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Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.

When it comes to the furthest I’ve ever traveled from home, New Zealand takes the crown. This incredible country, nestled way down in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is about as far as you can get from my hometown in the UK. On average, it’s a whopping 24 to 28 hours of travel time with one stopover—talk about a journey!

My adventure to New Zealand was part of a larger trip that started with living in Australia for three years. Sydney was my base, and during that time, I explored all the main spots in Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, and everything in between. But New Zealand had always been on my bucket list, and after soaking up as much of Australia as I could, it was time to tick off a new adventure.

I set out to explore both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, each offering its own unique landscapes and experiences. From the vibrant city of Auckland to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua on the North Island, and then down to the breathtaking fjords and mountains of the South Island, New Zealand didn’t disappoint.

One of my highlights was exploring Milford Sound, where the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls made me feel like I was on another planet. Then there was Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, where I tried my hand at bungee jumping (terrifying but so worth it!). And of course, I couldn’t miss the Hobbiton movie set—an absolute dream for a Lord of the Rings fan like me.

But my journey didn’t end there. After soaking up all the beauty New Zealand had to offer, I hopped on a plane to Fiji. While New Zealand might technically be the furthest I’ve been from home, Fiji might have felt even more remote. This tropical paradise was the perfect place to unwind after all that traveling. I spent a blissful week lounging on the beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and just taking in the serenity of it all.

Finally, after my time in Fiji, it was time to head home. But not without one more stop—Dubai. The contrast couldn’t have been starker, from the laid-back vibes of Fiji to the futuristic skyline of Dubai. But it was the perfect way to break up the long journey back to the UK.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how far I’ve traveled, not just in terms of distance, but in experiences. New Zealand will always hold a special place in my heart as the furthest I’ve ever ventured from home, and the memories I made there are some of the best of my life.

What about you? How far have you traveled from home, and where did your adventures take you?