Day 74 - 80 Returning the Campervan after 3 months!

Day 74 - 13th January 

Today we moved sites again, to a place called Beachmere. We booked in for 5 nights as we are close to Brisbane now for the drop off of our camper. 

We were a little disappointed when we got to our powered site though as we looked on the map of the camp site to see no swimming pool. There was one advertised on this site which is the main reason we chose to come here. 

It has been swealtering hot today, the tide was so far out and the beach was full of crabs so we couldn't go there. 

We went to Bribie Island which is a 30 minute drive from here. One site of the beach was completely still and murky water. And the other side was SO chopping and dangerous with sand flying everywhere! There were 10 life guards on duty at the sea that side so I think that proves how unsafe it was!

There's no shade here either so we are hoping tomorrow is a little cooler. 

Day 75 - 14th January

We drove to Redcliffe with the idea in mind to spend the day there. As we arrived we instantly knew we wouldn't be too impressed with the beach! Instead of the gorgeous white, soft sand we had been experiencing at places like Byron Bay and Jervis Bay the sand was really grainy and looked quite dirty with washed up seaweed, sticks and leaves everywhere. Nethertheless we had a dip in the (still and murky) sea as it was so hot and sticky so we needed to cook off! We had a good chat on the beach about things we want to do and achieve when we are back home. My partner will be looking for a job with one potentially lined up, and I'm getting the feeling I'm in need of a change as well. We will see what happens when we are home but my ideas usually get a bit carried away, then I end up disappointed!

There's really high winds this evening so the camper is swaying a lot. I'm hoping no trees fall near us!

^Beachmere

Day 76 - 15th January

Another day at Beachmere. 

We did our usual shop at IGA for the ingredients we need for tonight's meal. (That sounds much better than reality!) we've run out of ideas of what we can cook and every meal just seems so boring to us now! There's a max of about 5 or 6 meals we cook in the camper as we are limited. And I think we've over done it on every meal option now! There's only so much pasta one person can eat!!

It's been much cooler today which is so nice, it's still sunny but not muggy at all and nice and breezy!!

We got a quiche (for me) and a pie (for ben) at the bakery near IGA so that was breakfast/lunch. Nice to have something different and it feels like such a treat! It's the small things! 

I did a massive clean of the camper today in preparation to hand it back in just a few days time. Sad times. 

Day 77 - 16th January 

Another day relaxing in Beachmere. Such a strange little town everyone seems to know everyone! Even the people at the caravan site seem so strange around us. Makes us feel a little uneasy at times!

Had another sort out and clean up of the camper in preparation to return it soon. We need to find out where we can hoover it and wash the outside though. 

Feeling very apprehensive about going back to normality after such a long and lovely time and break away from it all. It will be so strange - this is our reality now and I don't want it to end!

^Beachmere

Day 78 - 17th January 

We were relaxing on the camp chairs outside the campervan when a man walked over. He gave us a business card and said we could go to his house and use his pool, it's just him there....

We of course thanked him. Then looked at each other because we both thought it was weird. It could of been just a nice gesture but in this day and age you can never be too careful. 

He even returned a second time in a different car to ask if we were coming or not. As much as we wanted a dip in the pool right now we are not idiots and would not be going to a strangers house - however pleasant they may seem. 

We cleaned the inside and outside of the camper today at an actual car wash! It's looking sparkly clean. Just one more day left after today! 

A really nice couple have parked next to us for the night in Beachmere. We've sat outside all evening chatting and drinking beer. I can't believe it's our second from last night and we are finally having a. It if interaction and conversation with another human in the same situation! 

^Cleaning the wagon ready for returning! 

Day 79 - 18th January

We left Beachmere and headed to Samford Showgrounds via Margate beach for a last beach sunbathe of the trip. 

I can't believe tonight is our last night in the camper. It has gone SO quickly and it all seems like a blur now which is really sad. I think as soon as you get used to anything, it becomes second nature and the beauty of it goes a little bit. We settled into the campervan very quickly and now it seems gone in a flash!

It's so sad to be packing up all of our items and emptying the cupboards and fridge. I will miss this van a lot!

^Margate Beach

Day 80 - 19th January GOODBYE CAMPER!

We got up early to have a final clean of the camper and to pack all of the last minute bits up. 

We spent around 3 hours in a park near our Airbnb before it was time to check in. 

It felt so strange to get into an apartment. Even sat in the park we both said how we felt almost free. Even though we loved the camper adventures so much. 

I'd taken full advantage of having a bath! And I'm so excited to sleep in a huge comfy bed tonight. 

We ordered pizza which was amazing and felt like such a treat. Happy days! 

Day 67 - 73. Fireworks, Noosa Heads & Bribie Island

Day 67 - 6th January

We are still in Hervey Bay for one last night and loving it. Due to the huge thunderstorm on NYE the fireworks were cancelled so we saw the display this evening. It was so magical. 

Today we spent most of the time at the beach soaking up the sun and taking regular dips in the sea because it's been SO hot !

Day 68 - 7th January

We left the camp site at Hervey Bay which was actually quite upsetting! The owner was so friendly and nice to us, he made us feel really welcome. As well as some of the permanent residents at the site. 

The site is called Shelley Beach Caravan Park and j highly recommend staying there if you're in the Hervey Bay Area. 

We made our way back to Tiaro Memorial Park where we will be staying tonight, it's set back from the road and has a free 3 minute shower which is great and very rare to find in a free site. 

^Point Vernon, Hervey Bay

Day 69 - 8th January

We headed for Noosa and arrived a couple of hours later. 

We wanted to stay at the sea scouts site as it was really cheap. However, we arrived there to be met by a big sign saying no camping and closed!

So we headed for the next closest one which is Noosa Caravan Park. We booked in for 2 nights at £74 all together. There's a lovely pool here and sun beds where I spent a fair while today! It's a top holiday park and our campervan keys have a top holiday park key ring on allowing a discount for us which is great. 

Day 70 - 9th January

We went to Noosa and did a similar walk as before around the National Park. It was so hot that half way through we had a swim in the sea, even though we had no towels with us and had to air dry it was so worth it! 

I got an iced coffee from the cafe there before headed back to the camp site. 

We had an afternoon swim and sunbathe. Both of us are so knackered today, I'm not sure whether we had bad nights sleep or whether it's the heat or the walk this morning. But I think an early night is in order!

I filmed a little bit of footage today that I will edit and post on YouTube once I'm home. 

When I was in Sydney at the start of 2017 I filmed clips everyday and posted 3 separate videos of the footage on YouTube then. 

^Noosa Heads walk

Day 71 - 10th January 

We moved camp sites to one near the Sunshine Coast. It's in land slightly so not here a beach, and a lot more expensive than we wanted. But it's hard to know where to go for a good price until you actually get the a caravan park to enquire. 

It's been extremely hot today so a lot of the day has been spent in the pool. 

We did a shop at IGA to get some supplies for the next few days. 

Day 72 - 11th January 

Still in the Sunshine Coast and not much has changed, so here's a list of things I miss from home, things I will miss here and things I won't! 

Things I'm missing from home

•family & dogs 

•hot baths

•comfortable bed

•kettle!

•drinking tap water

•kitchen space to cook 

•variety of home cooked food

•my coffee machine

•clean clothes

Things I'm going to miss here

•hot weather

•every day with Ben

•freedom of going wherever

•living minimalist 

•not waking up at 3am for work

•wearing no makeup 

•sitting outside on camp chairs until late

•wearing a bikini every day

•having no itinerary for the day

•deciding whether to swim in the pool or sea first

•not knowing anyone

•doing food shops with ben

Things I'm not going to miss

•thinking of things to cook

•sleeping in sleeping bags

•sand getting everywhere in the camper

•(sometimes) not knowing where we will be sleeping that night

Day 73 - 12th January

Just a week left in the camper! Can't believe how quickly it has gone, I will definitely miss this but both of us feeling ready to sleep in actual beds and feel a bit normal again!

I've felt quite crappy today, I think I'm getting a cold. I feel so drained and not 100%. 

We've had another day taking it easy and swimming in the pool. Onto the next place tomorrow as we drove closer to Brisbane to return the camper soon. 

^sunset from the camper 

2017 Roundup / Reflection

2017 didn't bring much in terms of change, I have the same job, the same friends and the same personal & family life but that doesn't mean it's a negative thing, change isn't always good and it's nice to have a content sense of belonging. 

I'm blessed to have such supportive and loving people around me. It's so comforting to be surrounded by like-minded people. 

The start of the year was spent working hard and planning my first trip to Sydney. March soon came around and the trip was complete in a flash. I saw some amazing land marks and spent quality time with one of my best friends Melissa. 

My boyfriends 21st birthday was in April. I wanted to do something really special for him. I researched SO many different places and finally decided to take him to Boa Vista in Cape Verde. This was booked for September. 

I had a long and hard summer season at work with no leave booked due to my trip to Sydney in Spring and my boyfriends surprise booked for September. It felt like it was never ended and honestly drained me. Work consumed me which I find happens a lot due to the hours and days I work if I have nothing breaking it up. 

Late summer my boyfriend lost his job, and I knew it was possible to get sabbatical leave at work. We planned a 3 month travelling trip to Australia. Although we had his birthday holiday to look forward to, we both needed a change and now felt like a good time to grab it by the balls! 

September eventually came around and our trip to Cape Verde was truly amazing. It felt so special and my boyfriend was so grateful and over the moon. 

Just a couple of weeks back at work and our trip to Australia was here. I said goodbye to my work colleagues which was a little emotional! (Even though I haven't left for good). 

The last few months of 2017 were spent in a Campervan with my love, travelling, siteseeing, exploring, eating copious amounts of frozen yogurt, playing candy crush as we had no wifi for the most part, drinking beer, swimming in the sea, sunbathing and seeing where the wind would take us next. 

-Reflection-

2017 has been a balance between hard work and exploring. I definitely have a taste for travelling now, so watch this space for 2018. 

My love for blogging is ever growing. I completely love writing and I created a happy place for myself here when I wrote my first ever post many years ago. I find it so therapeutic and relaxing. I wish I had more time to put 110% effort into my blog as it's something I would truely love to do. I have lots of creative ideas, it's just finding the time to sit down and make it all happen which isn't possible a lot of the time due to my work life. However I will always have a commitment with my blog and and commitment to myself to put effort and love into my blog as it's not just a hobby but something I thoroughly enjoy. 

Good luck and well wishes to everyone for 2018. Lets make it the best year yet. 

Day 44 - 50. Nimbin, Byron Bay & Sapphire Beach

Day 44 - 14th December

Today we left Crescent Head. This felt bitter sweet as we were excited to go to the next place and continue the adventure but sad to be leaving a beautiful place. 

We headed for Burnett Park which is a free camp site - stopping at Woolworths for our food shop on the way. 

We stayed a couple of hours at the camp site. It was getting so hot and the camper was just boiling. We were yearning for the fan!

We decided to skip this place for the night and instead go back to Nimbin which was the journey for tomorrow. 

At least here we have electricity for the fan and it's not expensive. 

After arriving in Nimbin we had a walk up to the town and went to the bar for a beer. It was nice to sit down in the beer garden and do something that felt a little normal! 

Day 45 - 15th December

We spent another day today in Nimbin. 

The weather has been so hot, it's a shame we aren't near a beach to cool off in the sea. 

We had a really chilled day again and went for another beer at the pub this evening 

Day 46 - 16th December

Another beautiful day. 

However we are waking up around 7am now because the sun is beaming through the camper and it's too hot to sleep. We've seen a lot of people in campers without windows and they sleep with the big back door open and a mosquito net hanging. Not sure I fancy this as I wouldn't feel at ease. Even in a quite camp site I don't think it be able to relax knowing that the door would be open. But this might be something we have to consider as it's only going to get hotter. 

Day 47 - 17th December

We left Nimbin and headed for Byron Bay. We spent a couple of hours here on the beach. Everywhere around Byron Bay is pay & display and I think that's because it's a very touristy area. On the plus side the meter took Apple Pay so it was easy enough as we didn't have enough change. 

The sea was so nice and warm and really clear as well, it was lovely. 

I got a coffee from a cafe on the beach and also bought a fruit salad with yogurt, delicious!

We are now back at New Italy rest area for the night, let's hope it isn't as loud as last time as there are barely any free rest areas around and paid camp sites are so expensive in Byron Bay. 

^Fruit salad from 'Beach' at Byron Bay

Day 48 - 18th December

Today was pretty much a replica of yesterday!

We went to Byron Bay for a few hours, I got another coffee and fruit bowl from the same cafe, we even parked in the same (expensive) car park! And just to top it off we are staying in the same rest area again tonight - New Italy!

So not much else to report other than it's getting very hot! I'm slightly sunburnt and we are both struggling to sleep at night with the heat. Even with all windows open we are still so hot. The things I would do for electricity to use the fan right now !!

^The most delicious fruit salad again!

Day 49 - 19th December

Today we decided to head back south a couple of hours just because we have some time to kill before our Airbnb for Christmas. We found a paid camp site close to Coffs Harbour on Sapphire Beach that looked lovely. 

We called for a price and instead the lady just booked us in and didn't tell us the price! We thought it would be expensive as it looked so nice and we were right... $60 p/n for a powered site. 

It's a lovely area with a pool and a 1 minute walk to the beach. But it's definitely out of our budget! 

We went to Woolworths soon after having a swim in the pool to get some supplies. I noticed a frozen yogurt shop and we both gasped with pure joy as we hadn't seen one for ages and had both really fancied one for such a long time! So just to make us over budget a bit more we spent $17 at yogurt land ! Ooops. 

We had paprika chicken, avocado and halloumi in a tiger bread roll with garlic mayo it was delicious! 

^Sapphire Beach 

Day 50 - 20th December

We headed just 20 minutes up the road (with a slight detour because our satnav from travellers autobarn hasn't been updated so it doesn't know any of the new roads!) to another camp site called Darlington Beach Holiday Park where we will be staying tonight. It's a really big area with a pool which we've spent loads of time in today. There are lots of kangaroos jumping around the park, they don't seem bothered by people at all!

It's much cheaper than last night at $46 and we both prefer it. 

^Darlington Beach

Day 31-36 Rainy journey back North

Day 31 - 1st December

My alarm clock this morning was the sound of heavy rain hitting the campervan. Not the awakening I'd hoped of! We were expecting this as lots of locals and staff at the caravan park had mentioned that they were expecting a months rainfall over the weekend. 

On the way out of Phillip Island we stopped at Pannys Chocolate Factory where we had a little look around and a coffee in the cafe. 

We then started the journey back up the way Coast. Our first stop on the way back up is McLoughlin. We are staying at a free area near the sea. It's so windy tonight I feel like our little camper may tip over!!

^The sunsetting at the camp area

Day 32 - 2nd December

It's just sunk in that this year I don't have an advent calendar! That's definitely a first. Last year I treated myself to the Selfridges beauty advent calendar and this year I'm on a budget every day living in a Campervan! Swings and roundabouts I guess!...

We left the camp site in the rain. Last night it was torrential. That campervan was rocking from the forceful winds all night, so neither of us got a great nights sleep!

We are used the rainy day to travel for a few hours back to a rest stop in Murrengowar. We've been here once before already and quite liked it so we are back!

If both of us are honest we want to get closer to Sydney and then Brisbane again. Both of us definitely preferred it up there and I think this is because it's just more chilled, there are more free camp sites about, the weather is warmer there (well at least not torrential downpours!) and it was easier to go from beach-to-beach. Whereas when we travelled closer to Melbourne the beaches we went to weren't as nice, it was fairly dead and it was mainly National Park area. 

We cooked a spaghetti bolognese tonight which was delicious. It's feeling quite cold considering yesterday was officially the first day of Summer here. So tonight will be spent snuggled in the camper. And I don't mind that! 

Day 33 - 3rd December 

We woke up to the heavy rain... again :(

We decided to use a rubbish weather day wisely by driving nearly 4 hours. We are now near Batemans Bay again where we should be spending the day tomorrow before heading up a little further for the night. 

Now we are closer to the coast again we are really hoping for some nice weather for chilled beach days. Let's hope the sea is a little warmer here now. 

I felt really gross today and just wanted to wash my hair, we couldn't find a free public shower anywhere so 2 big bottles of water did the job of washing my hair nicely! We may of got a few funny looks in the camp site, but when push comes to shove these things have just got to be done!!

Day 34 - 4th December 

Yet another rainy and miserable day. I didn't want to say miserable but our morale did hit an all time low today. 

Everything seemed to stress us out and feeling cabin fever in our small camper didn't help as the rain means another day cooped up. Which we don't mind every now and then - but for 5 days on the trot now, well, let's just say we are over the rain now!

My boyfriend keeps saying 'come to Australia they said, it's boiling hot they said'. Which is so funny and true. 

I guess every country has rain but we didn't expect this in Australia's Summer season. Maybe it's our own faults for not researching the weather at this time! 

The other things getting on top of us today was mainly money/budgeting. My boyfriend has been amazing at the financial side of things. But when we work out our allowance per day, stick to it, at still somehow be over budget somewhat it's very frustrating. If we aren't spending money on food shops we are spending it on fuel. And this has cost us SO much. We havie been given an unleaded van, so it is absolutely guzzling the petrol. We have to be so on the ball with spending and careful with what we spend it on. 

I'm sure as soon as the weather brightens up we will back to our usually happy selves!! 

Day 35 - 5th December

We went to Hyams Beach in the rain this morning. This is actually where we went before in the trip when we thought we were in Jervis Bay. This time are actually followed the signs to Jervis Bay but turned around when we saw the payment booths to get into that area of the National Park. I know it's classed as ACT (Australian Captial Territory) but I'm not too sure why you have to pay to enter the park. 

Anyway, another rainy day it seems. I hope this ends soon! Earlier on in the trip when we came here it was so hot and the most stunning place. So sad it's not like that now!

Day 36 - 6th December

It was a little brighter today and only lightly rained a couple of times. We are still near Jervis Bay waiting for the hot day tomorrow (hopefully)

We got some bits for a nice pasta sauce tonight. It felt quite stormy and humid so neither of us felt too great.

I had another hair wash in the sink of a public toilet! We had a chilled afternoon in the camper. 

Day 18-23. Blue Mountains,Jervis Bay & Canberra

Day 18 - 18th November

We went to Echo point lookout on the Blue Mountains. It was very foggy so hard to see anything. But once it cleared a little we could see the Three Sisters mountains. We walked to them which was along a path and then very steep steps going down. It was so scary! Especially because the steps were metal and slippery from the rain! 

We are staying at another campsite in the Blue Mountains tonight. Hoping the weather clears up soon because I'm so ready for some sun now! 

Day 19 - 19th November

Today marks 2 months until we give back the campervan. I guess that's still a while, but I already feel about the fact that it's going so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I miss the luxuries of a hot shower, clean bed sheets, my family & dogs, my car and electricity... but I don't want the experience of a lifetime to ever end! I don't want to say it in past tense. 

Anyway, lets make the most of it! Today we did a food shop at Aldi. This started as a weekly thing spending $40. Now we seem to do two a week, usually at $40 each, but today it came to over $70 ooops! There goes the budget. 

We stopped at a bakery on the way back from the food shop and got some pastries and rolls for breakfast (just carrying on the spending!) then headed back to the camp site as stayed at 2 nights ago as this is more on the route out as the plan is to leave the Blue Mountains tomorrow. 

Ben introduced me to the game 'hungry shark' and we are both addicted! Tonight we have a steak din dins with fried potatoes and coleslaw which we are very excited about. And of course, some tim tams later! Yay. 

Day 20 - 20th November 

We headed out of the Blue Mountains and towards Wollongong. 

On the way we stopped off at Bulli Lookout to take some photos. I had a wee here and then saw a lizard sharing the toilet with me! I don't think I even flushed I wanted to get out of there so badly!! 

We went to a beach just below called Bombo. It was so lovely as it was really quite - just a few surfers and us. I soaked up as much sun as I could before ben got itchy feet. We went for a wander along the cliff at the side of the beach and took some amazing photos. 

After this we went to a bottle shop to stock up on beers! This time we ditched the 'Gold Lager' and went for 'Victoria Bitter'. It feels like an upgrade. Hahah. 

We also went to a bakery and shared the most amazing pastry, creamy, fruity thing! It was so good. 

^Bulli Lookout

^Bombo Beach

^The most amazing treat from a bakery!

Day 21 - 21st November 

We went back to Bombo Beach quite early on. We cooked some breakfast here and had a little chill before heading to Jervis Bay. The beaches around Jervis Bay are beautiful the whitest sand I've seen. The sea was very choppy but so clear and turquoise. We had such fun here in the sea!

We then drove down further to Milton Showgrounds where we will be staying tonight $25 for a powered site. 

Day 22 - 22nd November

I can't believe how quick this is going. Each day is so amazing I never want it to end. 

We left the Showgrounds and headed to Batemans Bay. We sat at Surfs Beach which was really hot but a slight breeze on the beach, it made it so nice to just sit and not get too hot! 

Ben and I sat on the beach for a couple of hours and had some really lovely chats about life! 

We cooked some cheese toasties for lunch (we've mastered making these in a frying pan now!)

Then headed on the B52 to a free camp site. It's about half way to Canberra which is perfect for tomorrow. 

^Malua Bay at Batemans Bay

Day 23 - 23rd November

We arrived in Canberra and went straight to the War Memorial. This was recommended to us by a local man we have met along the way- and we are so glad he did. 

It was so moving and touching going somewhere like this, I felt really emotional throughout our visit there. There is so much to see and read, you could quote easily spend all day here. 

After this we headed back to the same rest area we stayed at last night as it's on the road in/out of Canberra. We didn't see much of Canberra but felt it wasn't so easy to take a Campervan into the city centre. We are really glad that we at least visited Canberra for a short while. Another place to tick off the list. 

Day 4-7. Hervey Bay, Noosa and Sunshine Coast

Day 4 - 4th November:

We headed back down the coast and aborted mission to head to Cairns. We probably should of thought of this sooner but we found it very hot in the camper at night and as we headed further north the temperature would only get hotter. Cairns is also so far away that we felt so much time would be spent on the road as opposed to exploring and seeing as much as we could. 

So with this in mind we headed back to Hersey Bay where we were a couple of days ago. We really loved it here so wanted to spend a bit more time there. We treated ourselves to a subway as basic rations in the camper were getting a bit tedious! We then parked along the coast near Urangan. We walked all the way to the end of Urangan Pier. After this we bought some chips near by and headed to an off road car park for the night. 

Day 5 - 5th November:

We woke up around 5.30am and quickly moved as we were paranoid about where we stayed!! 

I FaceTimed my mum and dad back home who were wrapped up in scarfs back home! That's a bit of a difference to the 25+ degrees we are experiencing here!!

We went just down the road to a car park and had a coffee on the park. We met a local man walki his dogs who stopped and chatted to us for ages. He gave us lots of local knowledge and informed us about the pier we walked down yesterday as he renovated it a few years ago. 

Ben wanted to watch the UFC fight that afternoon so we found a sports bar, I happily sat in the shade and drank lemonade!

Then it was my turn to do something so we went and got frozen yogurt, my favourite!

We headed to the nearest free camp site from Hervey Bay which was in Tiaro. This camp site even had free hot showers which seems a luxury when you're living in a campervan!

Day 6 - 6th November 

We left the campsite around 9am and headed to Noosa where we spent a few hours. We parked down the end at Park Road car park at the beginning of the National Park for anyone thinking of going here - it's an ideal place to park but everyone has the same idea, so expect to do several laps of the car park before finding a space. 

We walked along the coastal path and stopped at a couple of beaches along the way. It's such a stunning, picturesque place. The weather was fairly overcast which worked in our favour as if he t was any hotter it probably would of been unbearable! We stopped at the cafe on the way back and I had a cappuccino which was amazing after almost a week with just instant coffee (torture for a coffee addict)

We then planned to stay at Belli Creek camp site. But after the bloody satnav (that we both want to throw out of the window) sent us round the houses we ended up nearer to Glenview where we spent our very first night in the camper. 

Day 7 - 7th November:

Today we had our usual morning coffee on our camp chairs outside the campervan, one of my favourite thins to do this trip! We left and headed to Dicky Bay on the Sunshine Coast. Spent the morning here which was lovely. We had a swim in the sea, a sunbathe and breakfast on the beach (an apple and a blueberry muffin from Aldi!!...) after this we had a shower at the beach and made Thai green chicken curry for lunch. It was actually really nice and we were surprised how creative we can actually be with basic food and 2 stoves! 

There was a thunder and lightening storm at the beach. So we headed back to the camper and decided to make our way to the camp site we would be staying at this evening - Wyllie Park rest area. 

Im Going Travelling...

If all goes to plan i should be going away at the end of October on a big travelling trip. We will be starting in Australia and spending a few months travelling around the gold coast. We're not sure whether to go on from there or come back after Australia but we have a few ideas floating around at the moment. Nothing is set in stone just yet. The idea is to potentially land in Brisbane and hire a camper van. I never realised the amount of effort that goes into planning a massive trip.

We spent a long time deciding on a destination. But obviously thats the first big decision to make. Australia both appealed to us, and its such a popular place to travel that we figured doing a popular route would teach us all the tricks we need to know when travelling so that when we travel different countries in the future we have some knowledge behind us, rather than going massively off the beaten track for our first big trip.

Next we decided on a time length. We new that going in our winter would be ideal for my work, and it would be Australias summer. Going for a few months means we can really make the most of it and relax at the same time without it being too stressful and intense.

A camper van seemed perfect for us as its our accommodation and allows us to travel. When i went to Australia in March we were going to get a camper van, I'm really glad we didn't as it wouldn't of worked because we were really central in Sydney. Whereas a trip like this seems perfect for a camper van. This is definitely the thing that is going to cost us the most money whilst travelling, but we can justify this as it is our home and car for a few months and we need to be comfortable. We are thinking about hiring a mid-sized camper van to ensure we have enough room. As we will be there for Australias summer we need to make sure we don't overheat!

Nothing is set in stone for our trip yet and we are still planning to make sure we get everything as right as we can. We could even change our mind and choose a completely different destination! But for now these are our plans.

If anyone has any tips for travelling, especially in Australia please let me know, it would be much appreciated.