Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Leaving Istanbul Sick & Exhausted 😷 | 4AM Flight, UK Return & Real Travel Struggles
After an unforgettable solo trip to Istanbul, Turkey, my journey back to the UK was pure chaos—complete with a 4:45 AM flight, airport struggles, and feeling seriously unwell. 😩✈️
With a 1 AM taxi to the airport while running a high fever and completely losing my voice, this was hands down one of the toughest travel days I've ever had. If you've ever had to travel while sick, you know the struggle is real.
Landing at London Gatwick, I then had a 4-hour wait before catching my non-refundable budget train to Pershore—talk about a rough ride! 😷💤 Thankfully, Michael met me at the station so I could finally get some proper rest and begin recovering.
A few days later, I rallied enough strength to meet up with Sinéad’s daughter for a chilled catch-up at the Station Pub in Kidderminster—a sweet end to an otherwise exhausting week.
In this honest vlog, I’m sharing the realities of solo travel, especially what it's like when things go wrong—because travel isn’t always picture-perfect!
✨ If you've had a similar experience, let me know in the comments. Misery loves company, right? 😂
SUPPORT 🥰
☕️ Buy me a coffee ☕️ - .buymeacoffee.com/sonjaking
👉🏻 Or simply Like 👍🏼 Comment & Share my videos.
Oh and don't forget to Subscribe
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#nanwithabackpack #solotravel #solofemaletravel
0:00 Arrival at Istanbul airport
1:23 Navigating airport departures
3:43 Returning to England
5:31 A day out in Kidderminster
Leaving Istanbul Sick & Exhausted 😷 | 4AM Flight, UK Return & Real Travel Struggles
After an unforgettable solo trip to Istanbul, Turkey, my journey back to the UK was pure chaos—complete with a 4:45 AM flight, airport struggles, and feeling seriously unwell. 😩✈️
With a 1 AM taxi to the airport while running a high fever and completely losing my voice, this was hands down one of the toughest travel days I've ever had. If you've ever had to travel while sick, you know the struggle is real.
Landing at London Gatwick, I then had a 4-hour wait before catching my non-refundable budget train to Pershore—talk about a rough ride! 😷💤 Thankfully, Michael met me at the station so I could finally get some proper rest and begin recovering.
A few days later, I rallied enough strength to meet up with Sinéad’s daughter for a chilled catch-up at the Station Pub in Kidderminster—a sweet end to an otherwise exhausting week.
In this honest vlog, I’m sharing the realities of solo travel, especially what it's like when things go wrong—because travel isn’t always picture-perfect!
✨ If you've had a similar experience, let me know in the comments. Misery loves company, right? 😂
SUPPORT 🥰
☕️ Buy me a coffee ☕️ - .buymeacoffee.com/sonjaking
👉🏻 Or simply Like 👍🏼 Comment & Share my videos.
Oh and don't forget to Subscribe
(it's only with your support that I can continue making videos, I really can't thank you enough 🥰)
youtube.com/@nanwithabackpack?sub_confirmation=1
I also have a monthly newsletter, you can sign up here..... subscribepage.io/OCcqA6
I use Surfshark to keep me me safe online if you use this link you will get one month free - surfshark.club/friend/yDBVfQYj
📸 Follow me on Instagram:
instagram.com/nanwithabackpack/?hl=en
Follow me on Facebook - facebook.com/nanwithabackpack
EMAIL for business enquiries only please
nanwithabackpack@gmail.com
#nanwithabackpack #solotravel #solofemaletravel
0:00 Arrival at Istanbul airport
1:23 Navigating airport departures
3:43 Returning to England
5:31 A day out in Kidderminster





![My Birthday Catch Up in Siem Reap Cambodia [School Volunteer]
My Birthday Catch Up in Siem Reap Cambodia [School Volunteer]
Well another birthday has arrived for Nan and this year Im in the beautiful Siem Reap Cambodia. So its time to reflect on things and share so updates with you. I have hook line and sinker fallen in love with Siem Reap, It really has taken me by surprise. i thought I would be here for a maximum of a week and here I am 6 weeks later! I volunteered in a local school the children were amazing (oh I miss my grandchildren) so clever so friendly and their smiles are contagious. I have also made some wonderful new friends and visited some stunning temples. I am definitely under Cambodias spell. I have decided that if I can I will head back for a longer visit soon.
Thank you for watching Im really looking forward to my birthday today.
SUPPORT 🥰
☕️ Buy me a coffee ☕️ - .https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sonjaking
👉🏻 Or simply Like 👍🏼 Comment & Share my videos.
Oh and dont forget to Subscribe
(its only with your support that I can continue making videos, I really cant thank you enough 🥰)
https://www.youtube.com/@nanwithabackpack?sub_confirmation=1
I use Surfshark to keep me me safe online if you use this link you will get one month free - https://surfshark.club/friend/yDBVfQYj
📸 Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nanwithabackpack/?hl=en
Contact 📇
If you have a questions about travel, you can message me on my facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565383745416
EMAIL for business enquiries only please
nanwithabackpack@gmail.com
#nanwithabackpack #solotravel #solofemaletravel #siemreap #cambodia #siemreapcambodia My Birthday Catch Up in Siem Reap Cambodia [School Volunteer]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v-8McfjjD8I/mqdefault.jpg)




