Emily’s Eyes Explore is an honest, sometimes funny, backpacking, travel and mental health lifestyle blog. I’m on a mission to show you the extreme highs and mental health lows that come from backpacking the world solo. Follow my adventures for backpacking advice, mental health tips, sarcastic jokes and the best travel destinations to visit.
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The ultimate guide to backpacking travel essentials for 2026
The list of all lists when you don’t know what to pack or where to start.
LATEST POSTS
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8 types of people you meet travelling
Today marks nearly three months since I began my travels through Central America. At the ripe age of 32, I said to myself maybe this would be the last time I’ll be in the position to travel; with some pocket money behind me, no monthly rent that breaks my bank, no mortgage – let’s be…
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What is my why? Why am I here?
It’s been a few months since I last wrote, but I figured this was the best time. First of all, hello from Guatemala. Yes Guatemala. I’ve been to a few countries since my last post, including Nicaragua and El Salvador. It’s gone fast, but it’s been great and I am glad I’ve done this trip…
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Travelling Costa Rica: Amazing highs; pockets of loneliness
A short diary entry to get me back into the habit of writing I think! The year is 2026 (oof can you believe it). I am currently sitting on a bus in Manuel Antonio, having fallen over in the street, so now I can add partially scraped knees and ruined feet, to the bumps and…
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How I’m feeling after the Bondi Massacre
* names have been removed, despite the fact I’d love to name and shame. Although this blog is largely dedicated to travel, I also write openly about mental health here – and it would feel deeply wrong not to acknowledge how I’m feeling as a Jewish person after the horrific terrorist attack at a Chanukah…
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Things that antidepressants have made me anxious about
Hello gang it’s been a while. Interestingly, it has happened. The eagle has landed. I have felt CALLED to write hooray. And about bloody time too, considering I’ve been paying for this damn website and haven’t written more than a word on it in months. Anyway, here’s the life update. I’ve got a Kenyan itinerary…
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5 ways to keep your mental health stable in a heavy world
The world feels heavy. It has done so for a while now. I’m not great with news, I hate politics and sometimes when both are combined, and hatred spills onto the streets, it feels hard to function. I’ve noticed that I’ve felt more connected to my family’s Persian history because of it; more accepting of…
Emily's Backpacking & Mental Health Adventures 