For more than a year, the pair swapped nights out for nights in, watched Netflix instead of going to the movies, enjoyed backyard bonfires and holidayed at home to save for the trip.
Their first stop will be the Netherlands, where Melanie will celebrate her 50th birthday with family and friends.
Melanie said the pair would then head to Portugal and Spain with friends.
“I've got tickets for the bullfights in Seville, Spain and we'll also go to the flamenco dancing,” she said.
After Portugal and Spain, the couple are headed to Switzerland to ride the famous ‘glass-ceiling’ train known as the Bernina Express.
“It’s a special train that travels through the Alps and you get a full 360 degree view,” Melanie said.
The trip will then continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia, where the couple will stay in a “dungeon apartment”.
Next on the itinerary is Dubrovnik, Croatia — famous as a filming location for the acclaimed TV series Game of Thrones — where the pair plan to go horse riding.
“I thought what better way to do a Game of Thrones experience than horse ride like they did in the show,” Melanie said.
“I also want to sit on the Iron Throne for a photo.”
Following Croatia, Melanie and Brett will cruise through the Greek Isles.
“The plan is swimming, relaxing, drinks package and casino,” Melanie said.
“I play poker, so that should be fun.”
To finish their trip, the pair will visit Malta for its fishing scene and farewell drinks in Amsterdam.
Melanie said Malta was famous for pastizzi, a traditional savoury pastry often filled with spinach and ricotta.
“I intend to eat my weight in pastizzi,” she said.
The Courier looks forward to catching up with the pair when they return.
Melanie’s 10 tips for planning an overseas adventure:
1. Travel in the shoulder season for good weather and fewer tourists.
2. Visiting friends and family can be as meaningful as exploring somewhere new,
3. Save by swapping expensive outings for simple nights in and holidays at home.
4. Take inspiration from travel shows, documentaries and historical dramas, but keep expectations realistic.
5. Use the time before your trip to learn about your destination’s history and culture.
6. Compare booking agencies, starting with Airbnb, TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Don’t let world events stop you, unprecedented events that the world throws us are fickle and ever-changing.
8. Research tour companies and read accommodation and traveller reviews before booking.
9. Mix up your transport options — planes, trains, hire cars and the occasional donkey; no two days will be the same.
10. Pack light, especially in Europe, where baggage fees can exceed the cost of the flight.
— Melanie Schols
18°C