Celebrity Travel Addicts: Ross and Bek Taylor of Ross and Bek

In this Celebrity Travel Addicts Q&A, we talk with Ross and Bek Taylor, best known as Ross and Bek. We learn what drives this Aussie couple to travel, hear about some amazing experiences they’ve had in countries all over the world, and pick up a few tips they’ve learned in the years they’ve been exploring the world together. Check out their favorite destinations and find out where they’re going next!

How did your passion for travel get started?

We blame Paris! We had our honeymoon there 12 years ago and it gave us the travel bug.

How many days/weeks are you traveling in any given year? What are the types of places you like to visit?

We quit our career jobs in September last year and decided to work online and travel the world instead. Our first six months were in South East Asia – so much fun. Now we’re in eastern Europe loving life. This year we will be on the road for a solid 11.5 months straight!

You’re both from Australia. What makes Australia such a fun and unique travel destination? Where should people go when they visit the country?

Australia feels like a lucky country and we talk with a unique twang. We’re surrounded by immaculate beaches, perfect weather, trendy cities and easy going people. And wait…the food is the best bit. We’ve adopted cuisines from all around the world and made them better. It’s an expensive country no doubt…but we have Kangaroos and Koala’s – what’s not to love?!

What do you want audiences to gain and learn from your work?

It’s an awesome feeling when some of our legendary followers say that we’ve inspired them to start travelling or to try something new. That’s it – job done! To have that sort of impact on someone’s life is truly fulfilling. We love sharing all things food and travel.

What are the top three destinations you’ve visited?

This is a tricky one! But the places that have stuck with us recently are: Hanoi – Vietnam, KL – Malaysia, and Budapest – Hungary.

Give us your ‘Top 5’ list for one of your top 3 destinations. Like a mini-guide or a to-do list of sorts. It can be anything from your favorite hotel, best place to have lunch, best sightseeing, etc.

KL – Malaysia

1. We loved wandering in local markets in search of delicious and cheap street food. Try the Taman Connaught market as it’s far less touristy and better value for money. The oyster omelet – wow.
2. Mark Wiens put us onto this. Head into Lai Foong Noodles in China Town and ask for a dish called Lala Noodles (Clam noodles). Truly delicious.
3. Eat Nasi Lemak with the local Malays at Wanjo Kampung Baru. Pro tip – ditch the knife and fork…use your right hand! Yummy.
4. Petronas Towers – get a selfie or three. We found an awesome spot for an insta photo on the other side of the road near the local bank.
5. Shop till you drop! It’s a great city to shop for just about anything – we try to travel light but topped up on some essential tech items we needed at Plaza Low Yat.

How many countries have you visited so far?

This year we’ve been to 7 countries already in Asia and Europe. In the last decade we’ve hit up over 25 countries so far. Love travel so much.

One of your goals when you travel is to fit in with the locals and understand their way of life. What has been the most surprising or most interesting thing you’ve learned about the people in a certain country?

Malaysia was a pleasant surprise. To see three distinct cultures co-existing in a happy rhythm was fascinating. There is a stronghold of Chinese, Malays and Indians all living harmoniously in one country. It truly makes the place buzz, especially at meal times!

In addition to showcasing food and fun on your channel, you also talk about the cost of living in different places around the world. What are some of your favorite money-saving tips you can share with fellow travelers?

We love staying for at least a month in each country. It gives you a great vibe for the place but it also saves you money. Normally you’ll get a 30% to 40% discount on Airbnb once you click over 28 days. We also make a habit of keeping track of our spending, even though it can be hard when you are always out and about. So we update our budget spreadsheet each evening – that way we can see where our money goes and if we need to make any changes.

What are your top 3 favorite cuisines?

We kind of like them all! Our current favorites are French, Vietnamese, and Malay.

What is your favorite restaurant in the world? What dish do you recommend there?

L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre – Paris France

We promise we are not fancy pants with this suggestion. Cheap prices for high end food. Foie Gras for 5 euros, crusty bread with slabs of butter, humble wine. Magnifique!

What is your favorite travel movie?

Ross: The Beach – loved the idea of going backpacking after watching this flick.

Bek: Paris Je T’aime – 18 mini stories all set across different areas of Paris. It shows so many different dimensions of a single city.

What is your favorite international airport?

Singapore Changi airport is nuts! We lost each other and needed a public announcement to find each other. We can laugh about it now!

Which city had the friendliest people?

Athens, Greece. The Greeks are seriously so trusting, generous and lovely!

Who is your favorite travel companion?

Each other. Two peas in a pod here.

What is the best way to kill time while traveling?

Netflix. We love a trashy TV series. We get hooked which leads to a marathon couch session.

What is the most exotic place your career has taken you?

Jamaica was fun. Ross jumped off a 30m cliff with the locals and we sank red stripe beers with jerk chicken.

What is your best bit of travel advice for someone who wants to, or is about to, embark on a life of travel?

It takes all of your energy to travel full time. It’s the best thing we’ve ever done. We love every moment. Just remember – you only get older from here so don’t wait for tomorrow to come…do it now! Yolo.

What are 4 things you could never travel without?

Toothbrush, Mobile Phone (with data of course!), Hot Shower, Camera

What is your ultimate dream destination?

New York City! We’ve been there briefly a few years ago. Would love to spend a month there.

What is your favorite travel quote?

Anthony Bourdain – “open your mind, get up off the couch, move”

Where are you headed next?

We’re currently in Budapest in Hungary, and then onto Croatia next followed by Czechia. We’ll have a couple more months in Europe and then back into Asia again! We’re loving the experience of exploring new places this year.

Bio

Hey there – we’re Ross and Bek! Full time travellers with a real passion for sharing all things food, fun and travel. In 2018, we quit our jobs, packed up the house and decided to work online so that we can see the world. We live in a city for a month at a time, to get a real feeling of what it’s like to live there. We’re now YouTubers sharing our adventures in a fun and informative way. Outside of our travels and YouTube, Bek is a budding photographer and Ross is sports-mad. Connect with Ross and Bek on their website, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.