My Story

In October 2011 I quit my day job as a journalist and set off on my very own grown-up gap year, travelling solo and completing 30 challenges around the world before I turned 30. Along the way I danced a tango in Argentina, came face to face with 400 dolphins in New Zealand and got seasick during a surfing lesson in Peru. I also got caught up in a rock fight in Bolivia, experienced an earthquake in Peru and became a minor local celebrity in China.

I returned home a year later and decided to set up The Grown-Up Gap Year in order to help other people who have questions about how to take a career break or sabbatical.

Since then I have continued to travel all over the world, both on solo trips and with friends and family.

Life has changed quite a lot for me over the last few years and I’m now married to Mr A and have two children, our little adventurers, who join me on my travels.

We love staying in quirky places and are always seeking out unusual stays in both the UK and around the world.

I’m also passionate about microadventures and weekend breaks, as I understand that not everyone is in a position to quit their job or take a sabbatical.

I hope that my blog inspires you to find adventure, whether that’s through a career break or a sabbatical, or simply going on an adventure in your own backyard.

If you have any questions then please do get in touch, as I love helping people to plan their trips. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Happy travels!

Planning a career break or sabbatical
The perfect adventure

26 Responses

  1. adventurousandrea
    adventurousandrea / 2-4-2013 / ·

    Such a traveler’s spirit! I look forward to keeping up with your adventures.

  2. faranginasia
    faranginasia / 2-4-2013 / ·

    My partner and I are soon to embark on our own “part 1” of several gap years (we hope!) Love this blog!

  3. Troo
    Troo / 2-28-2013 / ·

    Hi Emily! I keep coming back, so I thought I’d nominate you for a Liebster award: http://trooadventure.com/2013/02/28/the-liebster-award/
    It’s a bit cheesy, but maybe some fun! Anyway, keep up the awesome work! 🙂

  4. Ruchita
    Ruchita / 6-25-2013 / ·

    its so inspiring to read your blog! hats off to you for having the guts to quit your job and travel wish to do it someday!

  5. thirdeyemom
    thirdeyemom / 7-13-2013 / ·

    Hi there! I found your blog as I work with Jennifer James at Mom Bloggers for Social Good and I see you are going to Zambia with her. Looks like your blog is right up my alley! I look forward to following your blog as well as your trip! 🙂 nicole

  6. Surya Bhattacharya
    Surya Bhattacharya / 9-17-2013 / ·

    Awesome idea, this grown up gap year 😀 I loved reading the ‘It Could Only Happen to Me’ posts!! Hahaha 😀

  7. Bharti
    Bharti / 9-30-2013 / ·

    Wow, your story is so inspiring and intriguing. And I hope I can take a gap year break soon… it’s been on my mind for a while now.

  8. michellebikeandbuild
    michellebikeandbuild / 1-3-2014 / ·

    Hi there. Just found your blog and it’s been a pleasure to read Thank you so much for the posts. You’re awesome!

  9. MaldivesDreamer
    MaldivesDreamer / 1-13-2014 / ·

    Just bumped into your blog – what a great story and you have experienced so much 🙂 Happy traveling! Irene

  10. Shmruthi
    Shmruthi / 2-8-2014 / ·

    Wow! So excited to read about your travel adventures.. You’ve got an amazing blog here! Kudos 🙂

  11. kiwigirlattemptingitalian
    kiwigirlattemptingitalian / 2-11-2014 / ·

    just stumbled across your blog, looking forward to reading more 🙂

  12. intentionalmc
    intentionalmc / 5-13-2014 / ·

    Love your blog and the concept of a grown up gap year. It’s sort of what my husband and I were going for when we moved abroad to serve with Peace Corps in Jamaica- we thought of it as a sabbatical, but now we may just keep on traveling!

  13. Shayne Zalameda
    Shayne Zalameda / 10-21-2015 / ·

    Such a courageous act! Here’s to more adventures! Following your stories from here on 🙂

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