Wanderlust Traveler | Dominique from Dominique in the City

I’ve recently started following Dominique Heusdens from Dominique in the City and I fell in love with the way she captures images that will make anyone pack their bags and hunt down the place she creatively encapsulated.

In my latest project, Wanderlust Traveler, I’ll be featuring travel bloggers and enthusiasts who constantly remind me how beautiful South Africa really is. They will be sharing their experience, photo essays and tips on local travel and, get you a little bit more excited to travel more.

1) Tells us more about Dominique in the City and, why you created your blog?

I’ve always been a little bit awkward and introverted. Extending my hand just as someone is coming in for a hug is just one small example. And don’t get me started on public speaking. Can anyone relate? Just me then? Okay. Awkwardness aside, being behind my camera has always made me braver. I love telling stories through photography.

I started this blog in January 2016 after going through a pretty rough year. A separation and a pending divorce shook my world in 2015 and, I found myself at a crossroads. I found myself in an unknown future. I found myself kid-free every second weekend. What to do? I could sit at home and mope (well, I did that for a while but it started getting pretty boring). Or I could go out there and create something.

It was natural for me to start a Travel Blog. I have been working in the tourism industry for a couple of years, and like most people, love to travel.

2) What does travel mean to you and, where does your love for travel come from?

I got bitten by the travel bug at a very young age. Growing up in a tiny diamond mining town in Namibia meant many road trips: from quick weekends to Cape Town to stock up on essentials (there was only ONE shop in that tiny town) to camping trips – we spent lots of time on the road. I have fond memories of braaing under the stars and long endless roads flanked by the beautiful South African landscape. A road trip is still one of my favourite ways to get to my destination.

3) What is your planning tips and budget tricks when going on a holiday?

I do quite a bit of research in the planning stages. I will search Bookings.com, TravelGround, Airbnb, TripAdvisor all before I actually book. I like a bargain, particularly when I am traveling with my kids – it can get expensive! I also try and book my flights a couple of months in advance. I usually book with Kulula, as I receive a discount via my Discovery Vitality!

4) Your most memorable trip and, why?

My first overseas trip is my most memorable. I went to Istanbul and Athens. What I loved most about it is the complete culture shock, the food, the culture, and history!

5) Any general trends affecting travel these days?

I am seeing #Staycations as a major trend these days. I’m a huge advocate for traveling within your own country and I welcome this trend immensely.

6) Your favourite foods to eat while traveling?

My favourite road trip snack is a Lunch Bar. Don’t ask me why. I never eat them at any other time! I particularly LOVE hotel breakfasts – as a mom of two it’s so nice having someone else make breakfast for you.

7) What equipment do you travel with?

Camera, laptop and my phone.

8) Worst holiday so far and, why you won’t recommend it?

I actually cannot think of any.

9) Any advice to people who would like to start traveling?

Do some research, but don’t over plan your time at your destination. I like to plan a few activities or outings, but the rest of the time I like to go with the flow.

10) Where can we find you? Social Links, Blog, etc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DominiqueInTheCity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominiqueinthecity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dheusdensza

Until the next adventure.