{"id":13301,"date":"2018-08-07T22:15:54","date_gmt":"2018-08-07T22:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mircorp.com\/?p=13301"},"modified":"2024-12-03T14:20:39","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T14:20:39","slug":"interview-with-patricia-schultz-world-traveler-and-author-of-1000-places-to-see-before-you-die","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mircorp.com\/interview-with-patricia-schultz-world-traveler-and-author-of-1000-places-to-see-before-you-die\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Patricia Schultz, World Traveler and Author of New York Times Bestseller “1,000 Places To See Before You Die”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n


Patricia Schultz<\/a> is the author of the #1 New York Times<\/em> bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die<\/em><\/a>.<\/strong> A popular travel journalist who\u2019s been all over the world, she is tuned in to travelers\u2019 needs and aspirations. She\u2019s a traveler\u2019s travel writer who is always looking for places she hasn\u2019t been, yet. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Patricia
Patricia in her favorite spot on the trip to Central Asia \u2013 Khiva, Uzbekistan. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Having been through Central Asia<\/a> on our Journey Through Central Asia: The Five \u2018Stans<\/a> trip in 2014; the Balkans<\/a> on our Balkan Odyssey: Crossroads of Cultures<\/a> trip in 2017;  and Eastern Europe<\/a> on our Belarus, Ukraine & Moldova<\/a> tour in 2019 \u2013 MIR is honored to have her serve as guest host of our Bulgaria & Romania: Frescoes & Fortresses<\/a> tour in 2020.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Traditional
Traditional methods of farming and harvesting are preserved in Bucovina, Romania. Photo credit: Peter Guttman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>
\n

We chatted via email about hosting tours, the traveling life, and a few of the places she\u2019s been.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

What is it like \u201chosting\u201d a tour?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although MIR is very gracious in letting me decide how involved I\u2019d like to be, I take my hosting responsibilities seriously! We are all on this adventure together to learn and experience as much as possible\u2026 My biggest contribution (and pleasure) may be the many spontaneous conversations enjoyed on the bus, in the hotel lobby, or at the dinner table, where the topic invariably shifts to favorite travel experiences and future Bucket List destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Tour
Tour Host Patricia Schultz on MIR\u2019s Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova small group tour. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

What\u2019s the biggest challenge for you of hosting a group tour?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One would think it would be keeping the dynamics of the group smooth and pleasant. But even with so many personalities and expectations, our groups have always been an amiable and fascinating mix of adventurers of different stripes and colors. MIR\u2019s destinations are not the average garden variety, and they attract flexible, like-minded travelers of a similar approach to travel and exploration. I have made some great friendships that have lasted well after we all headed home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Patricia
Patricia and her fellow travelers pose in front of Mostar Bridge in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

How about the other MIR tours \u2013 5 \u2018Stans and the Balkans?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prior to those experiences with MIR, I could barely find those countries on a map, let alone tell you much about them. But thanks to the breadth of knowledge of our guide\u00a0Michel Behar<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 coupled with a passion and enthusiasm for these regions that is unmatched \u2013 I now feel respectably familiar with those two fascinating corners of the world. They remain amazingly underrated and unsung \u2013 except by MIR, who was one of the first tour companies to offer travel there and shine a spotlight on their importance.\u00a0(Read Patricia\u2019s Travel Weekly articles about travel to\u00a0The Balkans<\/a>\u00a0and to\u00a0The 5 \u2018Stans of Central Asia<\/a>.)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Patricia
Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, with a group of locals in Uzbekistan. Photo credit: Michel Behar<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

What do you love most about traveling?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I love the thrill of it all \u2013 the chance to explore unknown countries and cultures, to feel like a window has been flung wide open on yet another mysterious destination that had barely made it onto my radar. University for me was a solid foundation of academia, but most of what I\u2019ve learned in life of real substance and worth has come from travel. And I will always have vibrant memories and enduring friendships as proof.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\t
\n
\n\n \n\t\t\t
\n\n \n \"Patricia <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
\n \n \"Author \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
\n \n \"Patricia \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
\n \n \"Tour \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
\n \n \"Tour \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n \n
\n
\n