Meet the Nomads: Kristina Wegscheider

Kristina Wegscheider is one of the founding authors of Do it While Your Young that aims to provide valuable information to women who’s thinking of travelling, studying, working or volunteering abroad. She has written great travel resources that you should check definitely out.

Kristina has travelled to more than fifty countries already and will surely visit more in the coming years. She shares her travel experiences and some travel deals info in DIWYY. They also host some online travel contest from time to time.

Get to know Kristina more and visit her at DIWYY.com.

But before you do that, check out my short interview with Kristina.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

“My dad was from Austria and we visited several times during my childhood but I didn’t really get the travel bug until I went to college. When I decided to study abroad, I first did a two-week Biology program in Australia (where I met DIWYY co-founder, Jerri) with the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad. Within a week of coming home, I had already booked a second study abroad trip to South Africa with the UCLA Travel Study Program. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked!”

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

“I am highly prone to getting horrible cases of food and water poisoning when I travel and it always seems to show up in the best locations: a home stay in the Mekong Delta, a jungle lodge in the Amazon Rainforest, the trains in India…but, the worst of all was when I got a parasite in rural Nepal. I have never felt so sick in my life and I was in an area with no hospital! As a result, the doctor had to come to me. At first I was weary wondering what credentials this doctor had but he ended up being fantastic! I was on an IV for over 10 hours and had to take antibiotics for over three weeks but I survived and now I can laugh about it.”

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

“The best travel moment to date was meeting my fiancé, Michael, while travelling in Jordan. My mom and all my friends were always lecturing me saying I would find love when I wasn’t looking. They were right! I went on this trip as a challenge from a colleague who asked about which of the Seven Wonders of the World I had been to. When we discovered Petra was the only one outstanding, I immediately booked a tour. Who knew that trip would bring me more than just bragging rights???”

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

“From all my travels to over 50 countries, I have realized how similar we all really are. We may look different, speak different languages, practice different religions but at the core, we’re all human. I absolutely love the experiences where you can connect with someone who is so different from yourself.”

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

“I am motivated by the idea of stepping outside my comfort zone and experiencing something different. I also enjoy the down time when you can enjoy the little things in life. During my work day, I literally scarf down lunch while typing an email and answering my phone so when I can grab a picnic and find a picturesque spot to enjoy it in, it makes travel so rewarding. On a less philosophical note, frequent flyer miles and passport stamps also motivate me to keep going!”

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?

“I would choose Phil Keoghan, who hosts The Amazing Race, in America. He’s done some serious travel so I know he would have some insight to share. Plus, in the spirit of the show, I would have Phil introduce each city with some fun facts and a challenge!”

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

“This would definitely have to be Antarctica, specifically Neko Harbour. We had a few hours to explore and I remember sitting at a spot and watching a glacier break apart in the distance. I know it doesn’t sound too exciting but watching nature do incredible things like that is fascinating. Plus, Antarctica has amazing wildlife that isn’t afraid of humans. Sit on a rock for an hour and you’ll be surrounded by curious penguins in no time!”

What’s your best tip for newbie traveller?

“For someone traveling for the first time, I would recommend starting a travel tradition for themselves. Whether it is a collection of an item you acquire on each trip or a fun photograph you snap at every place, it will help you ensure that travel continues to be light-hearted.”

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

“I went to Spain with a friend after I graduated college and we ended up on a double date at a Chinese restaurant with two Spanish boys who did not speak a word of English. I am decent at Spanish but, unfortunately, I speak very formal whereas these boys were using more slang. The end result was that we really couldn’t understand each other! I resorted to drawing pictures. My friend and I had lived in a sorority house together so I drew a big house with lots of girl stick figures inside and said “casa grande con muchas muchachas.” The boys were all smiles. I think they thought we’d lived in a brothel instead of a sorority house!”

What do you think about yourself?

“I feel like I am totally and completely living the Do It While You’re Young motto…if someone told me I couldn’t travel anymore, I’d be alright as I feel I have seen so much, done incredible things and met amazing people along the way. But, since that’s not the case, I guess I can get out there and see some more!”

“Do It While You’re Young (DIWYY) is a travel website and community for young women designed to inspire and guide readers to travel, study, work, and volunteer abroad. The site was founded by Jerri Stephenson and Kristina Wegscheider in 2009.” – Kristina Wegscheider

Editor’s Note: All pictures are provided by Kristina

Next: Raymond Walsh of Man on the Lam. Previously: Lily Leung of Explore for a Year. For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.