Never went abroad as a kid so when I got to 19 bought myself an interrail ticket around europe and that was pretty much the start of my love with travelling.
Was not really one for ticking off nations, as an example I spent 6 mths in Indonesia and went to 4 islands out of 13,000, as the more I travelled the less important it was to ‘tick off’ sites and countries.
Probably a bit of travel snobbery but it seemed ridiculous when, predominantly American college students would say they had ‘done’ Spain in 3 days or brag they have ‘done’ 15 countries in 3 weeks. As if anyone can know a place, people or culture in such a short space of time.
Memorable places and times, spent 6 weeks in Prague, in the winter, drinking excessively and walking the city streets all day. Working across Italy putting up camping tents prior to the summer season. Living on a Kibbutz for 6 months, as a banana picker, living a simple life and listening to the football commentary on the world service. Backpacking through Indonesia, meeting the most amazingly friendly people. Living in Sydney for 2 years, on the Northern beaches and renting a flat smack in the heart of the City centre.
Absolutely loved those times but It also made me appreciate how wonderful a country England is and what amazing places we have over here, which as a young person I was pretty dismissive of. Great to travel but great to have a look right under your nose also.