Victoria is the author of top UK travel blog Pommie Travels and the editor of Fashion's On Vacation - a blog about fashion and travel. She is currently based in London and has visited over 50 countries, including destinations such as Madagascar, Japan and Iceland to name just a few. Victoria's main passions are flying, festivals and food, which she incorporates into her writing and YouTube videos.
How has your travel style evolved over the years?
My travel style has evolved quite a lot since I left uni in 2008. When I first started out I was backpacking and staying in hostels - I just wanted to meet as many people as possible and see the world. Now I prefer shorter trips, staying in AirBnBs with my friends or boutique hotels. I like a bit of luxury, but I also like getting good value for my money.
You moved to Bali in 2009. Tell us about your time there.
Bali was quite a turning point in my life. I started my blog there and it was my first time actually living abroad. I applied for various odd jobs but ended up making YouTube videos for a famous sunset venue called Ku De Ta, which was fun since I got to interview famous DJs. In the end I actually had a scooter accident which wasn't so fun and I became quite ill, so it left me with some not-so-fond memories.
You seem to love Malaysia, having covered it extensively on your blog. Tell us about the country and some of the exciting activities for travellers there.
I've covered Malaysia quite extensively as I've been invited on a few press trips out there. The food in Malaysia is delicious - you must try Roti Chanai, Teh Tarik and Ice Kacang (shaved ice). I'd also recommend exploring more than just Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi or Kuala Terengganu are great if you like beaches, and Malacca is also worth visiting for its heritage buildings and good food.
Our readers would love to know about your most memorable holiday experience so far.
Most memorable experience: there are quite a few! I'll never forget climbing the Great Wall of China in Beijing, skydiving in Belgium and sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert. One of my best days ever was probably the day I hiked to Pulpit Rock in Norway. The view is breathtaking and it really makes you feel alive when you're standing on the top of a sheer cliff face looking down at the fjord below.
You maintain in all your interviews that Portugal remains your favourite holiday destination. What is it about the country that appeals most to you?
I guess I love Portugal so much because I spent a whole summer season working there and it's one of the first places I travelled to alone. I find it less expensive and less crowded compared to its neighbouring countries, plus The Algarve has some incredible beaches backed by limestone cliffs. I love seafood and Portugal has some of the best seafood in the world - if you order tiger prawns they are actually the size of lobsters!
Tell us about your road trip in South Australia. What all places did you visit in the region?
I was a finalist in a video competition with World Nomads, so I was sent to South Australia to explore everything the territory has to offer. I swam with sea lions in the wild and even got to go shark cage diving, although we didn't actually see any sharks that day. I think South Australia is really underrated but it has so much to offer. I flew in a tiger moth plane, drank wine in the Barossa Wine Valley, hiked in the Flinders Ranges and drove around Kangaroo Island - it was one of my best trips ever.
Have you been on other road trips since then? If yes, tell us about them.
The last road trip I went on was just a couple of weeks ago. I drove my car to Bath and then the Cotswolds, which is one of the most beautiful places in England. If you haven't been already I suggest you go - the scenery is beautiful and fully of quintessentially English tea rooms and cottages. I also drove to New Forest and stayed in a manor house for the weekend. The scenery there is beautiful and the way of life is just so different compared to London - there were horses just laying down in the road!
Please share your future travel plans with our readers?
Next up I'm travelling to Antigua for their Carnival, so I'm hoping that will be quite fun! After that I'm not sure, but I really want to go back to the US.
This interview with Victoria is a part of Travel Trolley's ongoing 'Best of the Travel Bloggers' series. We are interviewing popular travel bloggers who encourage and inspire people to travel. Check out all the bloggers we have interviewed and learn about their interesting experiences, adventures, travel stories as well as useful holiday tips.
