How I Caught the Travel Bug (and how YOU can too)

Ever remember dreaming away and lusting after those gorgeous travel destinations you see in the glossy mags? Well that was me. Always day-dreaming about those far distant lands, never actually believing I’d be able to ever go there myself.

I remember as a teenager being desperate to go on a holiday aboard. Having never been on a plane until the age 17 in which I travelled to Spain on a family holiday, I longed to travel to more exotic locations. Never once thought I would end up travelling to these destinations. I thought you had to be mega rich and just assumed I’d not be able to afford to go to such places.

One day in year 13 a travel expert came to speak to our class about things we could do after finishing school. This is when the idea of a gap year before university first entered my head. The guy explained that some people choose to spend a year travelling after school, and so with 2 friends also interested, we went about deciding if and how we could do it.

I worked for several months to save up, also getting extra money by cleaning a friends garden and face painting at a local scouts fair. Any little jobs I could do, I did. My friends and I had decided to volunteer with Travellers Worldwide and after looking at different options, found an animal sanctuary in South Africa- all meals and accommodation included. None of us had travelled alone before so having everything organised in advance made us (and our parents) more at ease!

With excitement on the outside and more nerves on the inside we said goodbye to our parents and off we went. Of course we ran into a few obstacles. My friends luggage was so huge we had to open all our suitcases and transfer her things to spread the load. Oh and then we almost got scammed at Johannesburg airport when a guy in so called ‘uniform’ was requesting some kind of payment. Anyway, 3 plane rides later we and had arrived.

The air felt hot and tropical, sun and blue sky being out to greet us. We got picked up by the owner of the sanctuary, who’s accent was so strong we could barely understand him. Driving through the streets, past poorer areas was a strange sensation. Nothing I’d ever seen before, well only ever on TV anyway. I remember staring out the window in awe and soaking up this place so different from home. I was seeing the world with fresh and innocent eyes.

There were around 10 other volunteers from various countries, already at the sanctuary. Friendships were formed quickly and we spent our days waking up early to feed the animals and bottle feed baby lynx cats. The rest of the day was spent cleaning out enclosures and building a new enclosure, so lots of digging and planting trees.

I loved being out in the sun and working as a team. As a shy girl at heart it really brought me out my shell and allowed me to mix with a variety of people. We had a good amount of free time to spend in the pool and walk around the small game reserve attached to the sanctuary. Going for a run past zebra and springbok, whilst they sprinted away from you was pretty special.

The other volunteers

Walking in the game park at sunset

My 2 days off each week were spent exploring the Garden Route, from surfing at Jeffrey’s Bay, to bungy jumping, paragliding and horse riding. So many new and exciting experiences were had in those 2 months. It was such a wonderful feeling making those memories alongside old friends and new.

I can honestly say this was one of the happiest times I’ve experienced so far, from the sense of freedom, being around great people, living and working together in a beautiful setting. We saw gorgeous sunrises, sunny days, dramatic sunsets, intense thunderstorms (and the power cuts that went with it) and indulged in the beauty of where we were situated.

I loved working outside in the fresh air, sun on my face, interacting with the animals, it felt like I hadn’t a worry in the world and for the short time I was there, it felt like home. I didn’t want this feeling to end and knew I wanted to travel more.

A sense of maturity and experience I had gained meant that going back home felt in some way disheartening. With my new found inspiration for travel I was determined to save up again and travel to new places. I wanted to see it all, discover foreign lands, explore the world. And explore the world I did.

12 years on and my love for travel has not faded. People ask me “have you finished travelling yet?”, I mean….what total madness! Not sure I ever will, the world is HUGE and there will always be a new place to discover, so of course, the list is endless. And that gives me hope and anticipation for new adventures.

So what can you do to experience that travel bug?

Well the answer is simple- just go! Get out there in the world and discover everything. Don’t have anyone to go with? Go alone. Afraid to go alone? Be brave, do your research on where you’re going and connect with other travellers in the same position. Don’t have enough money? Work and save- give up on those everyday luxuries like that coffee on the way to work or that Friday night takeaway. I worked a minimum wage job in London so it is possible if you can be careful with your spending. Anything is possible.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu

The travel quote above is one of my favourites. How do you know what adventures are to be had until you take that first step? For me, I did it in baby steps. First I went with friends, then a tour group and then on my own. For some people the first step may be throwing themselves in the deep end and heading to India completely alone. You just have to do what’s best for you.

If you would like more information on building up the confidence to travel solo then click the image below. You will receive a free 4 day guide on building the confidence to travel solo.

How can I find a truly unique travel experience?

For a truly special and unique travel experience it mostly has to be unplanned. And sometimes it can be a really simple moment like sitting on a slow-boat in Asia with the wind in your hair, watching the world go by. Or stopping for a few moments in a tropical jungle and listing to the sounds of nature.

The most special moments I’ve had whilst solo travelling are the times I’ve gone off script and veered from my itinerary. Going with an open mind and saying yes to new adventures are sure ways to find moments you couldn’t have day-dreamed up.

Listening and talking with locals can open up different places to explore that may not be in the guide books. You may hear about a secret waterfall that only the locals can guide you to. Or they may speak of a local temple to visit and explain the best times to go there. They may even invite you into their home.

The most important thing is to get rid of any stereotypes or preconceptions you may have about a place. This could be things you’ve heard from friends or what you’ve read in the media. Because one persons perception of a place can be completely different to your own. I’ve had other backpackers tell me “don’t go there, it’s rubbish” but I’ve gone anyway and really enjoyed it.

Being a solo female traveller is easy in this scenario as you can decide for yourself what you do and when. Where to eat, where to stay, when to get up. There’s a sense of freedom that you just don’t get when travelling with someone else. It almost makes you more adventurous. You are willing to introduce yourself to others, to search for exciting adventures and to gain valuable confidence whilst doing so.

So ladies (and gents), I encourage you to seek new adventures, get off the beaten path, talk with locals and find moments that are special to you. Future you with thank yourself I’m sure.