Brilio.net/en - A little white sand on a warm beach far from home seems to be the right cure for any distress. Just ask Katy Collins. Nearly four years ago the bride-to-be was left utterly heartbroken when her fianc told her he didnt want to marry her just weeks before their wedding date.
The 30-year old Formby native didnt waste much time grieving her would be life. Instead she did what most of us can only dream of doing and quit her Manchester Airport PR job, sold her house, car and anything that wouldnt fit in a backpack. And so began her solo backpacking trip across the globe with a one-way ticket to Asia. Katy said: Everyone did think I was a little mad, especially as I'd never travelled anywhere by myself before, but it just felt right. Her spirited attitude has opened opportunities that have taken her backpacking in South America for six months, trekking in the Himalayas, and even teaching English in France.
Her degree in English and Journalism from Salford University helped Katy realize her childhood dream of becoming a published author. She began keeping a blog, Not Wed or Dead, mainly to update her friends and family about her whereabouts. As the blog gained popularity, Katy continued her personal writing and before she knew it was riting chapters on chapters. She said: I started writing a few chapters, not fully aware that they would be the start of a novel, but mostly as a way to clear my head. She was living in a small fishing town in the North of France when her publisher called to tell her about the book deal, which ironically happened to be the would be date of her third wedding anniversary. It is poignant to think how far I'd come through hard work, being brave and wanting to live the biggest life I could, said Katy.
The solo traveler is in the works for a three part series titled The Lonely Hearts Travel Club series, the first of which, Destination Thailand, is available for preorder on Amazon. It has been likened to a light-hearted romantic comedy and is best described as Bridget Jones goes backpacking,
Now, four years after her wedding was called off, Katy doesnt look back with remorse but rather with gratitude. His decision, although devastating at the time, was the wake-up call I needed. I had a good job, a lovely house and lived a comfortable lifestyle but it lacked adventure. I have climbed an active volcano in Chile, slept in a Thai jungle, got covered in Holi powder in India, skydived in France and even taken a flight past Mount Everest.
Katy is a testament of turning a negative situation into a positive life change. While her unworn wedding dress hangs at home, Katy hangs seaside.
(Reported by: Ivana Lucic)