Exploring art, history and culture has always been a flight away for Deborah Thomas. But it wasn’t until she began living in Kuwait that she became a ‘world traveller’.
She tells Saturday Living, “I moved there in 2018 and December of that year was the first I went to Dubai.” With every scarce holiday that followed, Thomas was jet-setting, taking every opportunity to visit places closer to the Middle East. The travelworthy vacations provided a breath of fresh air during the schoolyear.
“I got excited about what was special about each country; finding out their history, their art, what influenced their cultures, and definitely the food! Plus, oddly enough, I loved seeing the places in my photo albums filling up with the different places I’ve visited,” she revealed.
One of the countries that has made a tremendous impact on her life so far is Thailand, “Thailand is my ultimate favourite country so far,” she said, adding that she fell in love with the city vibe in Bangkok and the idyllic rest in Phuket. “Thai food is my fave. So, being able to experience that first-hand was just incredible. Street food, Thai massages on a whim, active nightlife, wildlife and cultural shows all made Thailand a real gem for me.”
Then there’s the undeniable beauty of countries such as Egypt, Kenya and Turkey. While on a 10-day tour of Egypt, she was able to see the jaw-dropping pyramids and sarcophagi up close and personal.
“Seeing the vast expanse of Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya made my Lion King childhood a living dream. Just recently, I was able to get a brief taste of the wide variety of scenes and textures of Türkiye, including Turkish delights and an amazing view of a Roman theatre. So I plan to go back there.
Consequent on these life-changing international explorations, Thomas discovered an even greater appreciation for home. So, when she visits the island in the summer, Thomas makes it a priority to go on local adventures as a means of escaping the heat of the season.
“I finally jumped off at Rick’s Café three summers ago and made the boat ride out to Pelican Bar. There are many river spots I love. I always have to make a stop at Frenchman’s Cove but I’ve also explored Mayfield Falls in Westmoreland, Johnny Falls, Noisy River and Gut River in Manchester, White River in St Ann [and] Blue Lagoon in Portland. Anywhere with a river, I would be sure to find it! The beaches at Bamboo Blu in St Ann and Doctor’s Cave in St James are my favourites,” Thomas shared.
So, where to next? “I want to do the entire boot from top to tip, and then somehow end up in Croatia! Europe is definitely my next big-ticket item – Spain and Italy, and then get a Mediterranean vibe with Greece and Morocco, although that’s Africa. If I do Africa again, I would like to go to Cape Town and Zambia,” she confessed.
Her advice to budding travellers is never to wait on anyone. Save and do it yourself. “Solo travel is doable. Don’t wait on anyone. If you don’t like planning for yourself, there are a couple of apps and local agencies that take the hassle out of planning your trips, especially with itineraries. Booking.com is my go-to for accommodation and GetYourGuide I use for booking tours in different countries.”
Additionally, be sure to read the reviews before making any decisions, “Know what the weather will be like so you pack suitable clothing. Also, Google the important spots yourself so you can have an idea of the activities to explore. If you like outdoor activities, nature, museums, or spas, it’s always good to know beforehand what the country has to offer and the costs.”
There’s no travelling without essentials. Deborah Thomas’ top five include:
1. Medication to address any change in weather, anxiety, pain allergies or any other emergencies.
– Sneakers: Comfort is paramount for this walker, so she never leaves without her kicks.
2. A small crossbody bag has her essentials close by and it keeps her hands free as well.
3. Phone: For Thomas, her phone definitely comes in handy when it comes to Google Maps or a Taxi app used in a country to get around.
4. SIM card: This is an essential item Thomas gets as soon as she arrives at the airport of a new country. She strongly advises that persons avoid roaming during travel.
