The Travel Seven: Deidre Mathis

Name: 
Deidre Mathis

Home City/Country: Houston, TX  | USA

Occupation: Study Abroad Coordinator/Author/Public Speaker

Website/Links:
 Wanderlusty

Passport Stamps Include: Abu Dhabi, Jamaica, Italy, Greece, South Korea, Bahamas, Thailand, Australia, Fiji, Bali, Taiwan, Aruba, Grand Cayman Island, India, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Hondruas, France, England, South Africa, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Iceland, Ireland, Belize

1. My best travel memory so far is… Being approached by locals in Thailand who wanted to talk to me about where I came from. "Are you from Jamaica or Africa?", they asked. I smiled, shook my head and told them I wasn't from either country and that I was indeed American. This was so amusing to them because they considered all Americans to be Caucasian and this allowed me to talk to them and open their minds! It was such a amazing experience to not only teach them something new, but to learn from them as well.

2. My favorite hotel & why… I am a HOSTEL (not a hostel) QUEEN! I stay in hostels for 75% of my travels. The top hostel I have every stayed in was probably in Jeju Island, South Korea.

3. My must-haves on any flight are… A good book! My iPad with downloaded movies and music! Snacks and a blanket!

4. When I’m on the road, I absolutely hate… When I have to come back home! I love everything about traveling: meeting new people, trying new foods, and waking up in unfamiliar places.

5. My dream destination or vacation is… The top three destinations that are on my to do list for 2016 are: New Zealand, Bora Bora, and Kenya.

6. The three things I can’t travel without are… 1. My camera 2. My iPad  3. Having an open mind

7. The top lesson I’ve learned while traveling is… Life is a blessing. I am blessed to be alive and well and able to travel near and far to see different parts of the world. I never take anything for granted.

Already on your second or third passport? Join the Travel Seven and submit your answers here. Once we review and approve we will feature your profile on Parlour. | #travelfly