About That Trip (2024)

30/12/2021

What was arguably one of my favourite interviews of the year for the depth of the conversation (and somehow laughs in between), I got to chat with New Zealand actor and presenter, Pio.

We talked about the loss of his teenage son to leukemia. Big hearted Pio said that grieving in the public spotlight was hard, but by talking about he was able to support other parents whose children had also ‘flown away’.

To thank Make-A-Wish New Zealand for brightening his son’s life, Pio travelled to China to share the healing experience with others and raise much needed funds for the charity while he was at it.

Read the story I contributed to my amazing friends at Inspired Adventures at https://bit.ly/3HlJ0xo and let me know what you think.
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18/12/2021

Right by the Campaspe River, there are art and murals throughout the town, including the most breath taking silo art.
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18/12/2021

Quality time to be had with my parents, down by Australia's longest river, the Murray River in Echuca.

There’s nothing extravagant about sharing a motel room with your parents as a grown woman, but after the couple of years of disruption and separation, this local road trip suits me just fine!
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29/11/2021

It’s getting warmer down this end of the world and rather than planning my escape, I’m embracing quality time. Fun in the sun will look a little different with ageing parents, aunties and uncles but boy I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I’m off to Echuca for a cheeky long weekend in a couple of weeks - can’t wait to tell you all about it.
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28/10/2021

MS Australia help guide people through their treatment on a regular basis. Some people with MS still managing to conquer the iconic Great Wall of China. For just one of the amazing people I had the pleasure of talking to, she also raised vital funds for medical research while managing her condition.

Read this story I contributed to my amazing friends at Inspired Adventures .

Read the story https://bit.ly/3pL39aA and let me know what you think.
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28/10/2021

These guys, they never fail us. Who’s now considering taking their pets on their adventures?
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28/10/2021

Here’s to hoping some of the healthy activities we took up to occupy our time, continue! And even better, get incorporated into new ways of travelling.
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28/10/2021

It’s been another tough trot but simple pleasures continued for those who noticed.

Puddle hunting and jumping are personal favourites of mine and my nephews. And I can’t be happier that both time with them and neighbourhood adventures are back on ❤️
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08/06/2021

Petra Sandanam travels quite a bit. In fact, you may see her pop up around here more than once! She usually travels solo because it gives her the freedom to travel the way she wants to. And ever the realist, she accepts there’s no perfect trip and can adjust plans as needed. Because she’s a spreadsheet geek and has a back up for her back up plans 😉

Read about some of the authentic experiences Petra was able to have travelling solo in Paris and Hawaii.

Let me know what you think of the story
👉🏽 https://bit.ly/3cqqaIt
~

05/05/2021

Reaching the peak of Mt Sonder in the West MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia was one of the highlights of my recent trip, though my toes are still recovering from the hiking boots 😳

But first and foremost the team effort in even being part of the trip in the first place. So many people underestimate group travel as either not being for them or loving it because it’s convenient. I travelled with a group of 25 big heartened souls raising money for a fantastic cause - accomplishments in themselves, but when the outcome is a sense of teamwork and natural connections made over shared meals, fresh desert air and physical grit, the level of satisfaction and warmth in humanity is overwhelming.

I’m so very grateful for the lessons and unique experiences that travel provides ❤️
~

21/04/2021

I spoke to someone recently who has always been a traveller (& foodie!) and hasn’t let their multiple sclerosis diagnosis stop them from taking on adventure travel. They are a solo traveller at heart but in the spirit of facing challenges, they booked in to do a group tour - trekking for charity! For them it was just about managing the symptoms and taking regular rest and water breaks. For others, it may be different, but with the right medical advice and treatment, illness and travel can still work together.

It’s so humbling to hear people just get on with it - the perfect attitude for taking on a physically challenging trip! Because at the end of the day, we’ll all experience the struggle - it’s a mental game as much as it is physical, but when it comes to travel, there’s usual some magical moments along the way ❤️

I’m interested - whether injury or illness, what was your travel experience like?
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19/04/2021

I can’t believe it’s almost here - next week I go on an Australian Safari. I’ll immerse myself, in our Aussie outback, taking on the Larapinta Trail - one of Australia's most spectacular bushwalking and trekking experiences. And trying my hand at camping in a swag!

This is a special year of travel in Australia for me (more specifically, my family). My parents, uncles and aunties celebrate 50 years living in Australia. As much as I was raised to appreciate my Sri Lankan heritage, my parents always wanted my sister and I to know where we came from, and I’m so honoured to celebrate their decision by visiting the heart of this beautiful country. And a few more trips this year too!
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16/04/2021

I’m a wildlife fan and have been lucky enough to go on some pretty amazing safaris in Africa, India and Sri Lanka.

We have some of the most unique wildlife right here in Oz, yet we often don’t get the chance to see them in their natural habitats. Thankfully we don’t have to step too far into the wild to see some of these Australian icons.

Read this story I contributed to my mates at Inspired Adventures this month.

Read the story https://bit.ly/3gsgoIH and let me know what you think.
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10/04/2021

I went to Europe for the weekend. And technically, I didn’t even have to leave my home state to get there...

Life’s resembling more normal than it has for a long time and so is the pace. I thought it was high time to take a trip down memory lane with some really easy breaks.

I walked down the street to grab a take away coffee from a cafe I’d never been to - I was greeted by a “Ciao Bella!”, beautiful hospitality and chatter from behind the counter in melodious Italian accents. I felt all the warm and fuzzies for a few minutes as I remembered being back in Italy, standing at the counter ordering “uno espresso per favore” and discovering that it must be drunk then and there at the counter itself. Sigh! Oh to be back there, and in that moment, I was.

And I joined a friend for her birthday at our favourite French restaurant for dinner. The food of course was amazing but it was the ambiance that took us back to our trip together to Paris. The white table cloth, the dimly lit room, the small space and cosy vibes, but in particular the music reminded us of the late show we saw at the Moulin Rouge where we were so tired from the long haul flight, racing around Paris all day and the time difference that we were nudging each other awake through the iconic show!

My travel memories were so vivid, from simply having a coffee and eating out. What simple break has taken you back to a favourite trip of yours?
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03/04/2021

Today’s day trip brought to you by my love of wine! Australia has some of the best wine in the world and there’s some of the best cool climate vineyards about an hour away from home, around Red Hill.

I enjoy the calm feeling of a winery, so green and the vines so perfectly lined. I was so tempted to take my shoes off and walk barefoot in the squishy, soft grass! Best of all, this Seeker likes visiting the smaller vineyards and hearing the wine maker and staff speak so passionately about the wines they produce. It’s pretty amazing that between wineries, even within the same region, the wine can differ so much in flavour. And I love listening to the amazing characters behind the wines share their stories. It’s all part of the experience ❤️
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31/03/2021

Ah, so close to the long weekend...

For those of us lucky to be able to go away, the long weekend seems to be the new version of the previous 2-week holiday! So what we are seeing is bargain flights just outside of this period and accommodation options maxed out during it.

More people are driving interstate, taking local day trips (and hopefully supporting local hospitality venues along the way) or simply taking the time to rest at home.

So, time is kind of irrelevant. Taking breaks are the focus, and hopefully spending time with loved ones as well. My weekend will be at home, doing day trips and celebrating Easter with family visiting from Western Australia, who I haven’t seen in a year due to border closures. I’ll be getting my fix of love 💗

What are you getting up to?
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29/03/2021

This is me, cruising down the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe in 2019. Do you find yourself looking back at photos, in awe of how carefree we were? I do. It wasn’t that long ago.

I was totally relaxed, having just completed the most amazing trip of South Africa that really touched my soul. Then on to witness the magnificence of Victoria falls, then here watching hippos bobbing up every once in a while to say hello. And then my tradition of a poolside stop over on the way home - this time, Singapore.

Life was so extravagant. Abundant! It still is, it just looks different right now. But I’m confident we’ll be back to normality soon enough. I, for one, will want to spend a lot more time in each place than I had previously though. I want to soak it up, take it all in. Share it with others. My view is to enjoy the journey instead of racing through it.

What about you?
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26/03/2021

How do you stick with your goals when the goal posts keep changing?

This is something that I know my wonderful friends at Travelling Fit know quite a bit about. So, we’ve teamed up again to get the word out on how running has provided great context for goals being fluid.

I’ll be running my next race with them in Outback Australia in July. Check them out or my latest contribution https://bit.ly/2PrD0xi.
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24/03/2021

I’ve had a few trips that haven’t gone to plan this year. As in, halted before even going. While it’s disappointing, I’m finding I’m relating it less to the “here we go again” of last year and more “well that wasn’t meant to happen!” I guess I’ll find out why soon.

It doesn’t take away from my sulky frown, but it seems to last a lot less time now. So maybe there are little proof points of resilience from this pandemic surfacing after all...

My next opportunity to travel will come soon enough. Hit me, universe! (In a good way, please)
~

23/03/2021

I spoke to someone recently who reminisced with me about group tour he did with people in similar life situations as him. They were all travelling for a cause, but connected through grief.

Some had lost a loved one, others were anticipating it. It was intended to be a way for them to channel their energy into supporting the cause that has affected them all - a beautiful gesture in itself, but the power of sometimes even silent connection sounded magical.

I’ve always thought it special to find comfort in strangers, let alone in a totally different country. That’s the power of humanity!

I’d love to know if you have had a similar experience through travel...
~

19/03/2021

Change is as good as a holiday.

Adventures are supposed to be just that – a unique and exciting or daring experience. And as a Team Leader for an amazing impact driven organisation called Inspired Adventures, trekking and cycling into the unknown with a group of like-minded strangers is part of the challenge… and reward.

Read this story I contributed to my amazing friends at Inspired Adventures this month.

Let me know what you think 👇🏽
https://bit.ly/3tFVx81
~

16/03/2021

It’s a year on since our world changed - certainly in Australia (earlier in other parts of the world). There’s no doubt about it, it’s been tough - moreso than any of us could have imagined, but there have been blessings along the way too.

My biggest problem this time last year was the cancellation of my biggest adventure yet - running a marathon in Antarctica! In reflection, how can that compare to families separated and people stranded overseas?

So along the way we relearned to appreciate the little things - technology connecting us, our homes, daily walks, pets, conversation, even my garden. And my idea of a great holiday has been a weekend away with my family in my own state... because we could.

We’re still all in different stages of restrictions but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. And though my travel agent business has been impacted, I got you guys in the process, so today I’m grateful ❤️
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12/03/2021

Cheap travel - do you or don’t you? For me it’s about why. Do you want to find a reason to take a trip just because it’s cheap? Or does it bring an opportunity that you would have otherwise not taken up. You decide.

For me, the opportunity to catch a plane again is now a chance to live a little. To think first about seeing my family interstate and think about safety second. We’re thankfully in a great position in Australia at the moment, so when my family called today to say, hey, we’re headed to Queensland in May - want to come? I’m a hell yes. Not because it’s cheap, but I have time to make up with them ❤️

Where are you at with travel during the pandemic - do it, or wait?
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06/03/2021

Next week I catch up with a big hearted man with a very personal reason for combining his adventures with fundraising - the loss of a child. For others, fundraising adventures are a way of making a contribution while learning about a place or cause. And for some, it’s a gesture of gratitude for what they are lucky enough to have.

I personally know lots of people who seek out organised charity adventures and do them regularly. Just Peoples are one of the amazing charities who offer these adventures and have a couple of trips coming up - trekking in Larapinta, Northern Territory, and hiking, cycling and kayaking in Tasmania, Australia this year. What a way to travel with purpose... and with other like minded people ❤️

Drop me a DM if you want to know more.
~

01/03/2021

Where do you practise your craft? I practise mine here. Does it mean my work is unfinished, not ready or that you guys are my test dummies. Never!

It means I am committed to what I love - storytelling. And being relevant.

It means I respect you all enough to change things up, see what you like, don’t like, and adapt my stories to suit.

And it means I’m open enough to share what I know and learn with people on the same journey.

That’s the beauty of storytelling - it’s authentic. Relatable. Keep your eyes on the brands that do great storytelling and you’ll find effective relationships rather than make a quick buck mentalities.
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28/02/2021

Travel may have changed for the moment, but it’s made me all the more determined to re-live the amazing moments I’ve collected from mine. Here’s a little nudge to take a trip down memory lane yourself too - and if you can, get out there again!

You can check my latest travel writing out at Bendigo Monthly https://bit.ly/3r1yZgR

And the ebook I’ve written about running the major world marathons will be published next month 😬
~

25/02/2021

Too many people get bogged down on negative self talk like “I can’t write”. Actually you can. You do, I’d argue, everyday. The problem is people think they need to use big words or get clever in how they phrase what they are saying.

Let me tell you, with over 20 years of writing professionally in corporate environments, the only thing that type of writing does is profile the person writing it. True communication is writing in a way that draws the reader in and the most effective I have seen or written myself is super simple! Plain English, and about what the audience would care about - not features, benefits or cryptic offers.

Just tell people what you want to tell them. And sprinkle a human story in there and you have a winning piece of communication. 🤓
~

22/02/2021

What kind of travel blog is this anyway? There’s not much travelling (duh, COVID!) or glam selfies in amazing looking places 🤷🏽‍♀️.

Very true. I tell stories, and I tell them about other people. Firstly, because they are more interesting. And secondly, because they are more authentic than a staged photo and plug of where you stayed. Mind you, there’s no judgement here - it’s human nature to want to make something look better, and there’s also a place for affiliates and recommendations. But when connecting with a person through a screen, the goal is to make them feel something if they are to keep reading. And stories are the way I do it.

Have a think back to a tour guide’s story, or the locals you’ve met, or even the expat that went for a holiday and just never left. Each had a story and one that you associate with a place and a feeling. I bet you don’t remember the name of the hotel you stayed in though - or maybe you have a better memory that I do 😉
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20/02/2021

It’s amazing the perspective downtime and space can give you. For me, that used to come from taking holidays, and looking at the bright side, we’re now challenged to find that in other ways - whether it’s family time, a day trip, getting active outdoors or even having solid homebody time.

It got me thinking about introverts and what great writers they make because it taps into their strengths - alone time, space to think, no pressure to speak or socialise, and being empathetic listeners.

Writing in the form of stories can be an amazing outlet and a powerful way of connecting with your people... instead of the masses. Using something personal and exciting for you, like travel, is an easy way to convey what you want to say while connecting with like minded people. Take it from me, fellow introverts 🙋🏽‍♀️. Give it a try!
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18/02/2021

Let’s talk travel, shall we?

I had a bright idea a few years ago to become a travel agent - after all, life’s too short not to do everything you love. Got myself qualified and launched my business. A pandemic made that a little challenging over the last year but I’ve met some amazing people in the travel industry. Including a like-minded woman putting a fresh spin on a pretty traditional function - my friend Travel By Stephanie and podcaster

We’re excited to host a room on on Wednesday 24 February at 7pm AEDT. So drop into Clubhouse and join our room to share your travel stories and chat openly about current trends... explore and the opportunities that lay ahead.

If you’re a travel lover and storyteller like me, here’s your chance to join us on stage to share your tales and hopes for an adventure-filled future.

Already on Clubhouse? Follow me and I can ping you into the room 🤩

👉🏽 https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/xXRkqn4m
~

16/02/2021

Waiting, waiting, waiting... this explorer is waiting for her next adventure, along with many others. If you live in Melbourne, Australia, like me, you’re waiting to hear news of lifting of lockdown restrictions today. Or not 🤷🏽‍♀️

Well, I’m not waiting. I’m already planning my first outings - mini trips, if you will. First will be to see my nephew for his second birthday, even if it’s just for backyard hangs. Second is my cousin’s wedding, that was sadly postponed in the unexpected restrictions put in place.

Since when is family time a characteristic of the explorer travel personality? The thing is, everyone can float between Explorer, Captain, Seeker and Lover types, and I suspect that external impacts such as a pandemic will amplify that.

While I’ve always been pretty quick to jump a plane and escape somewhere, spending time with those dearest to me has become my number one priority. And a bonus if we can explore together! How has your travel personality changed recently? Reminder, to find out your travel personality, do the quiz on www.aboutthattrip.com
~

16/02/2021

Some people pick a topic and write about it. Others pick a publication or brand and sell an idea based on what their audience might like.

Although I write using lots of methods, my favourite type of storytelling comes from listening. Either stopping someone mid conversation because something has peaked my interest, or interviewing them and listening for the magic moments. The little of pot of gold inevitably drops, but you have to listen really carefully, almost between the words and be quick to catch it - often the person doesn’t even know they’ve said it.

I always say storytelling is an art - sometimes more intuitively listening than even the writing. And I friggin love it. ❤️
~

15/02/2021

I’ve been cleaning out my wardrobe and realising that most of my travel souvenirs are wearable - upcycled leather jacket from Prague, shoes from Dubai, dress from Amsterdam, handbag from London, jade bangle from China!

Nice way of taking a trip down memory lane.

P.s - these are staying in the “keep” pile... even if I’m only wearing them around the house at the moment 😳
~

13/02/2021

About That Trip was created only a few months ago out of a love of travel, people and stories.

It was a baby born during a pandemic, but ironically, something I always wanted to do. What started with me interviewing and writing stories about different travel personalities’ experiences - The Explorer, The Lover, The Captain and The Seeker - has lead to travel writing, content creation for my favourite adventure brands, writing an e-book and collaborating on Life Changing Adventures 2021 trips with Just Peoples.

It’s been an immediate and intense love so far, and one that feels so very authentic. It’s intention is very simple - to embrace meaningful times, have a positive impact and connect people.

That’s what love is to me... how are you sharing your love, beyond Valentine’s Day?
~

12/02/2021

I don’t know about you, but I want to live in a world that’s more human.

I’m currently in a hopefully short lockdown in Melbourne, Australia and you know what connects us even in the confines of our homes? People. We have become masters of connecting through technology, but feelings, a sense of belonging and personal touches are what hold communities together. Even create new loyalty.

So I choose stories over sales funnels. Heart beats over numbers. There’s always a place for both in business, it just depends (certainly for me!) where you feel more authentic.

Tell me, what type of human stories do you connect most with?
~

11/02/2021

Don’t know what to say? Start with a social post.

After a hot night here in Melbourne, I was sweating more from standing still between sets of my workout this morning than during the work itself. I’m a dreamer, so imagined that feeling of being in a tropical destination. My parent’s homeland of Sri Lanka is on my mind lately, so it felt like the humidity between brief rainy periods. Not to worry, there’s always plenty of wardrobe changes at the ready in my suitcase and a bowl of rambutan, mangosteen and papaya nearby to refresh me.

My coach yelling “time!” snapped me back to reality. But it’s nice to know my imagination can take me away whenever I feel the urge.

Knowing what to say is only limited by where you are looking for inspiration.
~

11/02/2021

The truth is, everyone can write. And if it feels hard or you don’t know what to say, you’re not talking to someone.

Obviously there are different writing styles for different audiences, but to get started, I just write like I would speak. And if I get stuck, I shake myself off and ask what I’m really trying to say. I spit it out and then refine it if needed. More often than not, if I’m speaking my truth and to a human instead of a dictionary, it sounds pretty good.

Give it a try!
~

09/02/2021

When I’m a fan of the story a business tells, I make a point to reach out and tell them. Who doesn’t like that acknowledgement! And it feels good to share the joy.

Capturing intent and stringing words together in such a way that draws a reader in is an art. And the way the tourism industry is doing this (or not) during the pandemic fascinates me. There’s so much opportunity to share stories while travel is limited. So shout out to 100% Pure New Zealand who do this really well, and specifically Queenstown NZ who totally speak to my adventurous heart. I can’t wait to see more... until I am there in person.
~

04/02/2021

Life’s a marathon, not a sprint. So thank goodness for the fresh start a new year brings.

And I’m starting mine collaborating with a business I love, Travelling Fit. What a badge of honour to say you’ve made thousands upon thousands of humble dreams become reality. If you have goals to combine running with travel, check them out - you’ll inevitably see me at one of their events. And even telling a few stories on their behalf.

Read my latest contribution - https://bit.ly/3cBcFGJ.
~

03/02/2021

Ah, nothing like the smell of Valentine’s Day to inspire a really nice conversation about storytelling. I was talking to a friend yesterday who’s trying to make more connections for her business and I asked why she doesn’t send people love notes. It really resonated with her, and it’s exactly the same as choosing a place you want to travel to and who you’d like to spend time with there - it’s a personal shout out and a “hey, let’s hang out, I know we’ll have an amazing time together.”

See? Purposeful stories can extend beyond your travels too.

Accepting love notes over here! 🙋🏽‍♀️ In case you were wondering...
~

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