7 months
7+ countries
A GUIDE TO HAPPINESS
EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES
7
MONTHS
10
COUNTRIES
...
ENDLESS MEMORIES
ABOUT ME
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Amaya Herold, and I’ve just returned from the best seven months of my life travelling across Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. I graduated from university last year and, not quite sure what my next steps were going to be, I decided not to rush into anything. Instead, I followed the advice so many people gave me to travel while I’m young, because opportunities like this don’t come around often.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing detailed itineraries, pricing, admin info for all the little things we often forget about, and honest recommendations based on my experiences. Travelling in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, and everyone is figuring life out for the first time, sometimes, it’s nice to have a template to follow. Whether you’re planning your own adventure or just love a bit of travel inspiration, I hope this can be a helpful and enjoyable resource for you. JUCY told me to find my happy, and I most definitely did, so I really hope you can find yours too.
ITINERARIES
For us Thailand was split into two halves. We started in the north and continued on to Laos and finished off the south after Cambodia.
After crossing over from Northern Thailand on the two-day slow boat, Laos instantly felt more laid-back and scenic. It’s a country full of waterfalls, viewpoints, and adventure, but also plenty of spots to slow down and soak it all in.
Vietnam had such a good mix of everything — lively cities, beautiful scenery, amazing food, and unique experiences. Travelling from north to south gave us a real feel for the country’s variety.
Cambodia was a mix of history, islands, and relaxing beach vibes. From learning about its past in Phnom Penh to soaking up the sun on Koh Rong, there was something for everyone.
Malaysia gave us a mix of big city buzz, cultural towns, and laid-back islands. It felt like the perfect blend of modern and traditional, with plenty of variety along the way.
Experience the joy of group travel with our meticulously planned group tours. From family vacations to corporate retreats, we handle all the details, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your group.
Our trip through the Philippines was an incredible mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery. We aimed to balance islands, activities, and downtime, and here’s exactly how we spent our time.
Indonesia was packed with adventures. We started in Bali with sunrise hikes, temple visits, and waterfall trips, then island-hopped through Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands, finishing with a mix of beaches, diving, nightlife and hiking.
Australia was one of the most exciting parts of our trip. We started in Melbourne and made our way up the East Coast, finishing in Cairns.
Three weeks in a campervan across New Zealand was the ultimate road trip and the perfect end to seven incredible months of travel. Driving from the South to North Island, the views never got old, and every stop brought something new to explore.
PRE TRAVEL CHECKLIST
DISCLAIMER: This section shares my personal experiences and tips on visas, vaccinations, insurance, and travel costs. Rules and prices can change, so always check official sources before you travel. I provide these recommendations for guidance only and am not responsible for any issues that may arise.
VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (as of Oct 2025)
Thailand
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Visa: 60 days visa-free for tourism
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Extension: 30 days possible
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Entry: Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least 3 days before arrival
Laos
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Visa on Arrival: Valid 30 days, passport photo required, apply 5 days in advance
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E-visa: £41.17, processed in 3 business days
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We used the e-visa and skipped the queues at the border
Vietnam
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45 days visa-free for tourism
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90 days: E-visa required
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Must apply from outside Vietnam
Cambodia
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E-visa: £30.13, valid for 30 days
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Visa on Arrival: £22.93 (US$30), passport photo required
Malaysia
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90 days visa-free for tourism
Singapore
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14–30 days visa-free for tourism
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Complete the SG Arrival Card online at least 3 days before arrival
Indonesia
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Visa on Arrival: £23.65 (500,000 IDR), valid 30 days and extendable once for 30 days
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E-visa: Available online, 3 business days processing
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We overstayed by one day and paid £45.80 at passport control
Philippines
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30 days visa-free for tourism
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Proof of onward travel required
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Register on the e-Travel system within 72 hours of arrival to receive a QR code
Australia
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Visa required
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Travel & Tourism visa – Free
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Working Holiday visa – £350
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Apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online
New Zealand
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6 months visa-free
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Apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before arrival
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Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)
APP RECOMMENDATIONS
Money & Currency
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iPhone Calculator – built-in currency converter
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Travel Spend – track expenses
Transport & Booking
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Grab / Bolt (Thailand)
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Gojek (Bali)
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12GO Asia – for intercity transport
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Skyscanner – flights and travel deals
Navigation
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MAPS.ME (offline maps)
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Google Maps
Accommodation
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Hostelworld
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Booking.com
Communication & Translation
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Google Translate
Photos & Sharing
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Photocircle – share updates with family and friends
Health & Fitness
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ClassPass – access gym classes abroad
Camping & Outdoors
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Campermate – essential for New Zealand
SIM CARDS
Thailand
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Airalo eSIM (10 days) – £8.50
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South Thailand – Maaltalk eSIM (£5.17)
Laos
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Purchased before getting on the slow boat – £9.07
Vietnam
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Vinaphone in Hanoi – £6.06
Cambodia
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Local SIM – £4.60
Singapore & Malaysia
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Maaltalk eSIM – £5.73
Indonesia
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Physical SIM from Coco Mart Ungasan (Uluwatu) - £12.27
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Later used Maaltalk eSIM (5 days) – £3.90
Australia
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Physical SIM purchased at the airport - £17.12
New Zealand
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ONE eSIM purchased at the airport - £38.92
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We went with Big Cat Travel Insurance and were really happy with the service. We didn’t need to make a claim, but having reliable cover gave us peace of mind.
Why We Chose Big Cat:
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No return flight needed – ideal for open-ended travel
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Easy to extend abroad
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Price match – they honoured our original quote after a price rise
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Comprehensive coverage – medical, baggage, repatriation, 150+ activities
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4.5★ Trustpilot rating and positive reviews
Other companies we considered included SafetyWing, which offers similar benefits.
