In today's busy world, we don't give ourselves enough time for our minds and bodies to relax. Whether it's an hour, a day or even a week or two, we should make time for ourselves. Going on holiday gives people a chance to recharge their batteries. Travelling/backpacking offers a whole lot more. I'm not just talking about experiencing a different culture or meeting new people. Travelling for a long period gives you time to reflect on a lot of things. I find that you have a clearer mind when you have more personal time to yourself. Also, it is an opportunity to reevaluate your direction in life. When travelling, you will be surprised by how quickly your mindset changes. I understand it is a privilege to have the money and time to travel the world as most people don't have that. But if you have an opportunity to travel then, GO FOR IT. I believe you should travel when you are young. You don't want to be climbing a mountain at aged 50+.

Back in June 2015, I was working two jobs and earning ok. However, I felt that I needed a change and wanted to experience something new. In my spare time, I was researching group tours in North America. I came across a company called Trek America which had a lot of tour's to choose from. The New York to Los Angeles tour stood out to me. The itinerary looked amazing and, the price was reasonable. Within a matter of week's I handed in my notice at both my jobs. For the next month, I was travelling across the USA with like-minded people. The trip was one of the best adventures I have ever done. I learnt a lot about myself and knew that I wanted to broaden my horizons. But reality set in and, I needed to find a new job and save some money.

In October 2015, I started my new job at an Argos distribution centre as a warehouse operative. I was eager to work and start earning money. I did night shift work as it paid more. Five months went by and, I transferred to the day shifts due to my social life being affected. I planned to do as many hours as I could but, I didn't have the willpower. Months went by, then years and, before I knew it, I was in a comfortable routine. I managed to go on two-three trips a year which gave me a lot of encouragement to create my travel website. Norway, Canada and Peru were just some of the countries I visited over the years but, my biggest adventure was yet to come.

At the beginning of February 2020, I had six weeks off work. I was travelling around Thailand and Cambodia. I didn't have a clear plan on what I wanted to see or do. I just took one day at a time and, I was happy with that. Along the way, I did a bit of work and learnt some new skills. I had a lot of ideas on my mind about trying to earn a living whilst travelling and, I convinced myself I could live that way. However, the major news outlets were reporting on the Coronavirus. It played on my thoughts a lot and, I knew my time was running out. On the last week of my travel's, I had a jeep tour in Siem Reap (Cambodia) booked. The tour guide (Hong) was great with her knowledge of the local area. We both got on well with each other and decided to meet up before I went home.

I arrived back in the UK just before the nationwide lockdown and, I was relieved. However, little did I know what was about to happen for the next 19 months. April 2020 was the sunniest month on record which, made the lockdown easier for most people. For me, the summer months and up to November were good. I could see my friends and still go to work. Christmas was different but, I felt grateful that I had family around me. All this time, Hong and I kept in touch. We talked regularly and got each other through the challenging times. January, February and March of 2021 were the darkest months of the pandemic for me. I felt depressed because the freedoms which I took for granted were taken away from me. I couldn't see my friends and travel was out of the question. I struggled to go to work and, I thought there was no end in sight. Hong was fantastic in supporting me and, I don't know where I would be now without her.

The Pandemic situation in the UK improved a lot in the spring and summer months. But, I was unable to travel and see Hong. By July 2021 I had given up all hope and thought I wouldn't see her again. At this point, I was unhappy at work and, I needed a change again. My colleagues at work were shocked to find out that I was handing in my notice. After six years of working at Argos, I had gotten to know people well. And, I was going to miss all of the jokes and laughs.

Going travelling resets everything and gives you time to figure out what you want to do without distractions. So, I started planning an epic adventure around the Caribbean and Central America. I chose this region due to the coronavirus rules. Many locations around the world were strict on tourists entering their country but not this region. My journey started in Barbados and, I stayed there for over two weeks and had a fantastic time. At the end of the second week, I found out that I could enter Cambodia and see Hong. After 19 months, we were finally together and, I was ready to start another chapter in my life.

Travelling/backpacking can be exciting but also challenging. I believe my decisions have led to better things. So, my advice is, don't be scared of change or overcoming a problem in a foreign country. Fear tricks us into a boring life.