Recently I have begun to read more and more other travel blogs because I think it’s fascinating to see where other people have visited and to be able to see their experience through photographs and words. 

I was incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Anne-Sophie Redisch, who runs the travel blog Sophie’s World, to produce an interview all about her experience with travelling.

One of Sophie’s travel photographs, where she manages to see penguins in South Africa!

How do you decide where you want to travel next? i.e, do you get inspiration from other travel blogs or magazines/brochures?

Travel blogs do provide inspiration, of course, especially the personal touch. But what I look at first is places I haven’t yet been. I love returning to the very familiar places, like London or Paris - but I absolutely adore the idea of the long boat trip to St Helena. Now, to find a way to persuade the kids 31 days on a boat will be fun…

Would you say you prefer to travel to cities or more rural areas?

I enjoy both, but if I had to choose just one, it would have to be cities – they have such energy, vibrancy, diversity…

Do you think it’s important to travel to different places and experience new cultures?

Very important. I frequently travel with my children and I think it’s especially important to expose kids to different cultures, different ways of doing things, different views of the world.

What was the first place you travelled abroad to?

The USA. My mum took my brother and me to New Orleans when I was 11 years old. It was a magical place.

I know it’s hard picking one, but if you could re-visit one country, which one would it be and why?

We lived in New Zealand 10 years ago. When I have to shovel snow to get in the front door, I often think of returning. If only it weren’t so far away…

Do you have any travel goals for this year?

In just a few weeks (end of February), we’re actually going to New Orleans. My youngest daughter is now the age I was when I visited and it will be fun to see how she responds to the city. Also, I’ve plans to finally visit the three Caucasian countries this summer. Other than that, I don’t plan much. Trips seem to materialize all on their own, and all of a sudden – just how I like it.

Fantastic scenery in Spain

Harriet Willis is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program.

All photos courtesy and copyright Anne-Sophie Redisch