City travelers, here’s our latest interview with world’s leading travel bloggers: Meet Adam Groffman, travel blogger at Travels of Adam, which focuses on the coolest cultural things to do around the world.
Adam, why did you start your travel blog?
It ultimately began because of a tweet. I’d just returned from a life-changing trip to Iceland. While planning that trip, one particularly kind stranger sent me heaps of tips and advice over Twitter. With that simple but kind gesture from a stranger, I was hooked. Social media was already a passion, but with that flurry of tweets, I knew there could be a useful way to use social media while traveling.
Shortly after that trip to Iceland, I started my blog which, over the years, has grown into a full-time business. All the work on the blog—from using the social media to writing and photographing the content—is all done by myself, without help from virtual assistants. The blog is still very much a passion project—but a financially successful one.
Your best city trip so far?
I love taking short city breaks to other European cities. Living in Berlin, I’m able to get around the continent with relative ease. Last year’s trip to Ljubljana was fun and surprising, but I also could never get tired of visiting London.
Your tips for city travelers ?
Definitely make a point to look for unique tours. I know not everyone likes city tours when traveling, but you can usually find alternative or more quirky/personal tours that offer a local perspective of the city you’re visiting. The bigger cities, like London, offer countless alternative tours—from culinary experiences to street art walks!
As a professional travel blogger, what makes a city worth visiting?
I try to travel with a purpose on my trips. I’ll visit Amsterdam for a museum exhibition, London for the street art, Spain to learn the language.
When you can come away from a city trip with some knowledge or a unique experience, it makes the trip that much more memorable.
Your five ingredients for the perfect city trip?
For me, it’s often all about the people I meet. But also important: the food, the inspiration (whether its art or not), the new experiences (and making sure I occasionally go outside of my comfort zone), and the ability to say “I’ve done this. I’ve been there.” It’s hard to understand the world without putting yourself out there.
Which gadgets and apps are essential companions for a modern city traveller?
Social media is incredibly useful for planning trips and also for meeting people while you’re traveling. Some of these apps are my favorites for reasons you probably wouldn’t expect.
Would you describe yourself as a responsible traveler?
Responsibility is a tough term—a word that’s probably subjective to each individual person. Like I mentioned above, I try to travel with a purpose and try to come away from my trips with more than just fun stories to share. I want to learn something or to do something while I’m traveling. Whether it’s the history of a culture, a new language or even sometimes just a local food recipe…
Your key insight from traveling the world?
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Thanks, Adam!
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