In the second instalment in our Q&A series, we recently caught up with Suzanne Jones, also known as The Travelbunny, to learn more about her life as a travel blogger and her international journey…

Why did you start The Travelbunny and why is it called that?

I wanted a creative outlet in my life so, five years ago, I decided to create an online journal where I could gather together my passion for travel, writing and photography. Food managed to sneak in there along the way as well.

I knew nothing about blogging when I started and was the least techie person ever so it was a huge learning curve. My blog started out as a hobby and evolved into The Travelbunny. My husband has always called me his Travelbunny and that’s where the name comes from. Had I known people from all over the world would eventually be reading my blog I might have gone for something a bit more grown up!

What type of networking do you do to enhance your blog?

I mainly network via social media. Instagram is one of my favourite platforms because I lust over the travel shots. I’m also active on Facebook and Twitter and have dabbled with Snapchat and Periscope. I’ve worked with a number of brands in the last few years visiting some fabulous destinations, like St Kitts and Nevis, which gives me plenty of amazing content for my blog.

How do you choose your next destination? 

More often than not my next destination chooses me! Either I’m invited on a press trip or I’m travelling for business. I have a travel wish list and always make sure I visit somewhere from that list each year. My husband loves travel too so we like to decide on the next destination together.

What’s the best and worst part of being ‘The Travelbunny’?

The best part is inspiring people to travel to places they may not have considered going to before. I love it when someone gets in touch saying they’ve just booked a trip based on something they’ve seen or read on the blog. There isn’t a worst part – I love it all!

Blogging and travelling must be challenging, how do you keep yourself motivated?

For me it goes hand-in-hand and it’s self-perpetuating. The more I travel the more I want to blog about it and the more I blog the more I want to travel.Thankfully motivation has never been an issue. I think I have that wanderlust gene.

Which destination would you like to visit in 2017?

I’d like to see more of Spain. The Basque region and San Sebastian and its food scene really appeals and I’d also like to visit Valencia. But right at the top of my wish list is a visit to South Africa, staying in a lodge and going out on safari is a bit of a dream. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is a massive thrill for me.

What has been your proudest moment as a blogger?

I have two but they go together. One was being chosen as a St Kitts brand ambassador this year and the other was winning ‘best blog feature’ in the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Journalism Awards 2016 for my ‘Hello St Kitts’ blog post. I’m still buzzing over that!

Do you have any advice for a ‘would be’ bloggers thinking of starting now!

Blog about what you love and be yourself. Be prepared to be in it for the long-haul – it takes time and commitment to become established.

What’s next for The Travelbunny?

We’re currently planning a trip to the US. We’re heading with friends to the deep south for a music inspired road trip taking in New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis and a few more stops en-route. I can’t wait to wrap myself in the music scene and get stuck into some fabulous Cajun food.

Keep up with The Travelbunny’s blog, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest

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