Category: Rural Lad Abroad

  • Exploring London & Amsterdam

    Exploring London & Amsterdam

    A fun-filled trip from London to Amsterdam: bus rides, Nando’s shenanigans, failed Wetherspoons game, and bagel brunches. In Amsterdam, they conquered the city: from red lights to canals, museum visits, jungle juice, stadium tours, and a memorable canal cruise. The night ended with Danish travel tips and a looming early…

  • Manchester, Lake District and Liverpool

    Manchester, Lake District and Liverpool

    The Manchester adventure kicks off with rain, laundromat woes, and a prison-like shower. A die-hard Liverpool fan reluctantly visits Old Trafford. A birthday hike in Ambleside leaves a sick traveler awestruck. Liverpool receives a subdued visit due to illness, but a game-day experience adds a touch of victory. A humorous…

  • What to do in Birmingham?

    What to do in Birmingham?

    The most reverting of stories from the most exciting place of all… Birmingham first Impressions After enduring yet another soggy bus ride, we bid farewell to Bristol and embarked on our journey northward to Birmingham. Now, Birmingham didn’t exactly inspire wild excitement among the hostel crowd in Bristol – their…

  • Adventures, People & Cities – Bristol / Bath

    Adventures, People & Cities – Bristol / Bath

    The journey from London to Bath via Bristol was filled with chance encounters and memorable experiences. From lively conversations on the bus to unexpected reunions with people who had ties to Dunedin, New Zealand, the trip was full of surprises. In Bath, the impressive architecture and the Roman Bath Houses…

  • Exploring London: Mishaps and Memories

    Exploring London: Mishaps and Memories

    A chaotic day in London with transit troubles, Lime bikes galore, and encountering some “interesting” characters. The iconic sights of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London were bustling with energy. Day two brought M&M’s, the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, unexpected church visits, and a train ticket whoopsy leading to…

  • The Rural Lad is now abroad

    The Rural Lad is now abroad

    A wild adventure from New Zealand to London, filled with flight seat-swapping quests and airport discoveries. From plane food mysteries to wrestling with jet lag, the journey ended at a snug London hotel. Navigating the bustling subway, it’s a comical clash of rural upbringing and city chaos. Now, read the…

  • What Am I Packing? Your Overseas Travel Checklist

    What Am I Packing? Your Overseas Travel Checklist

    In early 2024, I started a new job at Silver Fern Farms Finegand meat processing facility, and my over-packing for an upcoming overseas adventure is no secret. I’m taking a Macpac Voyager 35L Backpack and a Macpac Global 80L travel bag. I also shared a detailed list of everything I…

  • Art of Accommodation: The Handy Booking Guide

    Art of Accommodation: The Handy Booking Guide

    When booking accommodation, remember jet lag and don’t hesitate when you find the ideal place – “Just do it” like Shia LaBeouf and Nike say. Research well, use helpful websites like Booking.com and Airbnb, and consider your budget and expectations. Learn from my mistakes and booking saga to hunt down…

  • First Major Hurdle! What is the Schengen Zone?

    First Major Hurdle! What is the Schengen Zone?

    The Schengen Zone is a key factor in European travel, with a 90/180-day rule shaping visits to most popular destinations. Certain countries have visa exemptions, and there are ways to extend stays, though none without risks. A travel plan illustrates how to navigate the zone effectively, making the most of…

  • The first steps when planning to travel

    The first steps when planning to travel

    I (Jordan) detail my overseas trip planning, emphasizing the importance of careful flight booking. I recommend booking 6-8 months ahead, caution against solely opting for cheap flights, and advise understanding airline regulations. I share websites for finding ideal flights and highlight their successful booking of a cost-efficient and convenient flight…