My Travel CV: I got robbed and got stuck at the airport for 3 days

Marine biologist Brinkley Davies has travelled the world but she’s never had holiday that wasn’t dedicated to surfing, wildlife or freediving.

Freediver and marine biologist Brinkley Davies travels to fuel her passion for all things ocean. This is her Travel CV:

My first holiday memory is...

On the Yorke Peninsula, spending all day surfing, camping, and sitting by the campfire with my brother and parents.

My holidays are mostly devoted to…

Surfing, seeing wildlife in the wild, and freediving. I’ve never been on a holiday that wasn’t focused on any of those three things. I have travelled a lot to volunteer and work in wildlife conservation, too.

I’ve been to a lot of countries...

I don’t have a list of all the countries I have been to, but it is too many to count now.I know that I have been to every continent. Last year, I finally ticked off Antarctica, which was incredible.

My favourite place in Australia is…

Autumn and spring time in West Oz and South Oz, waiting for waves on my board, or 10m underwater listening to the whales during whale season on the Ningaloo Reef, my home now.

Last year, I finally ticked off Antarctica, which was incredible. Picture: iStock.

My best thing I’ve eaten while travelling is…

All the tropical fruit in tropical places. Mangosteen is my favourite thing ever when in Indonesia, closely followed by fresh jackfruit in Hawaii.

The place that most surprised me was…

The Philippines – the water clarity was just insane for freediving, and the rock formations underwater blew my mind.

The place that didn’t live up to expectations was…

Any major city. I really don’t like cities and places where nature has been pushed out. I visited New York once and have never felt more uncomfortable, although the vegan food was elite. But after 48 hours, I was ready to get out.

The place that most surprised me was The Philippines. Picture: iStock.

The advice I’d give to young travellers is…

Be flexible. Know that things don’t always go to plan. And always travel with a friend, as it’s way more fun – and safer. Always make sure you or your parents have a copy of your passport in case it’s stolen (I’ve been there).

The sickest I have been on holiday was…

Food poisoning in Costa Rica from street food. I spent eight hours on a public bus back to the airport with my head out a tiny window, with no air conditioning, being sick. Second to that is in Fiji – a similar experience, only it was drinking the local water. Both were quite hellish times.

The worst thing that’s happened to me while travelling was…

Being robbed getting off the bus at the tail end of a trip in Costa Rica. My carry-on bag was taken from me while inside the airport gates on the airport bus. Since they had all my belongings, I slept on the floor in San Jose airport for three days. My luck came back around when a local lady brought my passport into the airport after her husband found it tossed on the roadside on his morning bike ride. I lived off chocolate-coated coffee beans for those three days.

The worst thing that’s happened to me while travelling was being robbed getting off the bus at the tail end of a trip in Costa Rica. Picture: iStock.

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in is...

An eco-tent off the ground in Makuleke concession at the top of South Africa. Elephants storm through the camp so often it wakes you up at night, and you fall asleep to a whole orchestra of birds, and sometimes hyenas cackling in the distance.

The travel tips I’d like to share are…

Go see the world in all its glory. Go off the beaten track, and know that there is no better time to travel than when you are young and free of responsibility. Travel deep into nature, where you feel engulfed by wilderness. Be ethical in your choices, and never support tourism trades that are cruel to wildlife or animals (or humans). Many third world countries exploit animals to make money, and by choosing to not support the bad ones, we lead the way with where tourism can go, so always use your money wisely.

Travel has taught me...

A lot. I’ve learnt too much to write down over my years of travel, but I think the most valuable thing it has taught me is perspective. I’ve gone home with new inspiration, new gratitude, and a broader understanding of the world, people, and the environment. Travel has taught me what I want and don’t want in this life. It has also taught me that love and friendship knows no boundaries sometimes, and exceeds all language barriers.

I once left my laptop in security racing for a flight between Chile and Argentina. Picture: iStock.

How many flights have you missed?

I once left my laptop in security racing for a flight between Chile and Argentina. I have never run so fast in my life back to get it, while the whole plane waited for me and my name was yelled over the loudspeakers. I made the flight, but geez it was close.

Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?

Surfboards broken, luggage and a passport stolen in Costa Rica. I’ve left my wallet in many airport toilet stalls by accident.

Who is your favourite travel  companion?

My partner, Chippa. We have travelled a lot together for surfing, diving and exploring. We always have so much fun together.

Flight, cruise, car or train?

Flying is the quickest way to get places but the environmental effect does play on my conscience. If I had to choose, I absolutely love being on the water so I would choose a big sailboat, because nothing beats waking up on the ocean.

Brinkley Davies has written a book, Saving Bunji (Affirm Press, $34.99), about her experience rescuing an orphaned kangaroo. brinkleydavies.com

Originally published as My Travel CV: I got robbed and got stuck at the airport for 3 days