Travelling sounds wonderfully glamorous until you’re standing at a bus station with your luggage, wondering whether you’re in the right place, or trying to work out why the washing machine won’t start.
I’ve had some real adventures, but I’ve also learnt that the little practical things can make the biggest difference.
Since leaving Australia in March 2026, I’ve travelled through England, Scotland, France, Italy, Greece and Egypt, with plenty more still to come. Along the way, I’ve been house-sitting, exploring new places, travelling on a budget and occasionally wondering what on earth I’ve got myself into.
Here are a few things I’ve learnt.
1. You Don’t Need a Fortune to Travel
I’m not travelling with an unlimited budget, and I’m certainly not staying in luxury hotels everywhere I go.
I look for affordable, safe accommodation, preferably close to public transport. A comfortable bed, a decent shower and somewhere to make a cuppa are usually enough to keep me happy.
House-sitting has also made a huge difference. Looking after someone’s pets while they’re away gives me the opportunity to stay in a home, get to know a neighbourhood and experience everyday life rather than constantly moving between hotels.
2. Check the Transport Before Booking Accommodation
A cheap room isn’t such a bargain if it’s miles from everything.
Before booking, I try to check how I’ll get there from the airport, train station or bus stop, and how easily I can get around once I’ve arrived.
I also look at whether there are supermarkets, cafés and public transport nearby.
And I’ve learnt that what looks like a short walk on a map can feel considerably longer when you’re dragging luggage behind you.
3. Leave Room for Things to Go Wrong
Flights change. Buses run late. Pick-up arrangements get confusing. Sometimes plans simply don’t work out the way you expected.
Egypt certainly gave me a few lessons in that department.
Keeping booking confirmations, addresses and transport details handy makes a big difference. I also try to have a backup plan when a connection is particularly important.
A little flexibility can save an awful lot of frustration.
4. House-Sitting Is About More Than Free Accommodation
One of my favourite parts of travelling has been looking after animals along the way.
House-sitting means having responsibilities, of course. The pets come first, and it’s important to understand exactly what their pet parents expect before agreeing to a sit.
But there’s something lovely about having a kitchen, a washing machine and a familiar place to come home to after exploring.
And sometimes you get a rather entertaining feline supervisor thrown in for good measure.
5. Take the Adventure When You Can
I’ve ridden a camel near the pyramids, floated above Luxor in a hot-air balloon, explored ancient Egyptian temples and tombs, travelled between Greek islands by ferry and snorkelled in the Red Sea.
Not everything needs to be planned months in advance, but some experiences are worth making room for in the budget.
I’m glad I didn’t talk myself out of those adventures.
6. Travel at Your Own Pace
I don’t feel the need to race around seeing twenty attractions in a day.
Some days are for exploring. Other days are for doing the washing, buying groceries, writing or sitting somewhere with a coffee and watching the world go by.
I’ve also learnt to pay attention to distances, stairs and steep hills when planning outings. There’s no prize for making things harder than they need to be.
Travelling should be enjoyable, not an endurance competition.
7. Keep Learning as You Go
Every country teaches me something new.
Sometimes it’s about history or culture. Sometimes it’s how the local buses work, what to buy at the supermarket or how to communicate when we don’t speak the same language.
And sometimes it’s discovering that the simplest moments become the memories you treasure most.
A Few Final Thoughts
I’m still learning, and I suspect I always will be.
This page will grow as I travel, with more practical tips about accommodation, transport, house-sitting, packing, budgeting and the little things I wish I’d known beforehand.
If you’re thinking about travelling independently, especially later in life, I hope some of my experiences help you feel a little more confident about giving it a go.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you leave.
Grab a cuppa and come along for the ride.