Easily topping the list of my favorite travel blogs right now is Wanderlusters; a blog which tracks adventure couple Ben and Charli as they slowly make their way around the world.  

After having given up their corporate careers and sold all of their possessions for a life of perpetual travel they’ve blown everyone within the travel industry away with their quick rise through the ranks of travel blogs.  They have National Geographic worthy photographs, incredible stories from all around the world, and a thirst for adventure which is so inspiring it’s no wonder so many people want to live vicariously through their travels!

I was lucky enough to catch up with Charli for a quick word before she flies to Greece next week on a writing assignment, sailing around the Saronic Archipelago – what a life!

Charli and Ben: Teddy’s Lookout on the Great Ocean Road

What do you love the most about travelling?

For us it is the freedom to roam, to wake up each day and explore. Travel has opened our eyes to so many aspects of life to which we were previously blind. It’s offered us the chance to live a more balanced life and to set our priorities in order.

No longer are we slaves to a 9 to 5.

What inspired your wanderlust for travel?

We have both felt a little trapped at times. Working long hours in the city, commuting back and forth, it can fog your head if you’re not careful. We both wanted to break free from that lifestyle. To channel our energies into something we were passionate about. That fed our interests and sparked our passions.

Travel has given us that push, to start our own projects and aspire to achieve independent success.

What is ‘Wanderlusters’ all about?

Wanderlusters is essentially a travel resource. While we share snippets from our travel diary the majority of articles are location specific, detailing our visit and our thoughts. We wanted to create a platform on which to share our journey and inspire others to break free and strive for their own idea of wanderlust.

Photography is a big part of our blog as we strive to paint a picture of the places we have been.

Incredible Photography. Painting a picture of the great barrier Reef, Australia.

What has been your favourite adventure so far?

Ben spent over an hour swimming with a pod of wild dolphins early one morning in Western Australia. We had camped beside the beach the night before and were up early when we spotted them. With over 40 in the pod it was a pretty incredible sight to see them all ridding the waves towards you. They would come in close and then dart off in all directions.

For me it would have to be learning to scuba dive in Costa Rica. While I found the experience very challenging it offered me the opportunity to get a handle on my relationship with anxiety. Plus it has opened up some incredible opportunities to explore the natural world.

Charli during Divemaster training

One thing which you don’t like about travelling?

Sometimes the physical act of travelling can be extremely trying. When flights are delayed or you leave your bag on the bus. Little things that would be an inconvenience in day to day life become real issues when you experience them on a regular basis.

What’s it like travelling with your spouse?

I think we’d both agree it has to be the best way to travel. You’re sharing every experience with your best friend and the one you love simultaneously. While sometimes the stress of certain situations can cause a few arguments you soon learn to make up quickly and get on with the task at hand!

Biggest cultural shock you have experienced while travelling?

We’re doing pretty well on that front. No massive shocks to the system, although the public transport system in Nicaragua was rather interesting. Definitely something one has to adapt too!

The greatest challenge you’ve faced while travelling?

Learning Spanish was a challenge for us both, neither of us are very adept with languages so it took a lot of focus and practise.

Funniest or most embarrassing travel moment?

It’s going to have to be the moment that led to this picture. We were completing our safety stop after having just dived with reef sharks in the Coral Sea. I spotted a shark behind Ben and as I tried to communicate that fact to him I snapped a picture which turned out to be rather amusing.

Ben looks thoroughly confused and the shark looks rather disinterested!

Confusion on the Great Barrier Reef!

Three things you can’t travel without?

• A sense of adventure
• Hiking boots
• Clean panties!

Which destinations are at the top of your bucket list?

• Madagascar
• Chile
• Greenland

Most practical piece of travel advice?

‘If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space’ – Stephen Hunt

Why should people travel?

Travel offers a unique insight into the world in which we live.

It allows you to get up close to such a diverse range of environments, cultures and people. It opens your mind to a new way of looking at your own life and the values you hold. Above all it teaches you to appreciate your blessings and manage the difficulties you face. It teaches tolerance and understanding, and it enriches your understanding of this incredible planet.

Charli and Ben – Wanderlusters

Charli Moore is a freelance writer and travel addict with a penchant for dark chocolate. In 2011 she and her other half Ben waved ‘Adios’ to the corporate world and jumped head first into a life of perpetual travel.

You can follow the adventures of this writer/photographer team over at Wanderlusters or find them on Facebook and Twitter.