Giving up real life to travel the world
Hey, I’m Yvette. I’m so glad you found my blog! Ever since my first trip overseas, I have been obsessed with travel. There was something about walking down unfamiliar streets and taking in the new sights and sounds that drew me in.
In 2010, I set myself a goal: that I would travel to at least one new country every year. For five years, I achieved this, but I always had this niggle in the pit of my stomach: I didn’t want to spend a couple of weeks in a new country- I wanted to have this experience full-time.
In 2016, I found myself single, broke, and exhausted from working full-time and running a business.
So I made a decision. I sold my business, and all my possessions and within three months I had shifted overseas.
It was the best feeling in the world.
I felt so alive, so empowered, and so free that I started this blog to help people go on their own travel adventures and create amazing memories. I am now lucky enough to work on my blog full-time!
First stop, Canada
In 2016 I moved to Canada to work a ski season and learn how to snowboard. I ended up staying for 18 months- spending my winters in Kelowna, BC at Big White Ski Resort and my summer in Banff National Park, AB.
It was Canada that made me fall in love with the outdoors. Growing up on a farm in New Zealand meant I was used to being outside and not afraid to get a little dirty, but it was the Canadian Rockies that made me realise how much I loved being in the mountains.
In my free time I went on as many adventures as I could: hiking, white water rafting, horse riding, climbing, snowboarding, snowshoeing- you name it.
I became a little obsessed with trying new things outdoors, and my confidence in all areas of my life grew. I was an average girl from a small town in New Zealand, and if I could move across the world and go on epic adventures, anyone can (and should!).
This blog is my way of sharing some incredible experiences and showing you how you can do them too.
My life in Scotland
In 2018 I moved to Scotland, my favourite country in the world. I’ve always been fascinated by Scotland’s history, particularly the First War of Scottish Independence when I found out that King Robert the Bruce was my great x22 grandfather.
My family immigrated from Scotland to New Zealand in the 1840s I’ve had a great time tracing their roots and exploring the land where they worked and lived. My move to Scotland has helped me connect with myself on a deeper level, and I have decided to make it my permanent home!
I now live on the outskirts of Edinburgh with my husband, Craig (aka the Haggis), our 1-year-old son Alex, and Angus the labrador. The Haggis occasionally writes for my blog when he’s not out doing tours around Scotland.
That’s right, we have a tour company too! We launched Kiwi and Haggis Tours in 2023, and we haven’t looked back. We offer bespoke private driving tours from Edinburgh- perfect if you want to get out of the city and explore, but don’t want to drive!
Hiking the length of Scotland
In May 2018 I was the first solo female to complete Britain’s toughest hike: The Scottish National Trail.
It took me 7 weeks to complete, beginning in Kirk Yetholm by the English/Scottish border and finishing at Cape Wrath, the most north-western point of Scotland.
I can only describe this as the adventure of a lifetime. It’s the most challenging thing I have ever done, and I started this adventure by being completely unprepared (as per usual) about what was ahead of me.
Luckily, I learnt a LOT along the way, and I saw some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes in the Scottish lowlands and highlands.
I am in the process of writing a book about my adventure which includes getting lost in the highlands, snakes, cute Scottish guys, getting caught in a storm and a heatwave (Scottish weather likes to be consistent!) and discovering the secret to inner strength.
I have also written a comprehensive guide on hiking the Scottish National Trail in case you would like to try it yourself!
What’s next
2025 is going to be another year full of fun adventures- both with my family, our dog Angus, and solo!
Last year was chaotic- to say the least. This year I’m focusing on slow travel, and trying my best to have a work-life balance.
I’ll be working less and experiencing more- and focusing on writing lots of helpful travel guides on this blog.
Here are some trips we have planned for 2025:
– Oban and the islands
– Isle of Arran
– Aberdeenshire
– Edinburgh and Glasgow
– East Lothian
– Lochaber
– Lanzarote
I’m sure there will be plenty more adventures- I love spontaneous travel to the quieter areas of Scotland!