Welcome back to Feature Friday! Today we have the pleasure of getting to know Maegan. She is a fun and vibrant individual with a deep passion for travel and an active lifestyle, and absolutely loves combining the two! Continue reading to learn more about Maegan and her blog 🙂
1. Thank you for deciding to be a part of Feature Friday. Could you tell us a little about yourself and your blog?
Hey y’all, I’m Maegan White, I call myself The Wanderlust Dietitian because nutrition affords me a life of adventure…sorta. I have worked as a clinical dietitian in a hospital, an adjunct professor at a local college, a health educator for a corporate wellness company, and now a freelancer.
The Wanderlust Dietitian was established in 2016, as a travel blog that focuses on supporting local businesses, immersing readers in new cultures, and teaching YOU how to travel affordably. We prefer fast-paced itineraries and outdoor sights. We strive to live like the locals do by going off-the-beaten-path! We believe, wholeheartedly, that travel and wellness is for EVERYONE!
We document our adventures through, articles, videos, and photography, and show YOU how best to actively experience a city in a fleeting time. Given our professional backgrounds, we focus on cultural highlights, outdoor activities, and local flavors.
2. Why did you decide to become a travel blogger?
August 2016 is when I officially opened my first WordPress site. I have wanted to blog for about 2 yrs though. I wanted a space to creatively encourage others to see the world.
3. What do you love so much about travelling?
I love the freedom to choose who you want to be on the road. I love meeting new people, learning various languages, and trying unfamiliar cuisine.
4. Have you ever regretted doing something while travelling?
Not yet! So far, my “mistakes” have turned into amazing experiences.
5. What’s the scariest thing you’ve done while travelling?
Two things come to mind. 1. My husband and I rented a vespa in La Spezia, Italy and drove it along the coast to Portovenere. The ride up was beautiful at sunset, but the ride back was terrifying because there were no streetlights! 2. Also in Italy, we got off the train in Camucia and needed to take the bus up to Cortona. The bus had just left and comes every hour on the hour. A gentleman offered to ride us into town in his convertible, we did it, but I was terrified he was an axe murderer. I’ve seen too many horror films!
6. What is your most embarrassing travel story?
Oh golly, I had a breakdown on the train headed from Cinque Terre to Venice! The train car was packed with tourists carrying OVERSIZED suitcases, my coffee had spilled all over me, and my husband and I had gotten separated into other train cars. I lost all the composure I had! Everyone glared at me during the 5 hour ride!
7. Have you ever travelled solo? Would you do it again? If you haven’t, would you ever do it?
I have only traveled solo within the USA. I’ve traveled mostly for conferences or weddings but have ventured away from the group to sight see on my own. I would do it again. When a travel opportunity presents itself to you, be brave and take it!
8. Out of all the cities & countries you’ve visited, which did you like the least? Why?
I disliked Venice. There was so much hype built up that it was a total let down upon arrival. The restaurants were run by foreigners, the pizza was frozen, and the food was unauthentic. We did manage an enjoyable time but I wouldn’t return.
9. Out of all the cities & countries you’ve visited, which did you like the most? Why?
This is a tossup between Bella Florence and Dreamy Paris. I love the history both contain and the fact they are on a waterway. I love the variety of food and things to do outdoors in each city.
10. If you had to choose on place to live for the rest of your life, where would it be, and why?
This is near impossible to answer because I have so much traveling left in my boots. I loved Portland, OR, Virginia, Asheville, North Carolina, and Florence, Italy. I’d be happy in any of those places because there are outdoor adventures, a scrumptious fusion of food, and history.
11. Are there any social norms or practices you’ve encountered on your travels that you wish were normal in your culture?
Yes, I am from the USA, so when I gallivant around Europe, I am always sad to come home. I wish America had a healthcare system that benefited the majority of the population, I wish there were less chain restaurants, more market days, and better walkability of cities.
12. Is there anywhere you would not visit? Where, and why?
In short, NO. I would be leary to visit the Middle East right now as woman and American. However, I refuse to let my fears keep me at home.
13. What is one thing that is too large or impractical to travel with that you wish you could bring with you when you travel?
My Delonghi espresso machine and Lavazza espresso. I LOVE it!
14. Do you think there’s a difference between people who deem themselves tourists vs. travellers? What do you consider yourself, and why?
I say, who cares what you call yourself so long as you’re traveling. I do identify as a traveler, simply because, I like to hang with the locals and take in the daily life of a town. You won’t catch me at a resort!
15. What does home mean to you?
Wherever my husband and 2 spaniels are, that is home for me.
16. What advice would you give an aspiring travel blogger?
Be patient, you are in for a long and sometimes frustrating road. However, you will learn so much! With every milestone you reach, your confidence builds. It’s addicting and can open many doors.
Thank you Maegan for being a guest on Life with Larissa! I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your adventures, and thoughts with us today. My all-time favorite city is Paris, as well. I love the sights, the sounds, the taste, and just the overall atmosphere. My dream is to one day live there; even if it’s for just a short period of time. I love the advice Maegan shares about blogging. When I started my blog, I knew nothing and I became frustrated so many times. But it’s definitely rewarding, and I meet super cool people along the way [like Maegan]. Best of luck Maegan and Michael, as you start your new adventure in Europe next year! I look forward to keeping up with your adventures!
Did you enjoy what you read? Get to know more about the blogger!
Maegan White is a southern Alabama girl with an adventurous spirit. At age 18, she left her home country (USA) to explore Mexico. In college, she ventured all over the Southeastern USA in search of new surroundings. She dreamed of living abroad in a European country someday. After college, she became a registered dietitian and obtained a Master’s in Public Health. She spent the next 5 years chasing society’s dreams, and that has led her to the here and now.
She is married to her childhood sweetheart, Michael White. They have been together for 9 years total. In the spring of 2018, Maegan, her husband, and 2 spaniels will be moving to Europe. They are going to buy an RV and gallivant throughout the UK and EU.
Connect with Maegan at the following: