TRAVEL DIARY | Melbourne
Hey Guys!
This time last year, I was traveling alone for work in Melbourne, Australia. It was by far one of the best and most memorable experiences of my life! (Shout out to my current boss if he’s reading :) This was the furthest I’ve traveled alone and I am not going to lie I WAS NERVOUS. I learned so many things from this trip and wanted to share my experiences and reminisce about the “good old times when we could travel” with you all!
THINGS I LEARNED TRAVELING ALONE
1. How to be comfortable by yourself. I stayed at a hotel in South Yarra that was 20 mins away from my work because it was closer to the Melbourne action. Outside of work I was pretty much alone. My coworkers have families and life so I didn’t really expect them to show me around and I actually wanted to take the opportunity to explore a new city on my own. I got comfortable traveling alone and getting around by myself. I felt like I had more freedom to do things on my own terms without waiting for others. LOL I’m an ambivert so this wasn’t too hard for me.
2. Be Safe. Before I flew out I gave my hubby and closest family member my flight and hotel info. I always get nervous about traveling alone so heres a few things I try to do to stay safe.
Provide flight & hotel info to my hubby/fam.
Text my day plans in the morning to my hubby/fam.
Explore during the day.
Keep my phone close by + I bring an extra charging port.
Drinking is super light.
Be aware of my surroundings.
Selfies and Running Shoe. Although I blog, I was hesitate to give anyone my phone for photos and gave my camera instead. I’d rather lose the camera. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I just want to make sure I can run to safety if I’m ever in trouble. I wore my running shoes most of the time :)
I had one scary moment in an Uber. I left work a bit later and it was getting dark. The uber driver took a back road that I was unfamiliar with. I immediately texted my sister that I felt uncomfortable and sent her my find my iphone location in case anything happened. Luckily all was fine :)
3. Enjoy the moment. Rarely do you ever get a chance to travel alone. I’m so blessed. I took the time to enjoy the moment, the sight-seeing, got in touch with myself and made a few friend out of strangers.
FUN THINGS TO DO
Work Lover. I love my job so I had to put this one on :)
Museums Whore. That’s me - I love museums #nerd.
Theres so much museums and parks to check out! State Library Victoria, Keith and Basquit Museum, Shrine of Remembrance, Federation Square, Royal Garden, Melbourne Central, St Kilda, South Yarra
Bar Hopping near the Channel.After our big work presentation my co-workers went bar hopping. This was the only time I got to hang out with people and wasn’t by myself. The bars are so lively and fun!
Australian Open & Pretending I Care About Sports. I was lucky to attend the US Opening and watch a few tennis matches.
Dining Monster. I love food. Therefore I must try ALL THE FOOD. I tried so many things here from steak houses to hot pot theres soooo much variety.
Early Morning Runs. My hotel was near the Yarra River so I took early morning jogs before work.
Queen Victoria Market. This is similar to a farmers market it was a great way to discover different wines, food, and fashion. So many non-commercial items here to explore.
Street Art. Omg the street art here is amazing! It’s so colorful and vibrant that it fills your soul with joy and brightness.
Welp, I hope you enjoyed this mini travel series! Hopefully, we can all travel again soon!
P.S. THANKS FOR READING!
PEACE & LOVE,
-Melissa Barnett