Featured Friends: Kim & Rob from Simply Travelled

Taking a ride on the Bamboo Train in Battambang, Cambodia.

On this post, I'm excited to introduce Kim and Rob from Simply Travelled. They're officially the first traveling couple on my blog, woohoo! I was interested in featuring them because their adventures are very different from mine and totally inspirational! I also asked them about traveling as a couple, where they met, how they compromise and they didn't disappoint! Read on for inspiration and wise words from Kim & Rob!

1. Tell us about yourself!

Simply Travelled encourages people to take a LEAP! - an adult gap year, career break, sabbatical - call it what you will.

We started our crazy adventure back when we met in 2008. I (Kim) am from the US of A and went to Australia, where Rob lived, for a 3-month working holiday. After getting married, we resided in Australia until 2015. We decided 2016 was our year to explore the world before moving back to the States to be closer to my family. For the first time, we started documenting our journey - to share our tips and mishaps - and to have fun along the way! We enjoy traveling simply. Despite my klutzy nature, I believe life is all about balance. Rob is the more analytic part of our dynamic duo and is not often found without a connection to the digital world. Despite his technical nature, he doesn't take himself too seriously and can often be seen dancing on tables!

Swimming in the waterfall at Kawasan Falls in Moalboal, Philippines.

2. You are a Travel Couple; did you meet while traveling?

Yes, see #1 - I found him half way across the world :)

3. Where's the most memorable place you've been to and why?

The S-21 prison museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Hearing harrowing stories of the genocide that occurred here was such a sobering experience. Witnessing the place where so many people were separated from their families, tortured and killed, left a lasting impression for sure. It's hard to believe that these terrible things continue to happen in today's world.

 Dressing up in traditional clothing in Mongolia.

4. Traveling with someone can be a challenge. What are things you two disagree on while traveling, if any? How do you compromise?

Yes, it can definitely be a challenge, but nothing we can't handle. I have become extremely OCD whilst living out of a 40L backpack for a year, and often get frustrated with Rob for not being the same - leaving things strung everywhere drives me crazy these days! Outside of that, we still just have typical couple disagreements (ie. which way the toilet roll goes on, forgetting to put the seat down), but nothing related specifically to traveling.

5. Who is your favorite airline and why?

V-Australia (part of the Virgin group). We love Richard Branson as a business man and enjoy how innovative his companies are. On their inaugural flight from Brisbane to LA, they had people dressed up as Hollywood Stars, did a champagne toast on the plane, and provided all guests with a souvenir t-shirt. Now, that was a memorable trip! We've also aligned ourselves with their rewards program which offers great incentives for its members.

Enjoying the beach in Phuket.

6. What are your travel plans for the rest of the year?

We are currently in Mongolia. From here, we'll catch the Trans-Siberian train and head south to China. After that, we fly to the Maldives, Sri Lanka and then plan on traveling India for a while. From there, we'll continue onto Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia. We plan to be back in Australia early 2017 to visit with family before moving to the USA.

7. Where are 3 places you dream of traveling to?

Ooh, good one! We can not wait to go on an African Safari! We're also extremely keen to go on an Alaskan cruise. And last but not least, we're hanging to take a road trip across United States. Rob would also like to nominate a 4th place he dreams of traveling to - SPACE!

Canyoning in Dalat, Vietnam.

8. If you had to live somewhere you've visited for the rest of your life, where would you choose and why?

Hawaii! Before we visited, we thought perhaps it would be overrated, but boy were we wrong! We loved everything about it - the food, the outdoor lifestyle, the weather, ahhh - I want to go back just thinking about it! I think we'd no doubt need to hit the lottery to comfortable live there though ;)

Learning how to cook in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

9. What lessons have travel taught you about life or the world?

People are people. Yes, we may look different, speak different and have our own ways of doing things, but ultimately, we're all the same. Smile and laughter are the universal languages, and we're undoubtedly more fortunate than we realise!

Preparing for our camel rides in the Gobi Desert.

10. Anything else you'd like to add?

I think that about sums it up. For anyone thinking about traveling, DO IT! It will challenge you in ways you can not imagine, and will give you memories you'll never forget! Now is the time!

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A big thank you to Kim & Rob for being a part of my blog! It was amazing to see all the fun adventures through photos and reading all about you two. If you do end up doing a road-trip through the U.S, make sure to stop by Los Angeles and we'll do lunch! Oh and if you make it to space, take me along! 

Make sure you follow them on their blog (here) - you won't regret it! 

Interested in being interviewed? Shoot me an e-mail, I have openings for the next few months!

kana@lifeinwanderlust.com

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