Rewind 5 years ago and if you were to check my bank statement you’d see a revolting amount of transactions from ASOS, ZARA, TOPMAN, MYER, DAVID JONES. Yup I’d admit that I was sucked into the consumerism, trying to keep up with the latest trends. It was my high, I would get a rush from shopping, gaining new things I really didn’t need at all. I’d work 2 jobs just to fund my lifestyle of shopping, Online & In store. Needing the latest gadgets or new seasons clothes. Thinking back , It’s scary to think of just how addicted I was. I remember the high I would get while browsing, trying things on, if someone fits and its on sale Id then buy and have almost instant buyers remorse when I got home. Thankfully that stage of my life is over. Not surprisingly it took me to moving to other countries to realise just how excessive I was living. Although I am proud of the fact that I never borrowed money or had a credit card to buy things. I’ve been working hard since I was 14 & always saved for what I wanted, including my first car.

Putting an end to my excessive spending took some willpower and a lot of self discipline, I’m so glad that I did it though, no looking back.

Australia is a very wealthy nation & I didn’t realise just how wealthy we were until I left.

It Makes You More Interesting

Lets face it, you’re going to end up in a conversation with someone new, trying to make small talk. I’ve found everyone finds travelling an interesting topic. Whether they dream of travelling or not, chances are you’ll have a collection of interesting stories to tell. If you’re a good story teller it can be fun retelling travel stories and seeing peoples reactions.

It Gets Your Creative Juices Flowing

I’d heard this statement before I started travelling & I can vouch for this one. Being a budding writer/filmaker I knew if there was one thing that was going to inspire me and get those creative juices flowing it is going to be travel! It certainly has, from the characters you meet along the way, to the vivid memories of places, Travel stretches your brain in a way that books just can’t.

You’ll Satisfy Your Curiosity

I know for sure I have always been curious about the world, theres only so many travel shows you can watch and so many travel magazines to flick through before you realise you’ve just got to see it for yourself. It can be really satisfying reaching that destination you’ve envisioned in your mind for so long. I remember seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, It was a bizarre feeling. I’d seen it so many times on TV and in books ect. I was there thinking here I am, now what. It was strangely satisfying. It makes you realise you really can do anything you set your mind to. So don’t forget to keep dreaming big.

You Will Become More Independent

Trust me on this one. When you’re out there on your own in a foreign country with no family, you really have no choice than to be fiercely independent. You are held responsible for all your actions and finances. It has been a great learning curve for me, from learning to adjust to a new currency, to budgeting and adapting to new cultures and people.

You Will Break Free From Your Comfort Zone

Travelling around the world has a way of helping people grow up or helping lost souls find themselves. Once you have travelled outside of your own country, daily routine and comfort zone, it will become easier to relax, slow down and just enjoy life.

“Travel makes you modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

I still believe travel is the best investment in life. It’s the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

My tip is to invest in a quality wardrobe, one that will all squeeze into a suitcase.