Hiya, were Jess & Julia!
Welcome to The Lavender Travelers — a space for budget-conscious, culturally curious travelers who want more out of their trips than hostel pub crawls (though if that’s your thing, no judgment — we’ve just been there, done that!).
What We’re About
Whether youre in your 30s like us, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or just craving richer, more meaningful travel experiences, youre in the right place.
We’re here to help you plan and actually pull off the kind of trip that leaves you inspired, not exhausted.
That means practical budget tips, cultural travel guides you can really use, and honest stories to help you skip the stress and focus on the good stuff.
Where We Travel
Between the two of us, weve explored 57 countries (and counting) across Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, and the US.
We mostly travel overland (trains, buses, ferries, you name it) because it’s cheaper, more sustainable, and lets you actually see the places in between — though we’ll hop on a flight if it’s the only way or the alternative is a 30-hour ferry over choppy seas.
How We Travel Now
We’ve done the ultra-budget backpacking thing, but these days our travels are a little different: fewer 20-bed dorms and pub crawls, more cozy guesthouses, local food, and long bus rides to places that don’t make the top ten on must-travel lists.
We’ll happily try the local beer or spirit, but you won’t find us chasing party destinations. Not only is it not our vibe, but those spots are often overpriced, overcrowded, and tough on local communities.
We’ve found it’s more enjoyable — and sustainable — to explore elsewhere.
At the heart of it all, we want to help you experience places with respect, curiosity and intention.
What You’ll Find Here
- Budget tips that go beyond just “eat street food”
- Cultural travel guides that highlight authentic, immersive experiences
- Queer traveler insights so you can explore confidently
- Suggestions for nature-lovers and introverts who want beauty without extreme adventure
- Stories from the road — the wins, the fails, and the in-betweens
Our Story
We met (fittingly) at a hostel in Australia, and since our first date at a laundromat, we’ve snorkeled in Koh Tao, road-tripped through the Australian Outback, crossed mountains in Albania, and explored over a dozen countries together — all on a backpacker’s budget.
After two years living in Australia, we’re now back on the road, traveling through Asia again before we settle in the UK.
Why We’re Here
After years of travel — solo, together, and everywhere in between — we’ve learned that the most meaningful trips are the ones that balance budget, culture, and sustainability.
Our goal is to give you the tools, ideas, and encouragement to plan trips that feel intentional and true to you.
Welcome to the journey. 💜
If you have any questions, please get in touch (wed love to chat)!
