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Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller

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Australia

Luggage List: Packing for Australia

Luggage List: Packing for Australia

Dated: June 22, 2020

Packing for Australia can seem a little daunting at first, especially if you’re planning on travelling all over the country. There are so many states, time zones and climates that it’s easy to become overwhelmed at how much you should bring. As always, I recommend not bringing too much, even if (especially if) you’re going to be Down Under for… Read More

Posted Under: Australia, Before You Go, Destinations, Luggage Lists, Travel Advice

13 Free & cheap things to do in Sydney

13 Free & cheap things to do in Sydney

Dated: February 10, 2020

As the state capital of New South Wales and the most populated city in Australia, Sydney is a big draw for tourists. With its beautiful beaches and iconic architectural structures, it features heavily in promotional material for Australia, and is therefore the place people usually think of first. I lived and worked in the Sydney area for a number of… Read More

Posted Under: Australia, Budgeting, Destinations

Moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa

Moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa

Dated: September 23, 2019

Applying for an Australia Working Holiday Visa is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was the first of these visas that I ever applied for and ultimately led to me also applying for similar Working Holiday Visas in Hong Kong and New Zealand as well! The time that I spent in Australia was incredible, unforgettable, and… Read More

Posted Under: Australia, Destinations, Working Abroad

8 Marvelous Things to do in Melbourne

8 Marvelous Things to do in Melbourne

Dated: August 12, 2019

Melbourne was my absolute favourite city that I visited in Australia. Of the two years I spent in the country, more than half of it was spent in this beautiful city – it just kept drawing me back! Even now, years after leaving Australia, I think a little piece of my heart is still roaming the laneways, drinking flat whites… Read More

Posted Under: Australia, Destinations

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Hello and welcome!

My name is Sarah and I am the owner of Last Minute Wanders.
I started travelling on a budget in November 2012 and I haven't looked back!
Exploring new destinations fills me with joy and I'm here to help you do the same, without breaking the bank. Read More…

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Featured Articles

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How to travel for free around the world!

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12 Beautiful Hidden Gems in New Zealand

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

🥾Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller
🏝 Budget Travel Advice, Destinations & Hikes
📍England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🌏 28 countries
📱#lastminutewanders

Sarah | Last Minute Wanders
One of my goals this year, which I talked about a One of my goals this year, which I talked about a lot last year but didn't actually do much of, is to see more of Dorset. 
.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in this south coast county and I've barely seen any of them, even though I live here! 
.
So, to start off the year right, we completed a wonderful loop walk which starts at the abandoned Tyneham Village and takes in Flower's Barrow and Worbarrow Bay.
.
The occupants of Tyneham Village were forced to evacuate in 1943 so that the military could use the area for training in WWII. The villagers expected to be able to return but were never allowed to. This area is still part of the MOD ranges and is only open to visitors on certain days.
.
Flower's Barrow is an iron age hill fort with the rampart ridges still clearly visible and an incredible view across the cliffs and Worbarrow Bay below. Swipe right to see the view and spot one of the military bunkers of the MOD ranges.
.
.
.
#lovedorset #dorsetcoast #dorsetlife #tynehamvillage #flowersbarrow #ironagefort #dayhike #loopwalk #purbeckridge #dorsetwalks #isleofpurbeck #uktravel #visitengland #newyearsresolution #newyeargoals #hikemoreworryless #exploremore #travelblogger
Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favou Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favourite kind of Sunday 💙
The New Forest isn't too far away from where I live but I rarely make the trip. Every time I do, though, I wish I did it more often!
We've had quite a lot of rain recently, which has resulted in a lot of pools on the plains and some gorgeous reflections 😍
.
.
.
#newforest #reflections #stoneycross #sundaystrolls #southofengland #newforestnationalpark #visitengland #englishcountryside #greatbritishcountryside #uktravel #travelblogger
Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the wor Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the world! It's been a bit different this year but I hope you've managed to have a good day and get into the festive spirit. I'm just glad that nobody can take away the traditional Christmas Day walk!
How have you spent your day? Have you managed to celebrate as usual or has it been completely different?
.
.
.
#merrychristmas #covidchristmas #christmaswalks #sussexlife #southcoastengland #homesweethome #familytime #travelblogger
This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, wh This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, which seems almost impossible now that we're in the UK! 💙
.
We actually had our first experience of lockdown while we were there due to a measles outbreak and a mass vaccination campaign to bring it under control, meaning that we were unable to leave our beach-side accommodation for a few days. 🏖️
.
Little did we know that the word "lockdown" would become part of our daily vocabulary, not just for us but for the whole world!
Or that it wouldn't be all sunbathing and cocktails on the beach... 🍹
.
If you're thinking of taking a break on an island as gorgeous as this once travel opens up again and it's safe to do so, check out my 6+ reasons to add Samoa to your bucket list through the link in my bio. Just hit 'Destinations -> Samoa' 
.
.
.
#samoa #polynesia #pacificislands #beachlockdown #tosua #lalomanubeach #beachsunsets #coupletravelgoals #sunsetcocktails #lookatthosecolours #blueseabluesky #travelblogger #takemeback
Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left h Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left home to travel long-term, and it got me thinking of what I had been worrying about all those years ago! 🧳
.
Keeping healthy is usually either something that new travellers worry a lot about, or something that they don't even think about until it's too late. I was the latter. 😬
.
It's easy to fall out of your regular health routine when everything is suddenly so different, but I've updated an article which covers 7 simple ways to stay on top of your health and focus on having the time of your life! ♥️
.
Link in bio!
.
.
.
#stayhealthy #stayhealthywhiletravelling #howtostayhealthywhiletraveling #travelhealth #stayhealthyonholiday #stayhealthyonvacation #hydrateyourself #traveladvice #travelexpert #travelblogger
Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Isl Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island was one of the toughest experiences I've had on a day hike!
.
Not having hiked for a while, I wasn't at my fittest and it took 12 hours to get up and down this incredibly steep mountain.
.
There were times when I thought I might have to quit, but I persevered and when I reached the top, I was so glad that my determination had pushed me through.
.
I was on top of the world! 
.
Of course, I was only halfway through by that point and the descent was almost as tough as the climb, but it was totally worth it for that sense of accomplishment 💪🏔️
.
I like to remember that feeling when I'm feeling a bit low, to remind myself of what I can achieve if I really put my mind to it!
.
What helps to push you forward when you're feeling a little stuck?
.
Check out my hiking guide for Mount Taranaki through the link in my bio 👆🏻 just look for the New Zealand Hiking section!
.
.
.
#mounttaranaki #mounttaranakisummit #taranaki #egmontnationalpark #travelnewzealand #nztravel #northislandlove #nzmustdo #dayhike #mountainclimber #determinationpaysoff #accomplishyourgoals #nzfinds #keepgoing #theonlywayisup #mttaranakisummittrack
I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing travelling at the moment and it has been getting me down a little 💔
.
It hasn’t helped that the weather has been pretty horrendous recently either ☔️
.
So today, as the rain clouds parted briefly today and the sun came out, I jumped at the chance to get out into nature and remind myself of how pretty my home area is 🍂
.
It really helped clear my mind and made me feel so much better! 🧡
.
What do you do to cheer yourself up when the blues hit?
.
.
.
#dreamnowtravellater #beautifulengland #dorsetlife #autumncolours #exploreyourbackyard #appreciatewhatyouhave #travelblues #uktravel #travelblogger #homeiswhereyourheartis
Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if it’s the right decision for you?
.
Head over to @travelmexicosolo and her podcast #dreamtodestination to hear me chatting with Shelley about my solo travel experiences and why I think everyone should try it.
.
Honestly, solo travel transformed my life for the better! Give it a listen and let me know what you think! ✈️
.
.
.
#solotravelisgoodforthesoul #lovetravel #femaletravelinspo #youshouldtravel #travelblogger
I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking t I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking to the lovely Shelley at @travelmexicosolo on her awesome podcast #dreamtodestination about solo travel, why I love it and why I think everyone should try it at least once ♥️
.
Head on over to her account to check it out or search Dream to Destination on Spotify, Anchor.fm or Apple Podcasts!
.
.
.
#solotravel #solotraveller #solotraveler #daretotravel #traveltheworld #podcast #lovetravel #travelblogger
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Footer

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

🥾Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller
🏝 Budget Travel Advice, Destinations & Hikes
📍England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🌏 28 countries
📱#lastminutewanders

Sarah | Last Minute Wanders
One of my goals this year, which I talked about a One of my goals this year, which I talked about a lot last year but didn't actually do much of, is to see more of Dorset. 
.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in this south coast county and I've barely seen any of them, even though I live here! 
.
So, to start off the year right, we completed a wonderful loop walk which starts at the abandoned Tyneham Village and takes in Flower's Barrow and Worbarrow Bay.
.
The occupants of Tyneham Village were forced to evacuate in 1943 so that the military could use the area for training in WWII. The villagers expected to be able to return but were never allowed to. This area is still part of the MOD ranges and is only open to visitors on certain days.
.
Flower's Barrow is an iron age hill fort with the rampart ridges still clearly visible and an incredible view across the cliffs and Worbarrow Bay below. Swipe right to see the view and spot one of the military bunkers of the MOD ranges.
.
.
.
#lovedorset #dorsetcoast #dorsetlife #tynehamvillage #flowersbarrow #ironagefort #dayhike #loopwalk #purbeckridge #dorsetwalks #isleofpurbeck #uktravel #visitengland #newyearsresolution #newyeargoals #hikemoreworryless #exploremore #travelblogger
Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favou Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favourite kind of Sunday 💙
The New Forest isn't too far away from where I live but I rarely make the trip. Every time I do, though, I wish I did it more often!
We've had quite a lot of rain recently, which has resulted in a lot of pools on the plains and some gorgeous reflections 😍
.
.
.
#newforest #reflections #stoneycross #sundaystrolls #southofengland #newforestnationalpark #visitengland #englishcountryside #greatbritishcountryside #uktravel #travelblogger
Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the wor Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the world! It's been a bit different this year but I hope you've managed to have a good day and get into the festive spirit. I'm just glad that nobody can take away the traditional Christmas Day walk!
How have you spent your day? Have you managed to celebrate as usual or has it been completely different?
.
.
.
#merrychristmas #covidchristmas #christmaswalks #sussexlife #southcoastengland #homesweethome #familytime #travelblogger
This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, wh This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, which seems almost impossible now that we're in the UK! 💙
.
We actually had our first experience of lockdown while we were there due to a measles outbreak and a mass vaccination campaign to bring it under control, meaning that we were unable to leave our beach-side accommodation for a few days. 🏖️
.
Little did we know that the word "lockdown" would become part of our daily vocabulary, not just for us but for the whole world!
Or that it wouldn't be all sunbathing and cocktails on the beach... 🍹
.
If you're thinking of taking a break on an island as gorgeous as this once travel opens up again and it's safe to do so, check out my 6+ reasons to add Samoa to your bucket list through the link in my bio. Just hit 'Destinations -> Samoa' 
.
.
.
#samoa #polynesia #pacificislands #beachlockdown #tosua #lalomanubeach #beachsunsets #coupletravelgoals #sunsetcocktails #lookatthosecolours #blueseabluesky #travelblogger #takemeback
Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left h Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left home to travel long-term, and it got me thinking of what I had been worrying about all those years ago! 🧳
.
Keeping healthy is usually either something that new travellers worry a lot about, or something that they don't even think about until it's too late. I was the latter. 😬
.
It's easy to fall out of your regular health routine when everything is suddenly so different, but I've updated an article which covers 7 simple ways to stay on top of your health and focus on having the time of your life! ♥️
.
Link in bio!
.
.
.
#stayhealthy #stayhealthywhiletravelling #howtostayhealthywhiletraveling #travelhealth #stayhealthyonholiday #stayhealthyonvacation #hydrateyourself #traveladvice #travelexpert #travelblogger
Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Isl Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island was one of the toughest experiences I've had on a day hike!
.
Not having hiked for a while, I wasn't at my fittest and it took 12 hours to get up and down this incredibly steep mountain.
.
There were times when I thought I might have to quit, but I persevered and when I reached the top, I was so glad that my determination had pushed me through.
.
I was on top of the world! 
.
Of course, I was only halfway through by that point and the descent was almost as tough as the climb, but it was totally worth it for that sense of accomplishment 💪🏔️
.
I like to remember that feeling when I'm feeling a bit low, to remind myself of what I can achieve if I really put my mind to it!
.
What helps to push you forward when you're feeling a little stuck?
.
Check out my hiking guide for Mount Taranaki through the link in my bio 👆🏻 just look for the New Zealand Hiking section!
.
.
.
#mounttaranaki #mounttaranakisummit #taranaki #egmontnationalpark #travelnewzealand #nztravel #northislandlove #nzmustdo #dayhike #mountainclimber #determinationpaysoff #accomplishyourgoals #nzfinds #keepgoing #theonlywayisup #mttaranakisummittrack
I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing travelling at the moment and it has been getting me down a little 💔
.
It hasn’t helped that the weather has been pretty horrendous recently either ☔️
.
So today, as the rain clouds parted briefly today and the sun came out, I jumped at the chance to get out into nature and remind myself of how pretty my home area is 🍂
.
It really helped clear my mind and made me feel so much better! 🧡
.
What do you do to cheer yourself up when the blues hit?
.
.
.
#dreamnowtravellater #beautifulengland #dorsetlife #autumncolours #exploreyourbackyard #appreciatewhatyouhave #travelblues #uktravel #travelblogger #homeiswhereyourheartis
Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if it’s the right decision for you?
.
Head over to @travelmexicosolo and her podcast #dreamtodestination to hear me chatting with Shelley about my solo travel experiences and why I think everyone should try it.
.
Honestly, solo travel transformed my life for the better! Give it a listen and let me know what you think! ✈️
.
.
.
#solotravelisgoodforthesoul #lovetravel #femaletravelinspo #youshouldtravel #travelblogger
I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking t I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking to the lovely Shelley at @travelmexicosolo on her awesome podcast #dreamtodestination about solo travel, why I love it and why I think everyone should try it at least once ♥️
.
Head on over to her account to check it out or search Dream to Destination on Spotify, Anchor.fm or Apple Podcasts!
.
.
.
#solotravel #solotraveller #solotraveler #daretotravel #traveltheworld #podcast #lovetravel #travelblogger
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