"I decided to go to Australia with my gym crush on our first date"

A woman planned to go to Australia for two weeks with a guy she met - just five days before.

Jessie Hallett, 28, had spotted Lloyd Rowlands, 33, in her gym and thought he was "handsome".

But the pair didn't properly meet until they got chatting while in the sauna on June 3, 2024, after their gym sessions.

Lloyd - who works in the gym - mentioned he was going to Australia two weeks later and Jessie mentioned she had been before and could share some tips with him after spending a year in Sydney aged 20.

The pair bumped into each other again two days later and went for a coffee and Lloyd asked if Jessie wanted to come along on his trip.

She jumped at the chance and the pair are set to fly on June 22, 2024, and travel around Australia for two weeks.

Jessie, a social media manager, from Cardiff, Wales, said: "I went into the sauna. I go to the gym every morning at 5am.

"I had spotted him before. I always thought 'he's very handsome'.

"He was talking about how he's booked to go to Australia for two weeks.

"I used to live there so I said 'if you're going to Sydney I can give you some recommendations'.

"We were giving each other the eye.

"Two days later I saw him behind the counter at the Starbucks at the gym.

"He bought me a coffee and followed me on Instagram. We started messaging and met up for coffee and dinner.

"I said 'I'm so jealous you're going on an Australia trip' and he said 'you come then'.

"I'm absolutely buzzing."

Jessie has been single for four years. She had struggled to find someone who fit into her lifestyle after going sober 19 months ago.

She said: "I'd not found someone to match my lifestyle.

"No one else wants someone who doesn't drink and gets up at stupid o'clock."

After the pair met at the sauna they kept bumping into each other and went on a date two days later.

There Lloyd asked Jessie to come with him to Australia and revealed he is also sober and an early riser.

Lloyd said: "I only booked the trip myself a few weeks ago. I planned to go alone and see some friends I know out there.

"I met Jessie and she mentioned she could recommend a few places. We went out the next day and it was a vibe.

"We have so much in common and I think life is too short and we only get one of this cherry - so why not."

Jessie said: "I'm the type of person that will drop everything and go.

"He's so nice. We're both a Leo.

"He doesn't feel like a complete stranger."

Jessie applied for her visa the next day and spent £1,400 booking flights the following day when it was approved.

The pair spent the weekend planning their itinerary.

They plan to spend three days in Sydney before going to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns before flying back via Sydney and Dubai.

Jessie said: "I have got no expectations. Even if I come back with a new mate it's amazing.

"We'll remember this for the rest of our lives.

"It will be a trip of a lifetime.

"We've booked a helicopter tour and skydiving.