About the Progresive Traveller

Research and plan before you leave home! One of the biggest lessons I've learnt is to book must-see attractions and must-do experiences in advance, particularly when availability is limited. There's nothing more disappointing than travelling all that way only to discover something you were looking forward to is sold out.

At the same time, I don't believe in planning every minute. I prefer to secure the important experiences while leaving plenty of time to wander, discover unexpected places and enjoy a destination at my own pace.

For more advice, explore my Trip Planning and Tours & Experiences pages.

Anywhere in Europe feels like home to me, but Italy and Montenegro are two countries I return to again and again.

I love Italy for its history, beautiful towns, wonderful food and the incredible differences between regions. No matter how many times I visit, there's always somewhere new to discover.

Montenegro captured our hearts in a different way — so much so that we bought an apartment in Dobrota, overlooking the Bay of Kotor. It's become a place where we can slow down, stay longer and experience everyday life rather than simply visit as tourists.

You can explore my Italy Travel Guides or read about Our Experience Buying an Apartment in Montenegro.

What's important to you may not be important to someone else, so communicate openly — your travel companions aren't mind readers!

Everyone brings different interests, energy levels, dietary preferences and expectations to a trip. I've learnt that patience, compromise and a little flexibility go a long way.

Travelling together doesn't mean you have to do everything together. Sometimes taking time to explore separately makes the shared experiences even more enjoyable.

Some of my favourite travel memories have been made with the people I've travelled with, and often it's those unexpected, unplanned moments we're still talking about years later.

For more advice, explore my Group & Multi-Generational Travel Tips.

Travelling through Italy with my 89-year-old mother is an experience I will always treasure. Mum has since passed away, making those memories even more precious.

She amazed me every day. We walked an average of 15,000 steps, navigated Venice during flooding and crossed the raised boardwalks without a complaint. In Rome, she was completely captivated by the Vatican and Michelangelo's Pietà in St Peter's Basilica.

I also remember the kindness of strangers. People would offer Mum a helping hand when needed, and many stopped to compliment her on how well she was travelling — sometimes better than people decades younger!

Looking back, it wasn't simply the places we visited or the incredible sights we saw. It was the privilege of sharing those experiences with Mum that made the journey so unforgettable.

Becoming seriously ill on Fraser Island (K'gari) in Queensland was one of my most frightening travel experiences. I needed to be airlifted from the island, but because the airstrip had no lighting, I couldn't be evacuated until daybreak.

It was a stark reminder that no matter how carefully we plan, some circumstances are beyond our control. Travel insurance is essential, but it can't prevent things from going wrong or guarantee that help will reach you immediately.

That experience changed how I think about choosing where to stay. If something goes wrong, how quickly can help reach you? How far away is the nearest hospital? What options are available if you need to leave urgently?

We often choose accommodation for its location, views, restaurants or nearby attractions, but access to medical care can suddenly become far more important.

It's something I now consider carefully, particularly when travelling to islands, rural areas or remote destinations.

For more practical advice, explore my Staying Safe Overseas and Travel Insurance Checklist resources.