Travel Talk With Lucy: From Small-Town Australia to Traveling the World

It’s been six long and busy months since my last traveler interview, but my Travel Talk series is back! I chatted with Lucy Frank, an Australian who blogs at A Travellers Footsteps, about catching the travel bug, moving to Canada on a working holiday visa, and her upcoming plans.

World traveler Lucy Frank

Hey there! Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Lucy Frank, and I grew up in a small country town in Australia. Despite being from a small town, I have never been afraid of exploring the world and getting lost. I moved overseas alone for the first time at the age of 18 and have had the travel bug ever since. I am currently living on Australia’s Gold Coast while I work full time and save for my next adventure around the world.

What inspired you to start traveling?

For as long as I can remember, I have had a desire to travel and see the world, likely sparked from growing up in the middle of nowhere. When I finished high school, I came across the opportunity to work in Canada, and within 24 hours I was packing my bags.

Lucy at Machu Picchu

How was your experience doing a Canadian working holiday? What advice would you give to others interested in doing the same?

This was the best thing I have ever done. In fact, I went on two working holidays in Canada. My main piece of advice is don’t hold back; if you are thinking about it, DO IT. Most people worry about the cost and being alone. The great thing about working holidays is that you work — so you really don’t need a lot of money. On top of that, you make friends with the people you work with, so you don’t have to worry about being alone. I have made lifelong friends whilst living overseas. See my post on the Benefits of a Working Holiday.

Having done a working holiday myself in Australia, I have to say I totally agree! How did you begin blogging about your travels?

Lots of friends and family were asking me questions about the places I had visited. I decided to put all the information in one place so when I did get a question I could send a link rather than retyping the same stuff again and again. Now my blog has become a passion of mine and is about more than just sharing information. I aim to inspire other travellers and create a place to connect.

Lucy in Cartagena, Colombia

I love that goal! What do you enjoy most about being a travel blogger?

Definitely not the IT side of it. I enjoy the content creation and taking photos (although I am a total amateur with a camera).

As an Australian, what are three places in your country that you would recommend to travelers?

It is hard to say just three.

The places I would recommend are the beautiful untouched town and coastlines: Point Plummer/Crescent Head in NSW, Rottnest Island in Western Australia and the Gold Coast and surrounding regions, where I currently live.

Hanging with sloths in Manu National Park, Peru (have I mentioned how obsessed with sloths I am?!)

You’ve gone from traveling back to working full time. How was the adjustment to this lifestyle? How do you feed the travel bug while working full time?

I can’t wait to get back on the road. I try to find a new place to explore every weekend, either a new beach, hike or waterfall. I often get away to Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. I must admit that I am currently finding it hard to balance full-time work, relationships, exercise, healthy eating and adventure, as I’m sure many others are. It is always a hard adjustment, but I think of the money needed for the next trip.

You’ll get there! What’s the most amazing place you’ve traveled to?

Again, it is hard to say just one. I have visited so many amazing places, and all are so different. Some of the most breathtaking places I have been to are Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies, Colca Canyon in Peru and Hawaii.

Lucy in Peru

If you could live any place in the world, where would you go?

The answer to this would change often. This week, I am craving mountains and snowboarding, so I would move to Switzerland. Next week I may say Italy.

What trips do you have planned? What’s on your bucket list?

Everywhere is on my bucket list. I am planning to go to Sri Lanka early next year, and after that want to spend a few months backpacking Asia. Europe is the dream but I will wait until I have more money for that trip.

Arequipa, Peru

It was great talking to you, Lucy, and I look forward to reading about your future adventures! Be sure to check out her blog, A Travellers Footsteps, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Want to be a part of my traveler interview series? Let me know!