Kayleigh Maryon
Hi! My name is Kayleigh. I was born in Germany, grew up in England until I was ten and then moved to Canada where I have lived on and off unless I was travelling. I spent 13 glorious months backpacking through Europe when I was 22 where I learned a ton about myself and what I wanted to do with my life. Ever since then I have been addicted to travelling and exploring new places. I am currently travelling and living in Australia with my boyfriend. I have always had a gypsy soul and have been known to pack up and leave on a moment’s notice. I love coffee, can’t live without it in fact. Yoga is my best friend and I do it almost every morning. Sex and the City is often playing on my tv screen and I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I am quirky, easy going, a total book worm who often has her head up in the clouds. I have been told that I am hard to handle but am glad to say I have found my perfect match in my boyfriend, who is content to travel the world by my side and take the road less travelled with me.
My blog is about my travels, life and choosing the road less travelled.
So you are on a big world traveling adventure! How did this come about? What prompted it, how did you prepare?
I have always loved travelling and I find it really hard to live in one place too long, so I am usually always planning my next move/adventure. When I met my boyfriend over two years ago I was already planning on leaving again, but I hadn’t decided where yet. Once I met him I realized I wasn’t able to leave without him, so I decided to stay and get to know him and plan an adventure together. We decided on Australia mostly because of the fantastic beaches and weather. We wanted a place where we could go and relax and just take a year off from the stresses of daily life.
We honestly didn’t prepare much. We applied for our visas two months before we wanted to leave. Told our friends and family a couple months before we were leaving and booked our flights a week before leaving. Once we arrived in Sydney we bought a travel guide and just randomly picked places. I love travelling around not knowing where you are heading. I find that’s when you discover the most amazing things that you might not have seen if you had had everything pre-planned.
Where have you been so far? What’s the next destination on the list after Australia?
We started off in Sydney and rented a camper van and travelled up all the way to Cairns. So the main places we have seen so far have been Sydney, Hunter Valley wine region, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Nimbin, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Woodgate Beach, Townsville, Magnetic Island and Cairns and some small towns in-between. We are not totally sure where we are off to next. My mom and her husband recently moved down to Holland, Michigan which is beautiful so we might stay there for a year or so until we decide our next move.
The intrepid duo: Kayleigh and her boyfriend.
Where are you originally from? Anything you miss about it while traveling (other than family, one assumes)?
I have moved a ton. I am originally from England but we moved to Canada when I was ten. I grew up in the army so we moved a lot. I miss lots of things about both places and find myself often torn between the two. I miss simple things like Chapters which is a huge book store, Winners which is a huge clothing/homeware store similar to target and also pumpkin spice lattes.
Are you working while traveling? If so, doing what and how do you like it?
I am working, but only four days a week. Its nice to have that extra day off. I am a Beautician so I work at a cute little boutique spa. I love doing beauty but I am also wanting to go back to school.
What are your can’t-live-without items while traveling?
I can’t live without my Mac Book Pro, I know thats silly but I need to let my family know I am safe. Also a good book. I always have something to read in my purse.
No big deal, just chillin’ with some kangas.
Favorite thing discovered while in a foreign country that you are now obsessed with? (i.e. Tim Tams)
Things that I fell in love with while travelling would mostly be from Europe. I love Greek yogurt and pure olive oil drizzled over feta cheese, also halomi cheese is fantastic. Also roasted chestnuts that street vendors sell you.
Estimated number of photos you’ve taken since embarking on this adventure:
I have probably taken close to 500 pictures. I constantly walk around with a camera attached to my hand.
What are your guilty pleasures?
One of my all time favourite things to do is go to a coffee shop, order an extra large latte and sit and read my book relaxing in one of the comfy chairs. I also love relaxing in front of a fire with a glass of wine. Exploring outdoor markets and lying on the beach for hours on end.
Best book(s) you’ve read recently?
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness; When Autumn leaves by Amy Foster; and A Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.
This makes me want to go back to Australia so badly! Or just pick up and head somewhere new. 🙂 Go visit Kayleigh, and swap travel stories!
