I write this post, curled up in foetal position in my beanie and cons with a scarf wrapped around my legs for warmth, on a bus en route to Perth. I’ve done this journey a fair few times over my four year period of living ‘Douth’ and have always weirdly enjoyed what other people tend to loathe – the 3 to 4 hour potential of a commute. Now – just to clarify – this isn’t an enlivening and inspiring ‘between countries’ kind of bus trip (which are my fucking jam by the way), this is a country road, ‘oh look, cows’, ‘why is no one on here smiling back at me?’ kind of bus trip. BUT I love them. I love the in between phases of traveling. Buses, departure lounges, flights, tuk tuks, scary ass taxis … It’s all part of the journey and is often where the magic happens. Although I can’t foresee much magic makin’ aboard the ‘boring passenger express’ that I’m currently dwelling, but I digress.

// 5 WAYS TO MAKE THE COMMUTE FEEL LIKE A MINI VAY CAY //

1 // Podcasts, music, audiobooks are your friend.

They allow you to block out the mindless chatter of the pre-teen couple giggling in the seat in front or you OR the pushy Bolivian salesman who stands in the aisle peddling goods. Ok if you thought the latter is a little too specific to be hypothetical – you’re bang on. Whilst on a commute across the Andean landscaper – a blaring iPod was the only thing stopping my darling friend Natalie from punching old mate ‘do I have a deal for you?!’. Music saves lives people.

2 // Treat yo’self to a new book!

Do you know how rare it is to be given the gift of time? Ain’t nobody ever put THAT on the bridal registry. Enjoy the time and space to exist silently for a short while, in between the hustle and bustle of your travels or daily life. Or, if being quiet for any period of time if tricky for you …

3 // Be that annoying person that says hello to ERRYBODY (cue white girl emoji with her hand up).

Ok this doesn’t mean sparking up a conversation with everyone, just be open and receptive. I tend to throw a smile or a ‘hi’ to most people I cross paths with and sometimes that’s all it takes to meet a little travel buddy.

4 // Watch a movie or series you’ve been dying to see.

Especially for those of you who embark and disembark said bus//train//plane and continue on your million-mile-an-hour ways (holla at your girl – I’m with you!). Enjoy the enforced free time amigos!

5 // Write.

Ok I’m a little bias when it comes to this one but uninterrupted time with words and sentences and creation and expression? Literary boner alert.

Blessings and finding enjoyment in the most mundane of adventures x