I’m an independent traveller. Have been for over a decade, but that doesn’t mean I’m against organised tours. Although my personal preference is to go it alone, I think tours can offer an invaluable travel experience if done well and taken in the right circumstances. I’ve taken tours that have lasted hours, days and weeks. … Read more
I get asked on a regular basis where is the best place I’ve visited. It’s a hard question to answer because over the years I’ve fallen in love with so many destinations and all for different reasons. However, someone asked me a slightly different version of this travel question the other day: where is the … Read more
“Everybody who travels has had a breakup.” It was an observation from someone who happened to be happily ensconced in a healthy relationship. I smiled, about to deny it, but I knew she was pretty close to the truth. Besides college gap-year travellers, a significant number of the people I’ve meet on the road have … Read more
On 20th September 2010 I set off on an around the world trip that I thought would last a year. As my career break came to an end, I knew that I couldn’t go back – not because I’d done anything illegal (that I’d been caught for), but because wanderlust has taken root so deep … Read more
If you read my recent post 101 Ways Travel Changed Me, you’ll know that this month marks the third anniversary since I set off on an around the world trip that would change my life, career and home forever. And what a trip it was. However, every adventure has room for improvement, so, with the … Read more
Whether it’s your intention or not, there is no doubt that travel changes us. Whether it is in some profound, revelatory way or just a few additional skills to add to your life tool-belt. This month is the 3rd anniversary since I took off on my round the world trip that would ultimately change my … Read more
A couple of weekends ago I spent a day in London catching up with my old college room-mate, co-conspirator and long-term best friend. Of course, we see each other when we can but between her adorable children and my flighty nature, getting a full 24-hours together free of laptops and nappies is near impossible. So, … Read more
Beyond stupid in Naples yet strangely safe It was 3 a.m. and I was wandering the streets of Naples, lost, alone, under the influence of alcohol and with little choice but to check my location on my iPhone. I was breaking every rule on my travel safety list and a few besides. I was stupid … Read more
It’s an easy mistake to make, assuming that sleeping in all female dorms is a better idea than sharing with smelly boys when you travel, but after years of sharing rooms with both sexes, I’m firmly of the view that mixed-dorms are the much better option. Here’s why all female dorms are an all round … Read more
Is it safe for women to travel alone? As a girl who wanders the world by herself I get asked this question a lot. However, the subject has received even more attention in recent weeks following media coverage of the rape and death of a young woman in India, the tragic murder last month of … Read more