9 Ways This Doctor Will Inspire You To Travel More

Welcome to the third interview of our #inspiringnomads blog series! In this ongoing series, we go on a hunt to find inspiring travelers to share their tips and stories with you. We want to prove to you that it’s easier than you think to travel more and that there are already so many people living their lives to the max and following their dreams. Are you next?

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Today we interview #inspiringnomad and medical doctor Manouk from Bunch of Backpackers!

Let’s get started…

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Interview with travel blogger Manouk from Bunch of Backpackers
Hi, my name is Manouk. I’m an adventurer, medical doctor and founder of the travel blog Bunch of Backpackers. With Bunch of Backpackers I hope to inspire others to strap on their backpack and seek the adventure. I blog about independent traveling, typical backpacker things, destinations, travel gear and useful travel tips! My motto: Your adventure, make it count!

When did you first start travelling internationally and where did you go?

When I was nineteen years old, I traveled to China. In China I stayed at two homestay families, one family lived in a big city, while the other family was based in the remote Innermongolia province. I took part in their daily lives, explored the surroundings and even learned a few words of Chinese. Both homestays lasted for 2 weeks and during that time I did not come across a single other tourist. A unique and unforgettable cultural experience! After the homestay I spend two weeks in Beijing, one of my favourite Asian cities!

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Interview with Manouk of Bunch of Backpackers - homestay in China
Manouk during her homestay in China

What then inspired you to travel more?

I loved getting out my comfort zone. There is so much more out there and I find it incredibly interesting to learn about other cultures and to see how other people live.

What are your 2 favourite travel destinations and why?

Difficult question! I’d say Asia in general and more specifically Korea and Sri Lanka. Although, still not discovered as a tourist destination, Korea has much to offer: from majestic mountains, to serene temples and vibrant, cool cities such as Seoul. Sri Lanka is a new favourite. I actually just got back from it a few weeks ago. Sri Lanka is diverse, cheap and fun, but most importantly it has the most welcoming and kind people. I loved it!

Interview with Manouk of Bunch of Backpackers - In Seoul, Korea
Manouk in Seoul, Korea
Interview with Bunch of Backpackers - Manouk in Sri Lanka
Freedom! Manouk soaking in the beauty of Sri Lanka

If you could pick anywhere in the world to visit, where would it be?

I’d love to visit Bhutan.

How often do you travel and how do you fund this lifestyle?

I travel outside Europe at least once every year and also make a number of shorter trips within Europe.  I fund this by my regular job (as a medical doctor).

Interview with Manouk of Bunch of Backpackers - Manouk in India
Manouk visiting India

What are your top go-to resources for booking flights and accommodation?

I use hostelworld.com and skyscanner.com. I can’t really be bothered with all those travel hacks etc. I just book a flight (and sometimes the first hostel) and go on a trip.

What 5 items do you always pack no matter what?

A notebook, a reading book, the Lonely Planet, my DSLR and my mini solar flash light.

Interview with Manouk of Bunch of Backpackers - Manouk's collection of Loney Planet Guide Books
Manouk’s collection of Lonely Planet Guide Books

Where to next?! Have you got any exciting travel plans coming up in the future?

Yes, I do! In February 2016 I will finally go on another long-term solo travel adventure. First, I will visit South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. After that, I will fly to Istanbul and explore Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. I’m planning to end my trip in Sri Lanka and take a few surf lessons there. I will travel by public transportation (if possible) and stay in my tent or hostels and basic guesthouses! I can’t wait to start this exciting trip!

You can follow Manouk’s next adventures around the world on her blog, www.bunchofbackpackers.com, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

So what really caught my attention about Manouk at first is the fact that she works regularly as a medical doctor and still manages to spend plenty of time travelling and sharing it all on her blog. I mean, in February she’s off on a long term adventure to over 10 countries! I think this just goes to show that even with a regular job it is still very possible to tick all those amazing countries off your bucket list! Thank you for being such an #inspiringnomad Manouk!

Stay tuned for our next #inspiringnomads interview coming next Monday and if Manouk inspired you to travel more, please go ahead and share this interview using the icons located at the top of this page!

Need help figuring out how you can travel more? Click here to find out exactly how you can save and earn money while you travel!