August 2026
Meet the Explorer:
Diane S.
Our August Explorer of the Month has already shared quite a few adventures with us, Patch Adventures and Fencox – and she’s definitely not done yet!
As she puts it, “You’ll never see it all – but you can try.”
With the Baltics already booked and plenty more on her wish list, we reckon she’s doing a pretty good job of trying!
Let’s get to know Di a little better!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I retired almost two years ago, so I’m still enjoying the “I don’t have to go to work” phase!I follow the Richmond AFL team, so during the season I’m busy being a member of the WA Tigers supporter group. I go to the gym 5–6 days a week and enjoy catching up with friends for coffee, lunch and movies.I also have a book collection that I intend to read, but so far I haven’t made too much of a dent in it.Tomorrow I start French classes. I’m always jealous when I go overseas and meet people who speak two or more languages, so now that I have the time, I’ve decided to learn one.
What first sparked your love of travel?
I don’t know that there was one particular trip that prompted it, but in 2015 I did a two-month Eurail trip on my own around Europe.The more I saw, the more I wanted to see.It was also when I discovered that I loved mountains, especially snow-capped ones. I had never come from an environment with mountains, so to me they are a geographic wonder, and I find them comforting.
What’s a travel memory you’ll never forget?
There are way too many to mention!
Stockholm: I was walking down a street carrying a map when a woman stopped me and asked me, in Swedish, for directions. I had to explain that I didn’t understand Swedish and had no idea where she wanted to go. For some reason, she thought I was a local, which was flattering.Singapore: Seeing a shoebill stork at Bird Paradise. I spent about 45 minutes watching him. Such an amazing bird! Seeing him had been part of my itinerary for a while, so I was glad he wasn’t hiding on the day I went.Mongolia: The wide-open skies and plains. I couldn’t stop taking photos of the skies. They’re on a par with mountains for me.Mongolia again: Standing at the top of the Chinggis Khan statue was another bucket-list item. I figured if Joanna Lumley could do it, so could I!The Caucasus: Seeing Mt Ararat from Armenia and the Greater Caucasus Mountains in Georgia and Azerbaijan – all snow-capped.And there are still so many more!
What keeps you coming back for another adventure?
That there is so much to see.You will never see it all – but you can try.
What’s the biggest lesson travel has taught you?
When I did my 2015 trip by myself, it gave me the confidence to move through the world.I learned that I could follow a map and get myself where I wanted to go.The other thing I realise, the more I travel, is that no matter how differently people live their lives, everyone has the same basic goal – go out, earn a living and come home to loved ones.
If you could encourage someone who’s a little nervous about joining a small-group adventure, what would you say?
With Patch, Magnificent Explorers or Fencox, there is nothing to be nervous about.You are well looked after, and everyone is there for the same reason – the adventure of going somewhere new and meeting people.
Where are you dreaming of going next?
I’m looking forward to the Baltics next year.I’m also looking forward to Japan, South Korea and Switzerland as future destinations
Thanks, Di! We can’t wait to follow along as you keep trying to see as much of the world as possible. ❤️