’FANBOLT’s Emma Loggin has been writing on the world of geekdom, travel, and pop culture since 2002 when she founded her Web site. She blogs about visiting numerous popular television show sets, interviewing celebrities, entertainment events she attends, press kits she receives, and more.
1.)Where was the first place that you traveled that made you think WOW—travel is amazing (think history book come to life or …..)
I traveled extensively domestically as a kid. My family was big on road trips – and I was also a competitive figure skater, so we were frequently on the road to competitions. But it wasn’t until I travelled to Europe for the first (in my thirties that I first really felt it in my soul. Seeing Stonehenge for the first time – that was a life goal for me, and it just poured gasoline on a fire that was already lit in me. I needed to travel. I needed to see the world. While I love the beauty that America has to offer, I crave more international travel and the opportunity to explore more cultures and the natural wonders of the world.
2.)If you had unlimited resources, where would you go and what would you do?
That’s a really hard question to answer – because if I had unlimited resources I’d probably spend 2 to 3 years traveling around the world and spending as long as I desired in each location.
But at the top of that list would be New Zealand followed by Fiji, Thailand, and Vietnam – New Zealand for the nerd in me that wants to visit Lord of the Rings’ Middle Earth – followed by a trip exploring Asian culture – it fascinates me and I’ve not been able to scratch the surface with that yet.
3.)What were you afraid to do and how did you find the courage to overcome it?
As far as traveling? Driving on the wrong side of the road while in the wrong side of the car – which I did for the first time in Scotland in 2016. Once I did it though and felt comfortable with it – it was incredibly empowering.
That’s how I’ve always approached all of my fears – if something scares me (within reason) – I usually see it as a good thing that I need to tackle to be able to challenge myself to grow. I used to be terrified of public speaking – and now I absolutely love it. I threw myself into doing it fairly regularly when I was in my early twenties – whether it was talking about blogging, web design/development, or being an entrepreneur – I challenged myself at Rotary Clubs and then conferences – and then moderating panels at conventions. It’s one of the best things I’ve done for my personal and professional growth.
4.)What apps do you use regularly that make your life easier?
Slack is a must – it’s a great way to keep everyone on the same page if you’re all working on different components of the same project.
Telegram is also a must for me – it enables group text without it being annoying. It’s a great way to communicate with my friend group – having them all in the same chat and also having that chat be searchable for when we need to go back and find details about something.
Waze is also another app I couldn’t live without – Atlanta’s traffic is becoming more and more of a challenge every day – and if 
there’s a way around that traffic – Waze can find it.
Yelp is also a must for me when traveling – it rarely steers me wrong on restaurant suggestions – and I’m a bit of a foodie and a lover of craft cocktails, so if I’m only in a city for a night – I want to be sure I pick the right places.
5.)What place do you wish more people have seen?
I’ve done road trips through Rachel, Nevada a few times – middle of nowhere north of Vegas, right off Extraterrestrial Highway. It’s one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever taken through the desert. And if it’s a New Moon (or close to it), you can see the Milky Way and seeing that is a vivid reminder of how small our problems really are.
6.)Best advice you have been given and by whom?
I don’t remember where I originally heard this – but it’s a quote from Earl Nightingale:“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” That quote has always really resonated with me. Start today, do it now – because the time will pass anyways.
7.)When were you surprised by the kindness of strangers on a trip?
Probably Ireland, I got the flu at the tail end of my trip there earlier this year. And once it really hit me, I kind of just expected everyone to want to avoid me and the girl I was traveling with (who actually caught the flu first) – but everything was so incredibly nice – we even stayed at a bed and breakfast that brought us Hot Toddies to help us sleep.
8.)What inspired you to travel for extended periods of time or live in a new country?
I still haven’t really been able to do this yet (my longest trip away has only been 10 days) – but I have the desire to live in Europe at some point. I really hope I’ll be able to make that happen – but honestly my home is where my heart is – and that’s with my boyfriend and my puppy in Georgia. But I do think I’ll do some longer trips in the next few years – My need to travel and to have adventures will ever cease.
9.)I travel because…. It helps me understand life, different cultures and even myself more – and it inspires me.
10.) My favorite travel or business book is… “How to Win Friends and Influence People” – I can’t recommend this book enough – while so many things it covers may seem like common sense – they’re all incredibly important to keep in mind and actively practice in order to improve all the relationships in your life – whether they are personal or professional – or someone you’ve just met in a foreign country.
11.) How about hotels? What’s your favorite or one you’d recommend?
I’m always more of a fan of boutique hotels and bed and breakfast locations – it gives you the chance to experience more of the local flavor. Staying at a luxury hotel is certainly nice (and you should definitely do this when you’re going away for a true vacation – pamper yourself) – but if you’re going on an adventure – stay small or local (not with chains) – you’ll have a more authentic experience.
Lastly, can you please recommend a resource for up-and-coming travel writers; this could be a course you know, a book, conference etc.
“How I Built This” Podcast – while it’s not specific to travel (though there are a couple episodes that are based on travel startups/guides)– it’s specific to startups – and hearing the challenges and even the failures that other entrepreneurs faced – it’s inspiring – and that motivation can carry you through some rough patches when you’re starting a new endeavor. Finding and keeping that motivation… The passion is so incredibly important, because if you love what you do, you won’t work a single day in your life. And that’s the passion you need to stay focused on – whether you’re a travel writer or starting a new tech company.
Emma Loggins strives to bridge the gap between Hollywood and the fans by providing an inside look at the entertainment industry through FANBOLT. She also covers her journeys around the world via her blog Geek Girl Travel.
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