All Change For 40before30

I’ve had Sheryl Crow singing these words in my ear on almost every road trip I’ve ever taken.

“A change would do you good.”

Well Sheryl, I’ve finally decided to listen to you.

40before30 has been my baby for the last (almost) 5 years. I’ve been to and blogged about 40 fantastic places and (shock! horror!) at the end of this year I will actually turn 30.

When the naïve 25-year-old me named this blog she never imagined it would still be running in 5 years time – let alone she’d be making a career out of it. Growing out of the name was never a consideration. I liked the ring it had to it and that was as much thought as the title got.

I never actually dreamed I would have the privilege of visiting and blogging about 40 different destinations over a period of 4 and half years. (I still can’t believe it happened – just blew my own mind updating the page about it.)

I’ve loved how people have got behind the concept of 40before30. How you shared your own bucket lists or wishes you wanted to achieve before a big birthday. How residents of new countries I would visit would excitedly ask ‘what country are we?’

But the way I travel, and the way I now work, is very different to what my blog title suggests. I do not want to race through countries and tick them off a list. I don’t want to consider a destination covered just by seeing one side of it. I want to revisit places I love. For perhaps just a period of time I would like to stay put. (Hello new life in Oz.)

So changing the title of this blog to 50, 60, 70 countries before a different age was not an option for me.

It’s time for a brand new name. A bit of a new direction *cue Glee hands*. A new place I hope you will come with me to.

Over the next week and a bit I’ll be sharing the thought processes and experiences that have led to the next phase of 40before30, as well as what I learnt from travelling and blogging all those different destinations. The brand-spanking-new name and look shall be revealed on the 1st August, but for now here is a sneak peek!

This site is, and always will be, a travel blog filled with my very personal thoughts and confessions. Thanks to each and every one of you who have been a part of the last 5 years and 40 countries. I hope you will come along for the next part of the ride!