I cannot believe how quickly the past year has gone. It seems like only yesterday I told my friends what I was planning, and now in just under three weeks' time, I will be Playa Del Carmen, Mexico at the very start of my adventure. I now find myself 'twiddling my thumbs'. Everything is done. Flights - Check Hostels - Check Visas - Check Insurance - Check Money - Check Packing - Check All that is left to do is zip up my bag and get on a plane! I hope!

Unclear rules about visas, none existent hostels and mixed reviews about casas all made planning the start of my travels in Cuba, difficult! If I'm honest that was part of the attraction! So I scoured the internet looking at sites like www.cubajunky.com and finally started to feel organised. I found out how the 'tourist card' system works, I found dive centres that sounded interesting (even if they didn't have websites) and I even booked my first 4 nights in a...

Sticking on the theme of saving money one thing that really surprised me was the amount you can save on travel vaccinations and medication if you shop around! Here is what I did… Make an appointment to see a nurse at your Doctors surgery! The nurse will either have or will gather a full record of your vaccinations right down to the week you were born! If you're anything like me your last 'jab' was probably High School so no chance of remembering it! From s...

After years of dreaming about traveling to far away shores to explore jungles, mangroves, beaches and cultures. Just under a year ago I finally convinced myself that I could actually do it! There were a few obstacles that (at the time) appeared to get in my way, but the answers were pretty simple and staring me right in the face! My house - Rent it out My Job - Quit ;-) My Friends & Family - They'll be supportive, its only 12 short mont...