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Travels with Tracy: Tales from a Midlife Gap Year
A travel memoir, a love story, and an unforgettable second-chance adventure.
Across continents and middle age, Andrew and Tracy discover joy, humour and connection in places they never expected.
Warm, honest and quietly inspiring—perfect for fans of Bill Bryson.With successful careers behind them and a second chance at love ahead, Andrew and Tracy decide to pack up their lives and take a bold midlife gap year - one that soon becomes a two-year adventure across four continents.
From RV camping in the Australian outback to five-star hotels and open-top sports cars, their journey is full of contrasts, surprises and unforgettable characters. Andrew takes readers from Tokyo’s Shibuya crossing and earthquake tremors to the Louvre and the Paris Olympics, then on to the Amazon rainforest and the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
They cycle New Zealand’s breathtaking Alps 2 Ocean trail and cross the vast Nullarbor Desert while attempting the world’s longest golf course. Along the way, the trip becomes more than a it’s a chance to reflect on identity, joy, purpose - and what it truly means to live fully in the middle of your life.
Warm, witty and wonderfully human, Travels with Tracy invites you to laugh, dream and maybe even plan an adventure of your own.
Across continents and middle age, Andrew and Tracy discover joy, humour and connection in places they never expected.
Warm, honest and quietly inspiring—perfect for fans of Bill Bryson.With successful careers behind them and a second chance at love ahead, Andrew and Tracy decide to pack up their lives and take a bold midlife gap year - one that soon becomes a two-year adventure across four continents.
From RV camping in the Australian outback to five-star hotels and open-top sports cars, their journey is full of contrasts, surprises and unforgettable characters. Andrew takes readers from Tokyo’s Shibuya crossing and earthquake tremors to the Louvre and the Paris Olympics, then on to the Amazon rainforest and the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
They cycle New Zealand’s breathtaking Alps 2 Ocean trail and cross the vast Nullarbor Desert while attempting the world’s longest golf course. Along the way, the trip becomes more than a it’s a chance to reflect on identity, joy, purpose - and what it truly means to live fully in the middle of your life.
Warm, witty and wonderfully human, Travels with Tracy invites you to laugh, dream and maybe even plan an adventure of your own.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Pettifer
2 books2 followersAndrew Pettifer is a British–Australian writer whose work blends humour, heart, and reflection on the quirks of being human. His books explore the joys of travel, the bonds of community, and the lifelong rollercoaster of following Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
Born in London, Andrew spent 35 years as a chartered building services engineer, holding senior roles with global firms Arup and Mott MacDonald after relocating to Sydney in 2007. Alongside his career, he wrote widely for the engineering industry and developed a lasting fascination with leadership, storytelling, and what makes people tick.
In 2023, he retired to pursue his passions for travel, sport, and writing. Together with his wife Tracy, he embarked on a two-year midlife gap year that took them across five continents and every state in Australia — journeys that inspired his memoir Travels with Tales from a Midlife Gap Year.
His debut, When the Final Whistle Blows, is both a chronicle of Spurs’ 2024/25 season and a moving tribute to his friend Cameron Whyte, beloved leader of Sydney’s OzSpurs, written during Cameron’s final battle with cancer. Both books will be published by Hembury Books in 2025.
Through his writing, Andrew invites readers to embrace new adventures at any age, reflect on what gives life meaning, and laugh at the small absurdities along the way.
Born in London, Andrew spent 35 years as a chartered building services engineer, holding senior roles with global firms Arup and Mott MacDonald after relocating to Sydney in 2007. Alongside his career, he wrote widely for the engineering industry and developed a lasting fascination with leadership, storytelling, and what makes people tick.
In 2023, he retired to pursue his passions for travel, sport, and writing. Together with his wife Tracy, he embarked on a two-year midlife gap year that took them across five continents and every state in Australia — journeys that inspired his memoir Travels with Tales from a Midlife Gap Year.
His debut, When the Final Whistle Blows, is both a chronicle of Spurs’ 2024/25 season and a moving tribute to his friend Cameron Whyte, beloved leader of Sydney’s OzSpurs, written during Cameron’s final battle with cancer. Both books will be published by Hembury Books in 2025.
Through his writing, Andrew invites readers to embrace new adventures at any age, reflect on what gives life meaning, and laugh at the small absurdities along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 20, 2025
I do enjoy a travel memoir style book and this one was no exception. Andrew Pettifer and his partner Tracy Mellor embarked on a midlife gap year in May 2023 which resulted in a wider gap than originally planned. The book describes the countries they travelled to, the sporting venues they visited and the experiences they encountered - including stolen equipment and an earthquake!
From Japan, to the USA, Europe to South America I was interested to read about the countries I have been to and those I would like to. Andrew describes travel destinations as a drug, the hit of one country leading you to look for a bigger high next time. I can relate to that myself- the thrill of the people, the cultures, the food, the sights, the sounds. All so addictive! With plans for more travels I would love to read about their next adventures in a future book.
From Japan, to the USA, Europe to South America I was interested to read about the countries I have been to and those I would like to. Andrew describes travel destinations as a drug, the hit of one country leading you to look for a bigger high next time. I can relate to that myself- the thrill of the people, the cultures, the food, the sights, the sounds. All so addictive! With plans for more travels I would love to read about their next adventures in a future book.
December 7, 2025
Clever, witty, observational zingers and good fun. Both balm and encouragement for itchy feet!
September 10, 2025
I should admit right from the start - I am Tracy. Which means I’m perhaps the most biased reviewer of Travels with Tracy. But being on the inside of this book also gives me a perspective no one else has.
Andrew has managed to capture not just the places we went, but the spirit of travelling together: the humour, the misadventures, the quiet moments, and the big ones that stay with you forever. Reading it, I was taken straight back to cobbled streets, long car rides, unexpected conversations, and the joy (and occasional chaos!) of navigating the world as a couple.
What I love most is that it’s not a traditional travel guide. It’s a story about partnership, discovery, and making meaning out of the everyday experiences of being on the road. Even when he teases me - which he does often - it’s with a warmth that makes me smile and melts my heart.
If you’ve ever travelled with someone you love, or dreamed of doing so, you’ll find pieces of yourself in these pages. And if you haven’t, perhaps this book will inspire you to pack a bag and set off.
Biased or not, I can honestly say I’d recommend it.
- Tracy
Andrew has managed to capture not just the places we went, but the spirit of travelling together: the humour, the misadventures, the quiet moments, and the big ones that stay with you forever. Reading it, I was taken straight back to cobbled streets, long car rides, unexpected conversations, and the joy (and occasional chaos!) of navigating the world as a couple.
What I love most is that it’s not a traditional travel guide. It’s a story about partnership, discovery, and making meaning out of the everyday experiences of being on the road. Even when he teases me - which he does often - it’s with a warmth that makes me smile and melts my heart.
If you’ve ever travelled with someone you love, or dreamed of doing so, you’ll find pieces of yourself in these pages. And if you haven’t, perhaps this book will inspire you to pack a bag and set off.
Biased or not, I can honestly say I’d recommend it.
- Tracy
August 21, 2025
Travels with Tracy isn’t just a travel memoir, it’s a front-row ticket to adventure, self-discovery, and pure wanderlust. Andrew’s storytelling is witty, heartfelt, and packed with moments that make you laugh, think, and dream all at once. From Tokyo’s buzzing Shibuya crossing to the serene Galápagos Islands, he takes you on a two-year journey so vivid, you feel like you’re right there in the RV, sipping wine under the stars.
What I loved most is that this isn’t just about the places they visited, but the why behind the journey, the reflections on life, identity, and what really matters. Andrew and Tracy’s midlife gap year proves it’s never too late to pack up, take off, and rewrite your story.
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe one day…”, this book will make you say, “Why not today?” Highly, highly recommend!
What I loved most is that this isn’t just about the places they visited, but the why behind the journey, the reflections on life, identity, and what really matters. Andrew and Tracy’s midlife gap year proves it’s never too late to pack up, take off, and rewrite your story.
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe one day…”, this book will make you say, “Why not today?” Highly, highly recommend!
November 10, 2025
"𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚊𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚘𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍, 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢, 𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎, 𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚍."
I love nonfiction, especially travel writing — Bill Bryson is my absolute favorite, so when I first saw this magnificent cover, I just knew I had to read it! And I'm so glad I did!
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 were tales from a midlife gap year. From the moment Andrew fell in love with Tracy to how eleven years later they started to plan their gap year travels to see everything they wanted to experience, from the Galápagos islands to the Olympia at 2024.
It was a book filled with love, big smiles and a journey I will never forget. I absolutely loved the pictures included, they were so sweet!
I highly recommend reading this brilliant read to travel and sports lovers!
I love nonfiction, especially travel writing — Bill Bryson is my absolute favorite, so when I first saw this magnificent cover, I just knew I had to read it! And I'm so glad I did!
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 were tales from a midlife gap year. From the moment Andrew fell in love with Tracy to how eleven years later they started to plan their gap year travels to see everything they wanted to experience, from the Galápagos islands to the Olympia at 2024.
It was a book filled with love, big smiles and a journey I will never forget. I absolutely loved the pictures included, they were so sweet!
I highly recommend reading this brilliant read to travel and sports lovers!
October 3, 2025
what would you do with your beloved if money was no option? Andrew Pettifer's loving tribute to his amazing wife answers this question and more. He details with meticulous attention their whirlwind tour of the world, relishing each others' company and growing and experiencing along the way. It might seem like a fairytale but it is real life, and just goes to show what good things happen when you click on 'the one' on RSVP. Dreams do come true. Share theirs and be inspired to find your own 'Tracey' and plunge into a life worth living. A page-turning dream catcher of a travelogue love story.
January 2, 2026
Travels with Tracy is a warm, engaging memoir that beautifully blends travel, love, and self discovery. Andrew Pettiffer writes with humour and honesty, capturing both the thrill of global adventure and the deeper reflections that come with a second chance at love and life. From wild landscapes to iconic cities, each experience feels genuine and relatable. This is an inspiring, feel good read that reminds you it’s never too late to start living fully.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews