Hey guys!

I know it’s been a while since my last post. Suffice it to say, it’s been a hectic year! I got married back in April, and last week I returned from my four-week honeymoon. That’s right, my new husband and I had the privilege of travelling the UK and Europe for a month like nomads! Have a peek at the video below!

As you’ve probably seen from some of my photos on A Word From Brett and my social media, this was actually my third time travelling the UK and Europe. However, this time was very different, because this time I was travelling with someone who had never been outside Australia. Finally, it was my turn to be responsible. I feel like I got so much more out of this trip than any other so far. I don’t mean what I got to see, but what I learnt. What people don’t realise when they go on a holiday is the difference between spending a few weeks in a luxury resort sitting by the pool having cocktails brought to you at infinitum, and flying to the other side of the world visiting several different countries across two continents trying to pack in as much as possible into the limited time you have.

People say, “It’s a dream come true”. While the short answer to this is “Yes”, you need to remember that it is also a reality that requires a level head and sensible planning. In the spirit of A Word From Brett, I’ve compiled a few words on the most valuable lessons I have learnt from this journey.

Public transport is your friend. In my life, I have been fortunate enough to have parents who owned a car. When I was old enough I learnt to drive and then bought my own car. Before you go overseas it is essential to do your research on the public transport available. I find it most helpful to make a list of what attractions I want to see in a particular destination, then research the geography between each one and plan out how I’m going to get to each one. This method will ensure you get to see everything, especially if you only have a day or two in a big city. You don’t want to waste your time getting lost in a big city with no idea where to go.

Budget for absolutely everything. For example, Paris boasts many tourist attractions, including the Louvre where you can see Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and many more; nearly all of which have an entry fee. You do not want to travel all the way to these places and not have the experiences just because you don’t have the money. You might as well have stayed home. You also have to remember the everyday expenses, like visiting the supermarket. You will regularly need to stock up on essentials like food, water, alcohol, and sunscreen. Also, remember that if you want to, say, visit Victoria Beckham’s store in London and buy yourself an outfit, that’s fine! Just ensure you budget for it! One major pitfall with money is eating out. Where possible, try to book accommodation with kitchen facilities, or at least a fridge, kettle and toaster; because you can go to the supermarket, buy a carton of milk, a loaf of bread and have breakfast in your room. Try to limit how often you eat out by getting creative! Supermarkets and corner shops in the UK and Europe always have a great selection of prepacked sandwiches and snacks. Find a park nearby and have a picnic! Or have a night in with Netflix!

Do your research on local laws and customs. One thing that really frightened me was our stopover in Dubai. As many are aware, the UAE has a zero-tolerance policy with the LGBTQ community. Cross dressing penalties range from fines to imprisonment, while acts of homosexuality carry penalties ranging from imprisonment to death. While the airport tends to be a free zone, it is essential not to do anything offensive; hence Jay and I went so far as to put our wedding rings on a different finger. This is probably overkill, but it is better to be safe than sorry. There are many places, particularly around the middle east where it is considered offensive for women to expose their body. In some places it is so extreme that even a t-shirt and pair of jeans just won’t suffice. Taking a stand for things like LGBTQ rights and women’s lib is very noble, however in a foreign country this is just not the time or place. Respect the laws and customs and you won’t have a problem.

Down time is essential! While we always want to cram as much as possible into a short trip, exhaustion is very real, and after a while it becomes physically impossible to carry on. Make sure that you set aside some time to chill, or even return to your hotel for an afternoon nap. When you’re planning the trip, ensure you incorporate rest days, and if you feel up to it on the day, you can go out and do something.

Mental exhaustion is when homesickness sets in. This is probably my biggest struggle. While some will tell you to press on and toughen up, speaking from experience, this will only get you so far. Before you leave, equip your phone with photos of things you love from home like your family and fur babies. When you start to feel down, look through these. It’s times like these when you need to take a little downtime. Go back to the room, take a nap, or take half an hour to lie down and watch something on Netflix. After a little respite you will feel refreshed and ready to carry on.

 

There is so much to learn from travelling. I will admit that travelling has its downsides, but it is the best way to get you out of your shell and see the world around you. When you arrive home the new perspective on life you have is phenomenal. I think the biggest thing I have personally learnt is that travelling isn’t just about relaxing and spending lots of money, even though that’s what you end up doing. It’s about opening doors, getting you out of your comfort zone and breaking down those inner barriers.

 

Anywho, I hope you enjoyed the latest Word From Brett! I can’t wait to catch up again soon!

xoxo Brett