Today's interview is super-special to me for many reasons. It's the first interview in English at this blog (hopefully, an experience that will be repeated). In order to avoid leaving anybody from the Brazilian audience out of the conversation loop, it's translated into Portuguese as well here.

And why is this interview in English? Because the interviewee is the delightful traveler Ian MacKenzie, a Canadian from Vancouver, B.C., who describes himself on twitter-style as "a traveler, writer, and filmmaker, specialized in travel, pop culture, new media, and technology, and with a passion for human rights, spirituality and the environment". I came to admire him after I found his blog "Brave New Traveler" (BNT) while wandering around the net. BNT is by far my favorite English-written travel blog. Ian is the editor/creator of BNT, a collaborative site dedicated to decipher philosophical and adventurous aspects of traveling. It also discusses political, economical and existential issues that gravitate around tourism. Each post has an incredible editorial quality. The blog is a true gem and the authors are from all over the world, bringing diversity to the experience of online travel blogging.

The opportunity of having such a special guest exclusively talking here about his personal thoughts on traveling was exhilarating. I heartily would like to thank Ian for his kindness. Hopefully someday he gets to visit Brazil and learn about our hidden travel treasures. I'm sure the Brazilian travel blogsphere (including me!) will be proud to help you out on adventures in our country.

I'll leave you now with the words of Ian MacKenzie, the "brave new traveler".

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Ian MacKenzie in Cambodia. Picture kindly provided by himself.

- How long have you been writing about travel experiences? How did it all start?

Ian MacKenzie: I started writing about my travel experiences for friends and family back before "blogging" existed. When I noticed they seemed to enjoy my dispatches from abroad, I figured I should try to reach a wider audience. I started submitting my work to other publications. Eventually I also decided to start my own travel magazine, BraveNewTraveler.com

- In my opinion as a reader, Brave New Traveler is a very unique travel blog, mainly because its posts touch the traveler state-of-mind more than the destination itself. How did you come up with the idea for the Brave New Traveler?

Ian MacKenzie: I realized there was a void for quality travel writing online that was more than "cheap flights" and how to get the best deals. Travel at its core is really a personal experience that opens your mind and challenges you to discover new people and places. So I created Brave New Traveler to discuss these issues, and the philosophy of travel in general.

- As an editor/creator of the site, what "first intentions" do you think were fulfilled? What didn't work well?

Ian MacKenzie: You can actually read my first blog post here. I think I've been able to hold to my original intentions, exploring travel from a myriad different perspectives. At first I thought it would be easy to grow an audience, but I realized it takes time and a lot of effort to publish quality content. I wouldn't have been able to do it without the contributions from great authors all over the world.

- What surprises do you hold for the future of BNT?

Ian MacKenzie: I'd like to incorporate more video content in the future of BNT, but that's even more time consuming then writing articles, so we'll have to wait and see.

- What does attract you to a travel destination? What turns you off on a place?

Ian MacKenzie: I'm attracted to most tropical destinations, as I'm a sucker for palm trees. There's something infinitely comfortable about being able to walk around in shorts and sandals all the time. I get turned off of places that are too hectic. I prefer relaxed cities and towns.

- The most exotic thing you've seen/tasted/experienced while traveling...

Ian MacKenzie: When I was in Bangkok, I ate a few sauteed grasshoppers. That was definitely an unforgettable experience. Also, in Costa Rica, I was stung 5 times by a scorpion.

- Do you collect any souvenir from the places you visit? What and/or why?

Ian MacKenzie: I used to collect various souvenirs, but not so much anymore. Almost everything is made in China, so unless you're buying something very unique from a local artisan, it's just not that special.

- What item do you never leave out of your backpack?

Ian MacKenzie: Earplugs. Absolutely key. When you can't control the noise level of your sleeping arrangements, at least you can shut the world out with a good pair of earplugs.

- The internet era: what have changed in terms of travel philosophy for you?

Ian MacKenzie: I think people feel the world is smaller, now that you can browse photos/videos and travel blogs from any destination in the world. That can lead to a feeling of "everything's been done before." But I think that's inaccurate. Your trip will never be exactly the same as anyone else's. Plus, reading about a place online is hardly a substitute for actually being there.

- What was the most environmentally friendly place you've been?

Ian MacKenzie: My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Costa Rica. All of the hotels are given a "leaf" rating, depending on how green they are. I was blown away by how much farther ahead they are in green practices than most everywhere else. The places we stayed were eco-lodges, which all had ratings of 4 or 5 (out of 5). It was encouraging to see such initiative, and a great reminder that just altering your choices slightly can make your trip greener without sacrificing the experience.

- Do you have plans to visit Brazil and/or South America at some point in your life? What kind of expectations do you have for a trip to Brazil?

Ian MacKenzie: I absolutely plan on visiting South America, and certainly Brazil. Though I must confess my mental imagery of Brazil is largely dominated by films like "City of God". I'm looking forward to having a more accurate view of what I'm sure is an amazing country.

- Your next trip is to…

Ian MacKenzie: My next trip is to camp down the West-Coast of the United States. We're heading to the yearly party for the MatadorNetwork (of which BNT is part of). The party aims to raise money for inner city youth, so they can go traveling themselves. If any readers are in the area, they should come out!

- Thank you so much, Ian, for the wonderful interview! Keep up the excellent work at BNT, with the Matador Network and have a safe journey around the world!

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*Versão em português aqui.