Doing life differently

in thailand

- Southern experience tour -

november 2026

Step into the pages of 'Doing Life Differently in Thailand' with this bespoke, relaxed, women-only adventure.

Filled with Thai culture, local connections and incredible food - always leaving room for those spontaneous moments that make travel truly special.

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  • 10 incredible days 9 amazing nights

    Days and nights overflowing with great food, good company and joyful moments!

    1st tour 4-13 November 2026- BOOKED OUT

    2nd tour 13- 22 November 2026 - selling fast!

    3rd tour 25 November - 4 December 2026 - 3 places left.

  • Bespoke & Flexible

    Your holiday, your choice.

    Let's ensure you do the things you love!

    It's totally up to you. Two whole days just for you!

  • Meet the locals

    So many wonderful Thai people just waiting to meet you and share their wonderful culture.

    They don't call Thailand 'the land of smiles' for nothing.

  • RELAXED LUXURY

    Stunning resort accommodation in Phuket and Khao Lak.

    Choose your room type including direct pool access.

    Solo traveller option with no single supplement!!

    Thoughtfully planned days - with time to soak up all that these beautiful resorts have to offer.

  • Hosted by someone who knows and loves thailand

    You’ll see why Thai people say Mel is 80% Thai and 10% Australian. This is her 'happy place' and she can't wait to share it all with YOU!

  • Small group

    big adventure

    Women-only trips. Midlife women who want to discover new and exciting places.

    Limited to 8 like-minded travellers.

    Create connections and wonderful new friendships as you share this trip together.

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doing life differently

in thailand

- the book -

Realising in her early fifties that she needed to do life differently for a while, Mel seizes the opportunity of a few months with no responsibilities in her happy place, Thailand. Among the sun-soaked streets of Phuket's Kata Beach, she discovers the joys of solo travel and embracing new experiences.

At its core, this book is a celebration of c ourage and curiosity, where each moment is infused with possibility and wonder, inspiring readers to step outside their comfort zones, live life to the full, accept the warmth of genuine human connections and create lifelong memories.

It's a reminder that travel has the power to awaken the senses and nourish the soul.

  • paperback

    Buy your book direct from Mel!

    (Australian Customers Only)

  • online retailers

  • podcast interview

    Lisa from Girl about the Globe has travelled to over 115 countries solo and is a total inspiration. Loads of fun chatting about all things solo travel in Thailand together!

  • podcast interview

    Prime Time with Bec Wislon is all about rethinking what retirement will look like for us going forward. We talk about the growing trend for people wanting to retire in Thailand and what me doing 'nothing' really looked like.

  • 10 tips

    I share my top 10 tips for women travelling solo in Phuket.

    Phuket 101 is the go-to website for making your Phuket visit unforgettable.

  • Wanderful

    What and absolute thrill it was to share my self-publishing journey with a group of fabulous women. To do this via a webinar on the best women's travel community - Wanderful at 4am in the morning made it unforgettable.

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meet mel, author & tour host

I never ever set out to write a book — but it turns out there was one quietly waiting inside me.

My relationship with Thailand began in 1989, when I travelled there as an exchange student and lived with a Thai family for twelve months. I learned the language, adapted to daily life, and, without realising it at the time, fell deeply in love with the people, the culture, and the rhythm of life.

That year changed me in ways I’m still discovering.

Since then, I’ve travelled back and forth between Australia and Thailand many times, weaving the country into my life rather than visiting it as a destination.

Thailand is my happy place — a place of belonging, familiarity, and calm.

My Thai friends often joke that I’m “80% Thai and 20% Australian,” and in many ways, it feels true.

In 2023, during a time of reflection, I felt a quiet pull to do life differently for a while. Once again, Thailand called me back — not as a tourist, but as somewhere I knew how to be. That experience became the heart of my book, Doing Life Differently in Thailand — a story about slowing down, choosing a different rhythm, and allowing life to unfold gently.

After I self published my book, something unexpected happened.

Women began contacting me, not just to talk about the book, but to ask a simple question: Could you share your Thailand with us?

Hosting my tours grew from that one question and my burning desire to share all that I love about the people, place and of course food!

In 2026 I will host small, women-only journeys in Southern Thailand that retrace meaningful elements of my own experience — not as a script, but as an invitation. These journeys are shaped by my lived experience, long-standing relationships, shared meals, and real connection with local Thai people. They’re relaxed, thoughtful, and designed for women who want to travel with curiosity, joy and have time to be themselves.

My tours aren't about ticking off highlights or transforming your life overnight.

They're about creating space — for connection, for reflection, and for experiencing Thailand in a way that feels welcoming, human, and real.

I invite you to come and explore what doing life differently might look like for you— even if only for a little while.

Mel x