Julie Balsløw
I was raised in Norway, and I grew up in the suburbs right outside of Oslo, one of Europes fastest growing capitals!
Throughout my life, I have been interested in experiencing new cultures, destinations, and peoples. Because I am sociable, contact-seeking by nature, and very inquisitive, working in the field of tourism and travel was the obvious choice when it came to my career decision. I love hearing other peoples stories, sharing my experience with others and help people fulfill their dreams of travel.
I believe if you are fortunate enough and have to assets to go travel, experience new cultures and meet new people you should seize the opportunity! Travel only enriches your life, you will become a more interesting person, it gives you an understanding of the world and I believe you become more humble towards nature and other cultures. We are not that different from each other and you will get to share smiles with strangers who become your friends.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I know Oslo like the back of my hand! There are endless things to do here, new cafès and restaurants are popping up almost every day, you can enjoy new and old museums, music festivals, quaint, urban or fancy neighborhoods, art exhibitions and the rich cultural history we have.
I have a passion for music, food, and shopping and I will gladly share my top destinations on where you can experience the best of what Oslo has to offer! "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I was lucky enough to be raised in a family who has a love for traveling. We have gone skiing in the Alps, road trips in significant parts in Europe, summers in Denmark and cruise in the Caribbean just to mention some of our holidays.
At the age of 21, I decided to go solo traveling to India.
This would be the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Since then I have visited India three times. In 2014 I went to Nepal in connection with my schooling in Denmark, to work as a volunteer for three months in the beautiful mountain village of Sermathang.
The following year I studied with Service & Co which is a Scandinavian school based in South East Asia, and it led me to become a Roundtrip Tourguide. Little did I know that I would meet the love of my life in Vietnam, who was backpacking throughout South East Asia. Because he is from Toronto, Canada, I have visited Canada five times during the past three years.
Later I've traveled to Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Dubai, Marocco and South Africa. Right now I'm at the end of my studies in Oslo, Norway to become a travel coordinator. And I am currently in Kathmandu, Nepal, working as an intern with SocialTours and ETP.
I never let an opportunity to travel slip away! "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One of my fondest memories would be when I went to Belize. My friend and I were traveling on the local bus from Orange Walk to Belize city, where we befriended a guy who looked like a pirate! We were still deciding on which one of the many islands we were going to visit and convinced us to go to the very chilled out island of Caye Caulker. As we arrived on the island, we noticed they had signs everywhere with the message " Go slow", there were no vehicles on the island, where the turquoise Caribbean sea surrounded us, and reggae music was playing from every corner and the smell of BBQ in the air. We quickly meet his friends, one girl from the US who was married to a guy from Belize. They took us out on their little fishing boat. We went snorkeling and fishing in the crystal blue water. They had put out lobster cages here and there, we dived in, and we ended up eating fresh lobster for a whole week! That's what I love most about traveling, you never know who you're going to meet, and if you take a change, trust your gut, you will end up with the most incredible experiences!"
Julie's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
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