Travel State Of Mind

So many waterfalls to explore in Hawaii

Is there such a thing as a travel state of mind? Do you feel happier when you travel? Are you more adventurous? Confident? And if so… do you prefer your traveller self?

It’s now two and a half years since I left full-time employment. Wow, that went fast! Since then I’ve spent my life jet setting, as I worked hard to turn my passion for travel into a full-time job. From hiking volcanoes in Indonesia and sailing around Croatia, to eating my way around Barcelona and exploring Chile’s Atacama Desert… it’s been one serious adventure!

Photographing the lagoons near El Tatio, Chile
Photographing the lagoons near El Tatio Atacama, Chile (Photo: @BackpackerMacca)
Piaynemo, Raja Ampat
Piaynemo, Raja Ampat

I’ve written before about how this travel blog came about and why I love travelling… I even blogged a few weeks ago about how I try to keep travel fresh and exciting when it’s such a regular part of my life. This blog is just part of my unconventional career, as I’m often busy working on travel content for the likes of Metro, Lonely Planet and Skyscanner.

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3 Amazing Ways To Meet Solo Travellers When You’re Away

Enjoying the views in Split, Croatia

Wondering how to meet solo travellers when you’re away? You’ll never get lonely with my tried and tested ways to meet people while exploring the world!

I’m a huge fan of jetting off on holiday with my best friends, but there are certain times when the travel experience is heightened by travelling solo. When you only have yourself to think about, you can create a trip that’s totally suited to you.

Plus, without anyone to hide behind, you tend to make more friends, take a leap out of your comfort zone, and relish the adventure! Hey, I never would have gone volcano boarding in Nicaragua or hang-glided in Rio if I had some of my scaredy-cat friends there to chicken out with!

Volcano Boarding Nicaragua
Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
Enjoying the view in Yosemite National Park
Enjoying the view in Yosemite National Park, USA

It’s fair to say solo travel has a bit of a stigma. Not only is it a daunting prospect for the one doing it… it’s also the kind of thing your mum will have a big opinion about! Will you be safe? What crazy things are you planning to do? And after days of fun… what happens when you get lonely?

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Travel In Lithuania

Vilnius Cathedral Square

Time to travel around Lithuania.

When I jetted off to Lithuania’s capital Vilnius to start my Scandi-Baltic Adventure with Busabout, I didn’t really know what to expect. Over 8 days I would be visiting 4 countries I’d never set foot in… along with one of my favourite places – Sweden. The whistle-stop tour was designed to provide an introduction to The Baltics and Scandinavia… but with so little time, how much would we really get to see? And with 9 other tour mates – would we all be looking for the same kind of adventure?

Check out Part 1 of the video of my Scandi-Baltic Adventure now, and scroll down to read all about the first part of my trip!

In all honesty, when I told friends I was flying to Vilnius, I was met with rather blank expressions. Is that Bulgaria? Romania? Poland? I’ve travelled a lot over the last few years, but The Baltics had remained something of a mystery to me. Not obvious holiday destinations, and not at the top of my bucket list. However, this trip has really opened my eyes to some countries I’d like to explore further, and a few I would return to in a heartbeat.

Busabout Scandi Baltic Adventure Map Our Busabout guide was bright, bubbly South African Pasqual, who was full of enthusiasm and information, and created a well-balanced tour – with time for learning, relaxing and partying.

Wanderlust Chloe Busabout Scandi Baltic Group 2015 1
Scandic-Baltic group with Busabout guide Pasqual (in red)

Over the next few blogs and videos, I’ll be revealing all about my trip, and recommending some amazing places to add to your bucket list! First stop… Lithuania…

LITHUANIA

Vilnius’s medieval old town is packed with beautiful architecture, large squares, tall spires and cobble streets. While walking along the main street, I checked out the market stalls, which sold locally-made items including woolly boots and hats, and pretty bags. I’d seen photos of Cathedral Square before, and was looking forward to seeing the tall white bell tower for myself. This is where crowds gather at Christmas and New Year, when you’ll also find an enormous Christmas tree! The bright white glowed against the blue sky.

Wanderlust Chloe Lithuania 1

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