Interview: Ian Mackenzie On The Importance Of Travel

MTF: What is your background and what initially inspired you to set up your own online travel magazine?

My own background is in Communication and Journalism, though I’ve always had an interest in travel and web design.  With the advent of blogging, of course, it wasn’t long before I jumped on the bandwagon and starting publishing my thoughts to the world.  Unfortunately, I quickly ran out of material – or at least thoughts that I cared sharing with other people.  So after a year-long hiatus, I returned to the blogging scene with the idea of creating a group blog about the nature of travel.  Hence, Brave New Traveler was born.

MTF: How would you describe the content that Brave New Traveler publishes?

I would describe our material as essays/tips/and opinions about the “nature of travel.”  So rather than destination specific travel stories or fluff pieces about the best hotels and attractions to visit, BNT attempts to explore why and how we travel.  Travel today is also undergoing large changes with the advent of technology and travel blogging, so we include tips and tricks as well.  But by far, the most unique and rewarding articles we publish are the ones that challenge what it means to leave your life behind and hit the open road.

MTF: Can you explain a bit more about what you mean by ‘Exploring the inner journey through the outer world’, and how do you think travel is changing?

That tagline came to me as I was searching for something appropriate that set us apart from other travel mags – and I think I was able to capture it.  Basically, it relates to what the great travelers have told us since the beginning: travel isn’t about exploring new lands.  It’s about exploring yourself, and opening you mind.  It’s about the journey rather than the destination.  And it’s about leaving home only to return and see it anew once again.  On that note, travel hasn’t changed much since the first explorers pushed the boundaries of the known world.  As much as you research your trip before-hand, real travel will shatter your expectations…if you’re open enough to experience it.

MTF: Do you think that more young people could benefit from taking time out to travel before studying for a college degree?

Absolutely, I think everyone should travel extensively before heading into college. I made the mistake of entering University right out of high school, which resulted in a few years of disinterestedly wandering through courses that I hated.  About halfway through my program, I took off for Australia – working a variety of low skilled jobs and traveling for 8 months.  When I came back, I knew more about myself and the life I wanted to lead.  This gave me direction and motivation to complete my degree and start living.

There is a video on YouTube of you doing a shot of vodka at 7.19am when BNT passed 100 subscribers. What’s you next milestone and what sort of celebration can we expect?

The next milestone is 1000 subscribers.  I’m not quite sure how to celebrate, but rest assured, it will likely involve more alcohol.  And perhaps nudity…well okay, maybe just more alcohol.

MTF: What advice would you give to someone going off travelling for the first time?

Be prepared for the unknown. If you are truly traveling,  open your mind, and don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to situations outside of your comfort zone.  No doubt you will be miserable some of the time, but as for the rest, you will find yourself marveling at the most beautiful moments of your life.