July 28, 2007

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Interview #10 - Shona Riddell - RichMinx.com

 Shona Riddell lives a life that some of us often dream about; finding the means to travel the world. What is amazing about her story is that she doesn’t jet-set around the world as you might imagine a celebrity would; she leads a normal life while finding the means to travel for extended periods of time.

1. For those of us who are unfamiliar with you, could you briefly describe who you are and what you do?

My name is Shona Riddell. I am from New Zealand and I’ve worked as a freelance writer, blogger, sometime-PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising manager, teacher and website editor. My current blogs are RichMinx.com, TravelMinx.com and MovieMinx.com. I’m 29 and over the past 10 years I’ve visited and lived in many countries.

2. How and why did you get started in traveling so much? Was it spontaneous or well planned out?

I can’t remember not dreaming about travel. I studied languages and school and knew after college/university I’d see the world. I trained as an English teacher (a one-month intensive course) so I’d have a profession when I arrived in a new country, and I worked full-time after graduation for six months to get me started. I’d planned on moving to France but after I made some German friends in New Zealand I decided Berlin was the place to go.

3. What have you learned so far that you wish you knew when you first started out?

Learned about travel? I don’t think I’ve made any terrible mistakes, and when things go wrong it’s all part of the experience. I guess my top two tips would be to do your homework before you leave (accepting that you won’t know everything, and remembering that the unknown can be the best part) and just go!

4. What is the best thing about what you do?

“What I do…” Well, you see I’m always changing what I do. Not everyone would want to live the way I do but I like to shake things up and move around.

5. You’ve mentioned your income sources on your blogs previously. Have you found it possible to cover your entire expenses with these sources or should one have a good bit of money saved up?

Savings! Always have savings. Because sometimes the work can dry up, and there are always unexpected expenses. My income sources are generally quite low although I am working on changing that. I’m also lucky in that I travel with someone else now which makes it easier.

6. Besides blogging, what other avenues are you looking towards to create passive income sources?

Affiliate income, but blogging is my main project right now. The money isn’t flowing in yet but I’m optimistic and learning valuable skills along the way.

7. What has been your most rewarding experience to date?(either traveling and/or blogging)

I don’t know if there has been a single experience. When I was 22 I was proud that I moved to Germany alone and built up a good life for myself there, but every new place I visit has its own rewards. Blogging is rewarding when I get positive feedback on posts I’ve written and make new contacts. It’s constantly challenging and inspiring.

8. What is the one piece of advice you can give to extended travel hopefuls that just can’t seem to pick up and go?

Read TravelMinx.com Honestly, though, I’m not sure you can persuade someone to travel when they feel they can’t. I think the individual needs to take charge. I could list 1000 reasons to travel but if the person isn’t sure it’s the right decision then maybe they wouldn’t enjoy it anyway. But I often find it’s better to regret what you have done than what you haven’t. You don’t want to be thinking “If only…” or “I wonder…” thoughts on your deathbed.

Thanks Shona; someday I’ll call you from Italy to tell you I’ve moved there for 3 months. :)