If you’ve not realised by now (where have you been?), we’re jetting off to the other side of the world next month (31st August) on a one-way flight. Like any 20-something year old Brit, we’ve had the realisation that if we’re going to be miserable and penniless, we mayswell be miserable in a hotter climate, so we’re headed over to Australia, South East Asia, and New Zealand!
After building up from a council estate to dream 5-star holidays, hostels are absolutely going to be a whole new experience, but I’m prepared to give them a go (even if it’s purely to film my reaction for Youtube). In today’s blog, I’m thrilled to share exactly how we’re preparing to set off to travel the world.
The Itinerary (Or Lack Thereof)
Every fibre of my Type-A brain hates that I’m even typing this, but I’m learning to be more go with the flow. We’ve compromised, however, Nathan has finally convinced me that I don’t need to plan every single minute of every single day to have a good time.
In fact, whilst we have a plan of things we would like to see, we’ve actually got very few things booked out before we go. (For a video that talks about we’ve booked so far, see here)
What’s Booked (so far)?
- Our flights from Manchester to Singapore
- 4 Nights stay in Singapore
- Flights from Singapore to Bali
- 5 nights in Bali (just Jimbaran Bay for now)
- Flights from Bali to Melbourne
- A full Welcome to Travel itinerary in Australia
- Flights to Perth
Why We’ve Booked With Welcome to Travel
We’re working with Welcome to Travel — not sponsored, just genuinely impressed. They’ve not only helped us plan a custom East Coast trip, but they’ve also sent us suggestions, freebies, and flexibility so we don’t feel locked in.
Even better, they’ve gone above and beyond for Nathan’s cerebral palsy. From taking the time to understand his mobility needs, to balancing his adventurous spirit with practical considerations, and even sending us photos of walkways to check for handrails. How amazing is that?
So far, there are very few activities Nathan hasn’t been able to do, we’ve just had to plan a little more carefully. But honestly? It’s been empowering — not limiting.
Travel Insurance: Boring But Essential
Admittedly, not the sexiest of topics. But a necessary one. Especially with Nathan’s CP, my clumsiness, and our tendency for chaos, it’s not something we can skip.
Between Nathan’s recent operation, our open-ended trip, and no return flight, we’re an insurance broker’s absolute worst nightmare. But, after a LOT of research, we’ve finally settled on SafetyWing.
They charge every 4 weeks on an auto-renewal basis so no huge upfront payment. Our gadgets are covered, and while they don’t cover pre-existing conditions, our minds are at ease knowing that we’ll be protected for other medical issues.
Packing
Trust me, this is a work in progress… We’ve started ordering what I’m calling the “essentials”, and by that I mean, card games, kindle cases, clothes, and an unnecessarily expensive gimbal, but I can guarantee that none of this will make it into a backpack until 12 hours before we fly (and that’s optimistic).
I’ll try to pull together a packing list eventually. But first? I have to actually pack.
Fun fact: I have an irrational hatred of packing and unpacking. No idea why. I just do.
Budget & Finances
We’ll break down our full budget so far in a separate post, however, I do talk about this in our most recent vlog if you’re curious.
In short? We saved for this trip by selling our house and all our belongings, paying off all debt, moving in with Nathan’s parents, and working 24/7. The wedding’s on hold indefinitely, and we figured a trip around the world was more important than getting on the housing ladder.
That said… Nathan’s hip had other ideas.
So with one month to go, if anyone’s after some foot pictures — I’m joking! (Kind of.)
Vaccines
One of the less glamorous parts of planning a trip, but definitely important. Ahead of our trip, we made sure to check the NHS Fit for Travel website to find out all the necessary travel vaccines for Southeast Asia and Australia.
Free on the NHS:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
Paid for at Superdrug:
- Rabies – 3 courses
- Japanese Encephalitis
Now, while the paid vaccines aren’t essential for everyone, we knew they were the right choice for us — mostly because I am absolutely patient zero. I will pet every stray dog, cat, and potentially questionable animal I come across, and the likelihood of me getting scratched or bitten is sitting at a strong 99.999%. Worth it to not die, in my opinion.
Accessibility Planning With Cerebral Palsy
We’re under no illusion that travelling with a disability is easy — it’s not. We’ve done it before with extra accommodations, but this time will be even harder. A recent hip operation, constant movement, and activity-packed days mean we’re having to plan a lot more than the average backpacker.
That’s why we’re choosing to slow travel — staying longer in each location to allow time for rest, recovery, and genuinely experiencing where we are.
Welcome to Travel have been incredible in helping us do this, reaching out to every supplier and answering my (very long) list of questions without complaint.
Final Thoughts
So that’s where we’re at! Flights, a few bookings, and a whole load of excitement jitters. We’ll be sharing our itinerary so far soon, but for now, wish us luck. Especially with Nathan learning to walk, and the packing (I swear the packing is harder).
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