Basic Training member Kailey Lockhart had been dreaming of traveling the world ever since she was a child.

“I feel like extended world travel has been ingrained in me for as long as I can remember. My parents used to say that when they asked me what I wanted to be when I get older, I would always say ‘I want to travel the world.’”

For three years she had been mentally planning for her round the world adventures, which finally began in December 2011. “Before I left, I looked into my heart and I asked myself what I really wanted from this trip. I didn't even ask myself why, I just wrote down some of the things that I felt were me.”

She also got some great financial advice from a very important person. “I listened to my mom when she said to get another job and save as much money as possible before going. I ended up coming here with a sufficient amount and I'm so happy I did. A lot of people can get by working for accommodation and eating noodles, but the whole part of my experience is being able to enjoy the things I want to do without worrying about money right away.”

We checked in with Kailey to see how she was adjusting to life on the road.

Traveling is just a dream. I keep wondering why it took me so long to leave! It's been so easy- even the ‘hard’ bits. It just seems so natural to go. The people you meet are incredible - so different and yet people from around the world can have so much in common with you, you wonder how you weren't related. I've been traveling alone and I think it's the best part about being away. I get to make all my own rules and choices. I sometimes get a little nostalgic when I leave a place I had been staying for awhile, but then I get to my next place, meet a new set of travelers, and forget I was even sad in the first place.

My friends all said I'd go to Australia and fall in love and they were all right! Surfing is truly my new passion, hobby, and obsession. I feel so empowered by the forces of nature when you're out in the ocean. It's unpredictable, thrilling, intensely scary, and relaxing all at once. It doesn't matter what you're thinking about before - the waves wash away all previous worries or anything you may have been feeling. I'm a terrible surfer, but I keep going out and getting beaten up all the time. Its something that I know when I get better it will be worth all the blood, sweat and tears. Literally!

I was on some tough waves a few weeks ago and I just wanted to go out for a bit. I caught some awesome waves and then called it a day. On my way in I tumbled with a wave and came up. The board snapped back on my head and I had to get three stitches in my forehead. It didn't hurt but I was still scared all the same. It healed up fine but I will have a scar - and a really cool story in a few years!

We asked Kailey how did Basic Training help in her preparation.

It was really a genius idea and I'm glad I got to participate as a student. It was really fitting and gave a lot of inside knowledge. For instance, people look at me like I'm crazy when I pull out these big ziplock bags with clothes in them. But they're always jealous when I don't have to continually stick dirty clothes with clean clothes and stuff things into my bag after. I'm not a naturally organized person but I stick to this easily and I'm grateful for it. Also having a headlight is key!

And Kailey’s advice?

I wish you all the best in making and finding your own pathway through this great world. The only thing I can say is that I promise it is a lot easier when you actually get out there. There are only so many books and testimonies you can read in the world before you just need to do it!

Kailey will continue her travels through Australia before moving onto Fiji, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and India.