Debjani Lahiri, is the owner of The Vagabong. She’s a blogger, author and a world traveller who works with ITC Ltd. in their Tobacco division in Kolkata. This sassy lady loves rains, soul music, sarees and good vibes. In this interview series she is going to talk about her love for travel and how she manages it well with a regular job.
The VAGABONG
Madness Rules me, Life loves me, and wanderlust travel junkie defines me. I travel to create memories for I believe to die with memories than to have dreams. So, when the travel bug decided to bite me hard, I started penning down all my memories into a fine memorabilia of what is known as The Vagabong.
1. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Quirky, meticulous, honest.
2. What made you fall in love with travelling?
Travelling is my biggest elixir of life for it gives me a me a sense of inner joy to be just me in to the world of unknown. As I described myself as quirky, I am always on the look out for fun in the unknown . And what better way could it be than to travel to a new destination and running into totally unknown. I fell in love with Travelling because of all this I mentioned above and the very fact that I find home each time I travel to a new destination. A zest to probably adopt to a particular place and experience.
3. Which is your favourite destination in India and why?
My favourite destination is Kerala because of its people, warmth and the diversity the state has. Apart from the beauty of the place, its the connection I have with the people and culture there. May be I find a twin city there as compared to Kolkata.
4. What’s the longest single journey you’ve taken so far?
Well I am mostly a solo traveler so its ideally very difficult to choose any particular number. But I would say Europe for 20 days for now.
5. According to you, do you think one has to be rich to travel the world?
Nope, but financial viability is important in order to pursue the passion of travel. I feel money does matter when it comes to travel and I really do not equate the idea of sustainable travel by means of travelling free. In that way you are not really viable to help the place you visit. But no, one doesn’t necessarily have to rich.
6. Given a choice, would you leave your job for travel?
Someday I wish if I am able to save up plan ahead for the future sustainability of myself. I may leave my full time job but look forward for other means to earn.
Related: How to manage a full-time Job with Travel and Blogging
Don’t Quit Your Job For Travel
7. Did travelling make you a better person?
Yes, definitely it opens up your mind, heart and soul if you willing to. And hell yeah it did change my views about the world.
8. What are the 5 essentials that you always carry on your travels?
- Credit cards
- Cash
- Camera
- Mobile
- Medicines
9. How do you travel sustainably?
I try to help the local place by eating local food, staying at home-stays, I personally vouch for using my own waterbottles in order to avoid plastic purchase and yes big fan of menstrual cups.
10. Are you a planned or impromptu traveller?
It totally depends, I am up for anything depending on the situation.
11. One quote that expresses your wanderlust?
Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets.
12. Name a person who inspired you to travel.
My father, although he cannot travel much because of family situation but it was he who instilled that travel bug in me. Hence, I will give it to him.
13. What is the one thing that scares you while travelling?
Sometimes as a solo woman traveler, the fear of security concerns me and that actually makes me rethink many factors pertaining to it.
14. Your advise to people who wants to start travelling.
Just travel whenever you get a chance and don’t think much about it. Also save and plan it will help you better in the long run.
15. Who are your two most favourite travel bloggers/writers?
- Shivya Nath from Shooting Stars
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