Over the past few weeks, we’ve been interviewing some of the most respected and interesting travel bloggers on the internet. In this interview we’ll be talking to James Smith of Only By Land to discuss his adventures travelling around the world and his experiences in Slovenia. By now, James has visited over 120 countries. In 2017 he was traveling from Lisbon to Tehran by land and passed through Slovenia.
James Smith at the Bled Castle above Lake Bled.
Travel Interview: James Smith from Only By Land
1. For our readers who don’t know you, please tell us a bit about yourself and how you started to travel?
I’m James from Yorkshire in the north of England. I took my first solo trip at 18 years old when I visited the north eastern states of USA, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts etc. I enjoyed it so much that I then went to Mexico and Central America. In the following years I’ve visited over 120 countries.
2. Please tell us about your travel blog Daily Travel Pill? When did you begin writing it? What makes it different from other travel blogs?
I started writing Only By Land 3 years ago. About 6 years ago I traveled from Antarctica to Alaska by land (and sea) which I wanted to write about and share my photos. I’ve also traveled from London to Jakarta by land and more recently from Lisbon to Tehran which is when I passed through Slovenia.
3. Where are you currently in the world?
I am currently in Berlin, Germany. I’m visiting a travel fair but I’ll also visit some of the points of interest of the city such as the abandoned Tempelhof airport.
4. How and when did you decide to explore Slovenia?
In 2017 I was traveling from Lisbon, Portugal to Tehran, Iran only by land and passed through Slovenia.
5. Do you have a favourite destination in Slovenia and why?
My favourite destination is the Krvavec ski resort. It’s perfect for skiing but it was photographing the surroundings which made it special for me.
6. Any interesting experiences during your travels in Slovenia?
Taking the piste caterpillar on the ski slopes of Krvavec.
7. What did you find in Slovenia that you didn’t expect?
I arrived in Slovenia after a month in Italy. I didn’t expect it to be so much cheaper than it’s neighbour!
8. Is there anywhere you visited in Slovenia that did not live up to your expectations?
A visit to the salt pans of Piran. The staff were rude and it’s not particularly beautiful or interesting. Buy the salt in Piran or Portoroz but don’t waste your time visiting the salt pans.
9. Did you learn any Slovenian words while you were in Slovenia?
Just hello and thank you.
10. Have you tried any traditional Slovenian dishes or desserts such as the Carniolan sausage, Zlikrofi or Potica?
Yes, I tried these and they were all good, my favorite was the Zlikrofi dumplings. For dessert, my favourite was the Bled cream cake.
11. What is your advice to others who want to visit and explore Slovenia?
Just go. If you can’t find a good value flight to Ljubljana, try flying to Venice and take a direct bus from there.
12. How would you describe Slovenia in one word?
Green.
13. How would you describe your travel style and what can readers expect when they visit your blog and social media?
My travel style is only by land, or by boat where land is not possible. In each destination I visit, I share original photos and positive descriptions of the points of interest. I’m most active on Instagram where I share the Instagram worthy locations I discover during my travels.
14. How do you fund your travelling?
It’s not as expensive as you think.
15. Can you imagine life without travel?
If I didn’t travel, I would probably live in a house with a wife and children.
16. What is your favourite place in the world to travel to and why?
I like to travel to my home in Yorkshire, England. As well as beautiful countryside, the food is delicious and the people are friendly.
17. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
This summer I’m planning to live in Central America, probably El Salvador or Nicaragua. The main reason is because they are not as developed, photographed or written about as other countries in the region so I should produce good original content.
18. Have you visited a place that turned out to be completely different to how you imagined? If so, how?
Actually, Slovenia was much different. I imagined only Lake Bled and Ljubljana but there’s much more to see. In addition, I visited the spa region, ski resort and Medieval Piran. Even after spending a week in Slovenia, I know there is much more to see. One place I’ll visit on my next trip is Maribor, I would like to take a long exposure shot of the love heart road.
19. Do you have a Bucket List? If so where are the 5 top places on it?
Walk the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon, see Victoria Falls, travel only by land through Borneo, watch a football match in Westfalenstadion Dortmund and travel only by land through the Stans.
20. Please share a unique or funny travel experience.
Traveling through Mali on a bus protected by 2 soldiers.
21. Have you had any bad experiences whilst travelling?
I was robbed by a policeman in Venezuela. I was arriving on a bus to Ciudad Bolivar and he was checking passengers documents. Once he saw I was a foreigner, he took me off the bus I and searched me for money. I ended up giving him a 20 Euro bill but he wanted a lot more.
22. What favourite photos would you like to share with us from your trip to Slovenia?
Photo 1 – Mountains view Krvavec Ski Resort
Photo 2 – Sunset from Krvavec Ski Resort Hotel window
Photo 3 – Piste Caterpillar at Krvavec Ski Resort
Photo 4 – Supermoon early morning at Krvavec Ski Resort
Photo 5 – Slovenian Wine
Photo 6 – Bled Cream Cake
Photo 7 – Ljubljana Christmas Lights
Photo 8 – Ljubljana Castle
Photo 9 – Piran at Christmas
Photo 10 – Sunset at Portoroz
All photos © James Smith.
Thank you, James Smith, for taking the time to answer our questions and for sharing your favourite photos from your trip to Slovenia! Safe Travels!
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While visiting Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana James was lucky enough to meet the mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Jankovic. He gave him a tour of the town hall and explained his vision for the future of Ljubljana.
Connect with James Smith
Website: onlybyland.com
Facebook: facebook.com/onlybyland
Twitter: twitter.com/only_by_land
Instagram: instagram.com/onlybyland
Pinterest: pinterest.com/only_by_land
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I’ve been dying to make it to Slovenia. It looks like there are so many beautiful places to see, but Piran hadn’t made my radar before–it is definitely on my list now!
I still need to go to Slovenia! Piran looks lovely. I would love to check out the city walls and try the seafood.
Oh, this looks absolutely great!! What a pretty country. It reminds me a little of Austria, but way way less discovered.
Slovenia looks like such a cute country! I’ve been wanting to visit it for a while now so hopefully I can go next summer!