Gap Year Diaries

In this, the very last of all Gap Year Diaries episodes, Emily and Rachel look back at their five month trip as a whole, the ups, the downs and the absolutely ridiculous situations. We hear of the pair's best loved destinations, what they feel they took from the backpacking experience, and how it has all shaped their lives going forward. 

In this special episode, Emily and Rachel ask each other burning questions and queries about their time in Singapore, 15 years on. Among many other things, we hear their takes on the culinary scene, the backpacking opportunities, how ill-prepared they were for the country's insanely chic street style and, of course, why on earth Rachel thought it a good idea to spend $60 on candles in Little India.

In this, the final blog episode of the podcast, Emily and Rachel reread the last ever blog entry, chronicling their last day in Singapore and journey back to the UK. We hear of a failed attempt to visit Clarke Quay's food festival in the pouring rain, a final hostel pool game, and the family reunion at Heathrow airport that was somewhat delayed by M25 traffic.

In this episode, Emily and Rachel reread the penultimate blog of their entire trip, reminiscing over a trip around the curiously deserted malls of Orchard Road, illegally paddling in botanical gardens and exploring Singapore's famous zoo by night. We also hear of Emily's first meeting with the creature that would go on to become her lifelong icon - the zoo's comedy bat. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over the blog from their second full day in Singapore, a day which featured much wandering around in the oppressive heat, soaking in the sights from a respectable distance due to lack of funds, and ending up in yet another compromising situation whilst taking photos at the country's famous Merlion Park. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel recount the events of their first full day in Singapore. Among many other things, we hear of them being lightly pan-fried as they wander around the scorching pavements in raggedy flip flops, a visit to a serene art gallery, narrowly avoiding spending all remaining travelling funds on candles and incense sticks and an ingenious escape from a compromising situation in Little India.

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entry from the very first few hours they spent in country five of the gap year, Singapore. Among other things, we hear about the pros and cons of long-haul flights, the perils of backpacking fashion choices, and the revelation that is orange juice as a home fragrance. 

In this very special episode, Emily and Rachel look back over their time in New Zealand as a whole, and take it in turns to answer a series of questions sent in by you, the listeners! Among many other things, they discuss which of their NZ adventures they would repeat and which they would leave out if they were to visit again, where to find the country's best food experiences and stunning scenery, and whether or not Rachel still celebrates her birthday by being suspended over a canyon wearing a hood... 

In this, the very last episode of series 4, Emily and Rachel relive their final few days in New Zealand, which they spent exploring Christchurch's botanical gardens and trying not to freak out at the ongoing lack of new passport. In this ep we finally find out how the long drawn-out passport saga ends, and look ahead to pastures new, aka Singapore!

In this episode, we look back fondly at one of our last days in New Zealand, which we spent trying to distract ourselves from potential impending disaster by trying to have the most fun in Christchurch for the smallest amount of money. Among other huge laughs, we climb the cathedral steeple and survey the city from on high, test out our gambits with a giant chess set, and create crayon masterpieces in the kids' section of the modern art gallery.

In this episode Emily and Rachel read back over the blog detailing their final New Zealand journey, back to Christchurch. Among other things, we hear of some deeply irritating bus mates, a wholly sympathetic receptionist, and a narrowly avoided spinal injury from bunk bed acrobatics. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily opt to spend their last day in Kaikoura cycling around the peninsular. However, we hear of how what should have been an idyllic day in nature is ruined by a combination of incredibly blustery conditions, bad route planning and a colony of angry seals. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel look back at a very fateful and eventful day in the NZ coastal town of Kaikoura, whereby the passport saga that has plagued them since day 2 of the trip rears its ugly head once more. We also hear of a tearful goodbye to travelling companion Sam, and a wholly unwelcome encounter with a certain hostel guest.

In this episode Emily and Rachel reread their blog entry detailing a trip to the sleepy coastal town of Kaikoura, where they sample the local cuisine, take in the sea air, and seek counsel from a kindly hostel receptionist over the never-ending passport trauma. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog account of finally leaving Queenstown after three weeks of mountainous thrills, and heading north to the charming city of Christchurch. During their first day, they try to remember how to behave as civilised adults in preparation for staying with a family friend, and are welcomed into their first homely environment in many months of backpacking. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel take a nostalgic look back at their last day in beautiful Queenstown, NZ, a day they spent soaking in the unequalled lakeside views, watching a street entertainer set fire to his own hair, and enjoying concurrent hot dates by the light of the stars.

In this week's episode, we hear of more Winterfest fun in ever-plummeting temperatures, featuring a high-octane drag race, Pink Floyd tribute band and a new NZ friend with an interesting proposition.

In this episode, Rachel and Emily journey back by rereading their blog entries to some more Queenstown memories, this time involving a pair of Australian snowboarders, a whole baked salmon, the 'car of death' and some drunken hairstyling. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entries from more Queenstown adventures, including a startlingly creative mini golf course, a desperate search for hostel accommodation, and Rachel being struck down by a mysterious illness. Mentioned in the podcast: Emily's round up of the world's best mini golf courses https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-mini-golf-courses-around-the-globe

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog entry from the day they spent in NZ's Queenstown recovering from their hangovers, being plunged further into financial turmoil on an otherwise tranquil hike, and waving off their good friend Claire after a month of travelling friendship.

In this very special episode, Rachel and Emily look back at the day of Rachel's 19th birthday, celebrated in Queenstown NZ. Among other things we hear, in great detail, about Rachel undertaking the town's infamous Canyon Swing, the mad dash for balloons, and a chaotic night out which results in the unfortunate decimation of Rach's birthday cake. We are also treated to a very special excerpt from Rachel's creative writing degree, which includes a staggering revelation for Emily after 14 years.

In this episode, Rachel and Emily remember the unfortunate day they spent exploring New Zealand's glorious Milford Sound, featuring a highly theatrical bus driver, close encounters with local wildlife, and the most inefficient checking of a weather forecast known to mankind. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily re-read the blog entry from their time spent at renowned NZ attraction Puzzling World. Among other things, we hear of the pair experiencing anti-gravity whilst horrendously hungover and getting hopelessly lost in a maze, as well as their first ever glimpse of Queenstown and Rachel entering a 'hori-bungee' cocktail contest. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over the blog entry documenting their lengthy journey through stunning scenery to NZ's lakeside town of Wanaka. Among other things, we hear of greenscreen style landscapes, chaotic hostel check ins, monopolising the time of passing strangers to take multiple group photos and Emily's attempt to create romantic memories that only ended in numb extremities. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily recount and relive the blissful day they spent hiking around on New Zealand's famed Fox Glacier, led along the way by a particularly chiselled tour-guide.Among other things we hear of the stupendous beauty of the natural surroundings, elite level bribery of two glamorous Danish men, and Emily trying and failing to impress said tour-guide by getting her tongue stuck to a stalagmite. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel recount their experiences of a day spent learning about New Zealand's possum pest-control methods, and travelling onwards to the country's stunning Franz Josef glacier. Among other things, we hear of the eminently memorable 'Possum Pete', owner of the educational bushman centre, the meeting of Pete's singular pet possum, and a trip to the most reflective lake of the entire trip thus far. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily recount the day of the Kiwi Bus' infamous 'Poo Party' on the beautiful Lake Mahinapua, where they finally get to showcase their incredible craft prowess and take the swinging 60s fancy-dress costumes for a spin. Amongst other things, we hear of ageing and grumpy party-host Les and his unceasingly cantankerous manner, the desperate last-minute costume fixes involving string, masking tape and orange paint, and Emily's unhidden annoyance at the inaccuracy of other party-goers' attire... 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily look back fondly over a frantic 24 hours spent procuring and constructing some wildly ambitious fancy dress costumes ahead of the Kiwi bus institution - the Lake Mahinapua 'poo party'. Among other things we hear about a highly tense rugby match between Ireland and the All Blacks, the charms of the town of Westport, and Emily's tyrannical approach to arts and crafts production. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel journey back and relive the blissful day they spent exploring NZ's Abel Tasman National Park. Among other things, we hear of the water taxi driver and the obsession with mid 2000s RnB he was so proud to share with others, a family of ducks with no personal boundaries, and an ongoing battle with the ever encroaching tide. 

In this episode, we are treated to a full recount of Rachel and Emily's adventure on the high seas, as they set sail to cross from the heady pursuits of New Zealand's north island to the chilly climes of its south. The pair relive the few days they spent in the city of Nelson post crossing, struggling for warmth under threadbare duvets, eating super noodles and locating famous landmarks, including NZ's most central point and the underwhelming site of the country's first ever rugby match. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily look back fondly at yet another chapter of embassy nightmares as they continue to relive their time spent in NZ's capital city, Wellington. Among other things we hear of a spicy altercation, passport theft related frustration and more escapades that absolutely do not include making the most of staying in the world's most southerly capital city. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily read back over the bizarre blog entry from their first day in New Zealand's lively and windy capital city, Wellington. Among other things, we hear of an accident involving dried fruit in a local supermarket, the city's hallowed Giant Squid exhibition, and the deeply disgraceful result of many hours of hostel drinking games. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel reopen some old wounds and relive the trauma of the day they spent attempting to skydive over New Zealand's beautiful Lake Taupo, reading back over the blog they wrote on the day. We hear of the deeply stressful assent to 15,000ft in a miniscule plane, Emily's near-premature launch out of the plane door, and the overall chaos that ensued. Also including some actually fairly fond recounts of the small amount of the day that went well. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel reread and relive their time in the NZ village of Waitomo, famous for its glow-worm bedazzled underwater caves. Amongst the usual mindless content, we hear of the formative time Rachel spent at a rural farm show, the awkward and cumbersome process of making new bus friends, EXTREME black water caving, Rachel's multi-coloured toes and Emily unwittingly allowing a raucous rugby team to break into the hostel. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel continue to read back over and reminisce on their time spent in the geothermal hot spot of Rotorua, New Zealand. We hear of a bonding trip to a local spa, a narrow escape from an incredibly inappropriate situation with the Pennsylvania State University Glee Club, and many, MANY unnecessary details about the value for money of Rotorua's supermarkets. 

In this episode, Emily and Rachel read back over their blog documenting the first day they spent in the geothermal New Zealand town of Rotorua. Among many other stunningly banal details, we hear of their time learning about Maori culture, luging at break-neck speed down forested hills, and, more exciting than all combined, the chance meeting of an entire Glee Club during a traditional Maori feast...

In the fourth episode of series 4, Emily and Rachel reread the blog entry from their, in all honesty, fairly uneventful visit to New Zealand's Mercury Bay, viewing its highlights through unceasing drizzle.As well as this, we hear of wet weather wanderings,  the world's most poppin' hostel bar, and a detailed review of the local children's play park.Follow the podcast on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast.

In the third episode of series 4, Emily and Rachel continue reliving their time travelling around New Zealand's beautiful north coast, by rereading the blog diary from their second day in Paihia. Among other things, we hear of a marginally successful dolphin-watching boat trip, hours of wandering around various idyllic islands and an unfortunate hostel argument about bread. It's definitely as thrilling as it sounds. Follow the podcast on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast.

In the second episode of series 4, Emily and Rachel continue to recount stories of their time travelling through New Zealand, as they begin the odyssey travelling north from the bustling city of Auckland to the country's beautiful north coast. We hear of the pair's first experience of the Kiwi bus, their failure to make new friends due to being largely unconscious, a gloriously scenic walk around Pahia Bay of Islands and a high unsuccessful attempt at having a wild night out at the hostel.Follow the podcast on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast. 

In the first episode of series four, Emily and Rachel read back over the blog entries from their first few days in New Zealand, as they land, after an unfortunate flight, in the buzzing north island city of Auckland and struggle to adjust to the timezone shift. We hear of New Zealand's intensive airport security measures, hostel mishaps, more embassy adventures and a shameful night in the hostel bar... Follow the podcast on Instagram @gapyeardiariespodcast

Emily and Rachel of the Gap Year Diaries Podcast chat to intrepid members of the Hostelworld community about their travel experiences. In this episode, the hosts speak to Kate Higham about meeting lifelong friends on her gap year, and travel introvert Debora Da Costa about her techniques for overcoming shyness in hostels. We hear about the LA skate community, blossoming hostel friendships and road-tripping with people you’ve never met, as well as top tips and advice for making friends whilst on the road. Oh, and a smattering of ridiculous stories from Emily and Rachel throughout of course.Show notes:Kate Higham (she/her) can be found on Instagram at @coachedbykate_uk.Debora Da Costa (she/her) can be found on Instagram at @debkydd.You can follow Emily and Rachel’s podcast Gap Year Diaries on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast, and find it on all major podcast sites.You can follow Hostelworld on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok at @hostelworld. Find out more about Hostelworld’s newest collaboration with GAdventures, Roamies Tours, here, and find out more about the new Hostelworld app feature, The Solo System, here.

Emily and Rachel of the Gap Year Diaries Podcast chat to intrepid members of the Hostelworld community about their travel experiences.  In this episode, the hosts speak to Blake Freeman about how he seeks out the best parties whilst travelling, and Manu Cortes, about his greatest after-dark experiences in multiple different destinations. We hear about dancing ‘til dawn at a lake in Zagreb, Thailand’s famous nightlife and the many charms of a Mykonos party, as well as top tips and advice for creating an unforgettable night out around the world. Oh, and a smattering of ridiculous stories from Emily and Rachel throughout of course.Show notes:Blake Freeman (he/him) can be found on Instagram nd YouTube at @explorationalways.Manu Cortes (he/him) can be found on Instagram at @proyectotrotamundos.You can follow Emily and Rachel’s podcast Gap Year Diaries on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast, and find it on all major podcast sites.You can follow Hostelworld on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok at @hostelworld. Find out more about Hostelworld’s newest collaboration with GAdventures, Roamies Tours, here, and find out more about the new Hostelworld app feature, The Solo System, here.

Emily and Rachel of the Gap Year Diaries Podcast chat to intrepid members of the Hostelworld community about their travel experiences. In this episode, the hosts speak to travel newbie Andi Unceta Pereira about the power of romantic destinations, and James Rowbottom, about his dating life whilst living in Paris as a bisexual man. We hear about awkward Grindr encounters, unbelievable meet-cutes on public transport, and stunningly cinematic dates on Parisian balconies, as well as top tips and advice for finding love, or something like it, on the road. Oh, and a smattering of ridiculous stories from Emily and Rachel throughout of course.Show notes:Andi Unceta Pereira (she/her) can be found on Instagram at @andiuncetapereira, and her blog at themerakijournals.comJames Rowbottom (he/him) co-presents his own podcast, Search Party, which you can find on all major podcast platforms and can follow on Instagram at @searchpartypod.You can follow Emily and Rachel’s podcast Gap Year Diaries on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast, and find it on all major podcast sites.You can follow Hostelworld on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok at @hostelworld. Find out more about Hostelworld’s newest collaboration with GAdventures, Roamies Tours, here, and find out more about the new Hostelworld app feature, The Solo System, here.

Emily and Rachel of the Gap Year Diaries Podcast chat to intrepid members of the Hostelworld community about their travel experiences. In this episode, the hosts speak to Tom Ruck, a self-confessed accident prone traveller about his catalogue of close calls, and Zorro, a seasoned traveller and hostel worker about when things haven’t quite gone to plan for him during his four years on the road. We hear about vengeful rats, falling horribly ill in the Amazon rainforest and having to scale a glacier alone in the Himalayas, as well as top tips and advice for keeping a cool head when disaster strikes far from home. Oh, and a smattering of ridiculous stories from Emily and Rachel throughout of course.Show notes:Tom Ruck (he/him) can be found on Instagram at @ruck_travels, and you can find his YouTube channel at Ruck Travels.Zorro (he/him) can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @zorroaroundtheworld.You can follow Emily and Rachel’s podcast Gap Year Diaries on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast, and find it on all major podcast sites.You can follow Hostelworld on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok at @hostelworld. Find out more about Hostelworld’s newest collaboration with GAdventures, Roamies Tours, here, and find out more about the new Hostelworld app feature, The Solo System, here.

Emily and Rachel of the Gap Year Diaries Podcast chat to intrepid members of the Hostelworld community about their travel experiences. In this episode, the hosts speak to Drew Wilson about how throwing themself into some truly extreme travel experiences has helped on their journey to overcoming anxiety, and Claire Scott, who is in the middle of her first Gap Year travelling the world at the age of 30. We hear about eating inkfish, sampling a silent meditation retreat in Japan and visiting Machu Picchu in Peru, as well as top tips and advice for those looking to max out on adventure. Oh, and a smattering of ridiculous stories from Emily and Rachel throughout of course.Show notes:Drew Wilson (they/them) can be found on Instagram at @the.otherdrew, and you can find their blog at wanderoften.travel.blog.Claire Scott (she/her) can be found on Instagram at @clairescotttravel.You can follow Emily and Rachel’s podcast Gap Year Diaries on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast, and find it on all major podcast sites.You can follow Hostelworld on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok at @hostelworld. Find out more about Hostelworld’s newest collaboration with GAdventures, Roamies Tours, here, and find out more about the new Hostelworld app feature, The Solo System, here.

Emily and Rachel of the Gap Year Diaries Podcast chat to intrepid members of the Hostelworld community about their travel experiences. In this episode, the hosts speak to author of You Are Where You Go, 24-year-old Caitlyn Lubas, about how she has managed to tick off visiting over 70 countries in just three years, and Amanda Day, about how she harnesses her interest in health and wellness to explore different cultures on a deeper level. We hear about setting foot in Antarctica, the world’s best walking tours, and an epic two-month camping trip around southern Africa, as well as top tips for orienting yourself and making the most of your time in a new destination. Oh, and a smattering of ridiculous stories from Emily and Rachel throughout of course.Show notes:Caitlyn Lubas (she/her) can be found on Instagram at @caitlynlubas and you can find her book, You Are Where You Go available to buy on Amazon.Amanda Day (she/her) can be found on Instagram at @a_daysjourney, and her health blog is adaysjourney.travel.blogYou can follow Emily and Rachel’s podcast Gap Year Diaries on Instagram at @gapyeardiariespodcast, and find it on all major podcast sites. You can follow Hostelworld on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tik Tok at @hostelworld. Find out more about Hostelworld’s newest collaboration with GAdventures, Roamies Tours, here, and find out more about the new Hostelworld app feature, The Solo System, here.

In this special episode, Rachel and Emily look back fondly over the (incredibly short) series documenting their time in Chile, and ask each other all those burnin' questions they've harboured for 12 long years about their time travelling through the country. Among other useless things, we learn of what the pair would have done differently if they had their time in Chile again, whether or not Barney the Dinosaur is in fact a serious suspect in the theft of Emily's iPod, and whether Rachel will ever regret wearing hiking socks and pink ballet pumps to a chic beachside nightclub...

In this week's episode, Rachel and Emily read back over the last, incredibly dull blog post from their time spent in Chile, this time 'exploring' the country's capital city, Santiago. Amongst other ludicrous content, we hear of an incredibly detailed account of a meal enjoyed in an empty Chinese restaurant, a very special goldfish, and yet another 'rambunctiously disgusting' bus toilet. Strap in everyone. 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily continue rereading blog entries from  their time travelling south through Chile. This week, we hear of an epic 18-hour bus journey, complete with ‘barnstormingly disgusting’ on-board toilet, curious clubbing attire and the night the pair spent stargazing at the La Serena observatory that very nearly didn’t happen due to Rachel going missing… 

In this episode, Rachel and Emily continue rereading blog entries from their time in Chile, this time reminiscing on the two days they spent in the bohemian surfer's city of Iquique. Among other mishaps, we hear of the theft of Emily's precious iPod, a crime for which Barney the Dinosaur is a serious suspect, the bizarre quirks of the pair's hostel room, and what passes for on board entertainment on South American intercity coach services.