A professional globetrotter who gets paid to embark on adventures has shared her unusual tips for survival.
Victoria Reynolds gave up on the rat race last year to live the dream fulltime.
Now the 42-year-old mum-of-one takes people into some of the most remote parts of the world as a travel coordinator for WeRoad, a rapidly expanding firm which takes groups of strangers on big trips together.
Speaking to the Mirror from Nepal, where she'd just spent the night in a guest house in the incredibly mountainous region of Annapurna, Victoria explained how one big holiday had been the trigger for her to quit the grind.
"The biggest trip I did before joining WeRoad was when I went to Bali, it’s what more or less pushed me into the path of travelling full-time," she said.
"I had an incredible time and I just spent a month relaxing and re-evaluating my life. Before Bali, it was so fast-paced and I was just working all the time, my focus was on making money and being able to have all the latest things, a nice car and all the gadgets."
When Victoria hit 40 she realised that she no longer wanted to focus her time and efforts on money, but on making memories.
Inspired by the film Eat Pray Love, she threw her hat into the ring after seeing an opening as a WeRoad coordinator.
"I applied as a travel coordinator with WeRoad last Summer and loved the hiring process, the boot camp was so fun and really gave me a sense of how being a WeRoader was going to be," she continued.
"You can do just one or two trips with them a year as a coordinator or you can do it full-time and I thought, that’s perfect for me."
While occasionally worrying that she's too old for such big adventures, Victoria has pushed through the fear on her trips so far, meeting a "community of like-minded people" who have inspired her on to adventures in Peru, the US and India. "
"I’m in Nepal at the movement and last night, we stopped in a guest house in Tomerong and before that Annapurna, It was incredible," Victoria continued.
"There was nothing like luxury about it at all but that’s backpacking, not just going to a fancy resort and sitting on a beach but really travelling, seeing the culture and fully experiencing it."
As supportive as her family have been of Victoria and her big adventures, Victoria misses them
"I really miss my daughter and my mum but I appreciate the quality time we now have together," she said.
"My daughter understands that I’m busy living my life and she’s studying so is busy too. It’s great that technology allows us to stay in contact with our family and friends on the other side of the world."
When it comes to those looking to follow in her footsteps, or who are simply planning a big trip, Victoria says preparation is key.
"Because you’re literally carrying your whole life on your back, you can’t afford to bring every single one of your favourite shoes, tops or toiletries," she continued.
"Take a few pairs of trousers, a few t-shirts, a towel, swimwear, basic toiletries hairbrush, don't bother with the hair dryer, straight, any of those things.
"Bring a daypack as well. Go for something small, light, and versatile for you to pop essentials in when you’re on day trips."
Destination wise, Victoria found two places in Asia and two in Europe to be particularly enjoyable, while also feeling safe.
"Personally I found Thailand has always been an amazing place for me - particularly lesser known places like Pattaya. I feel really safe there," she said.
"When it comes to Europe, Frankfurt is a great start, and I feel like Spain is also really safe - a fair few tourists but not student ones.
"It’s a cliche but Bali is such a great place to start too. You can get a lot for your money, like a lovely little guest house where you can just lay by the pool! It’s such a confidence boost being at one with yourself and so peaceful and quiet.
In terms of Victoria's core four pieces of advice for people looking to head off on a big trip, she has the following words of wisdom:
- Put your feet in carrier bags for long hikes! It helps keep your feet dry because most of the time, “waterproof” boots aren’t actually waterproof.
- Keep your passport in a ziplock bag - you experience so many different climates and weather conditions, you don’t want your passport to get soaked.
- ALWAYS have snacks - whether that be protein bars or fruit, it’s so important to make sure you have some nibbles.
Buy probiotics! I swear by them. I’ve just spent a week in Nepal and didn’t once get a dodgy stomach at all.
Find out more at weroad.co.uk.
