Meet the Nomads: Caz and Craig Makepeace

Caz and Craig Makepeace and their daughter Kalyra make up the awesome trio behind Ytravel Blog. I have been silently following their blog because it’s full of awesome adventures that I could only dream of as of now.

One of my favorite part of their blog is their Thoughts section where they pour all their hearts content on certain matters that I’m sure that a lot of you could also relate.

Caz and Craig have been to around 35 countries already (and still counting) and I’m sure that you’ll find inspiration in their 10+ years of travelling experience documented on their blog.

Get to know more about Caz, Craig and Kalyra thru their blog at Ytravelblog.com.

Here’s my short interview with Caz and Craig.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

“I’d always been interested in learning more about the world around me. My brother first left to live and travel overseas when I was eighteen. I was hooked on the stories of his adventures and decided that was the kind of life that I was also born to live.

After my first two week overseas holiday in Bali, I was hooked. Only a year later, once I finished Uni, I was on the next plane to start my working holiday around the world adventure. That was in 1997, and I have not stopped.”

What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?

“Hiring local motorbike drivers to take us on a tour of Samosir Island on Sumatra in Indonesia. The area was notorious for magic mushrooms and I think they must have been on them as they took us on a ride from hell. My driver began speeding ahead of my friends and then slowing down so we would be on our own. He went flying down a road that was filled with pot holes and began taunting me when I broke down in tears from fear. He then began singing to me “I killed the tourist and then I stole her passport.”

I wrote about it on a post reflecting on memorable driving experiences around the world.”

What’s the best travel experience that you’ve ever had?

“Backpacking through Africa for 5 months was an incredible experience. We had so many amazing adventures like trekking to see the gorillas in the wild, white water rafting the Nile River, camping on the Savannah with Masai warriors standing guard, incredible wild animal encounters on safaris and so much more. There is no place on earth like Africa; it is a challenging yet rewarding travel experience.”

What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?

“That we are all similar deep down. These are the things that really matter and these are the only things we should be focusing on when connecting with and understanding people. The differences, such as how we dress, speak or what we believe are just minute details that make us colourful and should be celebrated rather than feared.”

“Achieving your dreams means sacrifice, failure, and hard work mixed in with some wins.”

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

“It is my passion. Travel is about exploration and discovery for me, so I see it as a chance to learn more about myself and the rest of world. This gives me the greatest joy, which is what keeps me motivated for more.”

This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?

“Oprah Winfrey. I think we would travel in style the whole way, and I’m sure she’d have endless surprises in store around every corner. She’d be amazing to talk to and learn from and she seems like a real party person.”

Where’s your favourite place in this planet and why?

“Thailand. It is where I feel happiest and most at peace. I love the Thai culture, beaches, and cheap lifestyle. I feel like I am really living and enjoying each moment when I am there.”

What’s your best tip for newbie traveller?

“Be open to new experiences and willing to learn more and try to understand the differences you encounter with other cultures on the road. You didn’t leave home to take home with you. Wherever you travel will be different to where you come from so don’t expect it to be the same; you’ll only be disappointed.”

What’s the funniest and silliest thing you’ve ever done while travelling?

“Riding an ostrich in South Africa. The ride didn’t last for long but it was great fun, I felt completely silly but laughed the whole time. It’s amazing how strong they are and how quickly they take off with you bouncing around on their back

What do you think about yourself?

“I think I am someone who loves to have fun and highly values freedom. Most of my choices in life are as a result of me trying to attain either one of these. I believe life is all about having fun and living it to the max. I love to learn new things and meet new people.”

“Our blog provides inspirations, tips, strategies and stories about around the world travel and how to do it. Craig and I have been living and travelling around the world since 1997, we have a wealth of stories and information we can share with others to show them how they too can live their world travel dreams. Our message is that life is all about the memories and travel helps you to create amazing ones. Go out there and make your life a story to tell.” – Caz Makepeace

Photo Credits: All Pics by Caz and Craig Makepeace

Next:Jaime Davila of Breakaway Backpacker. Previously: David Hogan Jr of Malaysia Asia Blog. For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.