Ann Bunyan, 41, Teacher
Kenya, Namibia, Thailand, NZ & Las Vegas
  Tailor Made Complete Gap
In total, how long were you away from home?
14 weeks
What was your motivation to take a gap break and to then travel again this year?
- I have always wanted to travel.
- My son reached 18 and was happy to stay with his Grandmother.
- My Dad died last Christmas so I went through the ‘life too short’ scenario.
- I loved my gap break so much that I actually think I was born to travel.
How did you feel before you started your previous trip, compared with how you are feeling about the one ahead?
I was excited but apprehensive before I started my gap trip. There was a lot to organise, like visas, vaccinations etc, but really enjoyed that part. The reaction from other people surprised me because they were bowled over by the fact that I quit my job and was travelling alone. The hype surrounding me before I departed was quite extraordinary.
I am totally at ease about my forthcoming trip to Namibia; I just can’t wait to get started.
What were the most memorable moments of your last trip? Any anecdotes?
Kenya was amazing, I swear if we had previous lives I must have been an African because I felt like I belonged there. Since my return I have read much literature about the lives of people across Africa and the problems they encounter.
Sleeping with the monks in Thailand was a memorable event. We were up at 5 a.m. braless, wearing ¾ baggy trousers and jacket, handbags slung over shoulder and pushing a cart round town, following a silent monk, collecting food from the locals to feed the brothers.
On one blazing hot day in late November, New Zealand, my friends and I were watching a procession jollying through town. I asked a local Kiwi what the occasion was. She replied it was the center parade. Being polite I asked her how often it happened. My friend, who was in earshot, fell about on the floor and told me in a loud voice it’s the SANTA parade!!!
What do you feel you accomplished during your programmes?
I’ve had a really diverse taster of the world. I have seen real poverty in Africa to overwhelming extravagance in Las Vegas. I have worked in communities, got close with nature, met amazing people, embraced terror (extreme adventure activities) and learned about 5 different cultures. I feel that I have contributed an mm in the mile towards making two environments a better place for the people that live there.
How have you benefited from your travel experiences? How have you changed?
I feel that I have been elevated above the mundane and petty stresses of my previous life and seen a glimpse of a bigger picture. I have learned how incredibly lucky I am to be born in a place that gives me freedom and a lot of control over my destiny.
What advice could you offer to someone considering going travelling?
Make it happen. Think about that old people’s home. You want to be the one with the memories and tales not the one with silent tears of regret.
What are you most looking forward to about your next adventure?
Getting on that plane!!!
Tailor Made Complete Gap
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