Photo Credit: James Barker

THE STEWARDESS STORIES is a travel blog written by a Flight Attendant for Women Who Wander. We are free-spirited, independent and live to travel, clocking up countless miles on our travel adventures around the world.

Hi, I’m Paula Maree and I am a Flight Attendant and Travel Writer.

I grew up in a small town in outback Queensland, Australia and always dreamed of travelling the world. Yet somehow, I ended up moving to the city and got stuck in a career-rut. Like many other late-twenty-something single, independent women, I was career-driven; slaving away at my desk for up to 10 hours a day, addicted to coffee and married to my job!

Approaching my thirties, I finally jet off on a well-deserved break, after nine years working in the fashion industry. However, when I returned to my desk, I found myself daydreaming of exotic, remote destinations and suddenly, I realised that I had been bitten by the travel bug! Within six months, I quit my job and moved to Melbourne, after landing a role as a Flight Attendant. I am now lucky enough to travel for a living and write about my adventures!

Over the years I’ve fallen in love with travel. The places I’ve visited and the people that I’ve met along the way have all had such a big impact on my life. They will forever hold a special place in my heart. THE STEWARDESS STORIES is my travel journal, in which I’ll share my adventures with you!

Want to Come On An Adventure?

The world is a big place and there is a lot to do and see if you are willing to go out and explore!

You are a smart, independent woman! So what is holding you back from changing careers, or taking the trip of a lifetime – on your own! Are you worried about travelling solo because you haven’t met ‘The One?’ Or does it just feel a little reckless to set off on a solo travel adventure when you should be looking for love. After all, if you are in your 30’s you should be married with three kids by now, right?

We all feel the pressure to settle down. But maybe there is a reason why life has taken you down that path yet! So what if you are not in a relationship… Don’t Sweat It! Stop searching for love and embrace being single. Being single is awesome! I can honestly say had the time of my life doing what I want, when I want.

Although, I must admit that flying solo certainly has its challenges too.

Most of my girlfriends are married or in relationships. They still make time to catch up with me (minus their man) whenever we are both free. However, holidays are always the time when I find myself on my own. At first, I let this stop me travelling. I’d spend hours browsing travel brochures and Pinterest. Then think to myself, that looks amazing… but I’d rather experience it with someone! So for years, I put off travelling.

After falling in love for the first time at a very young age, I experienced several long-term relationships. By my mid-twenties, though, I felt the urge to move on to pursue my personal career ambitions. So I set off to fulfil my travel dreams flying solo.

I have been single now for many years. But I’m so happy that I got over my travel nerves and set off to explore the world flying solo!

I took baby steps at first and did several tours. Actually, I love travelling in tour groups, as I like to see as much as I can in a short space of time! Plus, I love meeting new people along the way! Tour groups are a great way to see the world quickly and easily and whilst I was working a corporate job this took the pressure off the planning process. Plus, there are many tour groups that focus on eco-friendly, cultural tours. I love these the most, as they have allowed me to have experiences and learn about things I would never have discovered travelling on my own.

However, I’m now confident enough to just wing it and I enjoy flying solo!

On my last travel adventure, I set off with a fellow Flight Attendant and just my backpack and a return airfare. She had to return to work after the first week of the trip, while I set off on a solo island-hopping adventure. (From which I probably would have never returned if I didn’t need a job to pay my bills!)

I’m open to falling in love and feel ready to find someone to eventually settle down with.

Flying solo is fun but I adore children and can’t wait to be a mum! However, each time I’m standing in the middle of a foreign country experiencing a new culture, I understand the reason why my life hasn’t taken me down that path just yet!

Like most women in their thirties, I’m constantly pressured about settling down and this is something that I am looking forward too! But until fate intervenes and I stumble across my soulmate, I’m happy to continue exploring this big wide world on my solo travel adventures.

Oh, and for those you that are lucky enough to have already snapped up a man, please be kind!

You might be reading this blog while your babies are (finally) asleep, dreaming of the life you gave up when you settled down to start a family. And you know that stewardess that you love-to-hate? Give her a break when you finally set off on a long-awaited vacation with your family. Chances are she’s not out to steal your husband! In fact, she probably spends most nights alone, dreaming of the day that she finally finds ‘The One’. Her lifestyle may seem glamorous, but it isn’t always as easy as it may seem, so please,

DON’T SWEAT THE STEWARDESS.

We all have a story to share and this is mine…