Are you in?

Updated on February 26th, 2025

Back in 2018, my neighbours came to me with a question. It began with:
“You know how you’re never here…?”

It was an ominous start, but it was also true. I had left my job of 18 years after losing my husband and gone on a journey of self-discovery. I was in the midst of using my passion for travel to reconnect with who I was, alone again after 20 years as half of a couple.

“Kind of…?” I replied, bracing myself for what they might have to follow up with.

“Can you go somewhere, anywhere, and we’ll rent your house for six months while we renovate ours?”

I hesitated for a split second before responding “OK…!”

And the rest, as they say, is history. 

I packed up my belongings and headed to see what all the fuss was about in the Caribbean. It was an area I had wanted to explore more, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I booked a return flight (six months later) to the Dominican Republic which was the cheapest starting point for flights from the UK. And I was off! 

For more of my top tips on exploring the Caribbean on a budget, keep reading.

I didn’t have much of a plan other than to tick a few of the items off my Life List, get to know the region and “go where the wind took me”. 

And it took me on quite a few unexpected adventures!

I learnt Spanish in the Dominican Republic, took a tour of Costa Rica, entered a sailing regatta in the US Virgin Islands, attended a yoga retreat in Cuba, partied in Antigua, sailed around St Martin and the British Virgin Islands and tried housesitting in the Cayman Islands. 

It was an epic few months when I met a lot of people, and said yes to a lot of opportunities when they came my way.

There were times that were incredibly tough. Travelling alone, while processing everything that had happened over the last few years, was hard. But I also made some very special friends. Some came into my life briefly, but their impact was great. Others I am still in touch with and have gone on to share numerous adventures since. You can read more about all these experiences HERE.

But when I reflect on this time, one thing stands out more than anything. The times I was the happiest, were those when I was part of a community. It may have been a transient one, but the connection with others, the one-time only shared experiences we had, will always be our bond.

And the path I have chosen to take, to write my blog, to share my videos on YouTube, to travel solo and help others to do the same, is all very solitary. And if you don’t know me well yet, you may be surprised to know that being alone isn’t where I thrive.

I have learned to be very good at it.

But, where I am at my best is through connecting with others, either fellow travellers, or locals.

So, I have decided to take matters into my own hands and have done a lot of soul searching about what lights me up in life.

It is sharing my knowledge.

It is helping others to have their own transformative travel experiences.

It is connecting with like-minded individuals.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks for my NEW community. A place where you can have easy access to my expertise, and we can create an environment of support and inspiration together.

I just need to get all my ducks in a row first.

So, are you in? If you have any requests or questions that can’t wait, then get in touch. Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

This week, over on YouTube it’s my final visit to Turkey (for now at least!) and if you were captivated by the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, this is one not to miss! Cappadocia is a magical place, unlike anywhere else in the world. In my latest video, I take you on some of the amazing activities I had the pleasure to experience. From hot air ballooning, to watching 150 take to the skies at sunrise, to a sunset horse-riding adventure and learning more about the history and origins of these fascinating landscapes on a tour. If you are ever thinking of visiting Cappadocia, then watch this before you go! See it for yourself via THIS LINK.

A new feature I am going to include each week, are travel tips and it seems only fitting now to talk about the Caribbean. Before I first visited, I was mesmerised by the photos I’d seen of the beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise blue ocean. However, the picture-perfect view I had was of the high-end resorts, with the equally high price tag. So, I went in search of a cheaper way of doing things and was not disappointed. From choosing the less expensive islands, to staying a few streets back from the beachfront, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday, visiting outside peak season, collecting and utilising loyalty points and much, much more. 

For example, catching the local buses can be an incredibly cheap, and truly authentic island experience. However, not all islands are equal in having regular services. I have taken buses in the Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, Barbados, Bahamas, Dominica and Grenada. All fun, mainly cramped, hot, close, chaotic and personal…but fascinating!

The Caribbean can be accessible for a lot less than you think. Check out all my top tips HERE.

Until next time, 

Safe Travels

Sue x

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

​More of my Adventures…

Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Caribbean on a Budget

Blog – 5 Months Self Tour of The Caribbean

Video – What to do in Cappadocia – DO NOT MISS these activities!

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