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Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller

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Travel Budget

How to travel for free around the world!

How to travel for free around the world!

Dated: August 17, 2020

This sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But there are many ways that you can save money and travel for free, or very cheap. I’m not talking about travel hacking with credit cards, I’m talking about the different methods that will save you tons of money and get you free travel! And you don’t even have to live… Read More

Posted Under: Travel Advice, Travel Budget, Travel Planning

Boost your travel fund by cutting out these 10 things

Boost your travel fund by cutting out these 10 things

Dated: August 3, 2020

When you’re saving money for travel, it’s easy to get a little impatient as you watch the numbers slowly rising each month in your bank account. If you’re putting away a chunk of your wages every month then that’s great! But there are other ways that you can boost your travel fund, too. I’ve talked previously about splitting your expenses… Read More

Posted Under: Travel Advice, Travel Budget, Travel Planning

8 Free and cheap things to do in Pai, Thailand

8 Free and cheap things to do in Pai, Thailand

Dated: June 15, 2020

Pai has to be one of my favourite places in all of Thailand. Nestled in a valley on the banks of a river in the mountains of Northern Thailand, it has a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere which differs hugely from the islands and beaches in the south of the country. The area boasts incredible views; lush rice paddies, waterfalls, canyons, hot… Read More

Posted Under: Destinations, Thailand, Travel Budget

10 Free things to do in Napier, New Zealand

10 Free things to do in Napier, New Zealand

Dated: May 11, 2020

Napier is not often considered one of the must-see destinations on a trip to New Zealand. Located on the central east coast of the North Island, it is usually skipped in favour of Taupō, Tongariro and Taranaki. But Napier is actually a lovely coastal town with a unique style where you can relax for a while and take a breath… Read More

Posted Under: Destinations, New Zealand, Travel Budget

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, Destinations, Travel Budget

Workaway: an introduction to work exchange

Workaway: an introduction to work exchange

Dated: September 2, 2019

As a traveller on a budget, I’ve found that a work exchange with Workaway is a great way to travel. And you don’t have to spend much money at all! The website connects volunteers with hosts who provide accommodation and food in exchange for a few hours’ work per day. I’ve used the site twice so far; once in Thailand… Read More

Posted Under: Travel Advice, Travel Budget, Travel Planning, Working Abroad

9 Essential Free Travel Apps

9 Essential Free Travel Apps

Dated: August 5, 2019

These days, our phones are like Swiss Army Knives: they can do just about anything you want them to! When it comes to travel, we can load up our phones with some awesome travel apps to make our trip easier and more enjoyable. And the best thing is that most of them are absolutely free! Here, I’ve listed the travel… Read More

Posted Under: Travel Advice, Travel Budget, Travel Planning

How to save money while travelling: 14 simple tips

How to save money while travelling: 14 simple tips

Dated: July 8, 2019

Updated December 6, 2020 I firmly believe that anyone can (and SHOULD) travel, no matter their budget. I have never had a large amount of funds throughout all of my years of travelling. As a result of this I am very used to saving money wherever I can to keep me going on my long-term travel adventures. And I want… Read More

Posted Under: Travel Advice, Travel Budget, Travel Planning

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: Travel Advice, Travel Budget, Travel Planning

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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

Ancient stone gateway tower with corridors leading off to left and right and a stone courtyard in front

Top 6 things to do in Cambodia

Silver car with back doors open parked on grass in front of beach

Living in a campervan: surviving van life long term

Pure white sand beach against clear blue sky with white truck in the distance

How to travel for free around the world!

View down wet beach, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds

12 Beautiful Hidden Gems in New Zealand

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

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

Sarah | Last Minute Wanders
I drive over this river every day on my way to wor I drive over this river every day on my way to work and yesterday I finally figured out how to get down to walk along the riverbank 😍
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#riverstourdorset #springwalks #prettycommute #dorsetlife #dorsetwalks #southcoastengland #visitengland #lovetheoutdoors #riverwalks #travelblogger #lastminutewanders
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.
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.
.
#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 😍
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.
#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' 
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#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
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Footer

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

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

Sarah | Last Minute Wanders
I drive over this river every day on my way to wor I drive over this river every day on my way to work and yesterday I finally figured out how to get down to walk along the riverbank 😍
.
.
.
#riverstourdorset #springwalks #prettycommute #dorsetlife #dorsetwalks #southcoastengland #visitengland #lovetheoutdoors #riverwalks #travelblogger #lastminutewanders
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
Load More… Follow on Instagram
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