ABOUT ME

Three people standing in a lively Manila street lined with shops and colorful signs and tangled power lines overhead. — *On Tour In Manila*

Two people on a bench overlooking Montenegro’s mountainous coastline and shimmering bay, under a partly cloudy sky—capturing the region’s peaceful, panoramic natural beauty. — *Montenegro Vista*

Get to know me!

The Face Behind The Blog

Hi, I’m Alison—traveller, planner, photographer, and the voice behind Freedom Years Travel.
I’m now in my third act—aka The Freedom Years—and it’s finally time to put my own adventures first. I travel independently, with a well-planned itinerary, a mid-range budget, and a bit of flexibility to follow my curiosity.

With more time on my side, I don’t rush through places on a whirlwind tour. I like to dig a little deeper and get a good understanding of the culture -not just a checklist of landmarks.

This blog is for travellers who want to go their own way, stretch their budget, and savour the journey.

Where I’ve Been

Travel Destinations

Romania
Scotland
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey

Europe

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czechia
England
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Montenegro
Netherlands
Poland

Asia

China
Indonesia
Japan
Korea
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam

North America

Mexico
USA

Sydney Opera House with its iconic white sail-like roofs viewed from across the harbor, with a ferry passing in the foreground under clear blue skies.

Oceania

Australia
Fiji
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Tonga
Samoa
Vanuatu

My Story

Hello and Welcome to Freedom Years Travel!

Travel first hooked me at age seven, when a police band welcomed our ship to port in Fiji. That early thrill of arrival, of stepping into the unknown, has stayed with me ever since.

As a teenager, I daydreamed over a well-worn European tour brochure tucked in my drawer. I loved history, French, and English at school—but went on to study science, the more “sensible” choice. A belated gap year in my mid-twenties took me backpacking across the USA and Europe—amazing yearr of discovery. After that, life unfolded as expected: career, family, mortgage, routine. Travel was squeezed into holidays, always present but never the focus.

Now that I’ve entered the third act—The Freedom Years—it’s time to flip the script. With my kids (almost) independent, I’m ready to follow my own itinerary.

Close Encounters in Bali

How I Got Started Blogging

For years, I’ve been the one planning the trip, researching the history, and hunting down the best local eats. I’ve taken photos, kept journals, and devoured other people’s travel blogs for ideas.

Starting my own blog felt like the natural next step—a way to bring together storytelling, planning, photography, and all the things I love about discovering a new place.

Why I Blog

To show that independent travel in mid-life is possible—with a bit of planning, curiosity, and confidence to go your own way.
To share how travelling independently can be more affordable than tours, without missing out on comfort, culture, or connection.
To help others skip the group itinerary, travel smarter, and enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Affordable Travel in Europe

Europe doesn’t have to break the bank. I focus on value-driven travel—whether that’s exploring affordable gems like Poland, Romania, and Slovenia, or finding smart ways to enjoy pricier cities.

From house sitting to free museums, scenic walks, and local eats, I share practical tips to help you travel well for less. Affordable Europe is about thoughtful planning, mid-range comfort, and making every dollar (or euro) go further.