Tenacious Travellers is an interview series with the fascinating people I have met around the world. My life is better because of them and I want to help you get to know them too. The world is big, but having friends in every country makes it all feel like home.
I met Stephanie Miller at a blogging retreat in Bali. I instantly liked her because of her down-to-earth sense of humour and infectious passion for blogging and photography. When people are in their element, they have this glow about them, and when Stephanie is behind the camera or talking blogging, she’s incandescent.
Since then, I’ve had the great privilege of editing her awesome travel blog, The Scenic Suitcase, and roadtripping around the US Southwest together. Without further ado, let me introduce you to my kind, funny, talented friend, Ms. Stephanie Miller.
What inspired you to become a travel blogger?
I’ve always had a passion for travel, photography, and helping people, so becoming a travel blogger was a natural fit. But it wasn’t until I stumbled across a few leaders in the industry (like Kiersten, aka The Blonde Abroad) that I realized its true potential. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to venture to Bali and South Africa where I learned the ins and outs of blogging from Kiersten herself. Those trips propelled me in new directions with my site, and connected me to other bloggers in the travel space (who continue to inspire me every day!)
What’s your favourite place (or places) you’ve visited?
I’m always asked this question and it’s a tough one because I love so many places for such different reasons. Italy and France will always hold a special place in my heart. I love the scenery, the history, and the welcoming locals. Australia felt like home half a world away, and I get oddly homesick for it. And I fell in love with Germany for its architecture and Italian food (strangely enough). But I think of all the places I’ve visited, South Africa is my favorite. It was everything I love rolled into one – dramatic landscapes, impressive wildlife, charming locals, delectable cuisine, and incredible adventures. I typically don’t repeat destinations, but I’m itching to go back!
If you could time travel, when and where would you go?
I would love to experience a speakeasy in the 20’s, a soda shop in the 50’s, and a political rally in the 70’s. They were such fascinating times (and the fashion was fantastic!)
What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?
I’ve unwittingly become a bit of a morning person because of the blog. So almost every morning I wake up around 5:30, pull out my laptop (which I sleep with under my bed), and pick up where I left off the night before. Days are hectic, so I find it easier to get an hour or two of writing/photo editing done before I get out of bed in the morning.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home from a trip?
I unpack. Immediately! Everything from my suitcase gets put in the wash, my non-travel toiletries are put back in their drawer, and shoes return to their perch in my closet. Then I charge all the camera batteries while the rest of my photography equipment is organized back in its cabinet. (Can you tell I’m a bit OCD? Lol)
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Managing to figure out how to get a blog up and running in the first place was a huge accomplishment (and one that didn’t come without its fair share of frustration). But a few notable accomplishments since then include being the #1 search result on Google for how to avoid animal abuse in tourism (an issue that’s close to my heart where I even outranked PETA and Nomadic Matt! High five to effective SEO strategies!) And recently, a photo I took in Cape Town has been featured multiple times by National Geographic (which I’ve been reading since I was itty bitty so… dreams!)
When you’re having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
I try to be a pretty positive person in general. After all, I have a lot to be thankful for and far less to be upset about. But we all have terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. When that happens, I just try to see the bright side or see it as an opportunity to learn. Am I struggling with something on the website? I imagine how rewarding it’s going to feel when I finally figure it out (and I will say, things that used to take me forever are second nature now. Yay, learning!) Did I just get a speeding ticket for going way too fast through a national park? It’s a great reminder to slow down so I don’t get in an accident (and maybe the money will go towards park improvements, which isn’t a bad thing!) There’s always a silver lining, and looking for it can be pretty entertaining (not to mention hard wire your brain to always see the positive. Bonus!)
If you could pick a new first name, what would it be?
Coincidentally, I used to be called Grace when I worked in a restaurant with far too many Stephanies. It seemed appropriate since I’m a bit of a walking disaster, and I even started answering to it outside of work. I’m also partial to the name Madison (after the mermaid in Splash. Best. Movie. Ever.)
Do you have a favourite quote?
I’m a huge quote junkie. It’s borderline embarrassing. I have several I love, but one of my all-time favorites is by Jonathan Swift – “May you live every day of your life.” I think it’s a great reminder to live with intention and not simply stumble from one day to the next. Along those same lines, I love the quote “Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life” by Robin Sharma. Both are gems! I could go on and on, I have notebooks full of quotes that inspire me!
What movie scarred you for life as a child?
When I was really little my dad let me watch a horror movie about Santa coming down chimneys with an axe and killing people (right before Christmas!) So yea… that made for an interesting holiday season.
What’s your favourite book?
I loved The Giving Tree as a child, and still do. Another great one packed with tons of life lessons is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. A lot of professors give a “last lecture” at the end of the school term where they ponder the meaning of life and the time we have on earth. But for Randy, a professor at Carnegie Mellon, it really was his last lecture. He had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and so he wrote The Last Lecture to share his humorous impressions of what life is all about. It offers an impactful perspective and a wonderful reminder about what’s really important.
What is the weirdest thing you have done in someone else’s home?
Since I have such a soft spot for animals, I seem to always be saving them. So I guess the weirdest thing I’ve done in someone else’s home is remove spiders, mice, and snakes that weren’t welcome. It doesn’t seem that weird to me, but I think others find it odd I’m called to other people’s homes for it. Lol.
Have you ever sent a text message to the wrong person?
Unfortunately, yes. When I was in school I accidentally sent a text about my then-boyfriend (criticizing his lack of motivation) to him! It was a great life lesson to not speak ill of others, to slow down, and to pay closer attention. Lesson learned.
You’re an expert packer. Do you have any packing tips to share?
You betcha! My best advice is to always carry-on, and take less than what you think you need. It’s easy for things to snowball and suddenly you’re packing enough clothes for 6 months and every season. Whenever I pack, I lay out what I want to bring, and then I cut it by half. After, I organize everything into packing cubes or compression bags to maximize the space in my suitcase. No more lost luggage or destroyed bags!
If you could make a rule for a day and everyone had to follow it, what would it be?
That everyone has to perform at least 5 random acts of kindness that day. Even something as simple as holding the door open, buying coffee for the person behind you in line, giving a sincere compliment, or sending a card to let someone know you’re thinking of them. It’d be such a lovely day for everyone!
If you could know ahead of time the exact day you will die, would you want to know?
That’s a great question! I’m a planner, so I’d say yes. I’m not afraid to die (I’ve had a good run!) so knowing when my time is up would allow me to check off the really important items on my bucket list, and connect with family and friends before I go.
What is your biggest regret?
I’ve had my fair share of cringe-worthy mistakes in my life. Bad behavior, regrettable words, and costly mishaps that left me hanging my head in shame. But a seemingly trivial events that nags at me to this day was not dancing with my dad at prom.
I didn’t want to go to prom in the first place. It seemed forced and (unlike today) I hated wearing dresses. Still, I gave in to peer pressure and went with a friend I knew I’d have fun with (who remains a good friend to this day and who still lets me drag him on adventures like climbing bridges despite his fear of heights).
I was talking with classmates when someone ran up and told me, in a panic, that my dad had just arrived and was looking for me. What?! Why would he be here when I finished the obligatory living room photo shoot over an hour ago!? Upon finding out it was because he wanted to dance with his little girl (seemingly social suicide to a teenager) I fled to hide around the corner until he left.
Ugh!!!!!
Do you ever have moments you wish you could go back in time and slap some sense into your younger self? Because this would be my #1. As a self-proclaimed daddy’s girl, I want to kick my teenage butt up and down that dance hall. One of life’s great memories, robbed by adolescent insecurity.
What’s harder: telling someone you love them or telling them you don’t?
Definitely telling someone you don’t! Spreading love is easy (albeit a bit nerve-wracking at times). But having to tell someone you don’t share their feelings is hard. I hate hurting people’s feelings or disappointing them!
What’s something most people don’t know about you but you wish they did?
I’m a pretty open book, so I don’t know if there’s anything I wish people knew. One thing that may surprise people to learn (given my love for photography) is that I didn’t own a real camera until 2 years ago. Prior to that, I was shooting 99% of my photos on an iPhone (including my entire trip to Cuba right after Americans were allowed to visit again. I cringe at the thought of all the amazing images I missed out on capturing!)
You’re an incredible photographer. What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
To stop shooting in Auto and learn the basics of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. It seems daunting at first, but it’s really not difficult and will make a world of difference in the quality of your photos. And then to learn how to edit in Lightroom (which gives you a lot more control over your final image!)
Are you happy with your life right now?
Absolutely! I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people who motivate me, to live in a place surrounded by beauty, to have a passion that excites and drives me, and to travel a world I love to explore. Are there hard days? Of course! But with so much to be thankful for, it’s hard to dwell too long on the negative.
Stephanie’s blog is a gold mine for smart travel advice. She also has some fantastic photography guides for aspiring photographers and her photos will definitely inspire your wanderlust!
