Sarah Richard, Founder of Coffee With A Slice of Life

1) Hi Sarah, and congratulations on being a globelle gal in focus! Can you tell us where in the world we can currently find you? 

Hi there! I'm currently in the crazy city of Hong Kong.

2) What inspired you to first start travelling?

Life inspired me— I realised how short it was and how it wasn’t going to wait around for me so I’d better get out there and live it! Its overwhelming sometimes when you think of all the amazing places in the world. I wasn’t prepared to just fantasise about them, I decided I was going to see them for myself!

3) What's been your favourite place to visit, and why?

Colombia. Hands down. That place completely stole my heart from day one. I only planned to stay less than a week and ended up staying 7. I’d say the biggest charm is the people: they're incredibly friendly, outgoing and of course passionate! It also has some of the most spectacular scenery I have seen in all my travels; waterfalls, palm trees and exotics birds are all there to be enjoyed while sipping the best cup of coffee you will ever have!

4) Who would you say has been the most influential person to your travels?

Cliché; but of course it has to be my mum! She took me to NYC for my 17th birthday and we tackled the city just the 2 of us and loved it! She had such a spirit for adventure and it totally rubbed off on me. When she unexpectedly passed away four years ago, I knew I had to carry on exploring the world not just for me, but for the both of us.

Sarah exploring the Salt Flats of Bolivia in her best backpacker chic: the enduring tucked in socks and trousers combination!

5) What's the worst thing that's happened to you on the road? How did you deal with it?

I got food poisoning in Peru on Christmas day and ended up having to spend Christmas and Boxing Day in hospital. Food poisoning is never fun and the whole thing just really sucked; I felt awful, I was without the comfort of friends and family who were far away, and I was missing out on the festive celebrations. Luckily, I was working in a hostel at the time where the staff were all great, they checked up on me regularly and they even paid for my excess on my travel insurance so I didn’t have to lose out any more! (HQ: Further proof that it's the people you meet on the road who can often make your trip!)

6) Obviously life on the road is about less possessions and more moments, but what is the one thing you cannot travel without?

My camera. Having been so lucky to have travelled so extensively, it's sometimes hard to pin point places and countries and the memory of a particular moment.  However, seeing a photo always brings it all back. I love photography and capturing places through my own eye. I find it really relaxing and a great way to destress. I always carry around my Canon PowerShot and my GoPro to capture those underwater shots! 

7) You're the founder of Coffee With A Slice of Life. How did this come about? What inspired you to start this?

I remember the exact day actually - I was in Ecuador, volunteering in a guest house and I had some free time. For months people had been telling me I should ‘write all this down’ and ‘tell others how they can do it too’. 

I felt particular inspired that day and really wanted others to experience the wealth of travelling. So I sat down with a piece of paper and wrote down all the things I loved in life. A few hours later the name 'Coffee with a slice of life' came about. I wanted a name that felt achievable and easy, just like having a coffee but having a slice of life instead of cake. The first year of it's development was great, I just spent it putting everything together and getting to know what people wanted. Now i'm in my 2nd year and so far it has been awesome reaching out to people all around the world and getting to work with some fantastic companies and bloggers. I can't wait to see what the future holds.

8) What does your day to day role of running Coffee With A Slice of Life include?

The first thing I do is check my emails. I usually have a few from hungry explorers wanting advice on specific destinations, and then some more who are wanting general advice on how to afford to continuously travel and how to do it solo etc. I then check my Facebook and reply to any comments. I usually try and put something up in the morning, either a photo or blog post. There's always an interview or article to write in the pipeline so I grab my laptop go and sit in a coffee shop and drink way too much coffee (HQ: our kind of gal). I love having days where all I do is work on the website, but I also make sure it doesn’t take up all of my time: it's important I am being true to myself and still travelling and exploring whatever country I'm in at that point!

Sarah's view over Pammakale, Turkey at Sunset. Are we jealous? You bet.

9) As a long term traveller, what are your biggest tips for those also considering an extensive stint on the road? Are there any comforts of home that you miss? 

I think at the beginning there are things you miss, but as time goes on you realise how little you can live without and you find new home comforts. My biggest bit of advice would be to just take everyday as it comes, try not to make too many plans or plan in too much detail. Things don’t always work out perfectly on the road, but if you carry an attitude that ‘its the journey that matters not the destination’ you will find yourself a lot more relaxed.

10) What does travelling mean to you?

Travelling is the essence of life, its what keeps my heart pumping so fast and a smile stuck permanently on my face. I know I wouldn’t be half as happy as I am now if I hadn’t seen this beautiful world we live in. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to travel, but for me it is no longer a opportunity but more of a lifestyle. Its the life I have chosen. So to me travel means to live.

11) If you could offer one piece of advice to those considering travelling for the first time, either solo or as part of a group, what would it be? 
 

You only regret the chances you didn’t take. If you are looking for the ‘right time’ I assure you it wont happen, there really is no time like RIGHT NOW! Come and join me and have the time of your life!!

12) How can people get in contact with you? 

I’d love for you to get in contact with me! Make sure you follow me on my Facebook page Facebook.com/coffeewithaslicethat way you can follow my everyday life (currently in Hong Kong) and you can email me at sarah@coffeewithasliceoflife.com! But don’t stop there, if we happen to be in the same place lets meet for a coffee! I LOVE meeting new people, especially ones who will love a good travel chat!

Sarah swinging through life in Banos, Ecuador. And yes, we're in love with the swing.