“Travel is about more than just where you go, but who you become along the way.”
Welcome to Intermezzo Adventures
Hi, I’m Deborah, a lifelong creative spirit, classical musician, author, artist, and mother with a passion for solo travel. For much of my life, I’ve been immersed in the arts, performing as a musician in the orchestra pit for operas and ballets.
My love of travel, though, began much earlier, inspired by postcards from my father, who travelled extensively for work when I was a child.
Each postcard, adorned with colourful stamps and exotic images, offered a tiny glimpse into a world far beyond my suburban upbringing in Australia. His simple messages sparked big dreams of faraway places.
Being an avid reader, too, from a young age, I devoured travel and adventure books — particularly nonfiction — taking me, in my imagination, to exotic destinations and high adventure!
Those dreams stayed with me, even as life’s responsibilities took centre stage. Back then, “travel” often meant a family beach holiday a few hours from home. I was an adult before I took my first flight or ventured overseas.
But the dream of adventure never faded. It only grew stronger.
The Working Musician’s Travels
My career as a musician opened doors to travel opportunities I never imagined. Performing opera and ballet with orchestras took me to incredible destinations. But the life of a travelling musician is far from glamorous.
You see more concert halls and orchestra pits than the countries you’re in, and must always keep your focus sharp for when the curtain rises. Between performances, there’s the reality of long train rides, early flights, crowded terminals, and the minutiae of modern travel.
Still, those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of making the most of every opportunity — lessons that serve me well as a solo traveler today.
Travel Beyond the Orchestra
I’ve always savoured the freedom to design my own adventures. For me, travel isn’t just about crossing destinations off a bucket list; it’s about the connections, lessons, and stories that unfold along the way. I’ve learned that travel doesn’t have an expiration date. In fact, it only becomes more meaningful with time.
Now, at 70, each journey reminds me that life is a series of intermezzos — pauses where we step away from the familiar, rediscover ourselves, and return with fresh perspectives.
What Intermezzo Adventures Offers
We all need adventure in our lives. It energizes us, teaches patience and tolerance, and helps us grow. Dreaming about and planning a trip brings joy even before the journey begins. Through Intermezzo Adventures, I hope to inspire and empower you to embrace your own adventures, no matter your stage in life.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Travel Adventures: Personal stories from my journeys, past and present. Discover the memorable moments, serendipitous encounters, and little discoveries that make each DIY trip unique.
- Tips for Travellers: Practical advice for budget-conscious travelers, especially those navigating the second act of life. From safety tips to packing hacks, I’ll share what works (and what doesn’t) when travelling — solo or otherwise.
- Life Lessons Through Travel: Adventure is a mindset, not a destination. Explore how travel has enriched my life, taught me to embrace the unexpected, and deepened my connection with the world.
Why “Intermezzo” Adventures?
The name Intermezzo Adventures reflects my background as a musician, where the intermezzo plays a pivotal role. In music, an intermezzo is a lyrical pause between larger movements, offering a moment to breathe, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.
To me, travel is much the same. It’s a chance to step away from routines, embrace new experiences, and return with fresh energy and perspective.
This stage of life is often seen as a time to slow down, but I see it as the perfect opportunity to create your own intermezzos. Travel doesn’t have to be all-consuming. It can fit into your life like an interlude in a busy score. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a months-long journey, each adventure is a chance to pause, explore, and return with new insights.
Follow Your Dreams
Intermezzo Adventures is for every woman who has ever dreamed of travelling but wondered if it was the right time or the right path. It’s for those who believe, as I do, that life is too short to keep our passports tucked away in a drawer.
If you’re looking for honest reflections, practical travel tips, and true stories that celebrate the courage it takes to explore solo, or take your first trip away in many years, you’re in the right place.
So, grab a cup of tea or coffee (or a glass of wine), settle in, and let’s explore the world together. Because no matter your age, there’s always more to see, learn, and experience.
