Travel Blogger Interview: Jones Around The World

This month we speak to Dave, 27, founder of popular travel blog, Jones Around The World. Spending his time travelling around the world photographing music festivals, we get the inside scoop on where he’s been, where he’s off to next and his top tips for travelling Asia.

Where in the world are you right now?
I’m currently in Miami Beach, Florida. I flew here from Australia to shoot a 4-day music festival called Groove Cruise.

When did you decide to start documenting your travels?
I had been traveling for a a few years now, and people kept asking me the same questions about things to do, places to go, etc. I just decided that I would finally start my own travel blog. I had previously had a music blog, but wanted to focus on more my traveling life.

Being a professional festival goer – where would you say are 5 festivals in the world that shouldn’t be missed ?
Oh, that’s tough! Well, if I had to pick my top 5, they would be – Groove Cruise, Tomorrowland, Sonus Festival, Balaton Sound, and Lost Paradise.

Where’s the best hot locations you’ve ever visited and why?
When it comes to hot locations, the firs thing that comes to mind would be the entire region of South-East Asia. The food is cheap and amazing, the backpacker atmosphere is so much fun, and the the sights are stunning! The beaches of Thailand, the landscape of Laos, and the sunsets in Indonesia can’t be missed! I could go on and on, but South-East Asia is simply perfect, but it can get quite damn hot!

Where’s the best cold place you’ve ever visited and why?
Interlaken, Switzerland during the winter is absolutely freezing, but snowboarding in the Swiss Alps should definitely be on everyone’s bucket lists! It’s also one of the adventure capital sports of the world, and it’s drop dead gorgeous.

What advice/or route would you give to someone if they’re planning a few weeks or couple of months around Asia?
My top tip is to simply travel slow, pack light, and simply enjoy your time in each place. Don’t try to rush and see everything, because that’s just not how Asia should be enjoyed.

How do you plan your trips? Last minute? Loads of research?
I typically do a bit of research, but then figure out it all out the road as well. I honestly jsut depends on the region though, and how much time I’ve allotted myself. When I traveled through Asia, I had so much time to spare, and could spend weeks in one place if I wanted to. When I travel through Europe, I typically have a bit more of a schedule I stick to.

Do you prefer to travel solo or to buddy up? What are the perks of doing either?
Well that depends how long I’m traveling for to be honest. If I’m going on a trip longer than 1 month, then I’m definitely going to travel solo. It just gives you so much freedom to pick and choose exactly what you want to do.

You’ve lived in Sydney during your nomadic existence, what was the best thing about living there?
My friends. I met them while traveling in Thailand, and now they’ve become my favourite people in the world. Other than that, the city is just beautiful, and there’s literally always something to do.

What were your highlights of travelling around Australia?
My top highlight would have to be the Whitsundays! I personally think that Whitehaven Beach is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world! I also went snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, and went skydiving over Airlie Beach. It was almost too perfect for words.

Where’s your favourite place in South East Asia and why?
I would have to say the Gili Islands in Indonesia. I stayed there for 2 months, and fell in love with the island vibe. You’ve got a great mix of relaxing and party opportunities, you can swim with turtles everyday, and the sunrises / sunsets are out of this world!

As a seasoned traveller, what are the most essential things to pack?
Well since I work a lot on the road, the most important things to me are my phone, laptop, and camera gear. Besides those, I really only pack comfortable clothes, a portable music player, and travel size toiletries.

Any plans to travel back to America anytime soon?
Well I’m back in America now, and flying to California in a couple days. I can’t wait to visit friends and family for a couple months, and begin planning my next big trip.

Where’s next on your itinerary?
There’s a lot of options for me right now, but it looks like I’ll be spending at least a month or two in Europe over the summer, and then hopefully I’ll be moving back to Australia or New Zealand later this year!

Article & Photos by Dave of Jones Around The World, follow his travels at jonesaroundtheworld.com