12 Questions to Ask Any RTW Traveler

“So, tell me …” it always begins, often while sitting over an adult beverage in a crowded bar (at least in my experiences) … “tell me ALL about your travels.”

Pause.

I look down. I look to the inquisitive person across from me, wide-eyed, sitting up straight, alert. I look down again.

That’s a hell of a loaded question. Where to begin? Where to end? Where to fill in the blanks?

Returning home and telling the tales of travel isn’t easy. In fact, it is actually quite challenging. I mean, I love it when people want to know what I have done in my travels, but such a broad question … there is no possible way to answer that question without talking for hours on end about my adventures.

Therefore, for all of you who are in my shoes (or will be in my shoes), here is a handy-dandy breakdown of some good/great conversation starters to talk about your travels or questions to ask any traveler. Along with my answers to these questions … Note: Special thanks to Florian for asking the first few questions to get me on a roll.

What questions to ask any RTW traveler when they return?

What is the hottest hook-up you had on your trip. (You know you had at least one).

Spain. To be more specific, Granada. After an amazing night of tapas, claras, Jameson, flamenco and a Spanish club. Mmmm. Affairs of the something or other

What is the best day you had on your trip?

Trekking for gorillas in Rwanda. I didn’t think I could do it, and I did. And, WOW. What an experience it was. Gorilla trekking

What was the best food you ate?

In Alicante at Monastrell. Dining with the culinary goddess Chef Maria Jose San Roman and Stefanie (@adventuregirl). Pulpo (octopus) and more deliciousness. The best food ever

What was the worst food you had?

Ramen noodles. Mutliple times. When I was in my cheap mode and wanted to use the kettle instead of cook anything of substance.

What was the scariest thing to happen to you.

That’s a split. One, Kusadasi, Turkey. Two, Fethiye, Turkey. Both scared the crap out of me. One was more of a psychological threat. The other, physical. 1) Running Scared; 2) Para-falling

What was the weirdest thing to happen to you?

Again, Kusadasi. Also, the very forthcoming men in Morocco. I got more phone numbers from random strangers than I have collectively in my life. The Story of Mustafa

How many countries did you visit?

18.

How many modes of transportation did you take?

Planes: 15; Trains: 11; Buses: 44; Boats: 3; Private: 5

Who do you still keep in touch with?

Thanks to the amazing world of social media, there are quite a few I still keep in touch with. More I keep tabs on. My circle of travel friends has shrunk but the people I actually traveled with are still very much in my life.

If you could go back and do one day over again, which would it be.

No-brainer. Going out to the stupid club in Barcelona. The time I (didn’t) party with Will Schuester.

What advice would you give to other people who are traveling?

Soak up ever, single nano-second. Seriously. Breathe deeper. Let the food linger on your tastebuds long. Every day is a blessing, and treat it as such.

How have you changed?

So, so many ways. RTW Travel: A Blessing and a Curse

 

What are some other good questions to ask  a traveler returning from RTW or long-term travel? And, what are your answers? Post ’em below!