So, who is Little Miss Explorer?
Unless you’ve been stuck under the covers (which to be honest is completely legit in this cold weather) without internet access, or you’re so far behind that you don’t know what a hashtag is, then you’ve probably heard of and seen the vibrant and witty travel blog Little Miss Explorer around the place. If not, #getyourshittogether. To sum her up, think: out of this world incredible photography, funny as fuck travel stories and helpful tips, and of course add a dash of practicality and the wise words of someone who’s been there and done that. I met up with the babe behind the blog (or with her back to the camera looking out at the ocean, or under the chic floppy hat, if you've seen her instagram), Frances Smith, to find out: who exactly is this Little Miss Explorer chick anyways?!
So, let’s start with the essentials! Introduce yourself!
I literally just Googled 'how to describe yourself without being boring', so let's hope I've excelled at this and I can try to describe myself in only a few words. Officially, my name is Francis (with an 'I' because my dad spelled it wrong on my birth certificate) but I go by Frances, I'm 22 and I live in the coolest city in South Australia, Adelaide! I'm a massive nature freak (give me mountains, over skyscrapers any day), I love photography and it's my goal in life to be able to photograph and travel the world. I'm a very passionate/free minded person and I'm guaranteed to laugh at anything you put in front of me if cats are involved.
How would your bestie/boyfie describe you in three words – be honest!
Unpredictable. Creative. Empathetic.
How did Little Miss Explorer come about? I’m assuming it took a little bit more than an idea and Wordpress account; tell us a bit about the process of creating the blog!
I got the idea when I traveled to Europe for three months over the Christmas holidays. I was taking heaps of photos while I was over there to share with my family and friends and over that time I gained quite a few new followers on Instagram who were really interested in what I was doing, that's when and why I decided to start Little Miss Explorer. When I returned home, I designed a website (via Squarespace) and the rest is history.
Besides travel tips and general hilarity, what else does Little Miss Explorer have to offer?
A chance to collaborate as a community in order to share our experiences, stories and photos while travelling. On top of that, I like to offer my readers a passionate and educational approach to the tourism industry as well as acknowledging how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful world.
When did you first realise that you’d well and truly caught the travel bug?
The day I realised just how small my hometown (Mount Gambier, South Australia) really was. Travelling interstate to places like Northern Queensland and Sydney are probably my fondest memories because it was a chance for me to explore anything and everything that wasn't my backyard. It was also when I went to Vietnam with my family in 2009. That trip really allowed me to develop a travel bug as I'd never witnessed another culture quite like the Vietnamese and it intrigued me so much I went back the following year. Since that, I've traveled to thirteen different countries (and still counting).
Now besides travelling, what else are you passionate about? And I’m talking ‘good enough to jump out of bed with a smile on your face when it’s fucking freezing’ passion!
Nature. Sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, mountains, rolling hills, autumn trees, any time, any hour of the day and I'll have a smile on my face. I'm incredibly passionate about how blessed we are to live in such a picturesque world. It's the simple beauties that move me.
I know you would never play favourites, but tell us about the very best trip you've ever taken, and what made is so freaking amazing!
Definitely a hard one but If I had to say one it would be my recent trip to Europe for three months. It was the first trip that I had ever done that was longer than three weeks. I don't think I'll ever be able to describe why and what I experienced on that trip but in short, it was mindbogglingly awesome!
Ahh risky! I've noticed you travel with your bofie. How was travelling with him? Be honest!
We actually travel really well together! I've been with Lewis was four years and I've lived with him for two so I'm pretty well prepared to spend some extra time with him. We still have our ups and downs but he knows to always make sure to do what I say.
Have you ever traveled as a single gal? Any interesting stories you’d like to share with us?
I haven't traveled anywhere major by myself but I aim to very soon. Lately I've been doing a lot of solo travelling around South Australia which has been really fun. Just last weekend I drove to the Barossa Valley to photograph a secret location only the locals know about. The view was magical! I was by myself for only a couple of hours until two male backpackers arrived and asked me to teach them some quick photography skills. I happily showed them and before I knew it we were sipping on wine while eating crackers and cheese as the sun set over the valley. Later in the night they offered me tea and we then made a bonfire while chatting about life and our travels. It's amazing who you meet on the road.
What’s the most important thing that you’ve learnt through packing your bags and heading out into the wilderness?
I've learnt that it's important to make sure we travel. Even if it's once in your life, travel opens your mind to new experiences, new cultures, allows you to discover yourself and meet incredible people along the way. Every time I travel I learn something and I discover something new which is why I'm so passionate about it.
When you’re on holiday, would we be likely to find you on the beach sun bathing with a good book, or are you a more adrenaline pumping adventure kinda gal?
I'm a bit of both really. I like a mix of everything! Although, I couldn't relax for too long, I'd need to go out and find adventure to get my blood pumping!
Apart from the obvious things (or not so obvious for some special souls), like money, passport and undies, what are three items that you could not possibly travel without?
Corny, I know but my teddy called Barney. I've had him forever and he's literally been everywhere with me around the world which is why I'm so dedicated to continue that tradition. I'd make sure to bring my camera and a good pair of comfortable walking shoes!
And what about three things you can’t get through your hectic real life without?
Family and friends, my camera and my sense of adventure!
If you weren’t a writer/blogger/professional explorer, what would you be doing with your life?
I literally only see myself doing what I'm doing now but I do have a back up and that's to work in marketing and/or public relations. It's an exciting industry and it allows me to be as creative as possible which is always a bonus.
Do you speak any other languages? If not, which are you most keen to give a go?
No, I can't speak and languages yet. I'm really stubborn when it comes to things that I can't learn straight away! Terrible habit I know but I'm attempting to learn Spanish at the moment. It's such a beautiful language.
What would be your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? I know, it’s daunting, so I’ll go first. One Direction. Now, your turn!
Hmm..I'm a massive musicals fan and I love a bit of opera here and there (I can actually sing it quite well!) My entire playlist at the moment is orchestral scores, musicals like Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables (I know every lyric!) You'll know I'm around when you start hearing someone belt out a note or two from Phantom of the Opera.
Nope. I'm perfect. Yeah right! I can sometimes get a little moody (especially in the mornings) and I can get frustrated easily when things aren't organized and when I'm not learning as quickly as what I'd hoped. There, you know all my secrets!
Favourite foreign delicacy? And of course, more importantly, beverage!
Anything tapas from Spain. Oh my goodness, It's all amazing there! Paella too (vegetarian though) and my favourite beverage would be sangria (the real deal).
And what about travel emergencies? What’s the worst/scariest but now funniest thing that’s happened to you?
Scariest but most thrilling emergency was when I was in Torino, Italy last year with Lewis (the boyfriend) and we were caught in a political protest. We literally had no where to go due to the fact that there were protesters everywhere! Next minute, I looked up and I could see a tear bombs flying our way so we had to bolt pretty quickly. We were running and there were mini bombs going off right in front of us! It was quite a frightful experience but thankfully no one was hurt.
Do you have any travel regrets? Have you ever left somewhere and thought, ‘God I wish I’d done that!’?
I'm pretty positive that I've done everything I wanted to do so far. My only regret would have to be that I didn't travel for longer! three months wasn't enough.
Even though I’m sure you’d love nothing more than to meander across the world with a notebook and pen, and a good cup of coffee, what keeps you here in good old Adelaide?
Apart from the fact that Adelaide won the world's most liveable city? Need I say more?
So where is Little Miss Explorer off to next?
My short term goal is to explore as much of Australia as possible. I find it terrible that I haven't seen much of my own backyard. For my long term goal, I'm planning on travelling to South America for three to six months! Bring it on.
Finally, what can we expect from Little Miss Explorer in the coming months?
You're going to have to wait and find out!
If you have any questions to ask Frances, please comment below and she will be happy to answer!
Interviewed by Amy Clark - Guest Contributor
