Mark Your Landing Spot! is a blog designed to ignite your wanderlust and help you find your next adventure.
With my background as a seasoned journalist and editor, I bring you stories and advice from places I’ve personally visited, ensuring that my travel experiences are relatable and achievable for everyone.
My contacts: eeeus@hotmail.com
I usually respond within 1-2 days.
I asked AI to give me 10 questions, and here’s what we came up with.
1. What inspired you to start your travel blog?
Firstly, after every trip, I often had to tell friends and acquaintances the same stories. Sharing advice, routes, and information about various places is more convenient on a website, and it’s always accessible. Secondly, I often forget details about my trips and end up spending a lot of time recalling them. This way, I can refer to my own website, where everything is documented in detail.
2. Can you share a memorable travel experience that had a significant impact on you?
It’s hard to choose just one. Perhaps my childhood travels had the most impact. It was a wonderful world filled with medieval castles, spires, new acquaintances, and unusual food that left a strong impression on me. At that time, my favourite books were by Jules Verne and Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
3. What are your top three travel destinations and why do you recommend them?
Scandinavia and Finland. I love the nature, the way people interact with it, the social structure, and the economies of these countries. I always feel comfortable, whether in the magical Stockholm or on a tiny island in the Baltic Sea.
Italy. A trip to Italy is always a mind-blowing experience. I adore the people, the sun, the architecture, the azaleas, the gelato, and the countless nature trails. Rome is a special place, perhaps the best city in the world (after Tallinn, of course).
The United Kingdom. I love London, Cambridge, Norwich, as well as the snow-white Seven Sisters cliffs.
I also have a fondness for islands—they are always a preserved world where nature and traditions are better maintained.
4. How do you plan your trips? Do you have a specific process or resources you use?
I love the preparatory part of a trip: researching information and booking accommodations. Sometimes I completely change my travel plans during this process. Good preparation also gives me freedom on the spot—I can easily adjust my itinerary, adding or removing places I want to visit.
5. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while travelling, and how did you overcome them?
Probably the times when I almost missed my flight twice, both times to distant destinations. The first time was to Canada, a long time ago when I was inexperienced. My flight wasn’t on the departure board for some reason. I just sat there waiting while the entire plane waited for me!
The second time was to Tokyo when I left home almost five hours before my flight but took the wrong train. I barely made it to my flight, and it felt like the entire Japan was helping me!
6. How do you manage to travel frequently while balancing other aspects of your life, like work?
Unfortunately, I don’t travel as much as I would like. Working on the road isn’t an issue as long as there’s Wi-Fi and a lightweight laptop.
7. Can you share tips for travelling on a budget without compromising on the experience?
Travel independently. While group tours might seem cheaper, you may miss out on many interesting places and experiences. To travel on a budget, book guesthouses in advance, find friends who can host you, and explore other options.
My most amazing stay was in an old boathouse on a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. Typically, staying on this island would cost a fortune, but I managed to spend some days almost for free. It was one of the most comfortable places I’ve ever been, with the sea right below my bed!
Skip expensive museums and attractions. Sometimes, you can have more memorable experiences at a local artist’s shop, a market, or on a tourist trail.
8. What are some underrated destinations that you believe deserve more attention from travellers?
Estonia, and not just Tallinn. There are many forests and natural areas, and you can still witness colourful folk festivals. It’s incredible!
9. How has travelling influenced your perspective on life and different cultures?
Since I’ve written a lot about innovations and inventions, I always notice these aspects during my travels. Technology rapidly changes our lives, and it’s wonderful! I also value careful use of natural resources—water, electricity, and more.
10. What places would you like to visit?
I have plenty of ideas! First and foremost, the islands in the northern seas, and perhaps another trip to Iceland. Then, of course, Australia — the people there are incredibly warm-hearted. I also haven’t been to southern Italy or Croatia yet!
Right now, I’m not driven by the desire to visit as many countries as possible. Instead, I want to immerse myself more deeply in the local life rather than just ticking off another destination.
