Born in the incredible city of Cape Town, Lauren has been camping, exploring and roaming South Africa since she could walk. It was South America that first made her fall in love with travel and all its wonders and thereafter she has placed her feet on every continent except Antarctica (and probably never will). She blogs about her past travels, meanderings around South Africa and in Cape Town over at The Travel Manuel. She always returns to home, realizing she lives in one of the world’s most diverse and beautiful cities.

Here Lauren shares some insights into her lovely life! Take it away Lauren…

What I…

Know

I have been called ‘daughter’ by an amazing God. And when all else seems meaningless, this in itself gives my life purpose. When we actually take time to stop, breathe and look around us, we’ll realise just how beautiful this life is.

Love

My incredible fiancé: the one who is encourages me to adventure and risk more and frees me to be Lauren with abandon, Jesus, my loving family, sunsets, the ocean, exotic lands, travelling, writing – especially about travelling, photography, dancing (Hip hop, ballet, contemporary), Buenos Aires, Thai food, secluded beaches, tropical islands, surfing, variety, the scent of sunblock, sunshine, languages, ancient history, good coffee, bathing, reading in the bath, granadilla ice-cream, biltong, music that moves me and makes me dance, my engagement ring, Phi Phi Island in Thailand.

Read

At the moment; I’m reading multiple bridal planners, magazines and diaries leading up to my wedding. I will never say no to an armchair travel book, a travel magazines and a good romantic novel set in a fascinating location. Thrillers hold a huge appeal for me in print and on screen.

Want

To get paid to travel the world and tell those stories through words and photography. Have a surreal beach wedding this year. Live and work in different corners of the earth with my hubby-to-be, life is too short to stay in one place forever.

Wear

Whatever catches me eye in the morning. In my ideal world, I would get to wear a bikini most of the time and cover up occasionally with a shorts and tank top or pretty dresses, Hawaiian climate style. I hate having to wear many layers during winter, but must admit I love a sexy pair of wedges, heels or boots. In the real world you’ll find me in tights, dresses and one of my many scarves. I can never go without lip moisturisers or lip gloss adorning my lips. I cannot visit any city or town without buying earrings, scarves or rings.

Need

To move to a tropical country where the water is warm and I can surf more. To plan my wedding and honeymoon in six months! Me time – when I can just grab a book, coffee or my laptop and just be.

Thanks Lauren for featuring in this series… it was such a pleasure to have you!

images: Lauren Manuel

blogger interview lauren manuel from the travel manuel the travel manuel Travel travel bloggers what i.....