Meet Sheridan from OutsideVibes

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Welcome to another installment of my travel blogger interview series! Today, I’m happy to introduce you to Sheridan from OutsideVibes.

Hey there, my name is Sheridan and I am originally from a small rural town in North Dakota, USA but have been traveling and living abroad for the better part of the past 6 years, most recently in Bali! I am a photographer, writer, website designer, and adventure expert. After my first trip abroad, 6 months in Southeast Asia, I decided the travel life is the lifestyle I want to live and created a brand and business around my adventures and love for travel called Outsidevibes.

Interesting in keeping up with Sheridan’s adventures elsewhere? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Pinterest, and their podcast.

How long have you been blogging for? Why’d you decide to start a travel blog?

I have been blogging since 2017, but I came up with my blog and brand idea after my first trip abroad in 2013. So needless to say it took me a few more years of backpacking adventures and discovery to find my love for travel blogging and this lifestyle.

Do you have any tips for new travel bloggers/aspiring travel bloggers?

I would say don’t overthink it. You do not have to start out writing massive guidebooks or overwhelm yourself with in-depth articles.

Start out with smaller posts that you are passionate about and find your flow for writing.

Also, something that I struggled with and learned the value of is that posts don’t have to be “live.”

What I mean is, you don’t have to write the moment you finished doing something. Travel for a little while, take notes, save important things, and then settle in a spot you like to create your content.

Don’t miss out on those travels by worrying about getting everything caught up; enjoy those moments.

What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started traveling?

How and what to pack haha. Also, traveling does not have to be a scary thing; not only is there an amazing world out there, but the travel culture is also a lifestyle on its own, and so many people do it.

Why do you love to travel?

I think for me it’s an escape. Like most travelers I love learning about new cultures and experiencing new places, creating memories but also, I don’t prescribe the idea of 2 weeks off a year and working for retirement.

I used to live that way for years until I started traveling and I guess it’s my way of getting away from having that type of an adult lifestyle.

What’s your best and worst travel experience?

There are so many amazing memories and experiences it’s hard to single down a best, but I would say I met the woman I loved for these past 5 years traveling and we then created businesses and traveled the world together.

The worst is that I have been physically injured 4 times traveling, some quite severe, and ultimately those injuries strained our relationship that she left me and I have had to accept and overcome the fear, anxiety, and trauma resulting from those injuries and heartbreak.

Do you prefer solo travel or traveling with other people? Why?

I used to love solo traveling, and I did that for years. It’s such an amazing experience, and it’s so easy to make friends and people that you can ultimately travel with.

Now that I’m a bit older and more focused on creating businesses around travel, not just backpacking, I prefer to travel with someone I know and care about.

Build memories with them, and it’s still easy to make friends if you are traveling with someone as well.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever been to? Why?

Scotland! I’ve always wanted to visit a castle and here was my first place to do so. It was also the first English-speaking country that I had ever visited abroad, which made it easier for me to get to know local people better.

I rented a car by myself and drove around aimlessly for 14 days and had an absolute blast.

What’s your biggest travel tip?

Carabiners! I always travel with a handful of them and use them for everything. I’ve found them to be the best item to have with backpacking.

Is there one specific thing you like to do, see, or buy in every place that you visit?

I’m a sucker for markets and architecture. I always search out the local market and wander the streets of every new city.

Is there one particular food that you’ve tried while traveling that you loved? What food was it and why do you love it so much?

Ah, such a hard question! I grew up in rural North Dakota, so my cuisine options were so limited for most of my life. I try every food type that I can when traveling.

I would have to say naan bread though. I’m such a sucker for bread, and that dipped in a bit of dahl curry is so delicious.

Quick Questions

Plane or train? Train, I will stare at the landscape all day long.

Hotel or hostel? Hostel if I’m backpacking, AirBnB if I’m working.

City or nature? Can I say both, haha. Cities fascinate me and I love getting lost in nature.

Popular site or off the beaten path? Definitely off the beaten path.

Suitcase or backpack? Backpack life!

Fast travel or slow travel? It depends, I do both.

Professional camera or iPhone photography? I’m a professional photographer so definitely that when I’m working but I love to have my phone to get the candid memories.

Warm or cold weather? Warm has grown on me the past couple of years. Don’t think I can go back to the cold life.

All photos used throughout this post are courtesy of Sheridan.