Keen to explore the best of Spain and Portugal, as well as uncovering the lesser known hidden gems, we sent some travel influencers on a trip! Attaliah, nurse turned travel influencer, got the chance to explore Europe’s Mediterranean coasts with a band of fellow travellers from around the world.
Having never been on a Contiki before (totally shocking, right?), we asked Attaliah how she found her experience, and discussed the beauty of social travel. Read on to get an expert’s opinion, and maybe let yourself get a little inspired along the way…
What do you like most about traveling?
My favorite thing about traveling is being immersed in the culture, meeting new people and creating memories and experiences. When I went on my first international trip as an adult in 2016 to Thailand, it taught me that traveling has many surprises and you can meet some incredible people. In fact, I met my husband on that trip!
How did you first step into the role of ‘travel content creator’? What made you want to do this?
In 2019, my husband told me he wanted to move back to Germany, but at the time I was working full-time as a nurse, so I googled, “how to make money online.” Blogging was the first thing that popped up. My husband and I are people who love to travel all over the world, especially since we were in a long-distance relationship for a while. Friends and family had suggested we start a blog and share our content, and after seeing that, I decided to go for it! I launched my blog, which was called A Tale About a Girl at the time with a bio and zero blog posts.
Between shifts as a Registered Nurse in the NICU, I would write blog posts about past adventures and share recommendations. From the beginning of starting my travel content creator journey, I made sure to take steps that would lead to me making this my full-time position. I would use affiliate links, brand partnerships, and then I started creating my own services to monetize.
I wanted to be a content creator, so I would have the freedom to work from anywhere and support my husband in his dream of moving back to Germany. Because I took a chance on myself, I now work full-time as a content creator and business coach.
Image source:Attaliah Strubel
Which destinations are on your bucket list for 2024?
In 2024, I want to explore more of Europe.
I am really excited to go to Sardinia, Italy in the summer. A couple of other places on my list are Dubrovnik, Croatia and Formentera, Spain.
Do you find it hard to plan your vacations?
I find planning vacations fairly easy, but there are a lot of things to think about when putting the perfect trip together. This is why I loved being able to avoid the stress of planning a vacation on this Contiki trip.
What are some of the benefits of being a travel influencer?
Free travel and accommodation are often perks for travel influencers, with hotels, airlines, and other providers offering complimentary services in exchange for promotion. There’s potential for brand partnerships and sponsorships which allow you to monetize your influence, turning your passion for travel into a means of earning a living. You can build good relationships with brands as well for further opportunities down the line.
Collaborating with fellow influencers in the travel space is a unique opportunity. It not only broadens your reach but also introduces your content to new audiences, creating a collaborative community within the travel sphere.But beyond the glamour, being a travel influencer provides a platform to make a positive impact. You can inspire others to explore the world while using your influence to raise awareness about crucial issues such as sustainability and conservation. It’s not just about the destinations; it’s about leaving a lasting and positive mark on the travel community.
Image source:Attaliah Strubel
Have you ever been to Spain or Portugal before? Have you ever been on a Contiki before?
I had been to Barcelona and Tossa de Mar last year, but this trip took me to new places in Spain I hadn’t been before. Same with Portugal, I travelled there a few years ago, but I haven’t been back since and I got to see new facets. This was my first time traveling with Contiki and I loved being able to see another side of Spain and Portugal!
Did you make any new friends? What memory was your favourite from the trip? What experience surprised you the most?
Yes, I was able to meet some amazing people from New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and the United States, who I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to meet if not for this trip!
We created a playlist together and sang along to it with each other during the coach rides. My favourite part of this was that you really got to see everyone’s personality based on the song they chose! Another memorable experience was staying at the monastery in Cordoba. We had an amazing dinner there with lots of laughs and great conversation.
I was surprised by how friendly everyone was. Sometimes when you meet people you have the moment when you’re just getting to know them and it can be a bit awkward, but it was like we had known each other for years, and getting to hang out on the trip felt completely normal!
Image source:Attaliah Strubel
What did you like most about travelling with Contiki? Would you recommend it to your friends?
A couple of the things I liked about Contiki is that it was hassle-free. The meticulously planned itineraries covered everything from transportation to accommodation, activities, and meals, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the joy of exploration without getting bogged down by logistical worries.
Another standout aspect was the unparalleled social experience. Traveling with diverse groups of young explorers created a lively and dynamic atmosphere, offering a chance to forge connections, make friends from around the globe, and embark on a shared adventure.
Additionally, the exploration was enriched by a blend of iconic attractions and hidden gems, carefully curated by expert tour leaders who shared insights and anecdotes. Lastly, affordability and flexibility were key factors.
I would definitely recommend it to my friends who are looking for an adventure of a lifetime.
