Is travelling a cure for heart break?

Whether it's from the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one having your heartbroken, put quite simply, SUCKS and as much as I wish it could, this blog post can't fix that! But hopefully, we can ease the pain a little and give you a spark of inspiration.

If you are looking to run away, travel is probably the equivalent of sticking your head in the sand and hoping it just goes away by itself, all your problems will still be there when you get home and leave you feeling confused. However, if you take your new found opportunity to travel by the proverbial gonads and harness all your energy into giving yourself the best experience you can, I believe travel is a strong contender for a heartbreak cure!

Here are some ways it can help you move forward...

1. Travel will help you become independent!

When you are in a relationship, it's easy to forget that you are your own person. Travel will force you to think on your own two feet and fend for yourself; you can do whatever makes you happy.
Travel should be time to figure yourself out, get to know what YOU like (or don't!) and give you time to relax. Already an independent warrior? Sweet! Travel can help you reaffirm how good it feels and boost your self-confidence.

2. New friendships and memories

You're going to meet all sorts of people on the road, you can surround yourself with like-minded people and you never know, you might find a new best friend or future travel buddy! Focusing your time on creating memories with new people is THE BEST way to prevent yourself from dwelling on the past. My favourite thing about making new friends on the road? Couches to crash on all over the world - massive bonus!

3. You have all the time in the world

Ever heard the saying 'time heals all'? Not only will going on a new adventure give you time, but it will give you distance. This will help you separate the past from the present, let go of painful memories and give you time to create new, happier ones! The risk of bumping into your ex is zilch and removing yourself from familiar surroundings that you associate with times gone by gives you confidence and space to refocus.

4. Learn a new skill

I like this one because travel makes it easy to throw yourself into gaining new skills. Yoga, volunteering, SCUBA diving- the list is endless! You can also self-teach, challenge yourself to learn the local language, write a travel journal or practice your photography skills and see how they compare from the start to the end of your trip!

5. It's a distraction!

I know I said at the beginning that using it as a distraction isn't the best idea. But hear me out on this one okay? Instead of wallowing in sadness and 'what might have been' getting out and about is a top-notch idea straight from your mum's 'handbook of life'. And trust me, it's a lot more appealing and beneficial (see above list!) to shrug off those pesky feelings of self-pity when you are opening the door to a whole new exciting world of exploration! Am I riiiight?!

6. Fall in love again

You may very well get lucky enough to meet that special someone whilst abroad but either way (and more importantly!) you might end up falling head over heels in love with travel itself. Like any important relationship in your life travel will inspire, support and bring out the best in you. It seems like a win/ win to me!

Travel is liberating in so many ways, so why not get on out there and enjoy the unknown?

10 FREE ways to experience Melbourne

Marvellous Melbourne was voted the world's most liveable city not just once - but SIX times you guys! That's pretty good going. But for me what makes a place liveable is the stuff you can do without blowing your hard earned cash. Here are our top 10 FREE things to do while you're in Melbourne.

1. Get some culture in you

The National Galleries of Victoria are spread across two sites. The first is the NGV International; it plays host to international artworks from across the globe. It’s featured works range from old masters to young and contemporary pieces. The second is the Ian Potter Centre; it was the very first major gallery dedicated to Australian art. Exhibits range from paintings and prints to sculptures and textiles, representing the nation’s art from the colonial period right up to the present day- enough to please even the most discerning art critic!

NGV International
Location: 180 St Kilda Road
Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm, closed Tuesdays

Ian Potter Centre
Location: Federation Square Cnr Russell & Flinders Sts
Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm Closed Mondays

Night owls, we’re back for week two of #NGVFridayNights. Start your weekend with the perfect mix of art, music, bars and dining. Open until 10pm, tickets available on the door. #NGV #VanGoghNGV #regram @_sally_scott_

A post shared by National Gallery of Victoria (@ngvmelbourne) on May 5, 2017 at 1:11am PDT

2. Visit city parks and gardens

Why not take a break from the bustling of the city and chill out amongst the trees?
Melbourne has some of the best parks to explore in Australia. But which is our favourite you ask?!
Royal Park, Fitzroy Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Alexandra Gardens have to be top contenders! All are close to the city, and Royal Park is the largest - covering a whopping 180 hectares, just north of the CBD it's home to sports fields, trams and Melbourne’s Zoological Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens are south of the CBD and home to over 50000 plants from all around the world, including many rare and threatened species. Fitzroy Gardens lie side by side with Treasury Gardens so why not combine both in one visit?! The Alexandra Gardens run along the banks of the Yarra River and are full of lush plants. These gardens also boast some of the best views of the most famous buildings and landmarks in Melbourne CBD, including Federation Square and Birrarung Marr.

3. Circle Tram

Melbourne has a free tram zone, and you can jump aboard the circle tram to explore places of interest such as; Melbourne Aquarium, Parliament House and Federation Square. Hop one of these old style trams in any direction, they run every 12 minutes between 10am and 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday and between 10am and 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Welcome aboard the City Circle Tram, Melbourne's free and convenient way to get around the city. A gorgeous capture by @paul_dowsley.

A post shared by Melbourne (@visitmelbourne) on Jun 25, 2017 at 1:45pm PDT

4. FREE Tourist Bus

Enjoy the idea of seeing the sites and saving your hard earned dollar for that extra coffee? Melbourne also offers a free tourist shuttle bus! Marked by red signs on bus stops, this free service regularly operates throughout the day. There are stops at popular attractions such as; Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown and Fed Square. The full trip takes around 1.5 hours and even has commentary on board.

5. Let’s go to the beach!

Head to St Kilda and relax on the white sandy beaches, only a quick trip from the CBD! You’ll find heaps of new restaurants and bars to explore - it's ideal people watching territory. While you're there, pay Luna Park a visit, Melbourne's famous 1913 amusement park - it costs to go on the ride, but spectating can be just as fun! Don't forget to snap a selfie with the famous Mr Moon! Enjoyed your day on the beach? Stick around St Kilda Esplanade and check out a couple of gigs and live music venue, luckily enough, many of them are free! On Sundays, a craft market sets up along the Esplanade too.

Wandering the streets of Melbourne's own Santa Monica. Join the locals of @visitstkilda who walk, run, cycle and skate under the palms on the foreshore or sail, windsurf or kitesurf on the bay. A gorgeous moment captured by @raoul.au #visitmelbourne #visitvictoria #seeaustralia #visitstkilda

A post shared by Melbourne (@visitmelbourne) on Apr 20, 2017 at 12:34am PDT

6. Visit a market or two!

Melburnians love a good market, and Queen Victoria Market is the place to be! Busy with tourists, customers and stall holders the atmosphere in the open air market is electric. Wednesdays play host to the Winter/Summer night markets, while Sundays offer a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s free to enter, but bring your willpower, or like me, you will end up trying all of the delicious food on offer and be drawn in by the amazing smells! There is a variety of activities and live acts performing, so be sure to check out their website for more info on what to expect. Other favourites are the Sunday Camberwell market or the Fitzroy Rose Street Artists Market!

7. The Yarra River

Want to enjoy a hot Aussie day? Take a wander down beside the Yarra River, day or night there is always something interesting to see, whether it's the bright lights of the city reflecting on the water at night or the contemporary pieces of art and usual venues to spot along the way. Grab a Yarra River Precinct Artswalk map to make sure you don't miss any!

The bright lights on a calm winter's night in Melbourne. A gorgeous capture by @benjamineriksson.photography

A post shared by Melbourne (@visitmelbourne) on Jul 8, 2017 at 12:43am PDT

8. Explore alleys and laneways

I don’t think you can visit Melbourne and not know about the alleys, lanes and arcades! They play host to more than just shortcuts to your next destination, they are canvasses for some of the world’s best street art. Start at the famous Hosier Lane, always keep your eyes peeled - you never know when new art will pop up, or what cute little shops or coffee houses you’ll find. Part of the experience is getting a little lost, but if that's not your style then grab a street walking map to make sure you don’t miss the best bits!

Linda Xu

9. Architecture spotting!

Wander around Melbourne and you will quickly fill up your camera with snaps of magnificent buildings! Standouts include; old advertising paintings and far-out futuristic structures, Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square and Block Arcade. Why not head to the Victorian State Library? This heritage building, was established in 1854 and is home to over 2 MILLION books! Grab a free map from reception and explore all the nooks and crannies, the library also hosts exhibitions from literary to the fine arts and even free classes.

Don't miss famous Flinders Street Station!

Fabian Mardi

10. Shrine of Remembrance

Just off St Kilda Road, you will find the statuesque Shrine of Remembrance, completed in 1934 as a dedication to the men and women who lost their lives in WW1. Planning regulations restrict any building to be built that would obstruct the view of the shrine down Swanston Street and goes as far back as Lonsdale Street! Your reward for climbing the steps of the memorial is fantastic views across the city.

Captured by @prestigestreet

A post shared by Melbourne (@visitmelbourne) on May 14, 2017 at 1:23pm PDT

Adding a City to your trip doesn't have to be expensive. A little research will allow you to discover a fun, vibrant side to Melbourne. PLUS, you can put the money you've saved on freebies towards a beer to celebrate, a skydive or even a flight to a new country! Planning your next adventure? Why not check out our ultimate packing guide here!

How travel can help cure your anxiety

We go to the gym, we focus on eating right and looking after our skin but how often do you stop and take care of the part of our body that allows us to be ourselves?! For me, it took years even to consider that I might have anxiety, it felt like admitting it was to fail or that people would think less of me (spoiler alert - they don't!). Anxiety will appear differently, at different stages of your life, and when I stepped back and realised it affected me, I realised just how far back it began. As far back as being a little girl and the feelings of dread I used to get before going to a friends birthday party!

"Everyone has anxiety, it just varies and some of us handle it better than others."

I am an introvert, but I am very good at putting on this confident persona to get me through social situations. Most of my friends are loud and proud extroverts, and I need that in my life- it always takes me a little while to warm up, every possible scenario will have run through my head before arriving, but once I'm comfortable I can be right up there with them. I have social anxiety and get ridiculously anxious before I see anybody or go out. Every time. I freak out before answering the phone or when a new message pops up.

"But I have people in my life who, when I see them don’t make me feel anxious and that includes my boyfriend, my parents and my best friend."

From panic attacks on a plane in Dubai to a Shinkansen train in Japan, I have had them in some less than desirable places. Sometimes they are quick, other times they take over my whole afternoon. Sometimes if I’m extra stressed the manifest in the form of a migraine and wipe me out for days, major UGH. Although I feel completely helpless when one happens, they are NOT for the faint hearted. Trust me. What does it feel like? Well, it’s remarkably hard to put all of this into words...

But imagine the ocean; even on the calmest of days, underneath the surface currents swirl and swell. Waves of emotion crash on the shore; some small and playful, others grow so big they make you feel small and inadequate, to deal with anxiety is to learn how to navigate your ocean and harness the power of the storms to use to your advantage.

"So how on earth do I manage to cope with all this and still travel?"

Travel puts you in a billion different social encounters surrounded by strangers and plonks you right in the middle of social situations you can't control. Itineraries you have made may not go as expected and many parts of your trip may not go as planned. On paper, it sounds like anxiety hell but the reality can be quite the opposite!

Well as it turns out I’m also a big ol’ walking contradiction. I love the unknown! When I’m travelling that is. It’s almost like I’m a new person, I feel free! Especially if I’m travelling with others, I really enjoy being the rock in tough situations! I love exploring hidden gems and meeting new people and most of all I love adrenaline. It’s that love for blood pumping adrenaline that gets me on that plane, out of bed in the morning and through everyday life.

"Travel is the chance to be selfish, in the best way possible. When you travel, you can be completely and truly yourself."

Travel has taught me the most valuable tool is coping with all of this; how to be alone! I have come into my own over the past two years, all because I have finally embraced myself for the awkward person I am. Finding comfort in myself has been the key. I surprised myself, it turns out I am incredibly strong! I put myself out there because I know that the stress and the nerves that come with it are worth it especially when I’m on the road.

"Travel has brought a great perspective to my life."

It gives me a chance to put all my super duper organisational skills into action, I will do tonnes of research into where I’m going, and because of that, I feel confident. I choose to surround myself with people who build me up, and I am making a conscious effort to exclude negativity from my life where I can.

Travel is the closest thing to a cure for anxiety. You'll cope better when life throws a couple of curve-balls at you and travel will make the journey will be more enjoyable! While you're here, take a read of our blog on 7 ways to beat loneliness on your travels.

8 reasons to travel with a conscience

Travelling is awesome we all know that. But what makes it EVEN better, is giving something back to the country you're falling in love with. Whether it's working with animals or teaching children, travelling with a conscience strengthens your skills, gives you a deeper understanding of your destination, helps those in need and oh yeah, it's great fun! So if you're thinking of giving something back to our incredible planet then look no further...

1. EXPLORE THE LOCAL SIDE

local children in asia — Just look at those smiles!

Choose a company that loves locals! You’ll get to see a side of the country that is often overlooked, and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re having a positive effect on the community. Living locally gives you a different view of the people and their country, your chosen company should be integrated into local life and have the community's well-being as their priority.

2. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Social Cycles in Cambodia — Social Cycles Cambodia

Choosing a trip like SocialCycle across Cambodia has health benefits straight from the word go! You'll burn calories riding a bike and feel more relaxed. Studies have found that when you focus on helping others your stress levels start to decrease, your immune system is strengthened and your overall sense of life satisfaction increases. Get buns of steel while helping others?! Sign me up!

3. GAIN NEW SKILLS

maps — Like being able to actually read a map.

You will deal with a mix of personalities, all while adjusting to life outside of your comfort zone. This all adds up and helps to improve your teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and people skills. And well, who doesn’t want to learn something new?!

4. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

The two most important questions to ask yourself before choosing a trip are... what benefits will the local community see? And will the organisation I choose respect the local culture?
Always keep in mind that you are there to make a difference and you can’t do that if the needs of the community aren’t being met. Including a charity in your adventure allows you to travel responsibly and gives your trip more of a purpose.

5. FOOD!

We’re big on finding delicious food and tasty treats over here at Backpacker Deals! A lot of volunteering organisations encourage home stays or know the best places in town to keep your taste buds satisfied. You'll be dreaming about your new found delicacies long after your trip has ended. YUM!

6. MAKE A DIFFERENCE

elephant conservation — Help save these beautiful creatures.

Get up close and see first hand the difference you could make to a community or animal's wellbeing! Form strong relationships that will have a lasting effect, not only on your life but on those you've chosen to donate your time too. No matter the size of the donation or type of volunteering, your actions are guaranteed to have an impact on someone’s or something's life.

7. LEARN THE LINGO

volunteer children — So many happy faces!

SO you may not become fluent in a couple of weeks, but learning the basics is fun and will open up your chosen country even more. Boost that brainpower and challenge yourself to learn a new phrase every day. Automatic bonus points are given if you can use the basics such as please, thank you and hello. Suck at languages? The locals will love you for trying. A warm smile and laughter is an international language after all!

8. IT’S FUN!

It goes without saying that it is not something to be taken lightly, having respect for your chosen country and community is of utmost importance. But hey! That doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun along the way right?! You may find your new BFF or try something you would never do in everyday life!

There you have it! Travelling with a conscience doesn't make your trip any less fun, infact it makes it that little bit more awesome. From animal conservation to helping rural village communities there really is something for everyone. Why not get your thinking cap on and give volunteering a go?