My Dengue Fever Experience

mosquito biting arm

“Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world. Their ability to carry and spread disease to humans causes millions of deaths every year.” – World Health Organisation “You should go to the doctor.” It was a message from my Mexican friend. I was lying prone for the 5th day in a row, each day … Read more

Round The World Trip Planner & Weekly Checklist

I bought my first around the world ticket in 2010. I spent the next 5 years buying 5 tickets more. Not all of them took me in a complete loop around the world but they took me on adventures that lasted several months each time: Latin America, Asia, Africa, North America and Europe. Although the … Read more

How To Work Out Your Travel Budget – 7 Easy Steps

Mix of currency and money

“How much does it cost to travel to [Spain/Japan/for 3 months in Mexico/Around the World*]” *insert trip plans as appropriate I get asked this question a lot. After three dull head thumps on my desk, I have to start my response with, “It depends…” Do you want to stay at 5-star hotels? Are you going … Read more

How to Plan a Trip Itinerary – Step-By-Step Guide

Boats in El nido in the Philippines at sunset

Taking your dream trip is one of the most exciting things you can do. Planning that trip, not so much. Stressful and at times overwhelming, it can be a challenge to know where to start. The good new: I’m going to take you through everything you need to know about planning your trip. From planning your … Read more

My Round The World Trip – 10 Things I’d Do Differently

Dream explore discover travel the world pavement art

If you read my recent post 101 Ways Travel Changed Me, you’ll know that this month marks the third anniversary since I set off on an around the world trip that would change my life, career and home forever. And what a trip it was. However, every adventure has room for improvement, so, with the … Read more

Tips For Your First Time Stay In A Hostel

Indiana Jo and friends in a hostel elevator selfie

A couple of weekends ago I spent a day in London catching up with my old college room-mate, co-conspirator and long-term best friend. Of course, we see each other when we can but between her adorable children and my flighty nature, getting a full 24-hours together free of laptops and nappies is near impossible. So, … Read more

Dealing With Bed Bugs When You Travel

bed bugs when you travel

Fresh from my third encounter with bedbugs in as many days (three out of my last five beds had the critters – a bad ratio by any standards), it seemed an appropriate time to share my tips on dealing with bed bugs when you travel. Some facts about bed bugs Most people have heard of … Read more

50 Signs You’re A Long Term Traveler Not A Tourist

Indiana Jo by ferry with large backpack

‘How long have you been going for?’ comes up more than once a day when you’re travelling and I struggle to give a simple answer. This trip, I will have been away from the UK for exactly one month today. However, that’s not the entire reality. The longer answer is that I left ‘home’ in … Read more