2017 is destined to be my year; in September and October alone I am set to travel to Tuscany and Spain and I cannot wait. After a ‘travel dry spell of 5 years, my wild spirit is back in action and I am look forward to seeing where my blog takes me next. You see 5 years ago I traveled to Madeira (where my parents are from) only to discover that it would be the last time I would see my grandma again, as she sadly passed away after. It broke my heart but I knew that she was not in pain anymore but that was not the sole reason why I stopped travelling. I was stuck in a time period of depression and anxiety, while working, studying for an intense degree in English Literature, English Language and Education and Social Sciences and on top of all that had ‘poor housing scenarios’ that meant I had moved 8 times in the last 5 years. Money was tight and I had to focus on being able to afford money for rent, while overcoming a long illness.
But now here I am, finally free from constraints. I made a promise to myself that 2017 would be the year where I would travel and follow my heart, even if money was tight. After all as nomads often state themselves, you make priorities for the things in life that you want to carry out and they are completely right. I was making excuses for why I couldn’t travel when the truth is I was scared to let go. Not of ‘travel itself’ but of moving away from my fixation with money and taking the plunge to live out my dreams. Quitting my full time job was scary but it was the move I needed to tick off countries on my little bucket list of travel. From Poland to Spain, my European trek is in motion and I couldn’t be happier.
I not only said no to poor working conditions and a job that failed to support me, but I also took a plunge into the darkness to live out my dreams, because I knew that 2017 would be my year. I knew that if I stayed in my full time job, I would slowly lose myself in an ‘inevitable game of cat and mouse’ where we were the mice or puppets of the ‘fat cats’ who churned out tasks for us to do, played with our emotions and were unappreciative of how much time and effort we had invested into the company. They didn’t listen to us, nor did they particularly care whether we were well or not, in their eyes working was about greasing the cogs and generating as much profit as possible. It wasn’t authentic and we were mere players in a much larger game than we could ever comprehend. Becoming my own boss might mean that money is tight and that I have to prioritize what to spend money on but at least now I can be free to work on my own terms and make my own mistakes.
As a young girl, I had dreams that I would be an avid traveler, drifting into unknown terrains and coming back with stories to tell my friends and family. But somehow my dream to travel the world has started far later in life than I had planned. You see, despite being born in the UK, I was not made a British Citizen until I was 16, due to my ex stepmum E destroying my passport and birth documentation to prove that I was born in the UK. This meant that I had years of trying to get an Eu Card first of all, which allowed me to travel to Madeira- as that was my ‘birthright’ and nowhere else, which made travelling abroad almost impossible. When I was eventually granted a ‘British Citizenship’ , I traveled to Sweden and Madeira for ‘family events’ but I have not traveled to any other countries since. Well that is all about to change; in the latter part of this year I have one week in Tuscany, Italy, two days in Valencia, Spain and a possible trip to Poland with my friend Mal, whose from Poland originally.
While three countries in a year is nothing in comparison to most bloggers, who sometimes travel to that many in a week, it marks the start of a new beautiful chapter for me. I can explore the world with my friends and share beautiful experiences with the people that I love most. I can gain insight into new cultures and try new cuisines. Best of all I can learn from others and become a better person in the process. I have heard that travel means different things to different people so what does it mean to me? Travel is a spiritual journey through expanses of time that create ‘alternative realities’ that cease to exist in our worlds. Take Madeira for example; a Portuguese island where my biological parents are from, it is an ‘alternative reality because their society is built up of an older population with stories to tell, life is slow, but tourism is rampant, nature fights against modern day urbanization and even now with its increased popularity as a holiday destination, the remnants of its rural origins still remain prevalent.
Travel is a world away from my reality in London and I cannot wait to see what my adventures will bring to me and my readers. For everyone who has been supporting me through my blogging journey, thank you readers for always believing in me and for giving me the chance to live out my dreams. Without you, none of this would be possible and I would have never had the confidence to go travelling or quit my full time job without your love and support. I am so excited to see what the future holds and if you have any travel recommendations for someone who is obsessed with history, street art and nature then feel free to throw recommendations my way!
Have You Traveled To Anywhere Exciting In 2017?
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Hi Ana. I just found your blog today (um, it’s amazing). I had to comment because I’m in love with travel and it’s exciting to think of you breaking your 5-year dry spell! Congrats! I’ll be traveling to Spain in Sept/Oct, too. This will be me and my husband’s 4th trip to Spain in 2 years. We’re obsessed (particularly with Madrid). I hope you have a wonderful time (the weather in Spain that time of year is so lovely).
I blog about podcasts and I recently wrote a post about travel podcasts. If you’re looking for more inspiration or info about the places you’re going, you can read my post here: http://podcastmaniac.com/travel-podcast-reviews-news/my-favorite-travel-podcasts/
I believe that traveling is something everyone should do because that is what you are left with when you are old: your memories. Everything I do, every single penny I earn, are going towards my travel fund. If I wouldn’t be able to travel I wouldn’t be able to be me. So I understand perfectly your need to get out and explore the world. Tuscany will be beautiful and you are there at the right time, to see it shining under the warm autumn light.
Our family loves traveling too. So happy for you! I admire those people who take time to travel and discover new things!
Oh wow I can’t believe you had to wait till you were 16 as she destroyed your ID! I hope you get to travel a lot this year and have the most amazing time!
Eeek! I’m so excited to see where you travel to and what you have in store! xxx
Wow so many plans! Go you!! We haven’t left the country in the last few years, with the kids being so young the UK is as good as it gets, although next year we are hoping to do a road trip to Europe!
I don’t understand why people can be so harsh. I mean, how can your step mother destroy your important documents. That’s actually something which should never be acceptable. Feeling sad about the things you had to go through but glad you’ve got travel plans this year. Enjoy!
I know I can’t get my head around that, it just doesn’t make any sense to me at all 🙁 why would it even go through someones head to do that, some people are just so cruel.
I’m so glad that you’ve decided to make this year your year, you deserve it. Have a wonderful time on all of your travels.
This is so exciting! Have fun on your travels x
Oh my goodness I can’t believe that you had to fight to get your documents etc. Your travel plans sound great, I hope you have fun
As you know Ana I am always traveling and always encourage people to do so too. Many people think you need lots of money to travel, you dont! You just need to budget and hunt of deals. I have traveled to many European cities for under a £10 return because I searched for the deal and not because my credit card offered points or something of that nature.
I am truly happy for you and three countries is better than zero. Happy traveling
Such an exciting future ahead of you – I hope you meet your travel wishes and enjoy exploring 🙂
What an adventure, I’m really excited for you. I spent a couple of days in Barcelona recently. I was so beautiful.
What an exciting time ahead, can’t wait to hear where else you’re off to x
We haven’t travelled much this year but we have a couple of trips planned in September and October….we’re thinking perhaps Malta and one other. Enjoy your travels!
I’m so pleased your travel dry spell is over. You’re going to such amazing places this year! I can’t wait to hear about them all. I love travelling too, as a single mum money is tight but we choose to give up things so we can travel more too.
Well done on choosing to follow your heart and pursue your dreams! We are possibly traveling to Phuket in Thailand later this year just for a short family trip. Been there so many times that I lost count haha! If you love affordable delicious Thai food and massages, go there!
Tuscany is amazing! It is such a great place to go! You have so many things to see there: Florence, Sienna, Pisa, etc. Really. And Umbria is just nearby and so gorgeous too! I am going to Normandy and Gran Canaria for holiday and I can’t wait!
I am so excited for you! Travelling is such an amazing experience so I truly hope that you enjoy it. I’m also inspired by your commitment to your career by dedicating yourself to blogging (which is amazing, I love your blog!) and following your passions.
I love that it’s your year for taking back control and travel is such a wonderful thing to indulge in. I also love history so my recommendations are Pompeii, Lisbon, Oman (oh I loved it there so much) and Malaysia….can’t wait to find out where you wander 🙂
My two kiddos and I were supposed to explore NYC for a few weeks this summer. The surprise impending arrival of #3 changed our plans!
Jealous of your ability to travel. I will one day just now is not the time. Enjoy yourself when you finally get settled. I know it’s stressful ironing out all the details.
Wow! To get to go to Tuscany and Spain in one year – how lucky! I can’t wait to read more about your travels here very soon. Thanks for sharing!
I have travelled to the land of Boy Scout camp if that counts… LOL.
I love that you describe travelling as a spiritual experience because it is so true.
I can’t wait to see this amazing journey you take!
How exciting, you’re finally going on holiday after all this time 🙂 I’m excited for you!! Can’t wait to see your pictures of Tuscany, as I’ve not been there yet (super jealous!) xx
I have actually heard from several sources that this is the best year to travel. Good luck on your travels!
How exciting, I hope you have an amazing time on your travels to Spain and Tuscany. I am hoping 2018 will be my year to travel as I adore exploring new places x
5 years is too long ana but i know it can happen – so i am glad you will be back on the travel trail and il look forward to reading some interesting posts on your adventures – if you have the chance to review food, based on where you stay if its a hotel that will be super helpful
go get em!!
I’m so glad you are getting a chance to travel this year. We’re actually only a few weeks away from our next holiday, a USA road trip, in which we are taking in both Yellowstone and Portland. I hope you enjoy your destinations x
Clearly these days, it’s on everyones list. To travel this year more than the years before. It is such a trend but it really clears up your mind and opens it up to newer views and things.
Sorry to hear about your awful step mum. Why on earth would she even destroy your documents? Thank goodness that’s all in the past now. I loved traveling alone as a single person before getting married. Wish I did more. Good luck and save travels 🙂 x
What a moving story – Good for you being brave enough to take the plunge and quit your job! Most people wouldn’t even get that far let alone travelling alone and seeing the world. I have to say, I am at my happiest when on a plane travelling to a new place 🙂 I’m so pleased for you – have a great trip!
I absolutely love your lipstick! You look stunning in those pictures. Love the idea of a year of travel. Now that I’m settled with 2 small kids I think my next year of travel might be when I retire! Ha!
Your story is really beautiful and its takes lot of courage to leave ” socially correct ” job and do something you love.. Travel do have impact on our souls and i guess that’s what i see in your blog..!!!
How exciting is that for you! I can’t believe you went through crazy moments before. Glad everything got better! I definitely think traveling will give you positivity since that’s how I feel when I travel. I actually recently wrote about traveling hacks and checklist, you can check it out! 🙂
This sounds so exciting. I love travelling so much and so far this year I’ve been to 4 different places, hopefully there is more to come.
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I wish I had traveled more when I was younger. There are so many places I would love to see!
Enjoy new experiences and the feeling of the sun on your skin.
I hope that your visits to Tuscany and Spain are just the start of your childhood dream to be an avid traveller.
I can’t believe you had your documents destroyed, that’s horrendous. I’m so happy that you’re now flying off on some exciting adventures. I can’t wait to see what you get up to! xo
Darling I am super excited for you, obviously I need to see you before you go on your fabulous travels.
It would be amazing and scary at the same time to quit my job and go travelling. I have so many places on my travel wish list I would love to see soon.
I’m excited about what you are going to be able to do this year. Just sounds so amazing. I can understand the mixed feelings about how the old world is being encroached by what is going on when a spot becomes touristy. I love going places and finding out about what makes those places uniquely them and not when they try to cater to tourist interests.
I am in one of those travel dry spells myself. When I was in the military, I was so grateful at the opportunity to travel, even for a couple of days. Now that I’m back in the civilian world, I have no money and no time boo! It’s sad to hear your early life struggle with documentation. Enjoy your year of travel! 😀
Tuscan and Spain are great starting places to Travel. I really regret that we didn’t travel more while we’ve been here in Europe.
Yeah its been 5 years you are overdue for a world adventure. Traveling is good for your soul, so I understand because of your past grieving or your living situation it was hard, but you deserve this. My travel experience in 2017 so far was a 3 week vacay to Panama I loved it so much!
How exciting for you! I’m so glad you’re choosing to follow your heart. I hope you have a wonderful time on your travels 🙂
Traveling fills my soul. I completely relate. Also your pictures are stunning.
That’s so good that you have some travel plans, I think for everyone they’re really important to see new perspective. I’ve been to quite a few places this year, and I’ve got Prague and Italy to come x
Best of luck for your travel to Tuscany and Spain. Bet you’re going to have an amazing time. I must say that I love your outfit and make up too. Cheers!!
Travel actually makes you a better person in the process by giving you exposure to so many aspects of multiple cultures and traditions. I am so glad that finally, you’ve decided to take the plunge and this year will be exploring so many pretty places. I hope you have a great time traveling! <3
Unfortunately we haven’t traveled anywhere this year! Next year we will be headed to Disney, but other than that we still don’t have any large plans. I am so jealous of people who travel often!
What an amazing post! I’m very busy so i don’t have much time to traveling. But when I read your blog I realize that working too much does not make my life more happy, I need to spend more time to take care of myself and have some tours like you. You said :” Travel is a spiritual journey through expanses of time that create ‘alternative realities’ that cease to exist in our worlds”. After a tired year, in 2017, we have to get rid of works, make room for some new experience now.
Wow Tuscney and Spain awesome! Best of luck for this. However, seriously did your mother destroyed important documents.
One more thing, you now I also love to travel It is something I always love to travel. In the final quarter of 2017 I’ll have 2-3 trips lined up. May be all these will bring a lot to me and my blog.
Thanks for sharing such an interesting blog.
I love travelling & had plans to go to so many places, but life has taken over. I am certainly looking forward to putting my plans back in action! x
Your photos are amazing. I’m proud of your strength in being able to step out of the cat and mouse game and diving into the unknown to take back control of your life. Good luck in your travels to Tuscany and Spain.
It’s great to look forward to a holiday and travelling is so much fun. It is a favourite past time of mine. I was fortunate to work for two travel companies, so have travelled for free a few places, which is amazing! Love your outfits too.
Yay! I’m so pleased you’ve made these plans, such a big step, but one that I know you will love. I can’t believe you are going to Tuscany, this is on my wish list, I just adore Italy and have been lucky to go a few times. Enjoy!
My dream is to get away from my 9-5 and set my own terms in life. I wish you luck and admire your talents and courage.
Good for You! I want to travel as well and it has always been a dream of mine to see the UK and Europe. I’ve spent the last 15 years raising children and dealing with my own mental illness and now I’m at that point in my life where I need to do what I’ve always wanted to do. I might have to wait a little longer but I will get there! Good for you for doing it now:)
I’ve been following your journey and have read (nearly) every post you’ve written. There’s no one I could be happier for than you. Way to go Ana, on this new chapter in your life! My grandparents were missionaries and lived all over the world. I asked my grandmother once “Out of all the countries you’ve visited, which has been your favorite?” Without hesitation, she said “Italy” xx
Congratulations! What a wonderful decision. Taking time for you is so important. And traveling is such good medicine 😉
I’m sure you will have amazing time in Tuscany and Spain. London is a lovely city, but travelling is a must 🙂
Travel is a luxury that we haven’t been able to afford since we had kids.
Wishing you all the best in your travels and congratulations in taking the steps to do what is right for you and what your heart desires.
Travel is always high on my priority list. Everyone told us that we would travel less when we had a baby but she is only 9 months old and she has been abroad 3 times already and on several U.K. Holidays.
I didn’t realise that you have Portuguese roots! I love Portugal – especially the cuisine. Bon voyage!
I’ve never travel abroad but maybe this year I’d go somewhere really nice! It’s so good to hear you started traveling after 5 years, and you already planned amazing destinations! My mother was in Spain and she bought a sombrero! that I can’t wait to see the photos on the blog! You are really brave for quitting your full time job, but honey I believe in you! You are amazing blogger!
Oh I do love travelling! We have been to France this year and lots of lovely places in the UK. I went on my own on a mini cruise to Germany too. Enjoy your travels! Kaz x
Travelling is amazing! I’ve been to Lanzarote and Leeds this year so far and still have Disney land Paris and Ibiza to go to and I’ve made 2017 my year of travel as well. I’ve decided I want my little one to see the world with me and that’s me started it, once you get the travel bug it’s hard to let go of for sure! Have fun on your travels! You’ll love it. I also love historical and sight seeing holidays, I love seeing different cultures.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
spain I’d beautiful and I’m sure you will have a fab time on your travel x
Congratulations for doing your passion and good luck to your future adventures. You are such an inspiration.
How exciting. I didn’t travel a lot growing up because we didn’t have a lot of money but now I’m in my twenties with a family, we have managed to save enough for a road trip to Denmark, a holiday to Italy and are now planning to backpack around Asia. Travel is such a wonderful thing to experience and I really hope you have an amazing time exploring new places.
I do not know if you have heard of Couchsurfing.com, it is a great website where you can stay with locals and they can even join you in your travels. I have great experience from that website and I have met some amazing people that I am still friends with.
This year, I have been to Milan, Dubai and Oman. I love travelling.
Tuscany and Spain is beautiful! you will enjoy it. Love your top!
So excited for your travels! As I’ve been recovering from a transplant I’ve not been able too travel this year but 2018 will be my year – watch this space!
I am currently in Bulgaria and it is an amazing country! It really has so much to offer. You should consider popping here too 🙂
I have travelled quite a lot this year- Dubai, Maldives, Bali and Crete. Its been an amazing experience. Good luck with your travels xxx
Good for You! I’ve had periods in my life when I traveled a lot and then periods of quiet. It is all part of the rhythm of life. Enjoy the renewed travel vigor!
I am so excited for you! Travelling can be hard due to finances but that’s awesome you are making it work and getting to go. The break you took was probably needed and its good to be aware of what you need and listen to it.
I travelled to Spain earlier this year and it is such an amazing country filled with friendly people, a good choice to be on your “Year to Travel” – looking forward to hear how that trip went! I am madly in love with your look in this post! Your top is incredibly stunning (not to mention your hair and make up).
Sorry to hear about your grandma. Losing someone is never easy. Travelling is something that can really change your life. Im looking forward to seeing what else you have in the pipeline. Nice read.
This is awesome!! I am so excited for your travel! I just got back from two months in Indonesia and have a few additional trips domestically around the US the rest of the year! Really looking forward to being home right now! 🙂
Travel opens our soul in more ways we can imagine. Baby steps – so great that you are getting to travel, doesn’t really matter where! We went to Poland last year and fell in love with it, so if you get the chance, go! We went to Bulgaria this year and loved that too, although a very different kind of holiday! Sounds like 2017 really is meant to be your year!
Good for you that you are able to travel like this after five years. I have not traveled in over ten years but hop to soon here. It is awesome that you are taking your live by the horns and doing you. Thanks for sharing our thoughts and your beginning of your adventure.
I hope that you can achieve travelling all round as much as you want. I really loved the pictures you took, your makeup was flawless and the styling was perfect for this post. Amazing.
Have fun on your travels! Experience the food (says the food blogger!) I can’t wait to hear about your travels. We went to Cabo San Lucas and loved it.
I say travel while you can, when you can. See every part of the planet if you have the ability to. You will never regret a trip you took, only the ones you didn’t take. Safe travels.
I”m so happy and excited for your travel plans! So much planned for the upcoming months/ year. Growth in travel, experiences is so much a big part of who we become, I wish you many many adventures!
I definitely want to make it a goal to travel more even with my kids! I can’t wait to see your travels.
I love to travel I have a bucket list of of places I want to visit.
Have fun traveling!! I love to travel and I know as my kids get older we will do it more and more. This year we did Cancun and they loved it.
I love reading your posts, your storytelling is superb! We travel often but this year we mostly stuck to Southern California.
Congratulations on this new phase in your life! If I had one regret, it would be that I did not travel as much as I could have when I was younger. Go and wrap your arms around the world, Ana.
oh my gosh!! me too. no joke, have 3 trip booked, already did 4. I have always had an excuse that I couldn’t, but no more, out to explore like you.
I am happy to hear that you can finally travel, its never to late as long as you get out there and explore! Before we had our daughter my husband and I had travelled long terme travel for three times and now with our daughter we will leave next mai. I cant wait to show her the world!
I just want to say that I completely understand you. I personally never planned anything of what happened to me in the last year, but I traveled more than 6 times, and I quit my job because I don’t ever want to work in an office from 9 to 5 while life is happening out there. I am just believing myself and the universe. Now it’s the time where I need to decide what kind of job I’m going to find, and let me tell, it aint easy and I struggle again, thinking maybe I should be looking for the office job again, but I know it will lead me nowhere. I don’t want to settle and now I’m finding ways of earning money while traveling
What stunning images I’ve never really thought about visiting Bali before however it looks like an amazing destination. Wishing you all the best on your travels.