Field Notes from the Road
Real stories from the road—wins, weird moments, and the “wish-I’d-knowns.” These posts are my unfiltered take on places I’ve actually traveled, with honest opinions and the simple tricks that help solo women feel confident. Expect practical takeaways tucked inside personal tales, from budget blunders to street-food gold. No fluff, no filters—just the truth and a nudge to go.
Travelling Solo: Finding Joy in My Own Company
After 15 years of travelling, living in eight countries, and visiting more than fifty, I’ve learned that solo travel isn’t lonely — it’s freeing. From friendships made around the world to the peace found in quiet moments, here’s how travelling solo taught me confidence, connection, and the joy of my own company.
Greece - Blog Part 4: Olympia & Nafplio: Running with the Ancients
From sprinting at the ancient Olympic stadium to singing O Canada in a 2,000-year-old theatre, this leg of my Greek adventure was packed with history, laughter, and unexpected cat cameos. Join me as I explore Olympia, Nafplio, and the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus — where myth meets modern mishaps.
Greece Blog Part 3: Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki & A Side Trip to Sofia
From Mount Olympus’ misty trails to an unplanned border hop into Bulgaria — this chapter of my Greek adventure is full of train delays, rainy hikes, and a few adorable surprises along the way.
Greece Blog – Part 2: Delphi & Meteora: Ancient Ruins and Endless Stairs
After chasing sunsets in Santorini, our Greek adventure continued into the mountains. From racing the clock in Delphi’s ancient ruins to climbing the monasteries of Meteora, this leg of the journey was filled with history, surprises, and a few hostel hiccups along the way.
Travel Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy?
When I first started traveling, I thought travel insurance was a waste of money. I was young, healthy, and reckless. But from hospital visits in Australia to trip interruptions in Shanghai and NYC, I’ve learned the hard way why coverage matters. Here are the real stories that changed my mind.
Athens & Santorini: A Winter Adventure
Two Canadians, one coming from Beijing and the other from Toronto, meet in Athens for the adventure of a lifetime. From exploring ancient ruins to getting stranded on a Greek island, this diary-style travel story proves that the best moments often come from the unexpected.
How I Get Accommodation for Less (And You Can Too)
Finding affordable accommodation doesn’t mean giving up comfort. From loyalty programs like Wyndham and Choice Privileges to traveling in the shoulder season, I’ve learned the hacks that make hotels, hostels, and even resorts more affordable. Here are my tried-and-true tips.
Hostel vs. Hotels (and Everything In Between)
Hostel or hotel? I’ve stayed in both — and everywhere in between. From learning salsa in a Colombian hostel to camping on the Great Wall of China, every type of accommodation has its pros, cons, and surprises. Here’s what I’ve learned after 15+ years of travel.
My Second Trip to Japan: Disney, Mount Fuji & Osaka
For my second trip to Japan, I celebrated my birthday at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea before heading to Mount Fuji and Osaka. Highlights included fireworks over DisneySea, rooftop views of Fuji, a moat boat ride at Osaka Castle, and sunset beers at Harukas 300. A magical Japan trip filled with unforgettable — and bittersweet — memories.
Questions I Always Get Asked While Traveling (or at Home)
One of the first questions I always get asked — at home or abroad — is: “What’s your favourite country?” Having travelled to 50+ countries, I simply can’t pick just one. Each place has left me with unique memories, from mystery meals in Thailand to volcano views in Guatemala.
My First Trip to Japan: 3 Days in Tokyo
My first visit to Japan was a fast-paced three days in Tokyo. I explored everything from samurai history to neon robot shows, wandered through Harajuku, and watched the city sparkle from Tokyo Skytree. A short trip, but one that left me eager to return.
Starting Something New: Why I Built Unsettled JD
Every new adventure starts with a first step. This is the story of why I launched Unsettled JD — a space for honest travel stories, real tips, and the messy magic of exploring the world.
Paris: My Birthday Weekend That Felt Like a Dream
A birthday weekend in Paris — three unforgettable days of wine, art, and pinch-me moments under the Eiffel Tower. Paris really did live up to the dream.
How I Plan Trips Without Losing My Mind
I’m not the “let’s wing it” kind of traveller — I plan everything. From daily itineraries to offline backups, here’s how I organize every trip without the stress… and how you can too.
A Weekend in Italy: Rome & Venice
From tossing coins at Trevi Fountain to getting lost in Venice, my whirlwind weekend in Italy was full of awe, humor, and surprises.
Why I Started Travelling
I told my mom I was moving to Australia when the snow started falling — six days later, I was on a plane to Melbourne. What began as a six-month trip to see the Great Barrier Reef turned into 15 years of living, working, and exploring around the world. Here’s how it all started… and why I never looked back.