How Madd Are You About Jamaica? All thanks to Ashley Simon-Madden, my patient third travel content curator from the shores of Jamaica.
With Ashley (look at me!) as your guide, you can embark on a virtual journey through Jamaica’s vibrant landscapes, rich culture, and captivating narratives.
Hey, you know, Ashley Simon-Madden is also the Principal Contributor for the ‘Madd About Jamaica’ travel blog, a website covering her hotel stays, local eats, island adventures, and some useful travel tips, with a sprinkle of the occasional rant.
Let’s meet this amazingly talented femme.
1. What inspired you to become a blogger?
In few words? The pursuit of joy.
My blog came to life at one of my lowest points to date. I was overwhelmed by life at the time, and in my search for a joyous memory to pull me through, the last staycation I took flooded my thoughts.
A smile came across my lips, followed by a surge of creative energy, and 2-3 hours later, I had a beta version of my website and my first blog post ready.
2. For how long have you been blogging?
My first blog post went live in February 2022.
3. Why be a travel blogger?
To see the same world through many eyes. Travel is a medium for empathy—to feel, appreciate and connect with the emotions that someone else had when in a particular place, doing a particular thing, etc.
Then that shared sentiment invites a response, and a new friend is made and a community formed. It’s a wonderful cycle, and travel blogging enables it in a very wholesome way.
4. How would you describe your style of travel and your travel blogging content?
I’m an avid staycationer. I live on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and I wish to enjoy it to the max.
My writing style is essentially my personality on paper, so very honest but a bit cheeky/sneaky humor.
5. Briefly describe what you use your different social channels for and what is your dominant channel for you personally.
I use Instagram and Facebook to share Jamaican travel content and build a like-minded community.
Instagram would be more dominant in terms of engagement.
6. How do you balance your day job and blogging?
Quite easily, as the two aspects of my life are compartmentalized. I unplug from work at a particular hour, then I freely plug into the blog afterwards.
7. Where do you get your travel inspiration from, who gives you the advice?
My first thought was my bank account, but I don’t think that’s the answer you’re looking for. I was initially inspired by the travel magazines I’d see at various locations; the photos and articles about places I knew and previously gave little regard were now intriguing to me, all because of a renewed perspective from someone else.
Following this, I found other Jamaican travel bloggers and was drawn in by their content.
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Now, I get advice from various sources.
Indirectly, I get advice from the other travel bloggers through their content. I also get advice from readers who engage with my blog and professionals in the tourism industry.
8. Name the location that was 1. Most fun, 2. Most Inspiring, 3. Most Challenging.
Most fun? Couples Tower Isle.
Most Inspiring? Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.
Most Challenging? Iberostar Grand Rose Hall.
9. What is still on your bucket list?
Excursions! E.g., horseback riding, ATV, river rafting, cliff jumping.
10. Have you had any celebrity encounters while travelling?
I can’t say that I have.
11. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt about yourself since you started travel blogging
I’m probably more creative than I give myself credit for.
12. What was your very first travel blogger destination that you produced some content for?
A review of Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica.
Flowrider Surf Simulator at Moon Palace
13. If they were to ever make a movie about one or all of your adventures, what would the title and plot summary be?
Title? The Staycation Situation.
Plot Summary? A young couple embarks on a what they hope to be the trip of a lifetime. Having had stark experiences on previous trips, each new trip is faced with the muddled emotions of excitement and apprehension.
14. What is your most embarrassing moment while travelling?
If I told you, I’d have to ki… just kidding! On one hotel trip, my wig fell off while at check in. I grabbed it quickly and ran to the restroom. My husband contends that no one saw, but the jury is still out on that one.
15. What is a little naughty secret you have not openly told before!?
I wish I had one! I’m innocent to a fault. Now I must go on a quest to have one in time for our next conversation.
16. Do you have any funny stories to tell?
I couldn’t laugh about it at the time, but the incident where my wig fell off at check in was equally mortifying as it was funny.
17. What key lessons do you have for everyone based on what you have learnt from the gift of travel blogging?
As much as I have a travel blog, the benefits and importance of rest and relaxation can hardly be put into enough words. It is vital to one’s health and wellness to unplug, unwind and enjoy life.
I’ve never regretted the investment I’ve made in any of my trips, as the bigger picture is always to make myself and my well-being a priority.
Conclusion
With her insatiable curiosity and adventurous spirit, Ashley Simon-Madden has embarked on thrilling escapades across the islands of Jamaica.
Her storytelling prowess and infectious enthusiasm make her a true inspiration for aspiring globetrotters alike.
Ashley’s travel tales are peppered with delightful encounters with local culture, where she immerses herself in vibrant festivals, samples delectable Jamaican cuisine, and forms connections with the warm and welcoming people who call this island-paradise home.
If you’re craving more inspiring stories and interviews from Jamaican travel content creators, look no further! I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with some amazing individuals who have shared their unique perspectives and experiences:
- AN INTERVIEW WITH JHUNELLE JUREIDINI – BLOGGER, TRAVELLER AND STORYTELLER
- MEET ROCHELLE KNIGHT: HOW A DOCTOR IN JAMAICA SUPERCHARGED HER TRAVEL BLOG
Click the links above to read my exclusive interviews with these talented Jamaican travel bloggers.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts on this travel blogger interview!
SIDE NOTE: Hey, calling all fellow travel enthusiasts and adventure seekers! (I’m not kidding, please reach out to me on my Contact Us page for a FREE interview session if you’ve got over a year experience with curating travel content).
So, when are you ready to be transported to the stunning landscapes of Ashley Simon-Madden’s Jamaica?
And kindly connect with my guest on these platforms.
- Website: https://www.maddaboutjamaica.com
- Socials (IG/FB): @maddaboutjamaica
Me a go.
ERICOTRIPS 
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