The latest in my World Travellers series is Jo from Wander with Jo, definitely one of the first Indian ladies to feature on my series. Having just backpacked in India this year for the first time, it’s great to have Jo in the series.
World Travellers: Jo from Wander with Jo
Who are you?
Hi friends, My name is Jo and I was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. My initial trips were to wildlife parks of India and then my passion to explore grew and took me to 18+ countries.
Hi friends, My name is Jo and I was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. My initial trips were to wildlife parks of India and then my passion to explore grew and took me to 18+ countries.
Where are you from?
From Delhi, India
From Delhi, India
Where have you been?
SE Asia – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (Lived in Bandung for 11 months and traveled to Bali, Gili, Jakarta, 1000 Islands and few other less popular spots), Philippines (Manila, El Nido, Coron, Boracay) , Cambodia (Koh Rong Island, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) , Thailand (Koh Samui, Bkk, Koh Phangan, Lonely Beach, Phi Phi, Krabi, Khao Sok, Phuket, Pattaya (ewwww)) , Laos (Vientiane, Thakhek, Vang Vieng), Nepal, Sri Lanka.
SE Asia – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (Lived in Bandung for 11 months and traveled to Bali, Gili, Jakarta, 1000 Islands and few other less popular spots), Philippines (Manila, El Nido, Coron, Boracay) , Cambodia (Koh Rong Island, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap) , Thailand (Koh Samui, Bkk, Koh Phangan, Lonely Beach, Phi Phi, Krabi, Khao Sok, Phuket, Pattaya (ewwww)) , Laos (Vientiane, Thakhek, Vang Vieng), Nepal, Sri Lanka.
Europe – Holland (Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Delft, Giethoorn), Spain (Barcelona, Ibiza) , Switzerland ( Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken), France (Paris, Disney World (Yes, I consider it as a destination in itself), Croatia (Split, Zagreb , Plitvice) , Italy (Venice, Rome, Vatican (city,duh!).
Africa – Kenya, South Africa (Cape Town, Joburg, Durban).
World Travellers: Jo from Wander with Jo
Where are you now?
On my way to Pune for a short trip.
On my way to Pune for a short trip.
What are the top 3 places you’ve visited?
South Africa, Kenya and Croatia.
South Africa, Kenya and Croatia.
World Travellers: Jo from Wander with Jo
What is the best travel experience you’ve had?
11 months in Bandung, Indonesia living as a digital nomad and experiencing life in South East Asia – absolutely fantastic.
11 months in Bandung, Indonesia living as a digital nomad and experiencing life in South East Asia – absolutely fantastic.
What is the worst travel experience you’ve had?
In Laos , during a solo trip. I was doing the Thakek bike loop for 3 days – met with a bad accident, had to drive back 100 km with a broken leg and took a wheelchair at the airport while flying back home.
In Laos , during a solo trip. I was doing the Thakek bike loop for 3 days – met with a bad accident, had to drive back 100 km with a broken leg and took a wheelchair at the airport while flying back home.
World Travellers: Jo from Wander with Jo
What is the funniest travel experience you’ve had?
At Zagreb airport when I was entering Croatia. The staff had no idea if a Schengen visa was applicable for Indians visiting Crotia (guess not many Indians travel there). I had to wait 30 mins till they called their seniors/ embassy etc to check and confirm that it was indeed valid – You know a quick google search would’ve saved so much time. It was kind of annoying but also funny.
At Zagreb airport when I was entering Croatia. The staff had no idea if a Schengen visa was applicable for Indians visiting Crotia (guess not many Indians travel there). I had to wait 30 mins till they called their seniors/ embassy etc to check and confirm that it was indeed valid – You know a quick google search would’ve saved so much time. It was kind of annoying but also funny.
What is the scariest travel experience you’ve had?
My accident and when I lost my credit card and phone in Bali and didn’t have any cash on me.
My accident and when I lost my credit card and phone in Bali and didn’t have any cash on me.
What is the most random job you have had on your travels?
Grading an exhibition by students of a University in Indonesia.
Grading an exhibition by students of a University in Indonesia.
World Travellers: Jo from Wander with Jo
How do you fund your travels?
Through travel writing, digital marketing for travel brands and my blog.
Through travel writing, digital marketing for travel brands and my blog.
What 3 tips would you give a new traveller before they set off on their adventure?
Be confident. Be safe. Don’t be scared to explore.
Be confident. Be safe. Don’t be scared to explore.
What are your future travel plans?
I am going on a press trip to Indonesia in August and then perhaps Taiwan/China.
I am going on a press trip to Indonesia in August and then perhaps Taiwan/China.
Biography
Jyotsna Ramani is a passionate globetrotter who loves to let her hair down and maximize her trips. How does she do that ? By traveling on a budget and exploring new places. She travels far and wide (Well, Europe counts, right ?) and then comes back to her blog to share her experiences. Pretty nifty, eh? So, don’t you want to uncover some secret drinking holes and see awesome new places through her eyes? Follow Jyotsna´s adventures in her blog. Feel free to follow Jyotsna in her social media on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and Pinterest.
Thanks to Jo for being the latest in my series of World Travellers! If you travel the world and run a travel blog or are a travel writer, please get in touch, you can be featured, either e-mail jonny (at) dontstopliving (dot) net or head to my contacts page and get connected! You can also subscribe to Don’t Stop Living by filling in the form below! Safe travels!
Good for her to pursue a travel writing career with an Indian passport! Not the easiest passport to travel with given the number of Visas required for Indian nationals through most parts of the world.
Ray recently posted…Backpacking Banff – Dinner at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Hi Ray, you’re definitely right. It’s harder for people from countries like India than Canada or EU passport holders. Jo is a good inspiration to others. Safe travels. Jonny