Interview with TeaCake Travels

interview with Alice

Friends, I would like to introduce you to travel blogger  Alice from Teacake Travels.

Me:    For the readers, please could you introduce yourself and your blog?

Alice:   Strong-minded, honest, inquisitive, straight-talking and in search of the next thrill, I’m Alice at Teacake Travels! It’s all about solo female travel in Asia and pushing your boundaries to reach your full potential through travel. It’s for the traveller who is on a path to find out more about themselves and test their limits but also for the armchair reader who wants to go deeper into life’s reflections and life lessons through all the experiences I put myself through.

Me:     What was the motivation behind starting this blog?

Alice:    What started out as just writing a piece for my friend’s blog about teaching English abroad quickly turned into an addiction to travel writing and promoting women’s rights. I always had it in my mind that I would write a book or make a zine but discovering blogging through all these ideas into one platform. I absolutely love it. It’s my baby, it’s real, it’s me and it’s proving to be a great resource for women to gain strength, courage and motivation to go out there on their own and conquer their adventurous dreams.

Interview with TeaCake travels
Alice peeking out from Cambodia

Me:      How do you fund your travels?

Alice:     Through many ways! I predominantly funded my travels for the first five years through Teaching English Abroad in South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. I adore teaching and get immense satisfaction by giving others the gift of English. Then the other things I love brought my money too. Playing the drums in bands, performing in Burlesque shows and now through Travel Blogging.

Teacake in Shanghai
Teacake in Shanghai

Me:      Which are favourite travel destinations?

Alice:   The challenging ones! I write about solo female travel in Asia and to date my most favourite country has been Bangladesh. The experience was fantastic because of the Bangladeshi people (possibly the nicest people in the world) and the food and the scenery and the architecture and (I could go on and on).

Me:      Where is your next travel destination?

Alice:     In July, I’m driving from the UK to Mongolia across 21 countries with four amazing women in 50 days to raise money for and document women’s rights. It’s all part of the Mongol Rally and it’s going to be one hell of a journey to follow. Make sure to follow along with us! After that, I think I’m gonna need some respite and TLC. I’ll be heading to Bali to catch some waves and recover.

Interview with TeaCake travels
Teacake Motorbike

Me:        What is it like to travel solo? Any tips for the first-time solo travellers?

Alice:       It’s the best! Please don’t be scared. This planet is awesome with amazing people and extraordinary places and if you want to find out who you are, what you want, what you need and what you want from life, solo travel is for you. There’s no better way to educate yourself on these matters. You’ll be challenged and treated to some life-changing experiences and your old-self will be thankful for taking the leap and deciding to travel. No one wants to leave this earth not having fulfilled their dreams. If you’re dreaming, seize the desire! If you’re travelling for the first time, check out my backpacking packing tips and build up for excitement and motivation here.

Me:         The best meal you’ve eaten anywhere?

Alice:         Kimchi Jiggae in South Korea. I’m nuts about Korean food. Even if I’m in Germany or made it to the North Pole, I’d go out of my way to find a Korean Restaurant.

Interview with Teacake travels
Motorbiking through Taiwan

Me:       Who is (are) your inspiration in the travel world?

Alice:      Women who do crazy stuff, strong stuff and stuff other women don’t do are pretty much my heroes. This includes Iris from Mind Of A Hitchhiker and Jessica from Comfort Is For Wimps.

Me:        Are there any books you read as a child that inspired your travel interests?

Alice:       Alice in Wonderland!

Me:       What is your travel motto?

Alice:     Grab fear by the balls, push your boundaries and reach your full potential through solo female travel. I use to travel for life lessons and to be the best person I can be by trying to learn from others and myself.

Me:        Name three hardest things/setbacks that you experienced through your blog?

Alice:      Setting up a blog is a bit of a minefield. I’m constantly learning new things and having to backtrack, making changes, chopping things up…it’s a never-ending learning process. I integrated Pinterest at a much later date than I really should have. I only learnt about SEO six months ago and I have a newsletter advertised but still haven’t sent one out! Rome wasn’t built in a day. That’s what I tell myself ><

Me:       Name 3 (personal travel stories) setbacks that you experienced in your travels?

Alice:     Oh man, where do I start? I accidentally became pregnant on my first serious backpacking trip and had to head to Cambodia for an abortion. Whilst I was there I witnessed a death at a funfair to add a cherry on top of it all and lately, I had to deal heavy-handedly with a Chinese guy.

Me:      Have you ever faced a ‘writer’s block’? If yes, how do you overcome it?

Alice:     Hell yeah. I hate it when that block comes and trust me, it can come every couple of months sometimes. I love writing and I love sharing my experiences with everyone. Sometimes the ideas and experiences come crashing across the ocean with full gusto but other times tumbleweeds are rolling across the desert in my mind. You can’t force yourself to write if the passion isn’t there. I just wait, keep on travelling and try to experience my days with full awareness for that next story to come along. It always does.

Me:      Any tools you can suggest that bloggers could use in their first year?

Alice:    Ooh yes! Travel Blogging is about 20% and 80% social media promotion. There’s no point writing a masterpiece if no one is going to see it. Get clued up on how to use social media and market yourself then use a couple of tools to help you manage all of it. I recommend Tailwind for Pinterest and Hootsuite for Twitter.

Me:     Any comments, suggestions.

Alice:   Feel free to pop me an email at aliceteacake@teacaketravels.com if you want to ask me anything and stay connected with the chaos on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!

Bora Bora Island – a Dreamy Affair

Located in the Leeward group of Society Islands of French Polynesia, Bora Bora Islands is in close proximity to another famous destination Tahiti Islands. Known for the aqua centric luxury destination that are developed as a part of eco tourism to allure newlyweds from around the globe. The iconic over water bungalows webbed on the vast stretches of lagoon gives a feeling of fantasy come true.  With many choices of activities such as water sports, treks, helicopter ride or just read your favorite author to choose from Bora Bora has something for everyone.


Your dream journey to Bora Bora starts right from the moment you enter the air space of this beautiful archipelago on board your flight. The picturesque views of Mount Otemanu on the little islet of Bora along with the blue lagoon and the white sand beach are breathtaking. If a traveler wishes to visit Bora Bora by the sea, they can arrive in style by the luxury cruise that will pamper you to your soul with their compassionate and courteous services on the cruise.

The locals have built a web of these beautiful small over water bungalows that provide all types of luxuries and amenities possibly available any tourist destination. The best part of some of this accommodations is they have glass bottoms where you can witness the crystal clear water and the rich marine life that Bora Bora is famous for.

The island is full of surprises when it comes to natural beauty and reserved habitats. Since this place of the earth is known to be explored the last on earth, the stunning landscapes are mostly untouched. Twin mountains of Mount Otemanu and Pahia are formed out of volcanic caldera and are best for treks and mountain safari on jeeps


A perfect lagoon destination, Bora Bora offers some of the most exotic and resplendent experiences of water sport. Snorkeling, Scuba diving and swimming in and around lagoons of Bora Bora are the must do activities. Many local operators can help you with the unique experiences of diving with manta rays and sharks that are easily found in this part of the world.

There are some other experiences like Aqua Safari, Aqua Biking and Keishi Lagoon tour that travelers can opt for to make most of your stay at Bora Bora.

It is one of the rare destination that is sure to make a huge dent on your pocket. No matter how hard you try to save you will be quick to realize that Bora Bora is either expensive or indescribably expensive. But this pricey destination makes sure to repay you with all of its heart. The perfect combination of ambiance and service will be hard to match in any other destination of the world and will stay in your conscience for a lifetime.


The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season that runs from May to October.  The rains in these islands are unpredictable and can go on for long hours. During the dry season which is also the peak season, the water stays mildly warm which is perfect for swimming. Since this is a French Polynesian country, the main language here is French, and the other language that has great influence of Bora Bora is Tahitian although most locals have a good understanding of English.



Booking.com

*/For further details do check out source: Bora Bora Island – a Dreamy Affair – bookaHotel.in/*

TOP 10 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides

Humans have always been fascinated by the mystery of flying. The first attempts to copy birds by building wings that could be flapped by attaching them to the arms failed through the years. The ultimate success came from a completely different approach only after these methods were abandoned.

The Montgolfier brothers came up with a new idea in 1783. After a successful experiment of filling a silk bag with hot air which lifted meters off the ground,  Joseph and Jacques built a larger, spherical bag. They filled it with hot air from a fire and sent some farm animals in the air in a basket hung beneath it. Shortly after, this the brothers launched a 70-foot high balloon that lifted to 3000 feet and remained aloft for 25 minutes, with two men aboard. This was the first human, carrying flight technology. After this accomplishment was widely publicised, the human-carrying balloon evolved quickly.

Hot air balloons, today are able to reach thousands of meters height, with 21000 meters (69 000 feet) being the world record. Balloon flights and festivals are popular in various destinations around the world. We have selected 10 amazing locations around the world that are worth seeing from a birds-eye view.

Hot air balloon rides
Photograph found on www.ytravelblog.com

The best way to experience the ancient city of Bagan and its thousands of years temples is to get aboard on a hot air balloon and see it from the air. That´s the only way to really understand the size of one of the world´s greatest archaeological sites. Balloons Over Bagan is a privately owned Burmese, but British run company offering tours from mid-October to March off rainy season only.

Photograph found on dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com

Drift above the fascinating and breathtaking Napa Valley vineyards and watch the sunrise from the basket early in the morning. There are many companies offering flights in the region. Established in 1980 Napa Valley Balloons is Napa Valley’s oldest balloon company.

Photograph found on travelphotography.theplanetd.com
Photograph found on travelphotography.theplanetd.com

The Cerdanya Valley is located in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia. From the air, you can discover one of the most impressive valleys in Europe and its surrounding mountains the Sierra del Cadí, the Sierra del Moixeró and the Tossa de Alp. Since it is very close to the French border there is also a chance to see the area if you choose a balloon flight from Southern France. Experience the dramatic scenery with Ballooning Barcelona an established name in the industry.

Photograph found on fascinating-places.blogspot.com

Cappadocia is one of the most popular spots in the world to try a hot air balloon. The reason behind it is the utterly unique and surreal landscape that you have never witnessed before in your lifetime. Gently drifting over that fairy chimneys, through the valleys over vineyards and orchards, the different colours of the landscape will leave you breathless. Once you are back on the ground discover one of the underground cities in the region in Turkey.

Photograph found on www.atablefortwo.com.au

Watch the sunlight up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges on the Australian Outback. What would be a better way to have an amazing view other than a scenic hot air balloon flight. There is a good chance that you will see the big red kangaroos in their natural habitat. With nearly 30 years experience, Outback Ballooning is Australia’s only balloon company specialising in remote Outback operations.

Photograph found on bestplacesofinterest.com

Jaipur in Rajasthan, India is a real adventure destination – why not combine it with a once in a lifetime hot air balloon flight. Jaipur is often called the ´Pink City´has magnificent forts and palaces. On your ride, you will explore the Amber Fort, Jal Mahal and the aerial view of Jaipur. The company called Sky Waltz offers an unforgettable experience through the sky.

Photograph found on www.99traveltips.com

Hot air balloon flights in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is a truly enchanting experience. It is the northernmost part of the spectacular Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the “Great Migration” and outstanding wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles.

Photograph found on thejigsawpuzzles.com

Château-d’Oex is a hot air balloon paradise. Every year in the last week of January this part of the Swiss Alps provides the setting for the leading alpine ballooning event, the International Hot Air Balloon Week. The sky blooms with colour as hot-air balloons float over the snow peaks.Hot air ballooning is available all year round.

France, Dordogne (24), Perigord Noir, vallee de la Dordogne, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, le chateau medieval de Castelnaud qui abrite le Musee de la Guerre au Moyen-Age, vol de montgolfieres (vue aerienne)
ww.photo-paramoteur.com

Combining a gastronomic experience with a hot air balloon trip is an ultimate choice. Burgundy is a wonderful area renowned for its fine wines and châteaux. It gives every tourist, a taste, of the soul of France. Fly over the celebrated vineyards of the wine area, the spectacular medieval hilltop towns and villages of the Parc du Morvan Nature Reserve. Get in touch with the friendly and professional team of France Montgolfière Balloons, they offer trips throughout France.

Photograph found on acouplecooks.com

Angkor Wat is the world´s largest religious complex and archeological site located in Cambodia. After you have seen it from the ground and wandered for hours between the walls of this magical complex why not see it from above. Be prepared for the crowds, though. Angkor Ballooning is the only balloon company offering daily trips depending on the weather conditions.

*/ Source: TOP 10 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides /*

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