Last updated 20 May 2021
I refer to myself as a midlife adventurer. While I am hovering in the magical mid-50s, my appetite for travel hasn’t diminished, but my body and mind seek travel of a different kind to my earlier years.
No longer a backpacker
From someone who loved backpacking in her 20’s and occasionally in her 30’s I now prefer a hotel bed with clean sheets than rolling out my sleeping bag on a dormitory bed in a youth hostel. Those were great days and I have fond memories of them, but today I travel differently. And that outlook is reflected in my stories.
I continue to seek out adventure, but it won’t be falling out of a plane from 10,000 metres or bungy jumping off a bridge in New Zealand. I will happily watch my teenage kids do that. Adventure for me nowadays is likely to involve being immersed in nature. Hiking the trails in the Gondwana Rainforests in Lamington National Park (conveniently close to my home town of Brisbane) or snorkeling the clear blue ocean off Fiji’s Castaway Island or cycling the back streets of Kyoto, Japan.
An unfortunate ski accident a few years ago (2017) on the slopes of Japan’s Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has curtailed the more physical pursuits (A fair amount of metal helps to stabilise my left knee.) But this has in no way stopped my desire to explore and see the world.
What I write about
My stories are about people I’ve met, the history of a place, any challenges or incidents that may happen along the way, and what made things easier for me (tips.)
My values are to write honestly about a destination, experience or product, whether I was sponsored or not. It is my practice to acknowledge when an experience took place on a famil/press trip or if I travelled/stayed as a guest.
I want you, my readers to trust what I have to say and the information I share is reliable and accurate. (Although they are my opinion and opinions do differ!)
You won’t find backpacking stories at Travel Bug Within (unless I’m recounting stories from my days as a backpacker a few decades ago!)
What you will find are stories:
- as a solo traveller
- as a single mum with her kids
- travelling with friends
- experiences on press trips.
My Professional Associations
As an Associate Writer Member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers and through blogging conferences, I have met many talented travel writers, bloggers, editors, photographers, and PRs. Through these relationships, I have expanded my travel knowledge exponentially and been invited on a few press trips, providing material for new stories.
Where I have travelled
I am based in Brisbane, Australia. I’ve explored southeast Queensland (as it’s conveniently close to home) and other parts of Australia. I enjoy exploring overseas and there are plenty of places I’d love to visit (waiting for COVID international travel restrictions to lift.) I have been fortunate to have visited many European countries in my 20s as a backpacker, but more recently I’ve been to Hong Kong, Iceland, Scotland, Hawaii, Japan, Vietnam, Bali and Thailand. Take a look under the destinations tab for stories.
I enjoy exploring lesser-known places (not a fan of crowded tourist-filled destinations) but will visit popular sites because sometimes, they are a vital part of the experience. In my stories, I try to include a few extra experiences that go beyond your typical tour guide.
Why?
So you know it was authentic! Because travel is often about those unique moments.
My future travel plans
Travel inspires me and the travel bug inside would like to escape more often. Eventually, my gypsy soul will wander for longer, but right now as a mum to three lads (Mr 22 and two teenagers) I am based in one place – Brisbane. And now with a global pandemic preventing any overseas travel, I’m exploring more of Australia.
My lads sometimes travel with me, helping me with writing inspiration, content (and occasional grief!)
Hopefully, my stories will inspire you to book that trip or tour and get out and explore more of our wonderful world.
Happy and safe travels,
Jennifer J x
PS Please follow me on my social media channels @travelbugwithin
* Copyright
Photos and text in my blog are not to be used for commercial purposes. The photographs on this site are mine and are subject to copyright: ©travelbugwithin.com.au or ©jennjaytales
If you would like to use any of the photos in my blog, please notify me and provide a link back to this blog, with a clear acknowledgment of all items used. Please do not crop, alter, or edit my photographs.
If I share photography that is not mine, I will credit the photographer.
Thank you.
Who is Travel Bug Within?
Jennifer Johnston is a Brisbane-based freelance writer and blogger with a passion for travel writing and an eagerness for adventure. Her stories will resonate with those in their 40s, 50s and 60s but this doesn’t mean other demographics won’t find ‘gold’ in her stories.
