DOSE team reveal the trips that changed their lives

They say that travel is one of the best investments you can make in your wellbeing and self-development, and the DOSE team is living proof that the claim holds true. With life-changing experiences that vary from solo trips to honeymoons, and from all-inclusive luxury to going back to the basics, our contributors share their most special trips.

Shara Tochia, Co-Founder of DOSE

Moving to New York for seven months to study abroad as part of my degree was totally life changing. We were only given help with getting visas by the university in the UK, so everything else was a learning experience. I had to set up a support network, find work and somewhere to live, all by myself. It was tough at times and I was pretty broke but I was living in the Big Apple. The best part was meeting people from all over the world, including those I now consider my closest friends. If you’re ever given the opportunity to travel and work in another country – do it!

Charlotte Pasha, Journalist and DOSE contributor

My honeymoon was the first truly massive holiday I had ever done with my husband and we planned it meticulously. It was such a special time and brought us even closer – and we got to discuss our wedding ad nauseum, with all the stress behind us! We went to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The Maldives was just paradise and the epitome of luxury, while Sri Lanka had amazing food, culture and people. We will remember it forever as the most magical time.

Rosie Sargeant, Management Consultant and DOSE contributor

I’ve always tried to experience places that are ‘off the beaten track’ when I travel – something that is becoming increasingly difficult as the world becomes more accessible to tourists. When I visited the Philippines last year, I was cautioned against some of the over-developed islands and recommended tao – a boat expedition that takes you to the most remote islands and immerses you in life as it is actually lived by the locals. And what a life it is. Undoubtedly basic, with no access to internet, power showers and flushing toilets, yet with such a positive community spirit, in which everyone seems genuinely happy and grateful for what they have got. The stripped-back experience might not be for everyone, but for those who can commit to five days without their usual mod cons, I guarantee that it will be one of the most rewarding and eye-opening things you’ll ever do.

Sarah Davis, Freelance Marketing Consultant and DOSE contributor

I was super stressed at work and in desperate need of a break, so I decided to go on a surfing and yoga trip to Taghazout in Morocco. I hadn’t travelled alone much but there was something so empowering about doing so – and I met some great people in the process. My accommodation was fairly basic and all I did was surf, do yoga and chill, but the simplicity of it all was exactly what I needed. The culture there is also extremely laid back and it gave me real perspective of how rushed and busy we are all the time in London. I came back feeling like a new person.

Amanda Bootes, PR manager and DOSE contributor

I decided on a whim to move abroad for six months to work as a chef in the South of France and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did I learn a wealth of knowledge in the foodie capital that has helped my career massively, but I also learnt some of the most important lessons of my life in terms of personal and emotional growth. My confidence in not only myself but in my ability, strength and resilience to new challenges grew and the experiences of learning how another country truly lives and breathes, away from the tourist side, is something I will never forget. Even though it was hard work and extremely challenging, it is something I will always be grateful for.

Lizzy P, Marketing and DOSE contributor

When I first went to California in 2013 for a road trip with my family, I realised I was actually an American teenager in a former life. Everything about Cali floats my boat – the weather, the food, the diverse scenery, the outdoor lifestyle. I also had the closest I’ve come to a religious experience in my first ever SoulCycle class in West Hollywood – man, those guys take spin seriously. I would move to Los Angeles tomorrow if my boyfriend wasn’t so wedded to Watford Football Club…

Maneesha Arasu, Student and DOSE contributor

Shortly after a break-up I decided I wanted to step completely out of my comfort zone, so I booked a solo trip to Athens. It was the first time I had ever been travelling by myself and I stayed in a hostel with six strangers, which was just the best. It was so freeing and important because it showed me I can absolutely do things by myself. I didn’t need anyone but me to be able to go on a trip and have a great time. It made me grow as a person and that’s the main reason why it changed my life.

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