything specific?
I did not leave for the trip with anyone but met several friends along the way. None of them held me back. All of them actually added to the trip by taking me/showing me different places. There were some things that I normally would not have done if it weren’t for the friends I had met there (e.g. biking from Granville Island to Richmond).
Did you spend any extensive time with the locals, what were they like?
If guess my friends don’t really count. I chatted with locals whenever I could on the busses, ferries etc. The locals were very friendly and would be quick to strike up a conversation. I had a man talk to me about Pokemon Go after just seeing the logo on my phone screen. I also saw a man go out of his way and take the bus with a tourist to make sure that she would get to her destination.
Did you try to blend in to that local atmosphere, or act more like a tourist?
How did that position affect your trip? Do you believe people treated you differently
I was carrying a giant backpack so blending in was not possible for most of the trip. I don’t think most people treated me any different. The giant backpack may have made me an easier target for the homeless though.
How did your country of Origin influence your behaviour when travelling
My country of origin did not have an affect on my behaviour as I was still in Canada.
Was maximizing Utility to cost a priority?
Yes. I looked for the cheapest flights, and accommodations and when possible the cheapest food options as well. This includes using apps like Skiplagged, AirBnB, as well as staying with friends and using public transit or walking to reduce cost.
Would you save or spend more in the future? What would you save or spend more on? Where would this extra saving or spending take place in the scope of your trip?
As I am a student, I would definitely try to save more in the future. I think keeping up to date on the newest apps/ways to find better flights and accommodations will help. My trip was also to one of the most expensive places in Canada so I think overall a different destination will help me save more. In the future, I might try to find a long term accommodations solution so that I can buy groceries and make food myself instead of eating out every time.
What was the approx cost of the trip, how did you save for it?
$1200
After the experience, was it easy to justify the time spent doing what you did?
Easily Justified
Why are you so attracted to travelling?
It’s a great way to meet new people and have new experience and learn more about the world.
Are you a vacationer or a traveller?
Definitely Traveller
Any new technology that you used while you were there that seemed helpful?
Skiplagged and AirBnB
When people ask about your trip, what do you tell them?
I tell them it was a great time and that I definitely recommend that they check out Vancouver. I give them a little bit of both
Where do you think you will be heading next?
Eastern Canada would be nice or getting back to the White mountains in New Hampshire or perhaps Europe or South-East Asia!