Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Adrienne Beaumont
Aussie Babyboomer travelling on a budget
Hi Globetrotters, My name is Adrienne Beaumont. I come from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It’s a hot, humid place to live most of the year. I was born here and have family here, but I’d rather live somewhere cooler.
I don’t really work much — I’m a retired primary teacher/education sales consultant. Once a year, I mark essays for 3–4 weeks to earn money to travel. My Medium earnings also go into my travel fund.
I love to travel. I’d always dreamt of travelling since I was a teenager, but I didn’t get much of a chance until my six kids were adults. I’ve written 10 reasons why I love to travel here.
The best place I’ve been is Europe — all of it! I love the history, the culture, the architecture, the language, the topography and geology, the legends, the people, and most of all the food and wine! I can’t get enough of it — I usually travel for at least 10 weeks. I’d rather travel for longer at budget hostels/airbnbs than a couple of weeks in hotels.
In my spare time, I like to plan my next trip. Covid has put a dampener on this so I’ve been reliving my past trips by writing about them. Most of my time these days is helping my daughter with her 2 year-old-son, or reading and writing on Medium.
My top travel tip is don’t be afraid to learn the language — at least a few words.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone I’ve met while travelling has been happy to help — except in China — the only place in the whole world I’ve ever had to carry my own suitcase up subway steps!
If I could live somewhere else…and I dream of this for 6 months of the year — our summer — it would be a village anywhere in Europe, but France, Italy, Spain or Portugal would be preferable as I have a smattering of those languages.
I don’t really have a favourite way to travel, but I don’t like organised tours. I like to do my own thing either on my own or with someone. I travelled solo to Eastern Europe for 3 months in 2023 and loved it! I didn’t plan more than a day ahead.
I thought I wouldn’t — I’m kinda a ditzy sort of person — but found I had to work things out for myself and could do the things I wanted to do and didn’t have to consider anyone else.
My friend saw what a great time I was having and joined me in Romania for the last 4 weeks.
Three lessons I’ve learned from travelling are 1) Don’t take too many clothes! Some people can manage on just a 7kg backpack (I don’t know how), but I’m proud I cut my suitcase down to 23kg on my last trip, although it was 29.5kg flying home. Here are some ideas that have helped me.
2) Take all your medications with you — something as simple as an antihistamine or antidiarrhoea might be difficult to come by in some countries.
3) Spend your money on experiences — not things — a cooking class, a tile painting class, or a bike tour. Free walking tours are great too!
My number one travel activity — can I have more than one? — is exploring out-of-the-way places. Also thermal spas and hot natural springs, and eating and drinking! One my last trip to Spain, I discovered hiking the gorges and I loved that too!
I hope this gives you a little more insight of how I travel,and what I like to do when I’m travelling.