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Last Minute Wanders

Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller

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Before You Go

17 Important things to do before your trip

17 Important things to do before your trip

Dated: March 16, 2020

In all the excitement that comes with the lead up to a trip or holiday, you might wonder if there’s anything you’ve forgotten to do. Have you ever found yourself sitting in the car or on a plane worrying that you didn’t lock the back door? Well, don’t worry! Because I’m here with a list of important things that you’ll… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, Travel Advice

Luggage List: Packing for Samoa

Luggage List: Packing for Samoa

Dated: February 24, 2020

When I was packing for Samoa, there was one thing I knew for certain: it was going to be hot. That immediately meant that I could put aside my warmer clothes, saving myself a lot of space in my bag. The climate in Samoa is tropical, meaning that it is hot and humid all year round. It also means that… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, Luggage Lists, Samoa, Travel Advice

Luggage List: Packing for Hong Kong

Luggage List: Packing for Hong Kong

Dated: February 3, 2020

I love packing for Hong Kong. It is a place that I will never tire of visiting; with its vibrant city and stunning islands, it just keeps drawing me back again and again. Of course, I have family there, so that helps too. I have completely lost count of the number of times I’ve visited Hong Kong, and I know… Read More

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

Birth control while travelling: what are your options?

Birth control while travelling: what are your options?

Dated: January 13, 2020

When you’re travelling, the last thing you want to be worrying about is an unexpected pregnancy. Which means that, unfortunately, you’ll have to include birth control as one of the major things to consider before you set off. For us women, there are a few different options available to us, and it’s worth making a medical appointment well in advance… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, On The Road, Travel Advice

Travel safety guide: 12 tips that could save your life

Travel safety guide: 12 tips that could save your life

Dated: November 11, 2019

When you’re on the road or planning your next trip, travel safety may not be at the top of your mind. There are far more interesting and exciting things to plan and pay attention to, right? But what if one of your valuable possessions goes missing? What if you get caught in a scary situation in a strange city? What… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, On The Road, Travel Advice

Travelling with Anxiety: a personal experience story

Travelling with Anxiety: a personal experience story

Dated: October 7, 2019

Updated October 4, 2020 If you suffer with anxiety, the idea of packing up your life and travelling the world could fill you with dread. For me, it was the opposite. I thought that leaving home again and going back off on my travels would be the answer to all my problems. But, as most of us know deep down,… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, On The Road, Travel Advice

How a Working Holiday Visa could change your life

How a Working Holiday Visa could change your life

Dated: July 29, 2019

If you’ve never heard of a Working Holiday Visa, you would probably think that working abroad must involve arranging sponsorship in another country or a transfer through your job. This makes the idea seem impossible for those who don’t have a specific professional skill. However, for young people who want to visit other countries and earn money to supplement their… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, Travel Advice, Working Abroad

Couple Travel: 7 things I’ve learned in a year

Couple Travel: 7 things I’ve learned in a year

Dated: June 10, 2019

Couple travel can have its ups and downs. As a seasoned solo traveller, I was a little bit apprehensive about taking the plunge with my partner, Theo. (Although not as apprehensive as he was, I think!) On the other hand, I was also pretty confident that we would be okay. The beginning of our relationship was rather unusual; I was… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, On The Road, Travel Advice

5 Reasons you should travel solo

5 Reasons you should travel solo

Dated: June 3, 2019

Updated October 11, 2020 When I tell someone that I travel solo, I usually get the same responses: “Wow! You must be so brave! I could never do that.” “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Is it safe?” “Don’t you get lonely?” The general consensus from people who have never travelled solo is that it must be a hard,… Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, On The Road, Travel Advice

How to actually save money for travel

How to actually save money for travel

Dated: May 27, 2019

Updated September 13, 2020 If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling but have never put those dreams into action, chances are high that a lack of funds is one of the major issues holding you back. I know it was for me! The idea of living and travelling in a different country without a means of income can be completely terrifying…. Read More

Posted Under: Before You Go, Budgeting, Travel Advice

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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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lastminutewanders

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