“We have everything we need to be happy and when you feel it, share it; be there for someone else.”

Hello, my name is Niamh! I’m 31 years old from and I am currently traveling in New Zealand!  If you would like to get in contact with me, submit a message here and Erica will relay it to me. I hope you enjoy reading what I’ve learned while on my journey!

What countries have you traveled to so far?

India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, France, America, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Ibiza, Belgium, England, Scotland

What country are you currently in or where are you planning to go?

New Zealand

What stage of life are you in?

Professional in Your Field

Why embark on your journey?

to experience a new culture, to challenge yourself, to meet new people, to serve others (missions, Peace Corps, volunteer program), to learn something new (skill, trade, etc)

What are some of your goals while traveling?

Self-development and selfless service are at the core of why I am travelling. Learning that I am already free to be whatever I want to be. To experience fully where I am and to not let my mind have committee meetings with my fear and judgement and guilt to prevent me being the best I can be is all up there along with seeing pretty things, meeting awesome people and sharing a big smile and genuine belly laughs at the whole human catastrophe that is our lives:)

What were some of your fears about traveling before you left?

running out of money, missing loved ones, being alone/loneliness, fear of failure, having a hard time meeting people, not being able to find a job (if on a work visa), fear of the unknown

How do you feel you have faced those fears during your trip?

I arrived in Australia with $200 dollars and faced my fears down big time. I couch surfed for two months while I got steady work. I got to be part of a supportive network of friends and allies that encouraged and supported my entire journey. Loneliness was another of my fears but I’ve learned to love my time alone as I know it passes and before long you are surrounded with people and new situations that when you stop resisting the universe will ultimately step in and provide you what you need in all aspects of your life.

Have your dreams of what you might do with your live changed as a result of traveling?

My dreams have become clearer as I’ve travelled. I now live how I want to live as an Ayurvedic wellness therapist. I fought it for so long with thoughts of ‘I’m not good enough’, ‘I’ll never be taken seriously’ to ‘Here I am world.’ My self-care has improved dramatically as the universe thought me if I didn’t believe in myself no one else would. I realised I’m the only one who can change or create the essence of what I am in the world. So I practise yoga, meditation and prayer. I’m grateful for the people that let me into their lives and the experiences and guidance we share with each other. Human nature blows me away on a daily basis, as does looking up at the sky and realising I’m on the other side of the world!

What are 3 significant things you have learned while being on your adventure?

You’ll remember the more challenging times a lot more clearly on your travels than the lazy day spent on a hammock because those challenges will shape you. You’ll learn just how strong you are! Like being chased over a half-constructed bridge on a river in India by an irrational taxi driver to finding ourselves in the home of a local family who fed us, gave us a room in their home to sleep and showed us to a hot springs temple that no tourists knew about yet and blessed us with their generosity.

True happiness is at the core of us all. Forget money and ipads and material desires. We have everything we need to be happy and when you feel it, share it, be there for someone else. India will open your heart, you may find it hard to accept the poverty, but more than that you may find it difficult to accept the expression of gratitude, love and happiness of the people living in what we would deem as unliveable conditions. I was truly humbled!

Nothing is permanent! After leaving Asia, I had two friends I met on my travels that passed away. This has taught me to enjoy every moment with the people I meet, be it for an hour, a day or a month. People come into your life for a reason and the nicest thing you can do for them is really be there with them.

What advice could you give others who are considering taking some time off to explore themselves and the world?

It’s easier than you think! Don’t wait for the friend that will never be ready to go when you are. Start planning and taking steps today to make your dreams come true. Live today like it’s the one you are going to be remembered for… that might mean logging off Facebook and actively planning for the adventure that awaits you. You can always log back on and tell everyone your flight is booked and you may have peed your pants in excitement!

Were there any quotes that motivated you along the way?

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.
– Henry David Thoreau

What are the top three countries you would like to travel to next?

South and Central America and Africa