I would definitely not describe myself as an armchair traveler, and when, at the age of 50, I had the privilege of being able to escape the rat race, I took early retirement and realized my dreams. Every day brought something new: spectacular views and some amazing people. My wife and I visited places few others have.

This short piece outlines the adventures I had both in the air and on the sea. My travels took me on a flying safari across Australia and cruising around the coasts of Tasmania and New Zealand's South Island. Both spectacular, breathtaking places in their own rights. Let me tell you, the rewards outstripped the risks by a long way.

The journeys were full of fantastic experiences as well as pitfalls. Join me in my reminiscing, and let it inspire you, should you be thinking of embarking on a similar voyage of discovery. Or maybe it will encourage you to start thinking about a new challenge in your own life.