Once you've made the decision to move overseas at some point in your life, the next pressing question will be - when is the right time to go?

Figuratively speaking, there's no right or wrong time. However, if you find yourself procrastinating on the matter, it might mean that you're not quite ready to make the move.

That's fair enough - it's a big decision. The moment will come, probably sooner than you expect it.

On the flip side, if you find yourself relating to any of the following, it may be a sign that you're ready for expat life.

Planning to move abroad? Book a hostel for the first few days here!

You have a decent wad of cash saved up

Some people make the move overseas with the promise of a job at the other end.

Not all of us are so lucky.

Getting a job is one of the first things you'll find yourself having to do when you move countries. This can take days. Or weeks. Even months.

It took me several weeks to find a job when I first moved to London. I would have been up the creek without a paddle had I not had a chunk of savings at my disposal.

This meant I could pay my rent, feed myself and still squeeze in a trip to Switzerland (which is not the world's cheapest country) until I found a job.

Not only that - once I did start working, it took a good six weeks for my hard-earned pounds to hit my bank account. Oh, the joys of monthly pay!

I ended up needing every last dollar I'd saved up, particularly due to the conversion rate I was working against at the time.

Having a financial safety net to fall back on will save you in the long run. It's something every would-be expat should consider accounting for before making the move overseas.

You're slightly dissatisfied with your life in your home country

It's not that you don't like your life. You don't mind your job, have a good circle of friends, and are fond of your native country.

You're just a bit bored. Restless. Sick of the monotony of your day-to-day life?

You're ready to shake things up; throw yourself headfirst out of your comfort zone.

What better way to do that than to move overseas?

You don't have any pets or dependents

Once partners, children, or pets get thrown into the mix, life automatically becomes more complicated.

I'm not saying it can't, nor shouldn't be done. Yet, it is easier to move overseas when you have no one to account for but yourself.

If you're single, have no pets, and you want to try the expat life, then there's probably no better time than the present.

Luckily houseplants don't count for too much, as they can always be gifted to family or friends!

You can't concentrate on anything else

Say, for example, you're enamored with Germany. Moving to Berlin is all you want to do.

You're studying the language, day and night. You're eating your body weight in Bratwurst and Sauerkraut.

You've suddenly started dressing in all black, and you've caught yourself singing Atemlos durch die Nacht in the shower.

Maybe, just maybe, it's time to stop dreaming about your life in Berlin. Start making plans, buy that plane ticket, and turn that dream into reality.

You've got nothing to lose

The best sign is often to step outside of your current situation and have a good, hard look at it. Realistically, what impact would moving overseas have on your life as it is?

For example, if you've worked hard at your job and a promotion is in the works, then it might be best to stick it out a few more months just to see what happens.

However, if you've risen as far as you can in your current role and feel there's nothing else to learn, you're probably in a good position to leave.

If you know you want to eventually settle back into your home country (a reality for most people who live overseas on short-term visas), it never hurts to lay the foundation for the life you want to lead there. Cultivate some work contacts.

Make lasting friends. You may even consider investing in some property, so you'll be set up when you return from overseas.

Once you find yourself in a place where you can walk out on your current life with no regrets, then you'll know that the timing is right. And you can start planning to make the move of a lifetime.

Home security should not be taken lightly, even though you might feel secure in your neighborhood.

Did you know that the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that home burglary rates are at their highest during the summer?

It's the season for long weekends and getaways - and the last thing you want is a burglar snooping around your empty home while you're out soaking in the sun.

Whether you're planning to get away for the day or take an extended vacation, put these safety tips and some DIY solutions to work to make one of your best investments (your home) less of a target for burglars.

Upgrade your home's architecture

As your first line of defense, all entrances to your home should be well-protected and upgraded.

Ask your local construction firm to quote a remodeling/reconstruction job on key areas.

You can also save big by commissioning the guy-next-door currently on the lookout for construction jobs.

Focus on the doors, windows, and even fireplace - all areas where burglars may enter your house.

Never publicize your travel plans

Informing your immediate family members and trustworthy neighbors is fine, but posting your travel plans on Facebook and Instagram?

Not a good idea - unless you want everyone to know that your house will be empty during your entire vacation.

Your social media pages might not be as private as you think - why take the risk?

Install the latest tech

There are thousands of home safety devices you can buy on the Internet.

Devices like FakeTV, which can mimic the flickering light of a TV, will make burglars think you're home. Install one where your TV is at, and you are ready to go.

You can also buy fake (or better yet, real) closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) for your home.

Just install above the front and back door entrances, and the bad guys will think twice about breaking in.

Avoid placing extension cords through the window

While string lights are good at illuminating your outdoor area during the summer months, running electrical cords through windows is not a good idea if they prevent you from closing them.

Unlatched windows will send the baddies a good signal to come uninvited.

Think twice when someone's at the front door

Some burglars pose as charity workers looking for solicitation/donation. Please don't open the door: ask for their identification cards, which link them to the charity.

Even then, don't let them in as you might only give them the chance to memorize the arrangements of your house.

Hide your valuables from plain sight

That top-of-the-line gadget you just bought, your favorite piece of jewelry - anything valuable you forget to stash out of sight could pose a problem if sighted by would-be burglars.

Before heading out-of-town or on vacation, do a quick walk-through of the entire house and hide everything of value.

Keep a record of valuables

Take snaps of your valuable stuff, costly items such as TVs and laptops. Keep jewelry in a secure place as well as keeping serial numbers in a safe place.

Should a burglary occur, you'll have a record of what items have been taken and be able to get them back if the police recover the items.

Final thoughts

Traveling can be so exciting - do not let bad events ruin it for you. Secure your home, so you can be confident that even while you're away, your house is in good shape.

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This is a sponsored story.

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite games.

I open up Google Maps, look at where I live (London) and then examine at all the countries within close proximity. Then, I pick where I'd like to travel to.

Not that they're always tangible travel plans - sometimes it's pure speculation.

Either way, living in Europe makes me feel a bit like a kid in a candy store.

I'm writing this post as I decided to take advantage of my current situation and do a bit of traveling over the summer. For four consecutive weeks, I want to travel through a handful of countries in Europe, with one goal in mind.

I want this experience to be entirely plastic free.

Attempting to live plastic free

I've worked hard to cut as much plastic as possible from my day-to-day life as an expat in London.

I discovered early on that I'd have a greater chance at success if I broke the process down into sections.

It was easy to say: "Right! I'm going plastic free, from this day forth!" Then someone would stick a straw in my drink, or I'd go shopping, forget to take a reusable bag and feel like a failure.

Instead, I broke my everyday life down into sections.

I'd look at my beauty regimen and wonder how I could swap plastic encased products for those sold in reusable jars. I'd try making products. I'd experiment.

I took note of what did and didn't work. I had some small successes. There were failures too, of course. I tried not to feel disheartened anytime I was forced to go back to the drawing board.

You can't change your lifestyle in one day. You are, after all, breaking down and reworking many little habits and routines. This is a process that above all, takes time.

Attempting to travel plastic free

There's no doubt that travel opens your eyes up to the world around you.

The more of the world I saw, the more two particular facts became apparent.

The world is beautiful. There's no doubt about it. However, the beauty of this planet is slowly getting ruined by our over-consumption of disposable items.

Once you see it, the more you notice it.

There was the time I went swimming in Miami Beach and felt something hit my leg. I figured it was just seaweed and pulled it out of the water. It was a plastic bag.

I've seen people go to the effort of stuffing rubbish into places like the slats of benches... when there are trash cans only a couple of feet away.

Even the streets of cities like London are covered in discarded chip packets, scraps of plastic and candy wrappers. This, in a country like Britain that has more parks and green spaces than anywhere else I've ever been.

This is reason enough to take up the challenge. However, I believe that even as individuals, we can each benefit from traveling plastic free.

Here's why.

Savings in money

I never understand why people drop countless dollars on items such as plastic water bottles when traveling - particularly when they're in a country where you can drink water straight from the tap!

Buy a reusable bottle and fill it up everywhere you go. Easy.

What about places where the water is either unsafe or brackish?

A simple investment at the start of your travels will end up saving you money in the long run and reduce your plastic consumption.

Here's a helpful comparison of the merits of a SteriPen against a filtered water bottle, if you're struggling to make a decision.

The opportunity to eat well and stay in good health

Traveling plastic free all but eliminates fast food from your life.

Local produce will become your friend. You'll make a beeline for farmer's markets. You'll experiment with all kinds of different foods, not necessarily ones that will have a harmful effect on your health.

If you've got a massive sweet tooth like me, there's nothing stopping you from walking into a bakery and getting a delicious pastry to go - in your own, re-washable cotton bag.

Savoring the moment

We are all a bit rush in every aspect of our lives, let alone travel.

Traveling plastic free gives you the opportunity to slow down and take note of the world around you.

Dying for coffee, but have no cup on you? Stop at the nearest café, order a latte and indulge in one of travel's greatest pleasures - people watching.

Growth in self-confidence

Entering a shop with your own containers and bags isn't exactly a normal thing to do. People will give you funny looks, ask questions and in some cases, ignore your requests.

You have to speak up and make yourself heard. I found this cripplingly difficult at the start. I worried what people would think of me. I didn't want to put anyone out, cause too much of a disturbance.

However, I soon realized that it just wasn't that big of a deal. It doesn't take someone any longer to put a brownie in your bag, rather than a plastic or paper one.

Be friendly and polite and you'll almost always see the same in return.

Giving back

There are so many opportunities to give back when traveling.

You can volunteer your time to a worthy cause, stay in eco-hotels and hostels, give rescue animals some TLC and lend farmers a hand around the world.

I support all these methods and means of travel whole-heartedly! However, going plastic free is just another way you can give back to the planet, on a personal level.

I'll be writing more about my quest over the weeks to come. Feel free to follow me on my journey - on Go Backpacking and my blog, through social media or, make it a mission of your own!

Most of us can't travel all the time. Whether it be work-related commitments, financial expenses, or our dependents' needs, something is often holding us back. That itch in our feet still haunts us-that insatiable desire to discover and explore.

So, what do you do when you're desperate to travel but cannot see this dream come to fruition? Distract yourself with adventures on native soil, of course! I've got a few ideas to get you started. Here are a few ways to add more adventure to your life without traveling.

Adventurous Activities

1. Set up camp in your backyard

Did you ever camp outside your house as a child? Do you remember how excited you were? Being an adult should never get in the way of having fun. Get out your tent, swag, mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy. Bring a portable stove, some healthy food, and coffee for the morning if you feel inclined.

Don't have a backyard? Well, I'd like to introduce you to wild camping. When you "wild" camp, you pitch a tent wherever you want - usually somewhere private and secluded (like in a forest or a field). The idea is to spend the night alone (or with friends) in the great outdoors. Remember to leave no trace behind.

What about winter? Well, don't let cold weather deter you. Avoid the chill by layering up - coat, sweater, tracksuit pants, and two pairs of socks. There's nothing more comforting than the crackle of an open fire on a cold winter's night.

If you plan to do this with friends, consider buying a larger tent to accommodate everyone. Check out some 8 person tents reviews for a selection of cozy, comfortable, and great-looking tents available.

2. Have a country-themed potluck dinner party

For many people, the joy of travel isn't just seeing beautiful scenery, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people from all walks of life. Some people travel purely to sample new cuisines. I don't know about you, but I think that's a good reason. You can quickly eat your way around the world and improve your culinary skills without leaving your kitchen.

Invite some friends for a potluck dinner and choose a country for the theme. Say you pick Germany. You may find yourself having pork, potato dumplings, and sauerkraut for dinner, with apple strudel for dessert. Wash it down with a stein of Löwenbräu. Prost!

3. Pack a bottle of water and your camera to explore your neighborhood

I live in London. I realized earlier this year that I was doing myself and the city a massive disservice by traveling elsewhere when I had a few days off from work.

England's capital is the kind of place with abundant things to do, and I realized it would be silly not to cash in on this while I was living as an expat here. It can be challenging to motivate yourself in the colder seasons or if you work a lot. So, I set myself a daily challenge.

I would spend my lunch break exploring the area around my work, armed with a camera. This experience has helped me see the various icons of this part of the city in a different light. Plus, it's turned into a fun, creative experiment that has spurred me to explore London further.

Related: Turn Any Travel Experience Into an Adventure

4. Get lost among the pages of a decent travel book

Not too keen on the idea of roughing it outdoors? Luckily, there's a way to go on a truly inspiring adventure without leaving the comfort of your favorite lounge chair. Reading is one way to add more adventure to your life without lifting a finger (except when you have to turn a page). Here are some options to get you started.

5. Socialize with other travelers via Couchsurfing or Meetup

If you find yourself in a position where you can't travel, you can compensate by having the travelers come to you! Open your doors to Couchsurfers looking for a place to rest their heads for the night.

Many expats and travelers use websites like Meetup to connect with locals. Your area may have various groups, from language to film, book clubs, and sports. You'll find plenty of opportunities to meet new people and expand your cultural horizons.

6. Attend a foreign film festival

There are cinemas in cities of all sizes that, along with the latest blockbusters, will often screen smaller, lesser-known foreign films or even have weekend film festivals. Take London. Massive festivals, such as the annual BFI Film Festival, are held throughout the year. Meanwhile, a small community cinema in the southeast regularly screens foreign films from all over the world.

Are you keen to go to Georgia? I recently watched a movie where the protagonist had to come of age in a country reeling from its newly gained independence. Fans of Latin America will note that a Colombian film was nominated for an Oscar in 2016, signifying a revival of the country's film industry.

Like books, films are a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy the voyeuristic experience of entering a new country without leaving behind the comforts of your own. These are just a few ways to occupy yourself until the next adventure.

Saving money when we backpack is always a bonus. Spending as little as we can on food, accommodation and transport costs all allow us to spend more time on our backpacking routes.

But the one thing that none of us should cut the spending on is travel insurance.

It may seem like a luxury. After all, you probably don't care if your flight gets delayed, or you lose a couple of t-shirts, but what happens when you're far away from home, and the unexpected happens - you have an accident or fall ill.

You may think that if you're visiting a developing country such as Thailand, having insurance won't matter, but the last thing you want your family and friends to have to do is to start a crowdfunding campaign for your medical bills.

So, do you need insurance when you travel?

The simple answer is yes. Travel insurance is vital, and you really shouldn't think about going away without it. Even if your credit card offers free travel insurance, you should shop around for the best policy. Travel insurance such as Securiglobe, will cover you for all the essentials for your trip.

Here is why travel insurance is vital for backpackers.

If Your Vacation Gets Cancelled

We don't like to think of it, but if a family member falls ill when we're away, we would want to get back as soon as possible.

You could fall ill before your trip and need to cancel it, and if you've booked a cheap flight ticket which can be tough and costly to change, your insurance may cover this so that you can move the dates back or even cancel your ticket.

Losing Your Phone Or Laptop

You may not worry too much about losing your favorite traveling dress or a brand new pair of sneakers, but drop your phone in a swimming pool or lose your laptop to a thief in the new city you arrive in, could spoil your trip.

Travel insurance can cover your personal belongings up to a certain amount.

If the value of what you want to insure is more than the typical amount, you can probably pay an extra premium to ensure that it is covered.

For example, some only cover up to $200 per item, which may cover the cost of your phone but won't be enough for your tablet or laptop. Decide what you can't live without and take steps to get it covered, just in case.

Adventure Sports

If bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or rappelling off the side of a cliff are on your bucket list, then travel insurance is a must.

Even if you are planning to trek higher than 3,000 meters, then you need insurance to cover you for altitude sickness or any injuries.

Check the small print to see if your activity is included. If not, make sure you can pay extra to get it covered.

You can buy additional winter sports cover, which means that the insurer will pay your hospital bills if you get injured or fall ill during your trip.

Losing Cash

Unfortunately, it can happen whether losing your money through an ATM scam, having your wallet stolen or worst case scenario - an express kidnapping (where a robber will take you from ATM to ATM until you have withdrawn all of your money).

Being stuck in a country with no access to money is no fun for anyone. Travel insurance can cover your lost cash, so you don't have to call home and rely on your family to bail you out.

Legal Expenses

Paying corrupt policemen when we're caught for allegedly "speeding" may only cost us a few extra dollars to continue with our trip, but what happens if you find yourself in an accident, and it wasn't your fault?

We may be used to the idea of "innocent until proven guilty" in our countries, but other countries and cultures may have a different way of looking at it.

This way, you know that you have legal access within that country if you need it, and you won't end up losing your life savings in the process.

Overall, having travel insurance gives you peace of mind, and it shows other backpackers that you are travel savvy. So lead by example and get covered. It will save you in the long run.

If you forget to buy insurance before your trip, you can find companies that will insure you while you're already on the road.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Securiglobe.

I'm often surprised by how easy airports make everything. It can be your first time in an enormous airport and finding your way to the gate won't be that bad.

They're set up in a way that facilitates the traveling experience. I am someone who takes advantage of this and doesn't expect delays or loss of luggage.

This could be because when planning a trip, we often get so excited about our destination, we leave the question of how to get to and from the airport for last.

"They'll have plenty of options," and "I'll find transportation it's not a big deal," we'll think.

We might not consider the amount of money we'll have spent at the end of our trip on, say, delicious food or elaborate necklaces that, let's face it, we'll never wear.

So, what if you're on a budget? Suddenly, the possibility of airport transportation digging a hole in your pocket on the way is a very real, worry. But worry not, here are five creative ways to get to the airport on a budget.

1. See if a Couchsurfing host or friend can meet you

If you're into Couchsurfing, or happen to be staying with a friend you've met in the course of your travels, see if it'd be convenient for he/she to pick you up at the airport.

During Dave's 2007-2009 trip around the world, his Couchsurfing host in Tahiti greeted him at the airport.

Later on the same trip, a South African friend he made in Koh Phangan, Thailand met him at the Cape Town airport and gave him a ride to The Backpack, a hostel he recommended.

Not only are these scenarios free, but you'll have some quality time to catch up during the trip.

2. Use the shuttle provided by a hostel

This one is not "last-minute" and not always available. However, some hostels offer airport shuttle transfers for free, or if you're staying a minimum number of nights.

This could mean that you're staying in a neighborhood you didn't plan on staying in, like a more touristy area, and that you'll have to have this detail sorted out before you even land in the city.

3. Ride local-style on a moto-taxi

See what the locals do that's within your budget. That could include a taxi-style motorcycle or "moto-taxi" offered in many countries, such as Thailand.

These taxis are less conventional than the cars, but can be a real thrill. Hop into the backseat of a motorcycle, and have an eccentric ride to your flight.

4. Gather other travelers and make luxury affordable

If you're all about simplicity and quick execution, ask around at your hostel to see who's heading to the airport when you are and book Blacklane's airport transfer service together.

They have luxury vans and SUV's to accommodate up to five passengers with their bags, allowing you a chance at a comfortable ride on a budget.

Blacklane is available in over 180 cities around the world. Unlike other services, you can book ahead and schedule a day and time when you'd like to be picked up. You can also choose the car that best fits your crew and budget.

Trip planning can be hectic, so they'll remind you on the day of your flight via e-mail and SMS.

5. Take the train

Some cities, like Vancouver and Tokyo, have an airport train station that connects directly to the train/subway/buses in the metro area. This makes going to and from the airport simpler and more affordable.

You'll have to remember to plan ahead as waiting times and train schedules could delay your arrival. City maps will usually help you when finding of the correct stations and transfers.

With these tips, suddenly you won't feel so bad about the eccentric souvenirs you purchased; you'll soon be on your way home.

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This story was brought to you by Blacklane.

If you're like me, you'll find traveling hard. This is because you want to see the world, but you worry about the impact you're having upon it, due to your nomadic desire.

There's no denying travel is important. It opens your mind and gives you a type of education a classroom never could.

So, there must be ways in which we can see our planet, in all its glory, while doing as minimal harm to it in the process.

With that in mind, here are some ways you can be kinder to the environment while traveling.

1. Don't country hop

One thing I've noticed among my own people at least (Australians), is that there is a tendency to "compare countries."

Everyone has their "number," which they know of by heart. Whoever's been to the most countries has to be more worldly and, therefore, a better traveler, right?

Well. Everyone has their style of travel, but I think it is important to remember that it isn't a race. There's nothing wrong with spending an extended amount of time in a country.

It gives you the opportunity to get a better sense of its land, culture and people, which can't be anything other than a rewarding experience.

Embrace the concept of slow travel. Give yourself time to appreciate each place you visit. You're a lot kinder to the environment and yourself in the process.

2. Book flights as a last resort

Plane travel is often inevitable due to its convenience. For example, I know I won't be jumping on a boat from England to Australia any time soon. The 24-hour plane trip is upsetting enough!

However, traveling by flight isn't the be all, end all. Trains, buses, boats, car sharing, heck, even bicycles are often on offer as alternative forms of transport. They're often a lot more pleasant than flying, which is becoming more and more of an ordeal as time goes on.

Rather than flying around Europe, consider using Eurail, Eurostar, or Interrail. The prices can be decent when booked in advance. Or, organize a whole adventure based on a train ride, such as the famed Trans-Siberian Railway.

Sometimes the journey can be just as sweet as the destination, and you rarely get that when traveling by plane.

3. Take a water bottle and bag

This is a favorite of mine and pretty straightforward. Plastic bags and bottles are pointless. Bring your own bottle and put a reusable bag in your pocket or day bag. You'll stay hydrated, and the bag will be there if you need it. Easy.

4. Be wary of greenwashing

Green is the new black and eco-tourism is a concept that is only going to grow in popularity. However, just because a company says they're going green, doesn't necessarily mean they are.

I liken it to organic food. Organics are an ongoing craze. As the word itself is not required to adhere to any regulations, you'll often find it slapped on products that, well, aren't organic - not in the slightest.

Be discerning and do your research.

5. Don't adopt a wasteful attitude, bring what you need and put thought into it

I see a lot of guides on the internet, which say things like "don't worry if you forget/don't bring 'x' item - you can pick it up on the road!"

Yes, you can, but you should only do this as a last resort. If you already own a fairly new toothbrush, then do you need to go to the expense of buying another? Especially if you just end up discarding it at the end of the trip.

If you put a bit of pre-planning into your travels, you can often cut down on expenses on the road. Make a list of what you think you need and try to stick to it.

I've found I'm less likely to forget things when I do this, or over pack. I don't need to buy unnecessary items, which means more money for important things, like food.

6. Make your toiletries, rather than buying travel sized versions

I can't think of how many times I'd buy those useless itty bitty deodorants or shampoos, only to lose them in the back of the cupboard when I arrived home.

These days, I tend to make my toiletries. It saves me money, and I like the fact that I now have a better idea of what I'm putting on my skin.

7. Leave no mark

This one's a bit of a stretch of the imagination, but it's a good one to remember none the less. It's a case of being mindful - such as avoiding single-use items and not producing unnecessary food waste.

Unfortunately, the reality for many of us is that we can't spend our lives traveling. Boo!

Luckily, we have the option to live vicariously through other's adventures due to the power of the written word. So, that's something.

If you find yourself bouncing off the walls of your home, unable to distract yourself from the itch in your feet, I recommend you dedicate a few hours of your day to getting lost among the pages of the following travel memoirs.

Travels With Charley - In Search of America

A restless John Steinbeck procures a camper, christens it “Rocinante,” rounds up his poodle Charley and embarks upon a road trip across America.

Along the way, he offers his insights, views and overall analysis of his country and its people, much of which will resonate with anyone reading the book today.

The USA is the kind of country that's just begging to be driven across, with its incredibly diverse landscape.

To hear states like Maine and Montana get described in detail by an award-winning novelist is a treat.

There have been some questions over time about the authenticity of Steinbeck's experiences - how much happened verbatim and what was simply made up.

The man was a novelist at heart after all. Either way, it's both an excellent and memorable read.

Buy it on Amazon

The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost: A Memoir of Three Continents, Two Friends, and One Unexpected Adventure

Rachel Friedman's travel memoir grabbed me in a way that many other books on the same topic have failed to.

Friedman has recently given up on what she thought was her dream of becoming a professional classical violist.

She moves to Ireland to work in Galway for four months, hoping to figure her life out.

Here she meets Carly – an Australian girl addicted to travel. Carly convinces Rachel to join her in Australia and then South America and they have some pretty fabulous adventures together.

Rachel eventually heads back to America, having met her soul mate (a Kiwi in an Irish bar in Peru) along the way, finally feeling ready to take on her life as a young professional woman.

There was a lot I liked about Friedman's book. But if I'm going to condense it it's this - it wasn't preachy, instead being totally relatable.

We all feel a little lost in our lives from time to time, and it’s commendable and uplifting to hear or read about someone who is actively doing something about it, rather than the alternative – moping from now until the end of eternity.

Buy it on Amazon

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir

Kristin Newman predominantly works throughout the year as a comedy writer in Hollywood, something anyone could guess from reading her novel.

The wonderful thing about working as a comedy writer (or, one of the wonderful things as I'm sure there are many) is that it allows you from anywhere between three to 12 month's "off" a year, in Newman's words.

So while everyone around her is getting together, marrying and doing their bit to keep the population going, Newman travels. To Russia. Iceland. Brazil. Argentina. Paris. Australia. New Zealand. Hawaii.

All over the world, while having multiple love affairs along the way.

I'll be honest - there were parts of this book that I found hard to read. Newman is quite frank in the descriptions of her sexual exploits, and as it turns out, I'm a prude. Yet, her book is amusing.

At its completion, I felt that familiar itch in my toes and days later, found myself looking up flights to Argentina in a moment of boredom.

Buy it on Amazon

The Road to Little Dribbling - More Notes From a Small Island

Bill Bryson seems to be one author that people either really, really like, or passionately hate. I fall into the former group and have been slowly and steadily making my way through his books over the last few years.

I read his novel about the United Kingdom - Notes From a Small Island when I first moved to London. I was quite pleased to find out he'd soon be releasing a sequel, marking the twentieth anniversary of his first book.

The Bryson who has penned this novel writes in a different tone from the first.

He is still very much in love with his adopted country but spends much of his text comparing the Britain of now to the Britain of ages passed. He wonders if much of his nitpicking is due to his age.

Well, I consider myself to be in the first flush of youth and I agreed with much of what he said.

Among the many tidbits of facts and historical information that scatter the pages of all Bryson's books, he speaks in earnest of the importance of conservation.

Having lived here for some time and seen a vast amount of it myself, I can verify that the UK is as glorious as he says it is. It deserves to be taken care of.

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With luck, these books will hopefully both feed and fan your wanderlust, until you find yourself hitting the road for some adventures of your very own.