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Last Minute Wanders

Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller

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About

Making friends with an elephant
Making new friends at a Thai elephant sanctuary

Hello and welcome to Last Minute Wanders!

I’m Sarah, a traveller in my 30’s, born and raised in Sussex, England. I’ve had a passion for travel for most of my life and I’m pretty good at planning for long-term travel!

Have you always wanted to travel the world, but don’t know where to start with your planning? Does the list of things you need to do before you start your long-term travels seem completely overwhelming?

Here at Last Minute Wanders, I talk about how you can plan your travels simply and efficiently while managing your mindset, as well as providing some incredible destination inspiration and hiking guides.

I’ve found that so many people struggle with taking the first steps to turning their travel dreams into a reality, which is why my passion is helping people to see that their dreams are attainable and that anyone can do it!

What my readers love most is the down-to-earth travel advice that speaks to them of opportunity, rather than something that feels out of reach.

I would love for you to take a look and start your journey with me!

Here are some great Last Minute Wanders articles to get you started:

  • 13 Essential planning tips for long term travel
  • Travel Safety Guide: 12 tips that could save your life
  • 17 Important things to do before your trip

Alternatively, check out the Destinations, Hiking or Travel Advice tabs on the menu above!

My Story

Hi! Nice to meet you!

As the clock chimed for the New Year in January 2012, I made a very important decision.

I realised that I was not happy in the life I was living and, while I had some amazing friends and a truly supportive family, I was going to have to make some big changes to get out of the rut I had found myself in.

Travel was something I had always been interested in – I travelled to Morocco on a school trip when I was 15 and, when I was 17, my dad moved to Hong Kong, flying my sister and I out to see him at least once a year following the move.

The idea of long-term travel had floated across my mind a few times, but I had never really given it any serious thought as I didn’t know how it could be possible for me.

I was working in a Customer Service position in my local town, finding myself staring at my PC and dreaming of somewhere – anywhere – I would rather be.

And as 2011 became 2012, I decided that I would make the dream a reality by the end of that year.

And I did it! 11 months of living a reclusive life at home with my mum, saying no to many invites for nights out (this was pretty difficult in my early 20s) and buying the cheapest version of everything I could, I managed to book a flight, buy insurance, apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Australia, with almost £3000 left to spend once I got out there!

Now, for many people, £3000 is not a lot. But for me, that was the gateway to my ultimate dream!

So, in November 2012, I packed my bags, headed for the airport, and boarded a plane to Hong Kong.

After spending Christmas with my dad, I brought in the New Year in Thailand and continued backpacking for the next 6 months around Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, before heading back to Hong Kong in June 2013. And, guess what? My measly £3000 lasted me that whole time!

Since then, I’ve spent two years working and travelling in Australia, 1 year and 8 months working and holidaying in Hong Kong, 1 year working back home in England, and 18 months in New Zealand.

If I can do it, so can you!

Partners in crime (or travel)

Couple in New Zealand
Theo and I in New Zealand

Now, let me introduce you to Theo. He is my partner in everything and is hugely supportive of everything I do, including starting the Last Minute Wanders website!

We were friends before I made that all-important decision to travel long-term. We remained friends while I travelled Asia and Australia and, on one of my infrequent visits back to the UK in August 2016, we met up again.

We ended up staying together for a few days. When I left the UK to continue my working life in Hong Kong, I was devastated that I had to leave him behind. I couldn’t believe that, after all this time, I had developed feelings for a friend who lived literally on the other side of the planet, in my home country.

We texted every day. It quickly became clear that we both felt the same way and, slowly, we came to terms with the idea of a long-distance relationship. Although this was something I had always wanted to avoid (I’d seen lots of other people’s long-distance relationships end on my travels), I couldn’t deny my feelings for Theo.

It went well, although it was unbearably hard. He made two trips out to visit me a few months apart, and we had a wonderful time.

By the time he returned to the UK after his second trip out in January 2017, I was a few months away from the end of my Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa, which ended in April.

Now, I wasn’t going to let a new relationship change my travel ambition; I had already spoken with Theo at length about my desire to visit New Zealand, and he agreed it would be a fantastic experience and agreed to come with me!

However, we both needed to save up some more money first, so I headed back to the UK, moved in with Theo, got another Customer Service job and saved up for a year.

We then spent 18 wonderful months in New Zealand together, a full seven years after I made that New Year decision.

And the adventures won’t stop there!

In summer of 2021, we finally got married surrounded by our closest family members and friends.

Why Last Minute Wanders?

Timepiece logo with earth image inside

Generally, we try not to plan too much in advance so as to keep our options open as much as possible. Sometimes the most memorable experiences happen by chance with a little spontaneity! We love hiking and exploring and our ‘last minute wanders’ often turn into long hikes when we get a bit too carried away! Check out the Hiking section for detailed ‘walk-throughs’.

We try to experience as much as we can and with this blog I aim to share these with you and help you to plan your own adventures without the drama.

If I can do it, anyone can!

Let’s get you started with a few helpful articles:

  • 13 Essential planning tips for long term travel
  • Travel Safety Guide: 12 tips that could save your life
  • 17 Important things to do before your trip

Alternatively, check out the Destinations, Hiking or Travel Advice tabs on the menu above for more.

All images on this page are the property of lastminutewanders.com

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Hello and welcome!

My name is Sarah and I am the owner of Last Minute Wanders.
I started travelling long-term in November 2012 and I haven't looked back!
Exploring new destinations fills me with joy and I'm here to help you plan your own long-term travel adventure, without the drama. Read More…

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Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

✈️ Travel & Mindset Mentor
✨ Helping you plan world travel without the drama
🏝 Planning, Destinations & Hikes
📍 England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🌏 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Want to know how? Follow me for all the long term Want to know how? Follow me for all the long term travel planning tactics and advice to get you travelling sooner!
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Don't listen to the disbelievers! Their fears are Don't listen to the disbelievers! Their fears are being projected onto you but that doesn't mean YOU should stop!
Follow me for long term travel planning tips! 😎
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders #alopecia
Please, please, please always get travel insurance Please, please, please always get travel insurance!
You can be as "careful" as you like but there are always so many things that are out of your control!
Chances are you'll never have to make a claim 🤞🏻 but if something DOES go wrong you'll be SO glad you're covered.
In 10 years of travel I had to make one claim but if I hadn't been covered it would have ended my travels before they even got started!
Don't forget to:
👥 Hit Like and Follow 
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's my experience of travelling with Alopecia A Here's my experience of travelling with Alopecia Areata. Leave a like or a comment if this resonated with you. ♥️👩🏻‍🦲
Don't forget to:
👥 Hit follow
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Long term travel planning doesn't have to be overw Long term travel planning doesn't have to be overwhelming! Follow me for expert tips and advice to get you travelling sooner 😎🌍
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
Follow me for more 😎
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more 🌍
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! 😎
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Footer

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

✈️ Travel & Mindset Mentor
✨ Helping you plan world travel without the drama
🏝 Planning, Destinations & Hikes
📍 England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🌏 28 countries visited

Sarah Meyer | LMW
Want to know how? Follow me for all the long term Want to know how? Follow me for all the long term travel planning tactics and advice to get you travelling sooner!
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Don't listen to the disbelievers! Their fears are Don't listen to the disbelievers! Their fears are being projected onto you but that doesn't mean YOU should stop!
Follow me for long term travel planning tips! 😎
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders #alopecia
Please, please, please always get travel insurance Please, please, please always get travel insurance!
You can be as "careful" as you like but there are always so many things that are out of your control!
Chances are you'll never have to make a claim 🤞🏻 but if something DOES go wrong you'll be SO glad you're covered.
In 10 years of travel I had to make one claim but if I hadn't been covered it would have ended my travels before they even got started!
Don't forget to:
👥 Hit Like and Follow 
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's my experience of travelling with Alopecia A Here's my experience of travelling with Alopecia Areata. Leave a like or a comment if this resonated with you. ♥️👩🏻‍🦲
Don't forget to:
👥 Hit follow
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Long term travel planning doesn't have to be overw Long term travel planning doesn't have to be overwhelming! Follow me for expert tips and advice to get you travelling sooner 😎🌍
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in Ne Here's a quick summary of places I recommend in New Zealand!
Follow me for more 😎
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful co Two years spent in this indescribably beautiful country were not enough!
New Zealand is more amazing than you could ever dream of...
Do you want to go??
Follow me for more 🌍
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first fe Are you worried about jet lag ruining the first few days of your trip? 
Here are my top tips to help you enjoy your adventure from day one!
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
Check the entry requirements well in advance of yo Check the entry requirements well in advance of your departure so you know exactly what to expect, how much it will cost and how long it will take.
Follow me for more long term travel planning tips! 😎
Don't forget to:
♥️ Double tap
💬 Leave a comment
📤 Share with a friend
📥 Save it for later
💌 DM me to chat!
#travelexpert #travelmentor #mindsetmentor #travelmindset #travelmotivation #mindsetmatters #travelplanning #travelplantheeasyway #travelplanningmadeeasy #longtermtravel #worldtravel #firsttimetravel #firsttimetraveller #lastminutewanders
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