Follow your dreams!
You must do what you like to!
Live life to the fullest!

Aren't these the mantras to lead a happy life. We all come across such messages through books, movies and even friends have such advice for us at times. But how many do actually follow, or are able to follow? One generally has more reasons to give up on one's dreams rather than to follow them. In fact, doing what is 'required' often seems more important than doing what is 'desired'. Isn't it? People may have different opinions and reasons. But there are some who exactly do what their heart tells them to.

Daniel Baylis, a Canadian dweller who calls himself a genetic adventurer. He set out on a journey to the world at the age of thirty, leaving his job, his rented apartment and just moved on to roam around in the world. Sounds like a movie? It does but it is not.

Daniel decided to pen down all his experiences about the journey into a book titled "The Traveller". According to him, "The Traveller presents literary snapshots of twelve very distinct global destinations. Lively and compelling, 'The Traveller' is required reading for anyone who dreams of international adventures—or for anyone who simply dreams."

Know more about the adventurous writer through the exclusive interview below and get inspired to do as you wish.

1. Hi Daniel! Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hola! As we've established, my name is Daniel. I'm a human who happened to be born in Canada. Many people know me as that guy who took one year to travel around the world while attempting to find meaningful experiences. My friends would describe me as a goofball with a lot of ambition.

2. You are a writer and an adventurer. What got you into the two? Who are you first a writer or an adventurer?

I think I'm genetically an adventurer — my father taught me to be curious, to open doors that I wasn't necessarily supposed to open. He has biked across Canada, ran marathons and stolen a selection of road signs. His DNA and questionable life choices have influenced me.

Writing came later to me. At the age of 25, I returned to university to complete a degree and I discovered that I actually enjoyed writing — or at least having written. So I started a blog and wrote for the university newspaper. The semblance of a writing career began to snowball.

I don't think either of the two identities takes precedence. If I didn't adventure, then I'd have few things to write about. If I didn't write, I wouldn't feel as expressed and, as such, inspired to adventure.

3. I'm just curious. What's up with the tag "The Conversationalist"? Why do you call yourself that?

Good question! It's the title I chose for my personal blog many years ago. For me it's a moniker that I aspire toward — to be socially suave, to be interactive, to have interesting things to say. I'm still working on fully embracing it.

4. How has life changed for you since you had your travel experiences?

I think we have these grand assumptions about larger voyages: that they will be life altering, that we will be transformed, that we will be wiser. Perhaps all these things have happened and continue to happen. If anything it wasn't the travel itself as much as the decision whether or not to go traveling in the first place that has had the grandest impact. This "soul-searching" really forced me into the driver's seat of my own life. But it's not a one-off decision; I continue to strive for self-determinism and authenticity each day.

5. Tell us about your first book — The Traveller? What inspired you to pen your journey into a book? 

In a nutshell: The Traveller is a delightful account of one man's journey around the world. Toward the end of the yearlong trip, I realized that the experiences I was having would translate well into a larger story. As someone who appreciates the challenge of writing and who also craves to share his experiences, the book was a natural next step.


I am constantly adventuring — but I'm not always traveling geographically. I'm currently based out of Montréal, where I have a couple of awesome clients and enough time to continue promoting the book. I anticipate hitting the road again in early 2015 for another multi-month adventure.

7. Could you tell us something about the most exciting places that you have visited? What have been the some of the craziest incidents that have occurred while you have been travelling?

Wowsers — where to begin? I've been mugged in South Africa, eaten a rat in Laos, herded goats in Israel and learned to make ceviche in Peru. (For the most exciting tidbits, your readers should really get the book!) I have a hard time selecting my favourite places or even most exciting destinations. It might sound a bit cliché but I truly believe that with the right attitude each and every place on earth is exciting.

8. You promote 'Volunteerism'. How important is it for an individual to do volunteer work? Share your experience of volunteering with our readers.

Here's a blunt response: I don't think it's important at all. Throughout my journey I was a man on a hunt for meaningful experiences. I used volunteerism simply as a method to connect with other humans. If I were to promote anything, I'd be the flag waiver of what I've coined "non-douchebag travel." I encourage folks to be conscientious of how their presence affects local communities and local economies.

9. Tell us about the 'Good Things' section on your blog?

Oh, I'm glad you brought this up! Good Things is a monthly eNewsletter that I offer. Each month I reflect over the various things in life that I've seen or experienced — movies, albums, articles, videos, recipes, anything really. Think of it as an act of appreciation. I select four of my favourite things and share them directly to your inbox. I highly recommend that you subscribe to Good Things!

10. When not writing or travelling, what other activities do you indulge in? What do you find most relaxing?

I've actually set myself a couple of intentions for 2014. One of them is to see more live music — I saw Noah Gundersen last Thursday and The Head and The Heart on Saturday! The other is to simply read more. The past few years have been devoted to writing, so now I feel really hungry to consume literature. I'm currently reading Love in the Time of Cholera and adoring it. Finally, I have a regular practice of yoga. I really like getting sweaty.

11. What are your future plans, both as a blogger and as an adventurer? 

Future plans include working toward my career vision, which reads as such: "To sustain myself financially through self-directed, creative projects." This is a long-term process of building my own publishing label and producing compelling work. The book was a massive step in this direction, but a single book does not equate financial security. So there will be more books and more creative projects in the future!

In terms of an adventurer, as I mentioned I'll be embarking upon another journey in early 2015. This time I'm interested in travelling at a much slower pace. Soaking in landscape. Getting blisters on my heels. Those are some hints for your readers!

12. What advice would you would give to budding writers and travel-enthusiasts?

If you want to be a travel writer, don't wait for anyone to send you on assignment. Send yourself on assignment. Tell your own stories on a personal blog. Start building an online community through social media. And most importantly: write, write, write.

Thanks Daniel for taking out the time and doing this interview with us. We'd like to wish you the very best for the future.

Stay tuned with E-junkie to get to know more such inspirational personalities.