The people we meet in life impact how we experience our journeys – especially those that involve travel. With Robert Green – this post’s feature connection – this could not be more true. Robert Green and I met in London at a friend’s birthday drinks in July of 2015. He is intelligent, confident, makes me laugh and shares the same passion for getting out and exploring the world as I do. Together we have visited more countries than I can count on my fingers and toes – and this number just seems to continue.
If you have read much of DomOnTheGo, Rob will be a familiar face to you. He was my travel partner on an amazing trip around the world as we both enjoyed sabbaticals.
Let’s get into his brain a bit and see what makes him tick. Meet Robert Green.
Name: Robert Green
Hometown: London, England
Hometown: London, England
WHY DO YOU TRAVEL?
I travel for lots of different reasons – for work, to visit family and friends, to relax. Relaxing comes in a variety of forms; from exploring ancient monuments and trekking to lazing by the pool with a cocktail in hand while topping up my tan. These are all some of my favourite pastimes. Ultimately, if I was pushed to state the main reason why I travel, it’s to create memories that last a lifetime.
WHAT’S THE BEST TRIP YOU HAVE BEEN ON & WHAT MAKES IT STAND OUT FROM THE REST?
For my birthday this year in 2016, Dom and I spent 16 days touring Rajasthan in Northern India. Many memories were created on this trip. Listing some of the sights, sounds, smells and friendly people of India would not do this trip the justice it deserves. However, staying at the Taj Lake Palace hotel in Udaipur (of Octopussy fame) was just a phenomenal experience and one that needs documenting here. From the private boat transfer, to the rose petal welcome and gorgeous arrival cocktail to our beautiful room overlooking the lake, this was one amazing hotel stay that I’ll never forget.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING TRAVEL STORY?
On the eve of my birthday trip in 2016, Dom treated to me to a very special stay at the Oberoi Amarvillas Hotel in Agra. If it’s good enough for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, then it’s good enough for us! I had an unfortunate encounter with a mosquito(s) and at one point I counted 36 bites on my feet. At this point my feet resembled pig trotters. The itching was unbearable, to the extent that shortly before going to bed I had to call the hotel doctor. I’m convinced he thought I was being dramatic, but after prescribing some strong anti-histamines, ramming my feet in a bucket of ice, he joined us for a slice of birthday cake and left our room with a smile on his face.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT?
After my incident in India I never leave home without proper Mosquito repellent cream! It is clear that these little critters love me.
I always throught that deet was the best repellent but I found Odomos while in India and swear by it. It is amazing. It smells fresh, doesn’t irritate my skin and I don’t have to worry about it destroying anything else it touches.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 DESTINATIONS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST & WHY?
I was brought up watching wildlife programmes on TV with my Dad and the Galapagos Islands regularly featured. One day soon I hope to visit and get to see the unique Blue-Footed Booby, the humongous Sea Lions and Giant Tortoises (to name but a few!). I’d also like to conquer Everest Base Camp on or before my 40th Birthday! To Cuba with Dom (now that he is officially allowed to visit with his US passport!) before it changes and commercialises.
DomOnTheGo Update: Robert Green has made 2 of the three happen – only Cuba remains.
WHICH TRAVEL PLANNING TOOLS DO YOU FIND MOST USEFUL?
There are 3 main travel tools that I use – Kayak, Matrix ITA and Trip Advisor. I also reach out to friends on social media for tips and advice – and of course DomOnTheGo. If I am ever in doubt, i tend to Google it and see what comes up!
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ON THE ROAD?
On longer trips, I always try to stay in a mixture of accommodation. I find this is the best way to get a well-rounded travel experience, meeting lots of interesting people along the way. In India, I stayed in everything from Havelis to Hostels to off the scale luxury Hotels. I felt like it is the only way to walk away from a destination with a real understanding of its essence.
Want to make more connections? Be sure to check out DomOnTheGo // Connections to get to know more of the amazing people I have met on the road.
