New Zealand - The land of the long white cloud

London can be very hectic and stressful. When I switched jobs this time last year, I decided I needed a break from it all. I needed to get as far away from London as possible, and where better than 11,426 miles away in New Zealand.

The day after Boxing Day 2012, I flew off to Aotearoa for three weeks of glorious sunshine, friendly people, amazing food and stunning sights. I only had time to explore the North Island, so I packed in as many things as possible. For the first week and a half I stayed with friends, and then I went it alone.

Whenever I travel, I always write a journal. New Zealand was no exception. In order to do it justice, I want to dedicate a post to all the places I visited. I loved taking photos of this beautiful country. Mostly on my iPhone and small digital camera. Here is a sneak peak:

The Coromandel

Mount Maunganui

Taupo

Rotorua

Napier

Wellington

Martinborough

Auckland

Paihia

Russell

Cape Reinga

New Zealand is my favourite country of all time!

South East Asia booked!

Finally! I have booked my trip!!!

Ever since moving my entire life back up to Bonnie Scotland, I have spent every spare moment researching potential trips and countries to visit. Why not! It's not like I will ever have this opportunity ever again. There's no time limit or pressure to get back to work. For the first time in my life, I can focus on what I really want to do, travel.

I have uni friends in Hong Kong, so wanted to make sure my journey to Oz stopped off there first for nine days. Then onto Bangkok for a few days to join the 'Experience Indochina' Intrepid tour for 26 days. This will take us through Camodia and then all the way along the coast of Vietnam to Hanoi. When booking my flights, with STA Travel, my very helpful travel team member suggested a short stop off in Singapore. Although I have been there before with family, I felt it would be good to visit and experience it on my own. After all of this, I will fly to Sydney, where the next chapter of my journey will begin.

Here is a map of my planned travel route:
more...

Now I need to sort out my visa for Vietnam, travel vaccinations, travel insurance, my one year working holiday visa permit for Australia... The list could go on!

If you have ever been to any of these countries and have tips, let me know below! :)