Do you remember how travel changed after 9/11? Suddenly security was much stricter and we were made to put all our liquids into clear plastic bags. Then there was the shoe bomber incident shortly after, which meant everyone was taking off their shoes and various other items of clothing to be scanned. That was back in 2001, and granted I wasn’t travelling that much...
I started writing some reflections about what I have learnt through the lockdowns in June 2020, and now suddenly it is March 2021; one year since the virus started wreaking havoc globally. Phrases such as covid, lockdown, new varriant, tiers, and social distancing are now all part of our everyday language. Sanitiser has become a staple in our handbags, that is when...
”I will be happy when I graduate. I will be happy when I get that job. I will be happy when I get married. I will be happy when I loose some weight. I will be happy when I have my own home.” Any of those statements ringing true to you? I know they are for me. For most of us, happiness is a goal. Something to constantly work toward and achieve. However, what happens...
Weddings are momentous occasions, but planning them can feel like quite a mamoth task. There are so many elements to them, and deciding on each can take weeks. Last spring, I got engaged whilst on a trip in Switzerland. It was an exciting time, and we had lots of celebrations with friends and family initially afterwards. Our celebrations quickly progressed into full...
If waterholic was a word, then I am sure I would be one. For those that know me, will notice that I am never too far from my water bottle (that and a good cup of tea!) Water makes up most of what I drink in a day, and is important for both physical and mental functioning. As I travel frequently, I am always on the lookout for a good solid and easy to use drink...
Whether we like it or not technology is advancing around us, and shapes how we live day to day. Most of this tecnhology can be helpful, but we are now spending the majority of our life, living online. We do our banking online, shop online and may even dab into the world of online dating. A lot of things are automated, and we sometimes have no need to speak to an...
Culture is something we are all born into; it gives us a sense of who we are, and is woven into the very fabric of our lives. Our culture has he ability to influence us, our behaviours, belief systems and values, but culture can also change; the way we think and behave, but there is a chance, we may also lose sight of what our own culture is. When people ask why I...
Picture the scene; you’ve just arrived off a long bus, train, boat or plane ride. You get to your hostel, and check in to your dorm room. If there aren’t any people around, you head down to the common area, to find your fellow backpackers. You meet some, get a drink and begin talking. Conversations generally go like this. “Hey, I am (insert...
When I told people I was travelling for a little over 4 months, many of them said “isn’t that expensive? Hotels aren’t cheap!” Correct, hotels aren’t cheap. Well, in South East Asia, you can get one for as little as US $10 per night (my most recent was Hotel Xoai in Can Tho, Vietnam) or you can push the boat out and stay in a 5 star, for...
Have you ever wanted to travel solo, but have felt apprehensive, and thought it may be too hard, or that it would push you out of your comfort zone? Well it will .. but travelling Solo is easier done than you think, if you just remember this one piece of advice I am about to share with you. Today marks 5 weeks into my 18 week trip around South East Asia, and...