Next Chapter Travel: More Bucket List Adventures: Australia to Europe by Sea, Greece, Türkiye & India by Rail

by Emma Scattergood

“Because life is short and we’ve still got places to see.”

Four years after their last global journey, and with cancer, recovery, and lockdowns finally behind them, Emma and Darryl board a cruise ship bound for Europe.

The route? From Australia to Greece via South Africa, Mauritius, Morocco, and more.

From there, it is trains and buses across ancient Greek landscapes, through Bulgaria and Türkiye, and deep into the heart of India. But this is no packaged tour.

There are bucket list sights, yes—but also sleepless nights, questionable coach drivers, lost passengers at borders, and the humbling realisation that Indian hawkers can outsmart you with QR codes.

There are rooftop breakfasts, muesli under the stars, and generous strangers who appear just when needed.

Told with honesty and humour, Next Chapter Travel is a story of resilience, curiosity, and connection — a reminder that life is short, and journeys are what shape us.

294 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Emma Scattergood is the author of the Bucket List Adventure Series and the voice behind darmatravels.com.

Transported overland from England to Australia via Afghanistan and India before her first birthday, travel has shaped her life ever since.

Her memoirs blend humour, honesty, and resilience as she writes about long-term adventures shared with her husband, life after his accident, and her own experience with stage 3 breast cancer in 2022.

Through her stories, Emma shows that curiosity and courage can carry you across the world — or through life’s toughest detours.

When not navigating foreign train stations or planning the next journey, she enjoys playing lawn bowls and embracing life’s unpredictable twists.

Reviews

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed reading Emma Scattergood's next book straight through, my first instinct was to go back to the beginning and read about the adventures again! There are so many amazing experiences and varied places along this journey, extended due to route changes necessitated prior to departure.
Descriptions of rainless cities, pre-BCE history going back thousands of years, and advanced knowledge shared between generations of seemingly disadvantaged cultures leave Emma and her husband stunned and in awe.
Emma researches the journey, and uses local guides to weave an exciting personalised tour of the best places at the best times of day. She also generously shares her approach with us.
In this excursion, Darryl's dry and wry sense of humour comes to the fore, leaving a lingering smile on my face as I ponder on "cooked" sandshoes, a menagerie of shopping purchases, and a last-minute dash to a couturier. He even gets the last word in!

[Nicci Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma again writes beautifully about what she sees in her travels of the world. She also passes on excellent tips with train travel, hotels, dining options, the benefits of hiring personal guides in some places and handy apps to get you out of trouble navigating public transport and gives good insight into the history, geography, religions and economies of the countries she travels to, from the ordinary and not so ordinary sites she visits along the way with her husband, Darryl. She truly shares her experiences with the reader and you are transported to those countries with her. This book is another very worth while and enjoyable read.

[Michelle Sheard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Book About Why We Should Travel — and How
Emma’s goal in writing her travel adventure books is to share and inspire, opening our eyes to the incredible places she and her husband Darryl explore. This book succeeds brilliantly. From the impact of climate change across different countries to the hidden stories behind landmarks like the Taj Mahal, it is both enlightening and engaging. Captivating from start to finish, it offers escape, insight, and inspiration in equal measure. If you are curious about the world, eager to know how to escape, or simply seeking an armchair adventure, this book is for you. ★★★★★ 

Michelle Sheard

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The writing is good. I was very interested in learning more about the places they traveled. I was amazed at the length and scope of the trip, especially in light of their challenges. I appreciated her transparency in sharing their limitations and also about the places they went. She told us the good and bad. I got the impression she felt even the things that were hard were worthwhile.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engrossing book. Not only a riveting read but a beautifully told real-life story.

An adventure that not only allows us to travel to many of the world's most beautiful countries and their landmarks but which also teaches us, the reader, a vast amount of information about each visit.

One could use this book as a travel guide, a lesson in cultural engagement, a vegetarian culinary discovery or, simply, a wonderful read to journey without ever leaving home.

I highly recommend Emma Scattergood's fourth book. A real page turner!

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌏 A beautifully told travel memoir that’s equal parts adventure, wisdom, and wit. Emma Scattergood takes us on an extraordinary journey through ancient cities and vibrant cultures, blending rich history with practical travel tips. Her transparency and warmth make every page feel personal, while Darryl’s dry humor adds delightful charm. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, this book is a gem—informative, heartfelt, and thoroughly enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bruce Tamanaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt memoir of courage and change. The author takes you along as she leaves her comfort zone to find a new path through travel.

From a quiet village in Greece to a train ride in Turkiye, she shows how small choices build big courage.

Her stories feel honest and real, almost like talking with a friend over coffee, more like encouragement from someone who’s been there.

If you’re thinking about your “next chapter,” this is an inspiring read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lindsay Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author does an excellent job at describing her travels! She goes into detail about the highs, lows, and in-betweens on her and her husband's cruise to various countries from their homeland in Australia. She also opens up about some of her cancer journey, as well as some things she can and can't do post treatment. I loved this book and would love to read more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Amazed by what I actually learnt from the authors journey. I have not read any of her other books but intend to do so now.