I have always loved the idea of travel. Having dad living on the other side of the country meant that I travelled more than most kids growing up. From the age of three I was waving goodbye to mum in Melbourne as she handed me over to the always lovely air hostesses and running into dads arms when I arrived at Perth airport, after only pressing the call bell fifty six times to ask for another coke and be the complete cliche kid asking “are we there yet?” I loved the experience of flying so much I dreamed of being an air hostess for a good ten years of my life. 

In year twelve when I was tossing up whether to take a gap year or not, I decided I would rather get a uni degree, work for a year in a well paying job (more well paying than Maccas in Bairnsdale anyway) and then take a year off to travel. It just made more sense and all my family supported that idea. It probably also helped that all my friends were moving to Melbourne and diving head first into study as well. So then I finished my four year primary education degree. Then I finished a year of teaching. Then I finished four years of teaching. I loved the school I was working at a ridiculous amount and I had worked hard to get where I was. After applying for my job eight times and still not receiving an ongoing position, I decided it was probably time to take my year of travel. I won't have the security of a job to return back to but, it's teaching, if all else fails I can always CRT. 

Whilst my mum and dad never really traveled further than their own home, my Auntie Georgia spent the majority of her 20's travelling internationally. She met my Uncle Colin whilst travelling and they were the epitome of crazy cool relatives. I always idolised them growing up and they have been the most supportive of my plans to travel; offering me travel advice and encouraging me to go solo. 

Ryan and I were together for five years and always planned to travel together. He was never keen on Europe so we decided to go to South America together. About three years ago and before any of those plans went ahead, we amicably decided to split up. About a year later, he headed off on a six month trip to Canada and Alaska and I would be lying if I said I wasn't devastated. I had always envisioned my travels with him but this allowed me to change my mindset and kick my own solo plans into gear. Thanks Ry!

How could I forget Elise Cook! If you haven't checked her out on Instagram, I highly recommend doing so! She inspired my plans to travel Aus after her and her husband Dom bought a combi, dropped everything, and then drove around the country for over a year. That’s her drone photo of their van as this blog icon!