The Unexpected Warthog Obsession That Took Over Our Safari

 Before going on safari, I imagined we’d spend the whole trip focused on lions, elephants, rhinos and all the iconic wildlife.

What I didn’t expect was for our entire group to become emotionally invested in finding the perfect warthog photo.

For almost the entire holiday, every time we spotted a warthog and tried to stop for pictures, it would instantly run away.

And honestly? They move FAST.

Our guide Noko found this absolutely hilarious and slowly became just as invested in the mission as we were.

By the final day, every sighting became: “There’s one!” Everyone grabbing cameras. Vehicle stopping. Warthog disappearing into the bushes.

Then finally, on our last proper safari drive, we got lucky.

A warthog stood still long enough for us to properly admire it, photograph it and celebrate like we’d achieved something monumental 😂

Safari has such a lovely way of reminding you that the little moments often become the most memorable.

Yes, seeing lions and elephants was incredible. But so was laughing uncontrollably over a stubborn warthog in the middle of South Africa.

And honestly, I think those are the moments that stay with you forever.

Why Safari Completely Changed How I Feel About Early Mornings

 Of all the shifts I work Early shifts are my least favourite! No matter how I try I always struggle to sleep before them.

At home, early mornings usually mean alarms, rushing around and trying to wake up enough to function.

On safari, early mornings felt completely different.

Despite the freezing temperatures and ridiculously early wake-up calls, there was something magical about heading out into the bush before sunrise.

The world felt quieter. The animals were more active. And everything seemed calmer somehow.

Wrapped in blankets holding hot drinks while watching the sunrise over the savannah quickly became one of my favourite parts of the entire trip.

Stick around if you want to know more about this amazing Safari Holiday. Oh and if you would like to book the same holiday message me.

Welcome to Amy Gould Travel: Life Beyond the Shift Pattern

 If you work shifts, you’ll probably understand the feeling of life constantly revolving around work schedules.

Early mornings. Night shifts. Weekends. Bank holidays. Trying to remember what day it even is after a run of shifts and surviving mostly on tea and determination.

And while I’m genuinely grateful for my job, I started to realise something important: I want more freedom.

That’s really what this blog is all about.

Not pretending life is perfect.

Not flashy online business promises or fake luxury lifestyles.

Just a real, honest space for shift workers and busy people who want a little bit more freedom, flexibility, travel, and breathing room in life to be able to see if my plan of starting this travel business is working for me. So you can see how it could work for you.

I created Amy Gould Travel because I know how exhausting shift work can sometimes feel. The constant changing routines, trying to fit life around a rota, missing events, relying on overtime, and feeling like your free time disappears into recovery days instead of actually living.

And somewhere along the way, I realised I didn’t want my whole life to be work and recovery.

I wanted more choice.

More quiet mornings with a cup of tea.

More spontaneous trips away.

More time for crafting, gardening, nature walks, and cosy evenings with my favourite people.

More freedom to actually enjoy life instead of constantly waiting for my next day off.

That’s what led me to start exploring ways to build a second income around my shifts through travel.

At first, I was sceptical. Honestly, very sceptical.

Like a lot of people, I’d seen so many online opportunities that felt overly hyped or unrealistic. I didn’t want anything that required me to “quit my job tomorrow” or sacrifice even more of my time and energy.

What attracted me to this travel business was how grounded and flexible it felt.

It’s something that can be built slowly, in small pockets of time, around real life. Before shifts. After work. On lunch breaks. From your phone while sitting on the sofa in comfy clothes after a long day.

And the biggest thing it gave me wasn’t just the possibility of extra income.

It gave me hope that life could eventually feel bigger than my rota.

So on this blog, you can expect a mixture of:

- honest shift-worker life conversations

- travel inspiration and dream destinations

- realistic insights into building a travel business around busy schedules

- cosy lifestyle content and everyday moments

- lessons I’m learning along the way

- encouragement for anyone who feels a bit stuck or burnt out

- and gentle reminders that small pockets of time really can create meaningful change over time.

I’m still very much on this journey myself, and I think that’s important to say.

I’m not pretending to have everything figured out. I’m learning as I go, balancing this around real shifts, real responsibilities, and real life. But maybe that’s exactly why this blog will feel relatable to other people doing the same.

Because sometimes what we need most isn’t another “expert.”

Sometimes we just need someone saying:

“Hey… I get it. And you’re not stuck.”

My hope is that this blog becomes a calm, encouraging little corner of the internet for shift workers who want more freedom without more burnout. A place where we can talk honestly about building a better future steadily, realistically, and without pressure.

So whether you’re here because you love travel, you’re curious about creating extra income around your shifts, or you simply want a reminder that life can become more flexible over time…

Welcome. I’m really glad you’re here.

Grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and follow along with me ✨