Caz and Craig Makepeace are Australians who have been traveling around the world since 1997. The fun-loving couple didn’t let having a daughter slow them down at all, and now they continue traveling with 3-year-old Kalyra in tow. They created yTravelBlog.com to inspire and inform readers who are ready to head out on their next big adventure, big or small. Caz graciously took some time out of her day to answer a few questions for us.
Where are you right now? Where are you heading next?
We are currently back home in Australia. We are regathering at the moment and trying to figure out where we will be going next. Perhaps back to Thailand to live for awhile at the end of the year, but I would really like to go back to Europe for a summer too. We are leaving all doors unlocked right now to see what opportunities come knocking. While we figure it out we will continue to explore Australia.
How has having this blog changed the way you travel?
We have to think a little more about where we are travelling so we can have internet connection. We also have to incorporate work time into our travels now. This will mean staying in certain places for a little longer. We have always been expat travellers though so it is not a huge change. Only this time instead of working a job we are working our own business.
Caz, Craig and little Kalyra
The 3 favorite cities listed on your About page are Cape Town, Paris, and Bangkok. What sets those cities apart? Do you have a special memory from each of them?
Cape Town is absolutely stunning. You just cannot help but stare open mouth in awe no matter where you stand and turn to look around you. The mountains are so imposing and majestic. Plus the beaches are spectacular( although freezing) and there is plenty of things to do. It is quite laid back and has a great outdoor vibe to living. My brother married here in 2005 which left a special memory for all of us who gathered together for it.
Bangkok is a frenetic hive of activity. Had we not lived there, I would say it probably wouldn’t be our favourite. Getting to know Bangkok as a local showed us so many different sides to it. The nightmarkets, the canals, the shopping, temples, and street food make it a worthy city. Of course, since it was our home for awhile, it has very special memories for us.
I experienced Paris through a local Parisian friend, which made Paris seem more real to me. It wasn’t just me walking through the 3D streets of a glossy tourist brochure. Paris is a beautiful city with so much to explore. The culture that you experience walking around the streets is wonderful- the artists painting on their easels, the accordions playing in the background, the historic buildings and stunning architecture and delicious food. French bread, brie and red wine under the Eiffel Tower is a pretty special memory.
What changed when you were traveling while pregnant, with an infant, and now with a 3-year-old?
Not much changed when I was pregnant, I had a healthy pregnancy and was quite small and so very comfortable. I travelled for 2 months in the US, including two long flights from Oz and back. I felt fine. The only thing was that I had to drink water while my husband and all our friends caught up over beers!!
Kalrya has always been a great traveller and never a problem on planes or cars so we have not had to worry about that. The biggest change is just that you have to pack more things, and there are certain activities Craig and I are restricted in doing, like hiking, adventurous activities, and going out at night. We probably stay in accommodation that is a bit more expensive than our ultra budget hostels, and of course we now have sleep in private rooms.
Actually the biggest change for me is the mamma bear fear I have that lingers around my irrational mind. I am always worried for her safety, and question places that we go to. When I think of a new destination in mind, I immediately start going through all the possible dangers and freak out. I never thought like this ever before.
What do you think people should think more about before they travel? Are there things about traveling that people overthink?
They should think more about the experience they are having and how it will be different to what they are used to and prepare themselves for this. They have to leave their culture behind. Too many travellers arrive at a new destination and complain how it isn’t like “back home.” You are not travelling for it to be like home, you are travelling to experience something new. Open your eyes and see what is so great about the differences so you can embrace them.
People overthink the logistics. They think they have to have everything booked, and a well-scheduled itinerary. Go with the flow of travel, everything will work out. If you’re a new traveller, perhaps book accommodation for your first night in your new destination, after that just wing it. You will find your way and learn more about yourself from the journey of travel.
A lot of travel bloggers travel alone – how is your perspective different as a couple and as a family?
We always have somebody to share the memories with. I know it is easy to meet people on the road when you are travelling, but I always like having someone close to me experiencing the joy of the moment with me. It is a memory we can share together forever.
It is wonderful travelling with our daughter and having the opportunity to see things through her eyes. Things that are quite blase to us now are new and exciting to her, so we get to experience them all over again through her joy and awe.
Where do you wish you were right now?
Anywhere but here! We are really missing many places and are not settled being home. If I had to choose, I would say at a health retreat in Thailand.
Blogger Maria Walters
Maria Walters is a freelance writer from Portland, Oregon, USA, who has lived abroad for over a year and still hasn't seen enough of the world. While she's not traveling, she enjoys interviewing other travelers and hearing about their adventures!
- Web |
- More Posts
Cape town is awsome, spent a few nights there last year for the world cup, Table mountain just blows the mind, Made for the awful soccer.