Meet the Globetrotter Behind Brand Travels: Sharon Brand

Happy Friday my lovely ASSASSINS! We’re back with another feature and I’m excited about this one because I personally learned so much. Sharon Brand has traveled allover the world in such a short period of time! She was kind enough to share her experiences with us as well as drop some gems along the way. I know you all will enjoy her story as much as I did! Now onto the feature!

Tell us about yourself and why you started brandtravels.com!

I am a 21 year old student, studying Communications in Tel Aviv, Israel. I was born in Paris and then moved to Montreal at the age of 6. I think this is how my addiction to traveling and my passion to exploring new places started. I created BrandTravels in 2016 with the hope to inspire and share my traveling adventures with everyone. My blog is about traveling in style and eating the most amazing local food. It’s been a year and a half since I started and it’s been going better than ever.

What made you want to start traveling all over the world? Was there a certain experience that opened your eyes to travel?

I’ve been on-the-go since forever and going on a plane has and will always be the thing I love most; even though I freak out when I feel turbulence. No special experience really opened my eyes but I just always loved capturing the best moments, sharing it with the world and inspire others. If you guys have that butterfly feeling in your stomach when thinking about traveling then great! This is how I feel on a day to day basis when I’m ready to explore new surroundings.

You’ve been to A LOT of places, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

New York City, Rome and definitely Tel Aviv. New York City is just THE place to be at. The city, the people, the subway, the food and places to visit is endless! When I travelled to Rome, the art left me speechless. It was beyond spectacular. Last but not least, Tel Aviv is a mix of New York City mixed with the beach. It’s perfection! Those three cities just have the best energy possible.

I see you also blog about the food you’ve experienced overseas! What’s the best and worst dish you’ve ever tried?

Such a good question! The best dish I had was definitely in my 12 days trip to Italy. I had pasta and pizza for a week and a half and everyday was better than the other. Little heads up, pasta is my favourite meal. The worst was actually in New York. After the Lion King Broadway show, my brother and I went into a restaurant called Carmine that only served big portions. Let me tell you that those were not normal big portions. It was enormous. HUGE lasagnas, HUGE salads and even BIGGER mac n’cheese. We literally left the place. Didn’t even had to taste anything to know it was the worst place I’ve been at!

Have you experienced “culture shock” yet? If so, how did you manage it?

I really did and it’s so good to be asked that. In Israel, EVERYTHING is different than Canada. Doctors, banks, jobs, salary, food, renting apartment, going grocery shopping. I managed it by taking it day by day. I think it’s really the only thing you could do or you can seriously go nuts in a country that’s different than what you’re used to. And don’t get me wrong, I still get frustrated at bus drivers and waiters at restaurants. I just learned to be more in control of my angriness. Ha!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from traveling?

That not only each place is unique, but you also have to open your eyes and see it all to believe it. Always look in front of you and keep your eyes open; you don’t know what you might see, trust me!

How do you plan out your trips and where to travel next? Regarding booking flights, accommodations, excursions, etc.

I usually use cheapoair to book my flights. It gives the best deals and airlines which is something I’m careful of. I am a bit picky with the airlines I chose but that’s only because of safety reasons. I take care of the accommodations through Expedia and I’ve never been more satisfied with this website. It’s quick and easy to use. For activities and where to eat, unless someone really tells me to go somewhere, I just go with the flow and see where the wind takes me!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to travel more often?

Start organizing today! Plan your next destination, save up the money you need and get a good itinerary of the things you will have to visit.

Do you prefer traveling alone or with friends and family?

I can’t really answer this question since I’ve never traveled alone yet. I do love having my peace and quiet, but I can’t imagine being alone for 2 weeks in a city I don’t know. I guess that’s just not me!

Anything else that you would like for us to know?

Yes! Do what your heart tells you and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Either it’s starting a blog like me or doing something you’ve never did before, don’t be scared to pursue your dreams! Time flies and it’s so important to do the things we love today. Just remember that.

To stay connected with Sharon, please make sure to join her newsletter at Brandtravels.com and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram @BrandTravels! I hope you all enjoyed this week’s Feature Friday post! Don’t forget to subscribe and I’ll talk to you next week!

Until next time ASSASSINS. . . Stay Motivated!

Miss Ashley Allison