How a Kiwi Ended Up Travelling Europe, Chasing Ancestors, and Writing Books
Heather Beynon
Author • Traveller • House Sitter • Family Historian
I grew up in New Zealand before making Australia my home at 19.
Over the years, I have lived in several parts of Australia, raised two children, and built a life that has often been busy, challenging, and rewarding in equal measure. Like many parents, I focused most of my attention on making sure my children had the opportunities and support they needed as they grew up.
Eventually, they did exactly what children are supposed to do. They built lives of their own.
My daughter headed back to the Southern Highlands, a place she had always loved. My son grew up, found his own path, and eventually moved away as well. Before I knew it, I had become an empty nester.
With that new chapter came new opportunities. I started my own support worker business and spent nearly two years building it into something I was proud of.
Then one day, a friend mentioned she was heading to Thailand. Not long after that, she casually added that she planned to continue on to the UK and Europe.
At first, I didn’t think much of it. My passport was close to expiring, my business was running well, and I had plenty of reasons to stay where I was.
But the idea wouldn’t go away.
I renewed my passport, spoke to my clients, and was surprised by their response.
“Don’t be silly,” they told me. “It’s the trip of a lifetime. Go. We’ll still be here when you get back.”
Six weeks later, I was on a plane.
Today I’m travelling through the UK and Europe, house-sitting, writing books, researching my ancestry and genealogy, and discovering places I’ve dreamed of visiting for years.
This website is where I share that journey, along with the lessons, stories, adventures, and unexpected moments that happen along the way.
So grab a cuppa, pull up a chair, and come along for the adventure.
Travel
This is where I share the places I visit, the things I learn, the mistakes I make, the money I save, and the adventures that come with travelling through the UK and Europe for 11 months.
Travel has always been something I wanted to do more of, but like many people, life came first.
There were children to raise, bills to pay, careers to build, and responsibilities that quite rightly took priority. Along the way I enjoyed some wonderful adventures, from road trips across Australia and cruises with friends to visits to Thailand, the United States, and China.
But the journey I’m on now is different.
For many years I dreamed of travelling through the UK and Europe. Today I’m living that dream. Through house-sitting, I’m able to travel more slowly, spend time in places I might otherwise have rushed through, and experience everyday life in a way that traditional holidays rarely allow.
So grab a cuppa, pull up a chair, and come along for the ride.
House Sitting
House sitting has become one of my favourite ways to travel. It allows me to live more like a local, spend time with wonderful pets, and experience places beyond the typical tourist trail. Here you’ll find resources, experiences, and tips for both new and experienced house sitters.
Books
Alongside my travels, I write and publish books on a variety of topics, including travel, house sitting, support work, artificial intelligence, and fiction.
Ancestry and Genealogy
One of my longest-running passions is ancestry and genealogy research. I enjoy the detective work involved in uncovering forgotten stories, connecting generations, and bringing family histories back to life.
