For the past two and a half years I threw everything I had towards travel – money, energy and passion.
It was the greatest gift I could have ever given myself.
I moved to the Czech Republic on a whim because I’d seen Charles’ Bridge in a photograph once and fallen in love. I visited India because I had a month spare and was full of adventure and curiosity. I’ve seen incredible, ancient temples such as Borobudur and Angkor Wat. I’ve stuffed myself full of giant pretzels in Berlin, tasty amok curry in Cambodia and full of experiences everywhere I’ve placed my feet.
I was an independent explorer – nothing could get in the way of my adventures. On a chance visit home, I met someone who changed everything. I extended my time in New Zealand, but eventually set off to au pair in Spain and travel Europe. Travel was such a big part of my life and I thought it was the most important part, too.
Despite my best efforts, I thought about this person while I was in Europe, eventually came home but the timing between us was off, so I set off on another adventure to Asia. I’ve been home in New Zealand for two months now and we’ve been inseparable since.
I miss traveling every day, but things have changed. Is this the end of my adventures? No! This is just some downtime so that I can find a balance between a career, love and travel.
In the mean time I’ve taken it as a personal challenge to see as much of New Zealand as possible. I want to share with you a realistic account of what it costs to travel New Zealand, how cheap you can do it and the best places to see.
I’m starting with a trip to Queenstown and Arrowtown this weekend.
I’m also looking to set myself up so I can live a location independent lifestyle anywhere in the world. This is going to take a bit of work, but I’m already on the right track.
They say that youth is wasted on the young; well I think that retirement is wasted on the old. I’m not interested in working for the next forty years only to have all the time in the world, but a body that can’t keep up.
This year is all about engineering my perfect lifestyle that allows me to travel while building a future. This year I’ll find balance.
