Here’s someone who certainly knows to take the wanderlust (and adrenaline that comes together with it all) to another level. And I’m glad to share her travel thoughts and life experiences here now. Juliana Geller is currently in the UK preparing herself to add new chapters, layers and destinations to her adventures.
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Midlands Traveller: Talk a bit about yourself:
Juliana Geller: Whoop! I am Juliana, I am originally from Brazil but have lived in the UK for the past 6 years. I work in digital marketing and when I am not working, I am usually doing some sort of sport, reading, roaming around coffee shops or planning my next trip.
MT: When did you start to be interested in travelling?
JG: I always loved airports ever since I can remember, I was always fascinated by the people in airports and wondered “Where are they going? Why? Where are they from?”
MT: What is your first travel-related memory?
JG: I used to travel across Brazil at least twice a year because my family is from the south, but my parents settled in the North, so I remember having long waits at Manaus airport and watching the ‘gringos’ and backpackers arriving or leaving after their visit to the Amazon. That was so much fun.
On those trips, we also used to what was the last leg of an international flight, between Manaus and Sao Paulo, on a massive plane, a DC10, and I remember loving the entertainment system and the fancy meal… good old VARIG at its best!
MT: What is your favourite place (travel destination) in the world? Why?
JG: That is the toughest question ever. My favourite place in the whole world is Florianopolis, but I might be biased, as that is my home town!
As for travel destinations, I was very impressed with Iceland, the nature there is just breathtaking. And Turkey, the cultural contrasts of Istanbul and the landscape in Cappadocia will stay in my mind for a long time.
MT: Have you ever had any bad experiences when travelling?
JG: Many, none bad enough to stop me from travelling again! Haha.
I had my phone taken by police officers and was forced to delete some pictures I had taken in Morocco. I was mugged in Germany and had my camera with all of the photos from the trip stolen. Never anything more serious, though.
MT: Which countries have you travelled to?
JG: Sit down, this will take a while! I’ve been to 33 countries in total now.
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Wales.
Asia: Thailand
North America: USA
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay
Africa: Egypt, Morocco, South Africa
MT: Do you have any advice or tips for inspiring travellers?
JG: Do it. Don’t think too much about the ‘what ifs’, book that flight and go. You will never regret a trip.
MT: What are the challenges of travelling solo?
JG: It can be quite intimidating to be alone in a country you don’t know – especially if you don’t speak the language, but once you get over that, travelling solo is quite liberating and also a great means to get to know yourself.
I actually prefer travelling solo to travelling with anyone else.
MT: How have your travels changed you?
JG: I used to think that by travelling I would learn a lot about other places and cultures, and that is not at all wrong, however, travelling has taught me infinitely more about who I am.
It has opened my mind to the different and consequently made me more tolerant and accepting of the different. It has made me more resilient and adaptable. It has shown me that yes, I can go places on my own and not be lonely or incomplete.
On the downside (haha), it has given me itchy feet that I can never get rid off – I am ALWAYS planning the next trip.
MT: What country or city is your travel bucket list?
JG: I am on a hunt for good diving destinations, so at the top of the bucket list now is the Philippines. But I am looking forward to exploring more of Asia in general later this year.
MT: Future plans?
JG: I am leaving the UK soon for a crazy adventure – I am going to China for a course and I am also planning a career change and a move towards a nomadic lifestyle.
The next months/years will be a never-ending adventure, with loads of challenges, and hopefully, loads of achievements. But before that, my next destination is Paris, for a weekend.
Follow Juliana’s steps on her Instagram @julianageller
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