Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson

Bakersfield California USA
Welcome to Travel Adventures. Soon-to-be retiree and travel blogger sharing adventures, travel advice and exciting destinations.
08
May
Harbour Icons & Hidden Highlights: Sydney Wraps Our Aussie Adventure

Harbour Icons & Hidden Highlights: Sydney Wraps Our Aussie Adventure

In our final stop across Australia, we soaked up Sydney’s big city charm—think harbour cruises, landmark views, and world-class seafood. It was the perfect finale to a wild, wonder-filled journey.
3 min read
23
Apr
Wild South: Albany Road Trip to Giant Trees, Jewel Cave & Forest Canopies

Wild South: Albany Road Trip to Giant Trees, Jewel Cave & Forest Canopies

Our road trip through Albany and WA’s deep south took us from cliffside lookouts to ancient forests and underground caves. Highlights included The Gap, the Giant Tingle Tree, the Valley of the Giants, and a surreal light show inside Jewel Cave.
4 min read
16
Apr
Whitsunday : Hamilton Island & The Great Barrier Reef

Whitsunday : Hamilton Island & The Great Barrier Reef

Helicopter to Heart Reef, meet koalas, and explore Hamilton Island in this unforgettable stop on our Australia adventure.
4 min read
09
Apr
Highlights from Our 3-Week Adventure in Australia

Highlights from Our 3-Week Adventure in Australia

We kicked off our 3-week Aussie adventure with a thrill—climbing Perth’s Matagarup Bridge and ziplining 400 metres across the Swan River. From helmet-clad climbs to a high-speed zipline landing, it was the perfect blend of challenge, adrenaline, and iconic views.
4 min read
03
Apr
How I Crafted My Personal Guiding Principle for My Retirement Phase

How I Crafted My Personal Guiding Principle for My Retirement Phase

In retirement, I use a Guiding Principle to stay true to my values—financial security, frugality, and meaningful experiences. This post explains how I crafted it and how you can create your own for any stage of life.
3 min read
30
Mar
Exploring Ecuador: From Cloud Forests to the Amazon

Exploring Ecuador: From Cloud Forests to the Amazon

Ecuador is a country that truly packs a punch—one day, you're soaring over waterfalls, and the next,
7 min read
21
Mar
Addo Elephant Park: A Local’s Perspective

Addo Elephant Park: A Local’s Perspective

Let me introduce you to a place that feels like home to me—Addo Elephant National Park. Nestled in South
5 min read
16
Mar
The #1 Thing You Can Do to Live Longer: Exercise

The #1 Thing You Can Do to Live Longer: Exercise

What if I told you there was a proven way to add years to your life, keep your body strong,
2 min read
10
Mar
Canyoning - the next adventure.

The Gym Chronicles: Why Starting Gym is Tough (But Worth It)

You know what is more difficult than canyoning or hiking up a volcano? Getting started at the gym. Here I
2 min read
27
Feb
Welcome to Travel Adventures!

Welcome to Travel Adventures!

I am Shane and I love travelling with my wife Colleen and sharing our adventures. I will be retiring at
2 min read