→ How do you afford to travel so much?
I've grown up traveling and would much rather spend my money on that than on anything else! I put as much money as possible aside for my travel savings and I value experiences over materialistic objects. I also love to shop secondhand.
I worked during university and full-time after graduation to save up for travel, taking my vacation days to go on shorter trips. In December 2018, I quit my job in Canada and traveled almost full-time for twenty months through seven countries. During this time, I was based out of New Zealand where I had a year-long working holiday visa to earn money while I traveled.
In September 2020, I moved to Europe where I was lucky enough to land a remote full-time position. I was based first in Belgium and now in Austria, but am often to be found elsewhere, traveling as much as I can.
→ What camera do you use to take all your photos?
Check out my Amazon Storefront to see everything I use and travel with! As an Amazon Influencer, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
→ Did you go to university?
Yes, I earned my Bachelor's degree in 2016 from the University of British Columbia in Canada. Read about my experience here.
→ Who takes your photos?
If I'm traveling with someone, they take my photos! Otherwise, my preference is to use a tripod. I also ask people around me; when asking someone to take a photo of you, don't be afraid to tell them what kind of photo and angles you want and encourage them to take multiple photos.
→ How long have you been blogging?
JanaMeerman.com was launched in April 2014 just before my four-month summer trip to Europe. I back-dated a couple of my blog posts from before that time because they're an important part of my travels.
→ How do you edit your photos?
All my photos on Instagram and my blog are edited with Adobe Lightroom.
→ Where are you from?
I am half-German, half-Dutch and hold three passports: British, Canadian and Dutch! I was born in the UK where I lived for eight years. We also lived in the US before immigrating to Canada where I lived for twelve years. I was then based out of New Zealand for nearly two years while traveling full-time, before moving back to Europe in 2020, living first in Belgium and now in Austria. (So to answer your question: everywhere?)
→ How many countries have you been to?
67, for now, on six of the world's seven continents! My goal is to one day visit all 270 on my list. Check out my bucket list for every country in the world here.
→ How many countries have you lived in?
Six countries...so far: England, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Belgium and Austria.
→ What's your favourite country you've visited?
It's hard to compare where I've been since everywhere is so different. I like to live in the moment and enjoy the experiences and opportunities that come my way. Having said that, New Zealand would have to be my favourite, with Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Oman, Norway, Italy, Austria and Türkiye probably rounding out my current top ten, in no particular order.
→ You still didn't answer my question!
I love hearing from readers with any questions or comments they have about anything travel-related or stuff I get up to. Head over to my contact page and I look forward to hearing from you!
→ I've got a brand or company and I want to work with you.
Amazing! Find out how to work with me over on my collaboration page. I look forward to hearing from you!
