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.
Guatemala Blog #2 — Semuc Champey, The Caves, the Chaos & the Road to Guatemala City
After a peaceful stay on Flores Island, I set off for Semuc Champey — the caves, the turquoise pools, and one of the craziest travel days of my Guatemala trip. From climbing rusty ladders underground to tubing through the jungle, cacao tasting, the viewpoint climb, a freezing tarp-covered truck ride, and getting dropped on the wrong side of Guatemala City… this day had everything.
Flights: The Good, The Bad, and The Almost Missed
I’ve never missed a flight — but that doesn’t mean they’ve all gone smoothly. From sprinting through airports in China to watching my luggage take its own trip to Prague, flying has taught me patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. After 15 years of travel, I’ve learned that the journey between takeoff and landing is full of lessons — and sometimes, the best stories happen before you even reach your destination.
7 Common Travel Insurance Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying travel insurance isn’t exciting — but needing it and not having it can ruin your trip. After 15 years of traveling, I’ve seen it all. From cheap plans with no coverage to missed claims and policy loopholes, here are 7 common travel insurance mistakes — and how to avoid them.
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.
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.
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.