Traveler Interview: Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith is an agricultural communications student at the University of Arkansas. She grew up in Stilwell, KS and moved to Fayetteville last summer after graduating from Johnson County Community College.
Traveling during the past few years — to six countries and multiple states — has fueled Danielle’s passion for travel. Currently, Danielle works as a social media intern with VentureTime Travel.
When she graduates from college in May, Danielle plans to move back to the Kansas City area, where she wants to work in communications and marketing for a company involved in agriculture.
We were curious to learn more about Danielle’s passion for travel, and her most recent adventures.
The Jones: What inspires you to travel?
Danielle: I love to visit new places and learn about other cultures. There are so many different and interesting things to see in the world. I mostly enjoy seeing different landscapes and architecture. Traveling anywhere is an experience and I love to learn from the places I visit.
Danielle and her host family from Belgium. Find more pictures of Danielle’s Belgium adventure on her Facebook page.
What are some of the places you have recently visited?
Danielle: I kicked this year off by traveling to New Orleans and going on a cruise. The cruise took me to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. Then in May I participated in a study abroad trip where I lived in Belgium for three weeks and also traveled to Paris and London. A few weeks ago I headed to the Southwest to spend some time in beautiful New Mexico.
What’s something you’ve learned from traveling?
Danielle: One of the best things I have learned about traveling is to simply relax and take it in. Don’t try to rush around and see everything. Pick one or two things to see and truly enjoy what they have to offer.
Have you always enjoyed travel? What contributed to your love of travel?
Danielle: I have always wanted to travel. My family traveled some when I was younger, but mostly to surrounding states. As I have gotten older my yearning for seeing the world has really grown.
Danielle visiting Bruges, Belgium this summer.
What have been your favorite travel destinations? Why?
Danielle: I don’t think I could pick a favorite destination because everywhere I have been has had something special to offer that I loved. I will say that I love traveling to the ocean, no matter what ocean it is; I just love the water.
Hanging out on the beach in Jamaica.
Why do you think that travel is important?
Danielle: I think travel is extremely important and everyone should try to visit new places as often as possible. Traveling teaches us about other places and other people. It gives us a better understanding for the world and why other people do things differently or think differently than we do.
Danielle and her boyfriend Will visiting Big Ben in London.
What destination has surprised you the most, either good or bad?
Danielle: I think the most surprising place I have ever been is Jamaica. I was shocked at this countries kindness and sense of humor. The people in Jamaica are wonderful and have an amazing outlook on life. They are positive and use humor constantly. I felt more positive and lighthearted when I left there.
Hanging with the locals in Jamaica
From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable and/or memorable?
Danielle: Don’t try to plan your entire trip down to the minute. Have a general idea of what you want to do and the things you want to see, but a tight schedule can lead to be rushed and feeling stressed. Travel is about relaxing and enjoying the moment.
What fuels your travel passion? Please share in comments.
Read More Traveler Interviews:
- “Be flexible. Un-planned events are our favorites.” A Travel Chat with the Johnsons, former European Ex-pats.
- “You can read about other parts of the world, but until you experience it, you don’t truly appreciate what is out there.” – A Travel Chat with an Investment Advisor
- “Travel means letting go and getting outside of your normal, stressful life.” A Travel Chat with a Lifestyle Coach.
- “When I travel, my camera is with me all day.” A Travel Chat with an Art Photographer.