"Hi, I'm Michael. Welcome to The Extended Traveler. I believe travel isn't about rushing from one tourist spot to the next—it's about slow, meaningful journeys that let you truly connect with a place.

It all started for me as a late-bloomer traveler when I fell in love with Europe. After enduring that massive long-haul flight from Sydney, I realised I wasn’t your average tourist who just wanted to stay for a week or two and fly right back. Instead, I decided to truly explore and savour the experience by making my very first European vacation a two-month journey. That trip changed everything, and it taught me the true value of slowing down and embracing the destination."

"Today, I’ve created The Extended Traveler to share the practical lessons, itineraries, and honest reflections from my journeys. Whether you are planning your very first solo trip to Europe or looking to slow down and truly savor a new destination, I’m here to show you that it’s never too late to explore the world on your own terms. Thanks for coming along for the ride—let's discover what's waiting around the next corner together."