Why my Contiki adventure was a turning point in my life

Before

It was 5 am in a muggy Brisbane, and I was attempting to force my eyes open to get up and go to work. I rolled out of bed, taking a second to ensure I didn’t flatten my still-snoring sausage dog. I spied my trusty work pants on the floor in the corner, where they had been flung off in non-fun or sexy haste the evening before. 

With the whole street still quiet, save for the magpies’ warbles and the hum of tradies starting their day, I slipped into the car. The hospital, which had become a second home, loomed ahead, bathed in the soft hues of sunrise. The cool morning air danced through my hair, a brief moment of peace before the familiar rush. Fueled more by iced coffee than blood at this point, I stepped inside and got to work, back with the sickest in Brissy.

The day unfolded like every other—the cries of patients, the antiseptic sting of the air, the worry etched into the faces of their loved ones, the constant hum of confusion, and my body aching from the relentless hours. My feet throbbed, my back protested, my mind had long switched off—but it all became part of the rhythm, the relentless pulse of a shift.

Except today, one more thought slipped into the routine: Why didn’t we work out?

I drove home with my breakup playlist blaring, suffocating under the weight of knowing every turn by heart. The familiarity felt like a trap, the walls of my world closing in. That night, I sank into the bath and let my thoughts swirl. How could I feel so lost and clueless about life’s big questions, yet so old, like my best years were slipping away? What was I doing, spending my prime slaving away at work, especially after a patient literally threw their shoe at me that day?

Why do I keep running into all his friends at the local grocery store? Why did I let him in my house? Now I can’t even be depressed in peace, I have to look in the kitchen and be assaulted by flashbacks of us making homemade pizzas and laughing into a kiss.

That was it. I had to leave.

Booking

There was only one thing to do in such a state: uproot my entire life in a whirlwind of about two months. I quit my job, moved out of my house, sold almost everything I owned (except, of course, my little sausage dog), and made a swift exit. Yes, I had my own full-blown ‘Eat Pray Love’ moment and let me tell you, the people in my life reacted just like they do in the movie—equal parts shock, concern, and envy.

I opened my laptop, fingers flying across the keys, typing in the name of an old, reliable friend—one who wouldn’t demand me to organise every tiny detail like where to eat or where to sleep — Contiki. Memories of sun-soaked Mediterranean days from a past Greek island-hopping trip flooded my mind when I saw that familiar logo. It was exactly what I needed. Escape. I scrolled through the trips and landed on the Italian Escape — fitting, right? The word “limoncello” flashed before my eyes, and without thinking twice, I paid the deposit. The next thing I knew, I was curating a new playlist, building a Pinterest board, and crafting a shopping wishlist.

The Trip

Before embarking on my Contiki trip, I had always viewed travel as an escape—a way to break free from the daily grind, explore new places, and return home with some great stories. But Contiki turned that notion on its head. It wasn’t just about the destinations; it was about the small experiences, the journey and the people I met along the way.

One evening, after a long day of exploring Capri, our entire crew found ourselves on the upper deck of the ferry, sinking Peronis—a ritual so frequent that we dubbed it ‘Peroni Time’.

The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the sea, and we were packed together like sardines, but no one seemed to mind. The combination of cold beer, warm breeze, and endless laughter made the moment feel almost surreal. A brush of the knee with an American guy led to a lingering glance, which eventually turned into a stolen, salty kiss under the fading light. Everything felt effortless—no one was glued to their phones, and the vibe was pure, laid-back joy. It was as if we’d all known each other for years.

Contiki revealed the magic of shared experiences—the spontaneous conversations, the uncontrollable laughter, and the inside jokes that only we could understand. It felt like we were forming a little family on the road, connected in a way that went beyond just being fellow travellers.

These connections pushed me to open up in ways I never had before. Being in a new environment, far from the familiar comforts of home, allowed me to form authentic bonds that were raw and genuine. I learned the power of leaning on others and sharing those fleeting, unforgettable moments with people who were going through the same thing. There was no time for insecurity or self-consciousness, we had stuff to see and pasta to eat. 

Even after the trip ended, those friendships didn’t. We’ve stayed in touch, travelled together again, and supported one another through life’s highs and lows. It taught me that the relationships forged in the heat of adventure are some of the most meaningful, lasting far beyond the trip itself.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was how my Contiki adventure shifted the trajectory of my career. Before the trip, I was stuck in a job that felt like a dead end—going through the motions, with passions simmering beneath the surface but never fully pursued. Somewhere between wandering the ancient cobblestone streets of Rome and placing my hand where a girl once stood in Pompeii centuries ago, a realisation hit me. I craved something deeper, something more meaningful that tapped into human connection and fulfilment. Travel had unlocked a desire to chase not just experiences, but purpose.

Looking back on my Contiki adventure, it’s undeniable that it was a turning point in my life. It wasn’t just a vacation—it was a deeply transformative experience that reshaped how I viewed myself, travel, relationships, and my future. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and self-confidence, stronger connections, and a new career path that excites me every single day.

For anyone contemplating a Contiki trip or any group adventure, I can’t recommend it enough. You never know what kind of revelations or inspiration might emerge, or how one journey could completely change the course of your life.

Why was my Contiki adventure such a turning point? It didn’t just take me around the world—it brought me closer to who I am and the life I truly want to live. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful.