Talking Travel with Cris

Details: Written by: Administrator; Published: 03 January 2022; Hits: 1120

Get to know our Travel Insurance Master Affiliate, Cris of LooknWalk and LooknWalk Greece. As a travel and lifestyle writer, an Argentine tango instructor and dancer, and vegan, Cris shares a wealth of travel knowledge and expert tips!

Blogs: http://looknwalk.info ; www.greecelogue.com

Social: https://www.instagram.com/cricketro/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crislooknwalk

Cris, first off, where are you located?

Romania, Europe

When did you start your blog?

Looknwalk.info was opened in March 2011 (right after I started dating my husband). It started as a way to keep a record of your trips.

Greecelogue.com (rebranded LooknWalk Greece) was opened in 2007 by its former owner. I was the only writer for the blog and in November 2016 I also got full ownership.

Walk me through how or why you started?

Back in high school, after a trip I took with my classmates, I wrote an article for the yearly booklet. I was 14. During University, I’ve traveled in my country, but my articles were academia related (up to after finishing one of my Masters). After working in a travel agency during the last year of university, getting certified as a travel manager, and running my own agency (with a partner), I had to go on my own. And I choose to freelance (I was 24). It didn’t take long to specialize in travel writing and the Greecelogue gig happened.

Looknwalk, however, is a labor of love. It was an idea that came organically after I started dating my husband and we opened it before our first trip together as a couple, to London (in March 2011). And the rest, as they say, is history.

It grew and changed with us and our hobbies. At first, it was just about discovering destinations in Europe, suggesting budget options, and such. When we started taking Argentine Tango lessons, we quickly incorporated that in the content, suggesting where to go for classes, festivals, and so on.

I strive to offer my readers very good options to book flights, accommodation, and everything else they might need for their trips. And having worked in travel for so long and directly with travelers, I know the importance of both affordable and quality options.

Do you feature a specific type of travel or area?

Yes, Looknwalk is all about Europe; whereas LooknWalk Greece, true to its name, is about Greece. And I do prefer to highlight budget travel options for couples.

What is your favorite part about being a blogger?

I love to meet up with fellow bloggers and readers. And it’s so nice to receive emails from travelers that have used my advice and had a great time.

What is your favorite or dream destination?

My favorite destination is, without a doubt, Budapest. I’ve been there countless times and my favorite Tango instructor lives and teaches there, too.

The dream destination, however, is Buenos Aires. Because when you say Argentine Tango, you say Buenos Aires. We’d love to get a chance to attend milongas (tango parties) there.

What is your favorite travel tip?

Take half the clothes and twice the money!

You can always wash your clothes or go to a thrift store. But having the resources to be able to evacuate quickly is extremely important.

What other suggestions do you have for travelers?

You can travel on a low to medium budget. But you do need to understand that this fits best either with short (weekend) getaways close by or with slow travel. Renting a place for longer than a month, for example, is great for those who can work remotely.

Once in a while, get out of your comfort zone. Whether you end up visiting a place that ends up being “meh” or you try a new activity, you’d be surprised at how much you’ll grow as a human (and traveler).

What suggestions do you have for bloggers or what has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome with your blog?

Deciding to monetize was my biggest obstacle. When I started LooknWalk, I couldn’t monetize it because of a big client (and a big clause in the contract). Then, when I decided to part ways with them, the first thing I did was sign up for a big affiliate program.

Best of all? I do use the products / services I promote. I always get my accommodation via a certain site, for example; and yes, I have yearly travel insurance (complete with insuring my laptop, cell phone, bank cards, and documents).

How can our readers follow your travels?

I am active on social media (Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cricketro/ and Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/crislooknwalk ) and , of course, I write articles on my blogs. I’m adapting to the current situation, so right now, you might see more lifestyle than travel content.

Anything else you would like to share?

Above all, safety should be incredibly important, wherever you are. Knowing you always have someone or something to whisk you out of a possibly not-so-ideal situation gives you peace of mind. Carry a digital copy of your documents, let a trusted person where you should be at certain times, check in with them at set times. And don’t underestimate getting travel insurance. You might need it or you might not; but you’d better have it when your flights get canceled or your luggage goes missing.