3 Topics I Am Exploring on Substack Right Now
18 months ago, fear and perfectionism stopped me from starting this Substack.
1 month ago, I finally shared my first post.
Then silence.
Because perfectionism and the need to “find the right time” to start writing stopped me once more.
So I’m experimenting with a 15 day writing challenge of publishing something every day even when I don’t feel it’s “perfect” to get the writing reps in.
There are 3 topics I am actively thinking about a lot these days and will be writing on over the next 15 days:
Topic #1: Travel
I am interested in travel and travel planning because I believe exploring the world and creating memorable experiences with your loved ones is a smart use of your time and money.
I got on my first plane ride when I was just shy of 2 years.
Following my parents overseas as they pursued university. Too young to even hold my own passport, I was an extra page in my mum’s passport (I still have it!)
I guess, you can say I caught the travel buy then.
I’ve been sharing photos and photo stories on and off for the last 8 years on Travelling Lens blog. But I want to use Substack as my space and community to connect with like-minded explorers, photographers and travellers.
My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.
- Steve McCurry
Topic #2: Points and miles game
I first got interested in the points and miles game when I got my first credit card over 15 years ago.
Points and travel hacking website introduced me to the world of low cost travel while doing it in comfort or style (sometimes both)—and since then, I have learned a lot about the importance of:
Being strategic with the credit cards you open.
Optimising for bonus point category spends.
How to value points in the right ways.
And so much more.
Topic #3: Travel Photography
It’s the classic story.
My interest in photography started with my dad.
Even though we didn’t grow up with a lot of money. My parents were careful with money and saved enough to buy a film camera to take family photos, or photos on the rare family trip we went on.
In my teenage years, digital cameras came raging into the market and cameras became more affordable and accessible.
We got our first family digital point and shoot camera. Some Sony Cybershot camera. Even thought it was the family camera, I got the most use out of it.
I took it to school, when I hung out with friends, when we took an annual family vacation.
Since I started to earn my own way through the world, I’ve had the privilege getting better cameras, learning the ins-and-outs of photography and traveling the world with a camera in hand.
These days I shoot with a Fujifilm X-T4 camera and a bunch of Fujinon lens.
Most recently my favourite places to take photos has been while hiking and explore some of America’s great National Parks.
Photography is something do I because of the joy of creating and memorialising an experience.
If any of these topics sound interesting to you, drop a comment—I would love to connect and follow your journey too!