Notes to Home

For as long as I can remember, my deepest desire has been to live a life filled with travel. I’m not talking about the occasional holiday; I’m talking about a burning desire to explore every corner of this world. 

And over the years, my unquenchable thirst for wanderlust has only grown. The more I saw, the more I wanted to see. My bucket list grew to an impossible length, and then in 2023, amid a broken housing market, my boyfriend and I left New Zealand with one-way tickets to see the world. 

Now I find myself living my dream and travelling full-time. Each day is an adventure of epic proportions, full of excitement and the unknown on a huge scale. Travelling in your 20s and learning how to push yourself out of your comfort zone is a gift I wish to give everyone. I am filled to the brim with gratitude, and with each passing day, my eyes open wider to the magic and beauty our world holds.

In the past month and the months leading up to our departure, I’ve experienced ups and downs, epiphanies and moments of pure ecstasy. But most importantly, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about myself. 

So, here are nine things I’ve learnt while travelling full-time; I hope they inspire you to take the plunge and embark on your own adventure. 

1. Communication is key, but it looks different to everyone.
2. Keep in touch – always
3. Embrace discomfort: that’s where the magic happens
4. You are responsible for your own happiness.
5. Things won’t always go to plan – and that’s okay; life is what you make of it.
6. Slow down; your body and mind will thank you for it.
7. Stop the comparison game
8. You’re more capable than you know
9. You probably don’t need that extra pair of leggings

Communication is key, but it looks different to everyone.

Communication and connection are intertwined, essential aspects of being human. We all crave meaningful interaction. Travel has an incredible way of breaking down barriers and connecting us to people from all walks of life. Whether bonding with fellow travellers over shared adventures or forming genuine connections with locals, the power of human connection is an extraordinary force. 

Yet, the way we communicate differs from person to person. 

Some people are natural-born communicators, effortlessly expressing their thoughts and feelings throughout the day. I’m constantly aware of how I feel, and it’s taken me a long time to realise that not everyone shares this experience. Some people struggle to find their internal voice and need to dig deeper to understand their emotions. Neither approach is better; they are simply different, unique facets of our humanity. 

Recognising your communication style and learning how to communicate effectively with your loved ones (especially your travel partner!) is so important. And we should remember that communication extends far beyond words alone; body language and facial expressions help us understand how our partners feel. 

If you’re travelling with a partner, consider how to deepen your connection through communication. Find your own unique way of connecting, like checking in and asking how they feel on a scale of one to ten. On that note, remember that sharing your feelings and vulnerability can go a long way too. Life gets much easier when we’re all on the same page. 

Keep in touch – always

Always make time for your family and friends, no matter how busy you get. They’re your loved ones for a reason, and just like a relationship, family and friendships take time and nurturing too! 

We too often get caught up in the day-to-day craziness of life, and our priorities shift. 

Travelling and being away can be difficult on those closest to you, so make sure you’re leaving time in your schedule to check in now and again.

Plus, there’s no better feeling than being halfway around the world and jumping on a video call with your Mum. It just feels like home.

Embrace discomfort: that’s where the magic happens

I’ve spent most of my life resisting change. I opted to remain in control and stick to familiar routines, even if they were not always the most efficient or fulfilling.

But recently, I’ve realised that stepping out of my comfort zone is where the real magic lies. It was as if I had been tiptoeing along the edge of a vast ocean, afraid to take the plunge and utterly oblivious to what awaited me on the other side of the surface.

Breaking out of your comfort zone is where growth happens, life gets exciting, and I’ve experienced some of my most memorable and life-altering moments. Pushing past the boundaries of what feels safe (within reason, of course) and familiar opens up a new world of opportunities and rewards. As my Mum and Dad would say, always strive for a life that is 2% better than the one you have today.

Whether trying a new cuisine, participating in an unfamiliar tradition, or connecting with people from different backgrounds, pushing your boundaries will reward you with unforgettable moments and broaden your perspectives.

You are responsible for your own happiness.

One of the most empowering things I’ve learnt in my 20s is that our feelings are ours, and ours alone. You can experience joy, homesickness, or excitement, regardless of how others feel. Similarly, understanding that your loved ones’ bad days don’t have to dictate your own allows for compassionate support without compromising your happiness. Remember, you hold the reins to your emotional well-being; the greater you understand, the freer you will be. 

Things won’t always go to plan – and that’s okay; life is what you make of it.

We’ve all heard someone we know tell us to look at the world “glass half full”. And whilst applying that logic to all situations is impossible, this really is the best advice.

I’ll admit that I hate change and the unexpected as much as the next person. Day-to-day, this is something I really struggle with. But when you’re travelling full time (or living in general), something is bound to go wrong. You’ll miss your bus, your luggage will get lost (or stolen), or you’ll wind up liking a place less than you had initially thought. 

When you’re in these situations, you have two options. Allow yourself to crumble in a fit of despair, or push yourself out of your comfort zone and roll with the punches.

At the end of the day, if you miss your bus, there will always be another. If you lose some of your luggage, shops will always be open to replace it (plus, hopefully, you’ll have travel insurance!).

Don’t sweat the small things; instead, focus on moving forward and having a great time. You might surprise yourself.

Slow down; your body and mind will thank you for it.

In a world that thrives on speed, it’s easy to rush through destinations, ticking off checkboxes as you go. But the true magic lies in the art of slow travel. I’ve travelled quickly before, and my trip turned into a blur of early mornings and late nights; regretfully, I can’t remember much of it. I was so burnt out by the end; all I wanted to do was to crawl into my bed and sleep for a week.

Ticking off your bucket list is (so!!) exciting, but travelling slowly is much more enjoyable. 

This time round, I’m intentionally prioritising slow travel. We spend, on average, a week in each city/town we visit. We’re sleeping in, walking down the same streets, doing mundane things like grocery shopping, seeing the same spots multiple times and (wait for it) having lazy days – shocker!!! I’m unpacking my bag and love not having to worry about repacking it for a few days. 

And most of all, the longer I spend in a location, the more at home I feel. I want to feel at home in each place I visit; that’s what travelling means to me now.

Stop the comparison game

When you grow up in one of the most beautiful places in the world (shoutout to you, Aotearoa. I ❤ u!!!!), it’s easy to compare everything to the comfort of home.

But comparison has a sneaky way of stealing the joy from your travel experiences. It’s natural to draw comparisons, but constantly measuring new places against what is familiar can hinder your ability to fully appreciate what’s in front of you.

I found myself doing this when we arrived in London in May. We walked through the streets, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how different and unfamiliar everything was compared to New Zealand.

And then I stopped myself. What was I thinking? Travel isn’t about seeking familiarity; it’s about embracing the uniqueness of each place and cherishing the opportunities that come with it.

Release the urge to seek similarities and open your heart to the differences that make each destination special – it’s all part of the experience. 

You’re more capable than you know

Venturing into full-time travel has been a transformative experience, imbuing me with an overwhelming sense of freedom, independence, and confidence. 

It thrusts you into the heart of a foreign country, immersing you in its sights, sounds, and cultures. It can be intimidating at first.

At home, I wouldn’t dream about doing some of the things I’ve done in the past few weeks. Ordinarily, I can’t think of anything worse than bunking down in a nine-person dorm with a load of strangers, climbing mountains with sheer drops on either side or navigating through a foreign city with nothing but maps.me to keep me company. 

However, in these moments of uncertainty, we discover our capabilities. Travel empowers you to realise just how capable and adaptable you genuinely are.

You probably don’t need that extra pair of leggings

There’s really nothing more to it than that. Packaging multiple of the same thing can be tempting, but take it from someone travelling hand luggage only – I PROMISE you won’t need them. We have limited clothes as it is, and I still have things in my bag that I’m yet to wear. 

At the end of the day, if you pack fewer things = you’ll have less to carry around, and your back will certainly thank you for that.