Meet the Nomads – Diana Edelman of DTravelsRound

Diana is the blogger behind DTravelsRound which documents her backpacking trips in various countries. Diana is also a dedicated advocate of responsible tourism and constantly writes about the plight of Asian Elephants.

DTravels Round is also full of helpful information and travel tips that independent travellers like you will definitely find useful.

Get to know more about Diana and visit her at DTravelsRound.

But before you leave this page, check out my short interview with Diana.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

“Growing up just outside of Washington, DC, there was always plenty to do. When I was a little girl, my dad used to take my brother and I on “adventures” downtown, to the beach, to the Chesapeake Bay and more. Then, when we got older, it was train trips across America or two weeks summer vacation in national parks. I used to love the idea of being somewhere that was not familiar … and I still do!”

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

“I have had a few! I think one of the worst was being groped by my boss when I was working at a crappy hostel in Kusadasi, Turkey, then being chased by him. Simultaneously, I also had another man who could not understand the concept of “not interested” and kept insisting I go out with him. Before I realized how much of a “no” he was, he took me to a beach on the Black Sea. When I didn’t want to listen to him and get in the water, he threw a baby tantrum, then on the way home, he pulled the car over in the middle of a field to “rest for a little.” That was the moment I realized I was in over my head. Also, just after that, I fell off a cliff when I attempted to paraglide. Turkey definitely kicked my butt.”

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

“There have been so many! The one that changed my life was when I spent a week volunteering at Elephant Nature Park, just outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was an incredible opportunity to learn more about Asian elephants, to spend time with them, and to become educated about the horrible side of the elephant tourism industry in SE Asia. It definitely opened my eyes so much that I actually relocated to Chiang Mai to work with Save Elephant Foundation, which operates the park, and help raise awareness about responsible elephant tourism and conservation. Other than that, I’d have to say getting on the wrong bus in Zadar, Croatia and having the bus driver take me to his house, invite me in for dinner and then drive me back to the bus station so I could get on the right bus.”

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

“I can make it through anything. Traveling brings out the best and worst in people, and also tests people. I’ve learned a lot about myself through the challenges and experiences travel has given me. And, now I know I can overcome those obstacles and come out smiling. Or at least looking back and laughing.”

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

“What keeps me going is my fascination with being exposed to the world. There is nothing more exciting to me than landing in a foreign place and seeing the scenery for the first time. I love meeting people from around the world, learning about other cultures and seeing the beauty that exists beyond the safe confines of my world.”

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?

“That’s tough. I think Elle DeGenres. She is hilarious and I think would be so much fun to travel with. Plus, I am dying to get her to Elephant Nature Park!”

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

“Elephant Nature Park … not because it is run by the organization I work for, but because it truly is a slice of pure heaven. I fell in love with the park when I was there. It is so peaceful, so stunning. Imagine, a valley in the middle of the jungle, with elephants roaming free alongside a river. By day, it is a remarkable operation where elephants are able to live their lives in peace; by night it is a serene escape with only the sounds of crickets, geckos, the chatter and trumpeting of elephants to lull you to sleep and the light of the Milkyway and moon to guide your path.”

What’s your best tip for newbie traveller?

“Get outside your comfort zone. Don’t stick to the popular museums, churches, etc. Explore. Get (relatively or smartly) lost. Talk to locals.”

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

“My first time in Croatia, I was with some friends and told them I had never gone skinny-dipping. So, after a few shots of Jagermeister and some beer, one of the girls and I ran down to the Adriatic Sea, stripped off our clothes and jumped in. Of course, the water was really shallow and I sprained my ankle. But, it was fun and a memory I will never forget.”

What do you think about yourself?

“I think I am a passionate and compassionate person with a desire to do good in this world. I like to think I’m funny, but I’m probably not. And, I also like to think that I can motivate people to follow their dreams.”

“My blog is a story of my life of travel — the goods, the bads, the personal challenges of self-discovery. It follows my career-break where I quit my job and took off to travel for seven months, my return to America and my eventual departure and life as an expat in Thailand. I also write reviews, travel tips, location highlights and more.” – Diana Edelman

Editor’s Note: All pics are provided by Diana.

Next: Peter Shaw of Nomadical Sabbatical Previously: Dan Arif of From Malaysia to the World For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.