How I Caught the Travel Bug at 21
Published: December 2023
Updated: June 2024
How I caught the travel bug at 21
As many of you know, COVID-19 hit Australia quite hard in 2020. After 2 years of working in the healthcare industry throughout COVID and with the many ups and downs and in & outs of lockdowns, I had developed a high level of anxiety & depression like many others. In 2022, it began to slow down at work, yet I still felt caught in a rut of anxiety and knew something new and big needed to happen to help get me out of comfort zone and back into the social world.
Over the course of the lockdowns, I found myself constantly seeing so many beautiful videos on social media of the East Coast of Australia that I wished I could experience for myself. One day whilst sitting at home, I decided to plan out a month-long rough route for the East Coast – not thinking I would actually do it, but loved the idea. Over the coming weeks, the idea began to grow on me and only a few days later I decided to take the leap and book the accommodation. My parents & friends thought I was crazy, and although I was not 100% sure of myself, I knew it was something I needed to do.
I still remember the nerves I felt leading up to the trip, and the 2 days before it I almost cancelled it out of fear and thinking there was no way I could actually do this on my own, however I knew all of my accommodation was booked in and the car was almost fully packed. I decided to stick with it, and hoped for something good.
The day of the trip, I set-off feeling as nervous as ever, but equally excited for the experiences and people I was going to meet.
Fast-forward a couple of weeks into the trip - little did I know just how eye-opening this trip would be for me, I met people from all over the world, and from all different walks of life. Coming from a small country town in Victoria, I couldn’t believe how many different ways of life there were and how these people all had so many different jobs, experiences and perspectives on life. It was also the first time I was exposed to so many accents and cultures, and I soon became fascinated by this and loved meeting people in every new spot I visited.
It didn’t take long for me to realise after returning from this trip that I had very quickly caught the travel bug, I already couldn’t wait to plan my next adventure, and still to this day, always have my next trip in mind or already planned out.
Looking back on myself a year ago, I am a completely different person. Travel has allowed me to come out of my shell immensely, and has taught me that while life is short and precious, it shouldn’t be taken so seriously. Seeing so many new perspectives has allowed me to realise that everyone is on a different path, and you are exactly where you’re meant to be on your own individual path.
Since 2022, I have travelled the East Coast of Australia twice, have done multiple road trips within Victoria and South Australia, and have even solo backpacked around a few European countries including Germany, France, Belgium & the Netherlands. My most recent road trip was from Victoria all the way to Perth, and up to Exmouth. I don’t see myself recovering from the travel bug any time soon, and cannot wait to share my upcoming travels with you!
Do you have the travel bug too? Let’s be friends! Join me on Instagram & Pinterest for travel tips, travel guides, and healthy food options for life on the road!