There's no doubt about it, 2016 has been a pretty incredible year for me. I've had some soaring highs and felt pretty low at times, but I've also had the chance to experience some thing I never could have dreamed I would. I crossed three continents and ticked off my 30th country, worked with hotels, spas and restaurants either side of the globe for this blog, I said goodbye to love so that I could travel Europe solo and I made some incredible friends along the way. I've worked as a sales manager, a cocktail waitress, a journalist along the way and all the while I've been working on creating amazing content for this blog. 2016 has been a year of working hard and playing harder, and as it draws to a close I can't help but reminisce over the special times I've shared with amazing people. From the teary goodbyes at the airport, to the mates I've shared incredible road trips with this summer, to the incredible welcome home I got from some of my best friends when I arrived back in Melbourne. Getting the opportunity to celebrate a real Aussie Christmas surrounded by so many amazing friends was a perfect way to end the year. But what have the highlights been?
My top 5 travelling experiences of 2016:
Melbourne
Without a doubt, Melbourne is my number one for the year. Voted the Most Liveable City in the World six years running, it's no wonder I've just moved back here for the second time. I lived in Melbourne at the start of the year and it was the first place in nearly two years that had felt like home. I had an amazing flat, a great job as a sales manager, the most incredible friends and I completely fell for a great guy. Now I'm back for round two and I'm already well on my way with a great job at a rooftop bar and my own brand new apartment. Melbourne, you are well and truly my second home.
Budapest
A city I had dreamed of visiting for years, Budapest was everything I had imagined and more. I loved the history, the beauty, the architecture and the people I met there. Part of my summer backpacking trip around Europe, it was a perfect opportunity to explore the city independently and to have some amazing experiences. One of my favourites was eating dinner in a traditional Hungarian restaurant with my newfound Aussie and Norwegian mates talking about the world under a blanket of stars. Visiting Budapest reminded me how much I love exploring a new city alone on foot, and it's a city I can't wait to revisit.
Slovenia
Slovenia was an amazing experience - not only did I get to explore some of Eastern Europe, a dream of mine for several years, but I was invited along on my first blogging trip. It was an amazing privilege and a reminder of how hard I have worked to build up this travel blog over the last few years. Spending a week at a luxury glamping site on the Slovenian/Croatian border was a fantastic way to see the country - from woodland hikes to swimming in the rivers, to visiting locals and eating feasts of freshly caught local fish. The people, and the place, made it unforgettable.
Bali
My second blogging trip of the year came about only as a last minute plan - I was at a low point and unsure of what my next move would be when one of my best travelling friends invited me to Bali. It was the best decision ever and led to my being invited along to review hotels, spas and restaurants on the island. What was supposed to be a week-long trip turned into a month and yet I still wasn't ready to leave. I explored the Bali countryside on motorbike, visited temples, explored monkey forests, swam in the waves, spotted manatees and swam with sea turtles. It was the holiday I had needed - not just travelling, it was a holiday and one of which I appreciated every second.
Tasmania
Definitely the most breathtakingly beautiful place I have been yet, by far. Tasmania was somewhere I had longed to visit since arriving in Australia and "mini-New Zealand" definitely lived up to the hype. I spent three weeks there staying in the best hostel I have found yet in Australia, exploring Hobart and road tripping around 11 national parks in just 10 days. I hiked for days on end, camped wild under the stars and the full moon, I climbed several mountains and spotted countless whales, kangaroos, wombats and wallabies. It was a magical experience and one I'm so glad I made happen, it was just what I needed. A true breath of fresh air.
After such an incredible year, it's hard to imagine just how 2017 could top 2016. I've travelled to eight different countries this year, I've lived in two of them long-term, I've gone from outback living to city slicker to beach babe and total mermaid. I've taken my clothes off on top of a mountain in the snow, I've changed my mind in 10 minutes and booked a spontaneous flight to the other side of the world. I've refused to stop living my dream for anyone other than myself and I've made a plan for the future. It's an exciting time to be Absolutely Lucy and it all starts again when the clock strikes 12 on New Years. Another fresh start, another exciting adventure and another dream come true. I'm ready, are you?
Where has been your favourite place to travel to this year? Have you enjoyed following my adventures? What are your travel plans for 2017?
If you're making travel plans for 2017 already - look no further than Sunshine for cheap holidays that will bring your dream destination a little closer. With hotel deposits from just £1 and holiday deposits from just £50, they'll help you make your dream trip a reality.
Something a bit different for you today, one of the best things about my travelling lifestyle is the people I meet along the way. People doing all kinds of jobs and living completely differently to keep their life as nomadic as possible. Travelling up in the Northern Territory of Australia, I met a new friend who alternates her travelling lifestyle with working for Thomas Cook Airlines as a flight attendant - a job that seems so glamorous and full of travel that I just had to find out more about what was involved - read on for my interview with a flight attendant:
Which company do you work for and for how long have you worked for them?
I work for Thomas Cook Airlines and I have been with the company for a year now. The contract is only seasonal so I work the summer season and have the winters off.
What attracted you to the job?
Following my passion for travel. When I got back from a 12 month trip I started back with two companies I was with previously before I went away. I was working full time at a dental practice and part time on the weekends in the local night club. As much as I love working I wasn't settled being back in the same routine. My Canadian friend said one day ''if you love travelling so much why don't you work in the travel industry'' and that was when the light bulb went off in my head. I started applying for airlines and I got the job! I truely love everything about it and it is perfect for me in this stage of my life.
How long did it take to train for the job? What was involved in the training?
The training period lasted for 5 weeks and the typical working hours of 9am-5pm. It involved both practical and theory. They were 7 exams in total and it was a very intense 5 weeks of my life but I learnt so much in that time. Not only did I learn all about the aircraft type I was trained on but all the equipment the aircraft has onboard to ensure the safety of the passengers. We learnt the company's procedures for first aid, fire, emergency landings in and out of water, decompression, hijacking, disruptive passengers and many more.
In the training we also had to have a practical swimming test with our clothes on followed by a life rafts practical and the use of life vests to make it as realistic as it could be. In the training centre we had fake fire drills and we had to follow the procedure of finding the fire, using the right equipment to fight the fire and the what the role is of each cabin crew to ensure the safety of our passengers. In an emergency landing we had to prove that we had the knowledge of how to handle the situation which was tested upon us by our amazing trainers that work with the company.
What are the best/worst things about being a flight attendant?
Being a flight attendant is unlike any other job. A lot of people assume we just waitress on a plane but it is so much more than that and the knowledge we hold involving the safety of the passengers is vital to offering the best service. Working with new people everyday, greeting passengers and going that extra mile to make there holiday experience that bit better and being rushed off your feet then looking out of the window at the Alps mountain range just puts a huge smile on my face. I would say one of the best things about being cabin crew would be the long haul but I have yet to experience that in the new year. I will be trained on the A330 which flies regulary to the USA and the Carribean. With that you get to stay in the company's hotel and explore new destinations.
I dont really have any negative points about working on a airline other than it is exhausting! The days go really quick, you are constantly busy from start to finish but driving on the motorway back home after a 16 hour shift to have a couple of hour sleep then back to work for the next shift is an experience! My body quickly got used to it though which was good. It is not a ordinary 9/5 career, you could be on standby from 1am in the morning and be called out for work at anytime. You really need to be organised and punctual for this career. My life out of work is very different too, because of my random working hours and working weekends, bank holidays ect it is harder too have a ordinary social life but I do make it work.
What are the perks of the job?
I feel that when I experience long haul shifts I will get more perks as you travel to new destinations with work and get paid for it. Within the company we get a discount for holidays and flights if we choose to book with Thomas Cook. We also get other discounts with entertainment companies such as Go Ape or Alton Towers, gym memberships and other little perks that I need to find out more about.
What is the highlight of being a flight attendant?
Other than travel, my personal highlight is having the opportunity to sit in the flight deck on my break time and admiring the view at 38,000 feet in the air. One of my best memories would have to be a night shift I was doing. I was on my way back from Tenerife and I sat in the flight deck on my break and the view was breathtaking. The moon was behind the aircraft, with the blanket of clouds below and thousand of stars in the dark blue sky twinkling away is a image I will never forget. It made me really appreciate life.
What is the average day like for you? How do you adjust to long-haul flights/time zones?
This is related to short/mid haul flights where I fly there and back in a day. An average day consists of getting ready for work, driving a hour to work then after I have parked up and got the staff bus into the airport grounds I make my way to the crew room. In the crew room we have a briefing with involves checking out money floats, briefing of the aircraft type/ flight time/ destination/location of each crew member/passenger profile ect. Then we have safety and procedure questions that need to be answered correctly. After we have done our briefing we make our way to the aircraft.
Once we are on the aircraft we have to do all of our safety and equipment checks, when completed we pass them on to the cabin manager. The passengers will then start to board. Once everyone is happy and seated and we are in the air we can start our outbound services. Depending on the time of day we usually do the bar service first, after follows inflight meal then duty free. If we have enough time we do another bar service before landing. After landing when the passengers have disembarked the cleaners will come on then we need to do seat pockets and the appropriate checks before passengers start to board again. Inbound flight is the same routine of services before landing back in the UK.
Once everyone has disembarked after landing we then need to make our way back to the crew room for a debriefing which involves cashing up, talking about any events that went on during the shift and how we could improve on anything. Then I make my way back to the carpark and drive 1/2 hours home depending of the time of day and traffic.
Can you see yourself doing it long-term?
I have a very busy lifestyle but I like it that way. Long term maybe. Depends on what opportunities the future has to hold for me.
What's your favourite place you've been to/fave cities?
With work the only city I have stayed over is Glasgow which isn't that exciting comparied to long haul flight destinations.
How much time do you get to explore the places you visit?
This all depends on which destination you go too. Some can be a night and clear day in New York or 4 nights in Las Vegas. It completely varies depending on how many flights go out to that destination each week.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a career as a flight attendant?
If you have a strong desire or passion for travel and have experience with customer service I would recommend this career path for you. It is a great way to see the world, meet new people and it is a career like no other. I also like the glamour side of it too as I feel very feminine at work comparied to when I used to wear scrubs at the dentist haha. Be happy in what you do as work takes up most of your life in the bigger picture. Life is too short to regret the choices you make.
Infographic created by Opodo.
You could never run out of things to see and explore in London, it's a city that is buzzing with nightlife, entertainment and fun. Every weekend there is something happening and you can easily understand why so many flock to live there. Next time you're planning a weekend in the Big Smoke and you're at a loss for something to do, why not check out some of the best attractions in the city:
The Shard
One of the most popular places to enjoy London's iconic skyline, The Shard's observation deck sits 800ft (244m) up Western Europe's tallest building. A perfect place to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the view.
London Eye
Take to the skies with Coca Cola in one of the 32 pods, in just 30 minutes you can see more than 55 of London's famous landmarks set against that famous skyline. At £22.50 for tickets, it's a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and to get to know the city from a different angle.
Tower of London
Discover the building's 900 year old history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and even a zoo. Take a tour and explore the walls of history from years gone by, even marvel at the Crown Jewels!
Sea Life London Aquarium
Home to over 500 species of aquatic life, the Aquarium is the perfect place to retreat to when the British weather hits. Enjoy an afternoon of talks and special feeding sessions with the experts and take your time spotting everything from sharks to Nemo!
Afternoon Tea at Harrods
Tired from all the walking around the London streets? Take the weight off and relax as you enjoy the famous Harrod's afternoon tea. Delicious treats await for those with a sweet tooth.
London Dungeon
This 90-minute experience throws you headfirst into a time of years gone by, with live experience actors, amazing special effects that will send a chill down your spine and exciting rides.
Still can't decide on what trip you want to try out first? Head to Attractiontix for all the latest in special deals and discounts for a whole range of trips to London.
As I travel further and further around the globe, I meet so many inspiring people along the way. People who have defied the odds, who have left behind whole lives, careers and even loved ones behind to pursue their love to travelling. I've met some amazing men and women who have put their fears aside and who have broken free of the norm in order to keep exploring the world around them. Some of them fighting fears that have previously left them shaken and restricted, instead channeling their worries into finding a solution to living their travelling dreams. One of my very good friends has become a total inspiration to me after she refused to let an almost crippling fear of flying stand in the way of her travelling the world. Instead of letting it hold her back and squash her dreams she has used her fear to become more creative in the ways she travels. Now, years later, she has explored around 30-40 countries by making her way over land and sea to places like China and Russia, even braving the flight to Australia! By facing her fears she has achieved so much and that is endlessly inspiring, she may still be afraid of flying but she has shown herself, and others, that she won't let it stand in her way.
When you think of exploring the world around us, many jump straight to the thought of long-haul flights and gap years, but there are so many different options available to us. No matter what kind of traveller you might be, there is always a travelling style to suit you. It might mean inter-railing around Europe, sailing around the Caribbean or motorbiking around Vietnam, but there are countless ways of getting out there and exploring the world around us. While I do love flying, it isn't always the most cost effective way to travel and I've found myself keenly using buses, trains and cars to get around. Here are some of my favourite ways to travel without flying:
Top ways to travel without flying
Cruise the coastline
As I experienced in Greece and more recently, in Bali, it can offer you a whole other experience to travel by boat. Whether a cruise liner or a smaller boat trip, you get a totally different perspective on the landscape and, in turn, the country. I haven't yet had the experience of a full cruise liner but I have enjoyed boat trips of several days in the Whitsundays during my time in Australia, in Bali and Vietnam, and in Greece. It was a great way to travel and gave us plenty of opportunity to spot some incredible wildlife in its natural habitat while spending our days snorkelling, diving and paddle boarding. Cruises come in all shapes and sizes - from the shorter few day-long trips to those of several weeks that span rivers, oceans and more.
And If you fancy exploring other countries, there is a whole new selection of cruises departing from the UK heading to places like Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Greece and Gibraltar.
Hit the road
Road trips are a fantastic way to see the countryside and get off the beaten track. You have total freedom over the route, the stops and, most importantly, the snacks! Road trips around Tasmania and Bulgaria have been some of my favourite trips in the last few years and I've loved the chance to explore the wilderness at my own pace. Plus it gave us great options to stop off and camp along the way - I'm planning to do the same when I travel the West Coast of Australia next year. Check out my guide to the perfect Aussie road trip on a budget here.
Train for your trip
The train is a method I've used less so far but having friends who have raved about their experiences inter railing around Europe, Russia, India and Sri Lanka, I know it's something I'll be trying out a lot more in future. It gives you the best of both worlds - no chance to get sea-sick, no stress of driving on unfamiliar roads - instead you can just sit back and relax with a good book as the countryside slips by the windows. If you're travelling on a strict time schedule, overnight sleeper trains can be a life-saver by allowing you to catch some precious zzz's as you move between one destination and the next as I found in Vietnam.
Bus it up
Overnight buses are either great or really bad in my experience - some are spacious and comfortable with good drivers and snacks. Others are cramped and traumatic from start to finish, but I can't deny they are a great way to get from one place to the next - I lived on them in Asia and Australia and they were often the best, if not the only, way to get between places.
Don't let a fear stand in the way of what could be the best time of your life - whether it's a holiday or long-term trip you're planning. The only way to beat a fear, is to face it head on. You never know, you could have the time of your life!
Have you faced a fear to travel? Tell me about your experiences with dealing with fears when on the road.
For years I have longed to visit Budapest, it's a city that seems to sparkle with beauty, history and culture, and one I couldn't wait for the opportunity to explore. During the summer, I finally had the time and the money to jet off on a jaunt around Europe, taking in cities like Amsterdam and Berlin, road tripping around Bulgaria and I couldn't resist taking the time to explore what has since become one of my favourite European cities. After spending just a few days exploring the sights and sounds of Budapest, I have spent the last few months telling everyone I know to go along and experience it for themselves. Whether you're looking for a romantic city break for two, a weekend away with friends or, like me, you're going it solo, it's the perfect city for your next trip.
Where to stay?
I stayed at Avenue Hostel which is right in the heart of Budapest on Oktogon, and I can't recommend this hostel enough. I met amazing people there, had the comfiest bed and loved the creative, artsy vibe. Whether you're there to sightsee or want to party and meet people, it's a perfect hostel for you to use as your base. Plus everything within Budapest is walking distance so you can easily get to all of the sights, restaurants and bars on foot. It's a great area and even if you don't want to stay in a hostel, there are countless hotels, AirBnBs and B&Bs to choose from.
What to do?
On my first day in the city, the weather was terrible but what better excuse to visit the famous baths? I went for the Gellert Baths to start with - these were mainly inside and offered great deals on massages which was just what I needed on this rainy day. It's worth asking at your hostel/hotel for any deals available - my hostel gave me a great entrance/massage packages that saved me quite a bit of money. As the weather improved, I spent the next few days exploring the city on foot - there was no need for a tour guide as it was easy to navigate the city using the maps app on my phone and by chatting to the locals. The castle, parliament and Fisherman's Bastion are incredible structures that are well worth a visit, as is St Stephen's Basilica and City Park. Check out the views from the Liberty Bridge and as you wander along the winding streets look out for memorials of the history of this amazing city. Finally, wait for a sunny day to enjoy the incredible Szechenyi Thermal Baths, the jewel of Budapest, it's a perfect place to top up your tan while bathing in the famous waters.
When should you visit?
Budapest is an amazing city to visit all year round - glorious in summertime when visitors can walk through the winding streets and eat outside in the restaurant-lined courtyards. Or, for those who prefer to time their visit around Christmas, it's a perfect opportunity to get in the festive spirit by visiting the world famous markets. If you can time your visit in the summer - be sure to grab a ticket for Sziget Festival - music, arts and a lot of fun right in the heart of the city. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to take the time to explore the city at night as well as during the day. A city of lights, Budapest comes alive at night when crowds all the streets to witness the city aglow and visit the ruin pubs of years gone by. If you're travelling alone and want to meet some party pals, definitely try and do the Wombats Hostel pub crawl - it's one of the best hostel pub crawls I've done in a long time.
Has that whet your whistle for Budapest? If so, why not check out Liverpool John Lennon Airport's new city guides for all the best tips on what to do and how to plan your Budapest trip. Read the Liverpool John Lennon Airport destination guide here. Or find another destination for your next trip - click here.
Have you been to Budapest - what did you think of the city? What is your favourite European city and why?
Sometimes you meet people and you get that feeling that this is just the start of a big adventure together that will span years. This summer, almost 18 months after we first met in Thailand, I was reunited with my favourite squad - The Pioneers - in Bulgaria. We were thousands of miles away from where we first broke all the rules, had all the fun and forged a lifelong friendship but nothing had changed. Amazingly with very little planning, a reunion came together and before we knew it, we were sitting in a bar in Sofia, Bulgaria, together ahead of a week-long road-trip around this amazing country. 
You know those friendships where you don't even need to speak for months on end, but when you finally see each other everything just slots back into place? Well that's these guys, to the max. We all have such different lives that take us to opposite ends of the globe, but when we saw each other again it could have been just another day in Thailand. In true pioneer-style, we decided to go a little off the grid, all being true travelling souls we weren't made to stay in a resort, we wanted to explore a new country together. It was actually my second time in Bulgaria, but eight years on I was looking forward to seeing how it had changed.
So what was our plan? We decided to spend one night in Sofia to give us time to catch up before picking up our hire car the next morning and starting the drive towards Plovdiv, stopping off at a few sights along the way including the Seven Rila Lakes, we then spent a few days exploring Plovdiv before finishing our trip with a night out in Sunny Beach. 
Considering we only had five nights together, we crammed a heck of a lot in and saw a lot more than I managed to see eight years ago. Plus we got to have an amazing road trip experience along the way which has given me enough laughs to last a lifetime! Very unlike my first trip to the country, this one gave me an amazing opportunity to really see the beauty of Bulgaria set against it's communist past, it was an interesting contrast and I'm so glad I had the chance to experience Bulgaria in this way.
So why should you road trip Bulgaria?
Still don't know if Bulgaria is for you? Well neither did I, but I've visited twice now and and had the most amazing trips. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you plan a trip to Europe, but that's part of it's charm - the fact that is isn't as touristy as places like Amsterdam and Barcelona. Here you can still get a taste of European charm untainted by Starbucks and McDonald's on every corner, you can still get lost in the winding streets, cultural sights and incredible countryside. I can't recommend it enough for a budget road trip.
Have you been to Bulgaria - how was your trip? Which country has been your favourite to road trip?
Unless you're sitting on one heck of a trust fund or you've just won the lottery, Australia is pretty impossible to travel long-term without working. I worked lots of different types of jobs during my first year down under – hospitality jobs in a theatre and a bar, I got my hands dirty working on a farm, I even became a sales manager! Talk about variety, but one experience stood out above all the rest, for all the wrong reasons. You always hear about backpackers taking an au pair jobs while in Australia - for some it makes them brave enough to move over here having a job already lined up through an agency. For others, it's a nice break from hostels and a chance to have your own room and live with a family for a while. It can be a great way to get childcare experience for those hoping to work in this industry, or in teaching, in the long run, but it can sometimes be totally different to what you expected.
My time as a nanny was without doubt the worst job I have ever worked in my life. I had never once underestimated the workload I would be taking on, the fact that I wasn't that keen on children or what the job would entail, and yet I was still horrified by my own experiences. Saying some of it out loud to friends really showed me quite how much I put up with while I was there, and because of this, I wanted to write this post so that other backpackers travelling Australia will be a bit more prepared than I was. I'm not just going to focus on my terrible experiences, because that's just not fair, I know several people who have had amazing experiences working as au pairs for really lovely families, but I also know some who have really struggled. This post is here to give you all the information so you can make a decision for yourself whether the job is for you, and to know what to do if it doesn't work out.
My experience
"I worked as an au pair for three months in Charleville - we're talking 800km west of Brisbane - which was an incredible opportunity to experience real outback Aussie life. I took the job at the last minute when I struggled to find anything else and on first glance it looked like a good opportunity. It offered me $300 a week plus my own annex, food, gym membership and car/scooter access. I was looking after two boys (6 & 7) who were at school during the day, when I would have cleaning tasks to complete – I would get them ready for school and do drop-offs, then look after them after school, take them to their activities and prepare dinners. It sounded like the dream job for an au pair, but the reality was very different.
"I was never told that one of the children I would be looking after had special needs and with limited experience of looking after children I think this was vital information. This child actually turned out to be the most precious, he was loving and kind and sweet, and once we settled in he was great to look after. Saying goodbye to him was hard after several months together. The other child however, was spoilt, overindulged by his parents who were never there, he bullied his brother and was violent towards me. I don't blame the child for one second, but the constant changeover of nannies in the home plus a lacklustre attitude to parenting hadn't helped. Neither had the way his mother spoke to me, which he keenly imitated.
"Every day I would be kicked, punched, slapped, pinched and spoken to like I was worthless by both child and adult. I would be told I should be dead because everyone hated me, or that I was selfish and lazy. I worked 12-14 hour days dealing with every body fluid going, scrubbing, cleaning and cooking for the family and most nights I would finish late, sometimes several hours after I was supposed to finish.
"The family had no respect for their home, it was filthier than most hostels I have stayed in and they would constantly throw rubbish everywhere. Their menagerie of animals would leave trails of droppings across the floor and would piss on the carpets. One weekend, I had cleaned the house on the Friday and left it spotless, the family went on holiday that Sunday and left me to do a deep clean of the house. When I went in on the Sunday, there was rotting food laying all over the kitchen, there was rubbish everywhere, clothes scattered, shit on the floor, there was no end of filth in a house that had been pristine less than 48 hours earlier. It was this spiteful behaviour that became my daily life.
"There are some even worse things including abuse over social media that I won't share on here, but I want you guys to understand, I worked my arse off for this family and was treated terribly. It makes me really sad that I never got to experience the amazing bond you can get with some families as an au pair, but I could have done no more to make that happen. Despite this, my outback experience was one I will never forget for the amazing people I did meet along the way, it's just a shame my working life left so much to be desired."
Holly's experience
Holly is an English girl I met while I was working as an au pair, she was a real rock through my three months there and helped keep me sane on many an occasion. She was also working as an au pair for a local family but had a completely different experience to mine. Read on to find out about her job:
"I found the job on Gumtree, I must have applied for around 50 nanny jobs in total and only two ever replied! The one I got and another one prior to that but decided this one was a better fit! I worked for a family in Charleville, in outback Queensland. I was only supposed to work there for three months but ended up staying with the family for over a year, and even moved towns with them!
"I didn't get a very big wage which was the only thing I didn't really like about the job, I worked from 7am till 9pm, six days a week so it was long days and very intense! I got $300 a week which doesn't sound like much at all but I was quite lucky because my family paid for me to live in a house in town, I ate with them 6 days a week and they also provided me with a car and fuel (mainly for work purposes but I could use it in town socially) so the money I earned I got to spend on what I wanted.
"I looked after twin girls, they were five months old when I arrived and 17 months by the time I left, so I saw them change and grow up so much while I was there including crawling, first steps. I was pretty much their second mother, my involvement with that family was pretty intense. I cooked, washed, cleaned, fed, changed, bathed, shopped, played all day! Some days I had the twins just by myself which was hard work and other days the mother and I both looked after them.
"I honestly LOVED this experience. Charleville is so out of the way its not somewhere your average backpacker would've stumbled across but I'm so glad I did. I love the town and have made some great friends through it, and the bond I had with the family is one that I think will last a long time. Obviously not everything was perfect, things rarely are but on a whole I wouldn't have changed this experience at all. At least I can say I'm prepared for my own children now. And I don't think I ever would have done a lot of the things I have if I hadn't come out here, I can't say going to a rodeo or mustering cattle was ever high on my list of things to do but I did them out here!
"What advice do I have for other people interested in doing something like this? Say yes to everything! Life is too short to say no or be too scared, especially when you're going to a completely new town by yourself. Just be brave and get stuck in! Enjoying yourself is the most important part!"
Coping with your au pair job:
You might get lucky and have an amazing experience like Holly, or you might suffer like I did, but if things don't turn out the best with your au pair job - here's how to cope:
If you need any advice or have any questions about au pair work, leave a comment below or message me on Facebook or Twitter.
Have you worked as an au pair in Australia -what was your experience like? Where else in the world have you worked as a nanny?
One of the most common messages I receive from readers asks about how to budget for backpacking. I write about saving money and how to plan trips a lot on this site, but one thing I really want to focus on is how you can possibly know how much you will spend on a long-term trip. After all, at home you've been living month-to-month rinsing those paycheques dry until you're watching the days creep by towards pay day. The thought of not having a steady income and relying entirely on your savings can be scary for some - so it's important to budget correctly and plan realistically if you want to have the best time. I'm all about making the most of your money and every possible experience - I don't want to miss out on a single trip, meal or massage. BUT, I aways manage to do it on a budget because let's be honest - I'd rather keep travelling as long as possible than indulge in a week of full luxury.
So how do you budget for a long-term trip?
First of all you need to establish how long you want to travel for and where you plan to go - weighing up the cost of living/travelling in each country. For instance - travelling in Asia is the cheapest travelling I have found and I could easily do a year there on the money I would need for 5-6 months in Australia. But when travelling Australia I have been working along the way and earning a small fortune compared to what I could save at home in the UK. If you're on a break from work and only have a month - perhaps consider Europe which although expensive is a great way to see a lot of countries in a very short space of time. If you're looking to travel for six months on a tight budget, Asia is fantastic - you can see so many different countries and the cost of living well is very low. If you're looking to work abroad and fancy doing a year abroad - why not go for a working holiday visa in Australia, New Zealand or Canada and try a combination of working and travelling?
What kind of trip?
What are your priorities when you travel - are you looking for a full cultural experience of staying with locals? Are you planning to party your way around the world? Or are you a thrill seeker who wants to try every adventure trip going? You need to factor in the cost of trips/alcohol/food/living costs and be realistic. Always over-compensate - what's that quote?
"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money."
I couldn't agree more - take as much money as possible by giving yourself enough time to save and cutting costs wherever you can (check out my top tips here). I worked five jobs for a year before going away the first time - it was worth every miserable second when it meant I saved £10,000, didn't have to work for nine months and lived like a queen! I personally like a balance of cutting costs, partying a lot and adventure trips so I always think about how I can balance them. Sometimes I will stay in the cheapest accommodation possible and live off instant noodles so that I can justify an amazing road trip or island cruise. Other times I won't be interested in trips and will spend all my money on cocktails and my own private hut on the beach. When I budget for my trip I take that into account and over budget my living costs. I always try and budget roughly £1,000 a month no matter where I am - then I know that in Asia I will hugely underspend which balances out in Australia when I definitely overspend, likewise with Europe I budgeted more because I knew I was travelling around a lot very quickly which costs more - best way to cut costs when you travel? Stay still for a while in a cheap place and just live simple.
Be realistic
We all have those times when we accidentally splash too much cash, when we shop too much in the markets or take our card on a night out then look at our account the next day with horror. I know I'm definitely guilty of that at home and since I've ben travelling - but it's good to acknowledge it. If you admit you are possibly going to do it, budget for it and give yourself a cushion of cash to keep yourself out of the red.
Don't forget
Remember to account for any home costs while you're away - if you're still paying rent on a house or phone bills/credit cards you need to make sure you have the money available in the correct accounts at all times. You need to make sure you can afford to do this and don't end up in more debt as a result of messing up your money or under-budgeting.
Don't let budgeting put you off
Remember you will never have as much money as you would like. It would be great to live in that dream world where you have a constant supply to keep you going, but it may never happen. Don't let that stop you from travelling - I know people who have gone away with £1-2000 for a long trip and who have just figured it out along the way. I always think the less money we have, the better we are with it. And always remember - there are so many amazing options for working abroad these days - those working holiday visas I mentioned earlier, see if your own current working company can transfer you abroad, study abroad, teach English around the world, volunteer, work for accommodation. The options are endless and there is always a way to make your travelling dreams a reality. I've been both the richest and the poorest I've ever been since travelling and I can assure you I've lived the dream throughout both. If you're determined and committed to making it a reality, you will always find a way.
This post was a collaboration with Auto Advance.
Need budget tips for your upcoming trip - leave a comment below with any questions! What are your best budget tips for preparing for a long-term trip?
When I travelled to Bali last month, I only planned to stay for a week but I fell in love with the Indonesian culture and the incredible landscape. A month later I only left because of my visa but I know for sure I'll be back in the future to explore more of Indonesia in the years to come. There are thousands of incredible islands waiting to be explored and each come with their own incredible sights, customs and experiences just waiting to be discovered. From the jungles of Borneo to the beauty of the Gili islands and the wildness of Komodo Island - Indonesia truly captivates the soul. One area I would love to visit is Java, and when the team at Hotel Tentrum Yogyakarta asked me to write about my perfect trip there, I couldn't resist the chance to share it with you guys. Yogyakarta has long been described as the artistic soul of Java and it's easy to see why when it has combined the traditional Balinese culture with modern living. Now famed for its arts and culture, the city remains protective over its customs combining the new with the old.
If you're planning a trip to the city, be sure to check out some of the incredible natural sights that lie all around, delve into the history of years gone by and indulge in the foodie highlights around the city. Don't miss these top sights:
If that's whet your appetite for a visit, why not take a look at these Yogyakarta hotel deals and start planning your trip? Have you been to Yogyakarta - what was your highlight? Can you recommend any places to visit?
As requested by you guys – here's my best long haul flight tips to help you transform your flying experience. And hopefully, make you guys love flying as much as I do. I love flying, I always have since I was a little girl, but I know there are so many people who dread this part of their holiday. Whether its because of a fear of flying, or they're simply just impatient to get on with their trip. As someone who has spent a lot of time on long haul flights as part of 20+ hour long trips. I want to share how I manage to stay sane, keep comfy and most of all, sit back and enjoy the journey.
Now I want to stress that if you do suffer with a fear of flying, I can't guarantee these tips will help rid you of your fears. However, they may help to make the overall experience a lot more comfortable for you. They may even offer a great distraction from what is going on around you. If you regularly fly whether for business or leisure – it might be that you're an impatient traveller and keen to just get on with the trip. But I hope that these long haul flight tips will help you view the travel part of the trip as just as enjoyable as the rest. Or, at least as time you can utilise more effectively.
So many people actually let a long flight stand in the way of them seeing what's on the other side of the world. When there are so many ways to make long haul flights that little bit easier. Check out my long haul flight tips for changing your in-flight experience:
Give yourself a helping hand to relax during your long journey by taking care of everything beforehand. Future you will thank past you for getting everything organised. Key things to remember:
When you're travelling long haul, it can sometimes mean flights of up to 24 hours without a proper break or bathroom. It's not the nicest when you start to crave a shower so be sure to do all you can to feel fresh when you travel. I never leave home without the following items:
It's amazing how much of an impact these items can have on making you feel a heck of a lot better. I always brush my teeth right before I get on the plane and in layovers. I also love to give my face a wipe and reapply fresh moisturiser before getting off the flight as the air can be very drying. Hand sanitiser is always a saviour when it comes to travel – from grubby tube lines and public transport, to cleaning in-flight tables.
This can make a big difference to the level of luxury you travel in. One of my best long haul flight tips is to find cabin luggage that best suits your needs while maximising the items you can take with you. This might mean the choice between a backpack or suitcase – suitcase is great if you are on a business trip or short weekend getaway. However, if you have heavy items – I would really recommend using a cabin size backpack. Why? Simply because airline staff are a lot less likely to stop you and check the weight of your bag.
I've travelled through over 30 airports since I got my Cabin Zero Adventure Cabin Bag in Military Green and never once been checked for weight. Thank goodness because my bag is usually wayyy over the limit! Make sure you choose the best travel backpack before your trip and maximise your in-flight space.
The clothes you wear to the airport can change your whole experience. Just notice the difference between those travelling in joggers and trainers compared to business travellers in their suits. Wearing a suit is definitely not one of my long haul flight tips. I always say you should put comfort first – but it is possible to do this and still look smart.
I usually travel in black leggings because they're much softer than jeans and they don't wrinkle. Plus you can make them look much smarter with a nice top or jumper, a jacket and scarf. Remember to try and look a bit smarter - you're more likely to get upgraded to business or first class if you look the part.
This one can make a big difference to your life if you have a lot of flying hours ahead of you. Many business travellers, or those with certain credit cards, will get automatic access to various lounges worldwide. It's worth checking with your bank to see what you're entitled to.
Even if you don't get free access to airport lounges, booking one can be a great way to save money at the airport. They don't usually cost too much – sometimes around £20-30 – but this can include all your food and drink, including alcohol, plus a great workspace. Some even provide showers, places to nap and even spa treatments or massage chairs. If you've got a long layover between flights, it can be a great way to get some shut-eye and to recharge. You can do this without spending a fortune on food and drink in the main airport.
A little friendliness and kindness goes a long way. So many people rush through airports and speak to staff like absolute crap. It's one of my biggest pet peeves and I hate to see it happen. Impatience gets the better of a lot of people and often ends up with pointless rudeness that gets us nowhere. A little smile and a please and thank you goes a long way! Airline staff get a bad rap when actually they do a very hard job. They are in charge of your in-flight experience and can make-or-break it for you, so throw a smile their way and chat to them. It can be the difference between a miserable and a great experience.
Instead of letting a long haul flight mean hours of wasted time, why not change your attitude? You could easily utilise the time to focus on work. If you want to really make the most of the hours – try and plan a vague schedule of working in 1 hour stints. For example – I usually try and use airport time to write. I love finding a great café or restaurant where I can sit in a corner and blast out a blog post. I'll give myself an hour to write, then give myself a change of scenery. I might later on spend an hour on SEO, or emails, or admin. Another hour might be spent on design work. Other great long haul flight tips for working while travelling:
We're not all workaholics and many of us just like to take the time to chill and relax during long flights. If this is the case, make sure you're well stocked with plenty of entertainment. Bring a range of options such as the following:
It's also great to take a mixture because if you're in the middle of a long journey, you might not have time to recharge any technology. I never leave home without a paperback book because I've had several flights where the in-flight entertainment wasn't working. At least even if you're stuck without, you have something to entertain you!
Some long haul flight tips might not work for everyone. I know that many people struggle to sleep on long flights – myself included. The noise and lack of legroom can make it hard to really relax. But it can be a great time to catch up on sleep, and to try and get yourself on the correct timezone. I recently took a very unexpected 50 hour trip from South America to the UK which included 4 flights, a lot of stress and five different timezones. Needless to say my body was very confused by the time I arrived. I didn't manage to sleep on those flights which meant my body clock was all over the place and the jet lag was horrendous.
I really recommend, as soon as you get on the plane, to set your watch to the time of your destination. Start behaving as if you were already there – so if it's night-time, try and sleep. If it's a "day flight" try to stay awake until it's a "normal" time to sleep. This will help you hugely when you arrive and will help prevent jet lag. Over a lifetime of travel, I've only experienced jet lag twice and both times it was because I didn't follow my own rules.
One of the big causes of flight anxiety or fear is overthinking. If you suffer with these problems, it's worth trying to slow your body down. Instead of feeding these behaviours with alcohol and coffee, which exacerbate the stress on your body. Slow down, stay away from caffeinated drinks and sugary foods. Listen to a super chilled out playlist to help you relax. I love listening to The XX – they always soothe my soul. Or if music doesn't help, try a guided meditation or visualisation. There are loads available on Headspace, Calm or Spotify.
Who says your holiday doesn't start until you arrive? I always like travel days to be treat days which means I can indulge whenever I want. I've never been one for counting calories. But I can firmly say that they definitely don't count when you're moving between airports, countries and even continents. Whether it's treating yourself to a glass of wine at the airport, or a nice meal before your flight. I always think you should take whatever opportunities you get because you have no idea what they're going to serve you in-flight. If you're on a budget – these long haul flight tips still work for you. Instead of spending at the airport, why not make a picnic to take with you? Pack sandwiches or a salad, and lots of snacks!
This sounds like a strange one – but we all have those boring jobs that we always put to the bottom of our list. You know the ones – perhaps it's some boring life admin task, Facetiming someone or finally backing up your photos. You've got hours to fill between flights and layovers – why not do it now? Free access to the internet at most airports and if you're travelling alone, you might be bored. It's a perfect chance to tick off one of those annoying jobs, while making it a lot more exciting/entertaining because of the location. I know I often do this in airports because they're a great place for people watching. I can set a task in motion and if it's something mindless, I can easily get it done while enjoying the atmosphere.
If you've got a long journey ahead of you and you're just dreading it. These long haul flight tips might help ease your pain. I always try to pack a few small luxuries. Now when you're travelling on a budget, this doesn't have to be much. It could be packing a nice lip balm or hand cream that smell delicious. These can be divine to combat dry plane air and to feel a bit pampered. Others might like to use noise-cancelling headphones to block out noise so they can sleep. I've even seen people pick up a takeaway from a restaurant in the airport and take it on the plane! Whatever makes you feel better, make sure you pack it for the journey.
You know that feeling when you get somewhere and suddenly panic you've left the oven on, or the straighteners? Or perhaps you didn't shut that window, or blow out that candle. Make sure before you leave home, that you leave a key with someone you trust. So if you do get this feeling, there is someone who can check for you. Always have good home insurance and security, make sure everything is locked up safely when you leave.
Always remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Some of my greatest travelling memories have been the anticipation of the trip and the experience of getting there. You never know who you're going to meet along the way! Plenty of people have met the love of their lives on a flight, loads of people have found new friends when journeys have gone wrong – myself included. Learning to surrender and realise you have absolutely no control over what happens is one of the best things you'll ever learn. Be in the moment, enjoy the best you can and stop stressing. Don't get so caught up in the length of the flight that you forget to enjoy the pre-holiday build-up!
What are your best tips for making long-haul flights bearable? What are your most important hand luggage items?
Whether you're heading off on that much anticipated two week holiday or you're heading off on a huge backpacking trip, it's important not to get so carried away you forget to safeguard your home. So often it is the last thing we think about when we're going away, but it is actually the time when our homes and our possessions are most vulnerable. With thieves getting smarter and so much of our personal lives being available for the world to see on social media, it only takes one bad egg to take advantage of your trip to line their own pockets. But as ever with travelling, planning is key and can save you a lot of time, hassle and money. So when planning your next trip, why not put some of these suggestions in action and see how much of a difference they make. You can spend as much as you like on a luxurious resort, but if you don't have peace of mind that your home is safe, there's almost no point in being there. Treat yourself to full relaxation on your next holiday by making sure you've done everything in your power to give yourself a good homecoming.
What can you do to protect your home?
For city breaks/summer holidays:
For the long-term travellers:
Don't suffer from FOBA (Fear Of Being Away) - get out there and enjoy your travels by doing all you can to protect your home while you're away. Just as you padlock up your suitcase and buy travel insurance as a back up in case anything goes wrong - make sure you look after what's waiting for you at home. Also, stay safe abroad by checking out my safety tips for travelling solo.
Have you been a victim of theft while on holiday? What security do you put in place at your home while you travel?
Okay so my travels kind of ran away with me and writing has taken a bit of a back seat lately. The last six weeks since I left home have given me endless reams of adventures to share with you all, but I just haven't had enough time to sit with my laptop and actually write. It's frustratingly satisfying when your life is so full that you don't have time to share it, but I can't help but miss the process of writing and sharing every step with you guys. So I'm here, I'm back guys, and I bring endless amazing photos, anecdotes and reviews of all the fabulous places I've been over the last few weeks. I'm writing this from Sydney Airport, halfway between Cairns and Tasmania, but I want to take you back in time a few weeks to when I first arrived in Bali. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay at Grandma's Hotels in both Kuta and Seminyak during my first week in Bali and I think it's about time I shared my experiences with you. I was invited along to review the two hotels and I was excited to check them out - as part of easing myself back into backpacker life it was nice to start out with all the luxuries of a hotel but perfectly aimed at business or budget travellers.
Grandma's Plus Hotel, Seminyak
We started off by spending a couple of nights at Grandma's Plus Hotel in Seminyak and it was a perfect place to kick off my time in Bali. The hotel is perfectly positioned to enjoy all the bars, restaurants and nightlife Seminyak has to offer while also being right next to the beach. Despite being so close to several big clubs, the hotel is very peaceful and you wouldn't even know that you were just down the road from some of the biggest nights out in the area. As we pulled up in the taxi, we were instantly impressed by the style and design of the hotel, unlike others on the street it looked almost as though it had been reclaimed by nature. The tropical greenery and vines wound through the walls and around the pathways throughout the building, it was such a unique look and I loved the way all of the interiors had been designed to fit with this natural theme. Combining natural jungle paradise vibes with a sleek, modern layout worked really well and set the hotel apart from the rest.
As we walked past the swimming pool and made our way up to our room, I was even more impressed by the high standard of comfort available for those on a budget. We had a twin room with an en suite, but doubles are also available, and my oh my, let me just tell you about the beds. Now beds are a big deal, especially when you're a budget traveler or backpacker, all too often I end up sleeping on springs or some lumpy mattress! So laying down on this incredible mattress was an absolute dream - I almost didn't get out of bed the whole time we were there! After spending a month in Bali I now know how often you get promised hot showers and actually find cold water running out of them, so the showers in the hotel were heaven - powerful and with endless hot water. The room was great, it had everything we needed and more, it was compact and well-designed so that it actually had those fun hostel vibes but with the privacy and comfort of a private room.
Grandma's Plus Hotel, Legian
After a couple of nights in Seminyak, we moved to the Grandma's Plus Hotel in Legian, not far away but in a whole other section of the popular stretch of Kuta. Streets lined with shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants awaited us, this section was far busier but proves a big draw for travellers of all ages who want to relax or party on their holidays. This hotel is designed along a similar theme of jungle greens and staff welcome you in to the towering structure through a leafy pergola. This hotel is set around the restaurant where breakfast is served, with huge, high ceilings and trailing vines dangling from the rafters, it's a beautiful place to start your day with a delicious breakfast included with the room price. You can choose from an Indonesian breakfast to Eggs Benedict and all plates come with fruit and treats from the bakery - a perfect meal to set you up for a day of sunbathing or exploring.
The hotel has the feeling of an oasis after stepping off the chaotic, busy street outside into the cool, calm atmosphere, it's soothing. Again the rooms are of the usual high standard and came with all the amenities we would need during our stay, and the beds were just as comfortable as the ones I had just left behind at the other hotel. The only thing we did notice with this hotel was that there was a bit of street noise despite us being seven floors up, but understandably we the hotel was in the middle of the busiest part of Bali. I can't fault the staff at both hotels, they were amazing and so helpful. Everything from moving us into our rooms to organising taxis and even trying to help me fix a SIM card for my phone. They made our stay go from good to excellent with their great attitudes and friendly manner.
Spa time
While we were staying at the hotels, we were also invited along to try out their spas. At Grandma's in Seminyak we headed to De Nyuh Spa and Salon for a full body Balinese massage - my first in the country - then at the hotel in Legian we went to Rehat Massage and Reflexology. Both spas were located within the hotel building, so super convenient if you fancy a pamper but aren't ready to face the outside world yet. Both were beautiful designed and brought instant calm and peace to you as you walked in the door, the soothing music combined with the floral displays and the dark wood kept the spas cool and laced with gentle Balinese aromas. Having now had several Balinese massages, I can say that these two massages were actually two of the best I had while in Bali. If you're staying at either hotel, I would really recommend visiting the spa for a bit of me-time - you'll come away feeling like a new person and ready to really embrace your holiday.
Have you stayed at Grandma's Hotels - how was your experience? What kind of accommodation do you normally go for on holiday?
