Category Archives: Foreign Country Visits

Interview: Visiting 16 Countries at 16 Years Old

I had the opportunity of speaking with Madisen Thomas. Already an avid traveler at 16 years old. Her family has made it a point to travel internationally every year since she turned one. Therefore, she’s visited a whopping total of 16 countries in her 16 years of life already.

During this time with COVID-19, she’s uncertain as to when she’ll be able to travel internationally again. So during our interview, we discussed her perception of future travel, her past travel experiences and how it’s turned her into the young woman that she is today. The following is the actual transcription of our conversation.

Brea: So, Madisen you have been traveling every year ever since you were one. That’s amazing how your family made it a point to introduce you to that so early. I think there’s something really inspiring in all of that. So that’s why I wanted to speak with you today because I think it’d be great for people your age, younger or even much older than you and I to become inspired enough by your story to travel.

So, first thing – you’ve visited 16 countries in your 16 years of life already. Where have you gone?!

Madisen: I’ve been to Singapore, South Africa, Mexico, Antigua & Barbuda, France, the Bahamas, Honduras, Belize, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, Canada, Jamaica, Japan, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Brea: Wow, amazing. So, those are the 16 countries that you’ve already visited. Which country has been the most memorable and how come?

Madisen: Um, I would have to say, South Africa, because I never have really seen animals like elephants and giraffes in their natural habitat. And not in zoos or anything. So that was really an amazing experience seeing them and how they cope in their environment. And not only that, but Africa itself is amazing because there’s just different types of parts cities and fields and everything. I went to Cape Town, which is very, very beautiful. They have beautiful mountains and even little penguins.

In a village not far from Johannesburg, we went on safari. We stayed in these houses with ceilings made of straw. We would go on a little truck and every morning. It was very, very early. We’d have to wake up at four or five in the morning.

Elephant on safari crossing dirt path
Photo by Madisen Thomas

Brea: That must be the best time to see animals or something, right?

Madisen: Yes, exactly.

Brea: So would you mind talking a little bit about culture and what that means to you when you visit these different places? Do you feel accepted when visiting new places with unfamiliar faces?

Madisen: With the places I’ve gone they’ve all been so accepting which I’m very thankful for. But I think the coolest part is that I’m also spreading my culture around at the same time as they’re spreading their culture around. And I just think if people had the chance to just immerse themselves in a culture different from their own, like even just hearing a different language even, it can really open your mind up to see exactly how much of the world, you’re really missing out on.

Brea: That’s truly so inspiring and super insightful. I can tell your experiences are crucial to your outlook on the world. That is amazing.

So, let’s talk about the future. Has COVID-19 changed your perception on travel?

Madisen: With all that’s going on right now, it has made me more aware of the importance of hygiene. I mean, I’ve always known hygiene is really important, but you never really actually think about it.

Like, for example, cleaning your seat on a plane, no one would usually do that before. But nowadays, everyone does it. But as for my perception, nothing will ever stop me from wanting to go to other countries at all.

You shouldn’t live in fear or anything. You should do whatever you set your mind to because you only live once. So just try to live life to the fullest. After all of this is done, I will definitely be ready to get back into traveling.

Brea: I love your response there especially to not live in fear. I think that’s such a wonderful point. The fact that you’re 16 and can say that is what makes me believe travel is super important. I believe it’s your exposure to various cultures that has helped form you into the young woman you are today. You have so much knowledge and wisdom on the subject. Travel is so important!

Madisen: Thank you for saying that. I believe that is true too.

Brea: Do you have any advice for anybody out there that’s your age or for anyone that hasn’t ever explored somewhere else? Any advice that you’d want to give them?

Madisen: I would say take it one step at a time. Just try one thing at a time because I know people who haven’t been out of the states they’re born in or anything. For people my age, don’t ever think that you have to travel really quickly to faraway places. Just try to explore as much as you can, especially while you’re young, when your brain can still absorb a lot of things.

I would definitely encourage anyone who can, to travel.

Madisen in front of the Singapore River in Singapore
Madisen in front of the Singapore River in Singapore

Singapore Edition: 5 Things You Must Do During Your Visit

Singapore is a destination that has lots to keep you engaged and entertained! It’s a perfect destination for the entire family, friends, or even just solo. There’s numerous attractions, impressive architecture, and let’s not forget the food (the food will not and cannot be left out)! Well let’s dive right into 5 of the most amazing things I think you should experience when visiting Singapore.

Little India

Little India is filled with loads of Indian culture; you’ll feel as if you stepped right into India. Some of the most enticing attractions here, including one of Singapore’s oldest temples, the Veeramakaliamman Temple. This is a colorful and impressive site, but most importantly a place of worship for Hindu people. The entire temple is covered with numerous colorful Hindi deities and is open to the public to explore respectfully. If you love Indian food as much as I do, be sure to have lunch in Little India. The nice thing about Little India is there are many food options that cater to vegetarians! But don’t worry, there are plenty of delicious options for the omnivores too.

Lau Pa Sat

This is one of the many and I mean many hawker centres of Singapore, but I wanted to mention this one exclusively because I fell in love with it. During my first week in Singapore, this spot was recommended to me by a local Singaporean as one of his favorite places to eat from each day. The nice thing about Hawker Centres, is that they truly offer authentic meals that all – including Singaporeans – choose to enjoy. Try some of the delicious chicken satay skewers, or indulge on some truly authentic southern Indian dishes. And please make sure you try a big bowl of Ice Kachang, you won’t be disappointed.

Bugis Street Market

This is an amazing undercover stop for cheap shopping in a super chaotic environment. People, both locals and tourists alike, are all over the place, crowding the street trying to get into the small stores that make up the market. When you’re getting off the MRT at the Bugis stop, you’ll be inside of a typical mall called Bugis Junction. Take some time to walk around here if you want a chance to escape the SG heat, but don’t buy anything quite yet! Wait until you make it to Bugis Street Market and see if anything catches your eye there first. This market is a bit hidden, not super noticeable. But it’s directly across the street from the mall you arrive in. So cross the street and honestly just follow the big crowd of people, I guarantee they’re heading to the street market. 

While you’re on this side, I have another amazingly sweet recommendation for you. And that is – BELLEVILLE PANCAKE CAFE SG! If you have never had the opportunity to taste the beauty of a meringue pancake, you are missing out! Originally from Japan, souffle pancakes may very well be the best kind of pancake there is. They’re fluffy, jiggly, soft, light, and sweet. All of these qualities make each bite just melt into your mouth. 

Gardens by the Bay

Truly one of the most impressive displays I have ever seen! If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you’ll see I’ve already mentioned Gardens by the Bay in great detail. Take some time to go see one of their light shows. There’s two light shows every night – one at 7:45 PM and the other at 8:45 PM. Each show lasts 15-minutes and is 100% free admission! You will not be disappointed by this experience.

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is an iconic attraction in Singapore. Anyone visiting Singapore is here and any pictures you see on Google of Singapore are most likely at the Marina Bay. It’s a beautiful and impressive site with lots to keep you entertained. The bay features many hotels, restaurants, bars, one of the most expensive malls in the world, and you guessed it – a light show on the water!

Here’s a tip: Marina Bay is relatively close to the Gardens by the Bay. The light shows are at different times so that by the time you finish watching one show, you can catch the next one. There are two light shows at Marina Bay: one at 8 pm and the other at 9:30 pm. Each show is also 15 minutes each.