Since the age of 18, I’ve been travelling the world and sharing my adventures, experiences, and travel tips. I have visited 50 countries and have no intention of stopping any time soon!
I love to travel and see new, exciting and beautiful places and never leave home without a camera in hand.
Ever since I was young I was lucky enough to go abroad on family trips; from road trips through France to cruising the Caribbean, and see so many diverse cultures and beautiful destinations our planet has to offer.
As most teenagers do, family trips begin to be replaced by journeys with friends or solo. From ski trips to; USA, Switzerland and Andorra, to more stereotypical teenage travels to the likes of Majorca and Zakinthos to name but a few. But there was one solo trip that really launched my love for travelling to a new level and I have never looked back since…AUSTRALIA!
At the age of 18, I left home to travel down under, originally as a way of not applying (or be pushed) into a university, to study a subject I really wasn’t sure I liked. A tutor at college kept insisting I HAD to apply to a university as time was running out, and out of nowhere, I glanced at a poster with ‘Australia’ written on it from the corner of my eye.
‘I’m taking a gap year out to travel Australia’ was my response to which had very little substance…until it began ringing in my ears. Australia. Why not?
I travelled the entire country and fell in love with every aspect of it. The people, the culture, the weather. I worked as I went but I was there to do what I loved most. Travel.
I also chose the ‘backward’ way of doing so (this is just me!) I didn’t want to do a trip that everyone does when travelling Oz, or any country for that matter. Backpacking Australia usually consists of starting in Melbourne, Victoria. Then travel via hop on-off buses all the way up the east coast to Cairnes. Instead I did it a little all over the place. Sydney to Cairns, down the Queensland coast and into NSW and the Gold Coast. Then down to Melbourne. Over to Perth. An epic train journey on the Indian Pacific to Adelaide. Then up to the Red Centre via ‘The Ghan’. Eventually making my way back to Sydney again.
Typical me…my way! One of the amazing advantages of solo travel.
From this point on my view on what was expected and what I wanted never looked clearer and I have never looked back. I don’t believe all the hype over going to (or being pushed into) going to University just because society dictates its ‘the done thing’? Don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for those who choose that path. However that just was not for me, and I believe that the world is the biggest educator we have. It’s the only place in which you get taught the harsh reality and lessons of life… one thing we all have in common.
Beyond Oz
Since that life-changing trip I developed a love for travel and seeing new places. This was where travel turned more into an addiction. Visiting places all over Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, USA, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Egypt, Thailand to name but a few.
Thailand really rekindled my love of travel once again, especially being another lone ranger adventure. The country is just unbelievable in every single way and anyone you speak to who has visited will never have a bad word to say, that I am sure!
I have now travelled to over 50 different countries and counting. I also have no plans of stopping any time soon!
What’s In It For You?
I love to travel and am also an avid amateur photographer. Throughout my website, I will combine the two and let you see the world through my eyes and through my lens! You will find blogs and reviews on places I have personally visited and equipment I actually use. You will not find posts for advertisements on ANYTHING I would not put my own name to! I will also pass on any kind of advice or offers I find to save YOU money!
I hope you find my blogs enjoyable, insightful and interesting and hope my experiences (or usually mistakes) will make sure your travels are smooth sailing!
Hope to see you on your travels. Add me on Instagram @travelwithcooky to follow my journey and be sure to say hi. If you’re ever close, please give me a shout and meet up!
