I always had a desire to travel from a young age, and while I didn't get to travel much as a kid, I was still lucky enough to visit some of the UK's favourite destinations, like France and Spain with my family. We would camp and I thought it was the biggest adventure ever!
After I left my small city of Derby and went to University in Sheffield, I started to meet people who had travelled further than France and Spain, and I became obsessed with the idea that I could actually explore this wonderful world of ours - if I worked really hard and saved, I could do it!
Whilst at Uni, I dipped my toes into travel with small trips to Europe, gearing me up for a big adventure I had not yet planned. Then, while working in a bar together, I met a friend who suddenly made that dream seem more realistic - she was moving to New Zealand and asked if I wanted to go with her. I was only 21, so my first thought was, 'New Zealand, where the hell is that?'
But I took a chance - I did all the research I could and planned to move there for a year. Five years later, I still hadn't come back home! I lived in New Zealand for 2 years, then Australia for another 2 years while travelling extensively throughout SE Asia and India in between, taking month stints exploring that part of the world. I certainly got that big adventure I'd been waiting for.
From South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Borneo, to living on a boat in the Philippines, exploring the caves in Vietnam and diving in Malaysia, I met some of the most interesting and inspiring people on my journey. I backpacked for months through India, travelling through remote parts of the northeast all the way down to the south, until I well and truly fell head over heels in love with the country. I have returned time and again, and I don't see myself stopping any time soon.
When I finally returned to the UK, the only job for me was in the travel industry. I took the risk (again) and moved to Manchester where there were more opportunities and luckily it worked out for me. I spent 3 years working in travel before Covid sadly hit and we all lost our jobs. I spent some time working in product design and management, but the desire to travel never left.
I eventually quit my job and headed for Kenya, where I did an art residency and spent six weeks volunteering and backpacking across the country. Working in the Masai Mara for 3 weeks at an NGO, we painted rainwater tanks through some of the most remote villages in the Mara. On the drive to and from work, we'd spot lions, and watch zebra and giraffes grazing - a truly unrivalled commute.
Once I got home, I found a job that I was really excited about and with luck on my side once again, I started working at Wild Frontiers a couple of months later. Now I can channel my passion for India and Southeast Asia into planning unforgettable trips for like-minded people - the adventure continues!
BEST TRAVEL MOMENTS
Q: Favourite city?
A: I really love Hanoi. An amazing city, it's got everything from rustic architecture, temples, amazing nightlife, and markets, and if you are a foodie, it has some of the best fresh street food in the world. It's just so easy to get stuck into. I also really love Busan - it's got amazing views of the beach from all over the city, cool hiking trails, nightlife and food.
Q: Favourite country?
A: India! There is no place like it. I think it's the only country I could go back to time and time again, and have a different experience every single time. There are not many places you can go that offer that. It's a land of captivating diversity and offers a multitude of reasons why people fall in love with this incredible country. From its rich cultural tapestry, historical landmarks and an array of culinary delights, India is a sensory feast. But what truly sets India apart is its warm hospitality - people will welcome you with open arms in every sense. In my opinion, it is the most interesting, welcoming and hospitable country on earth!
Q: Favourite meal?
A: I prefer a snack over a meal when I'm travelling because I usually want to try everything. But you can't go wrong with a good samosa - a real, proper good samosa. It's the perfect snack - I would have a plate of them and make it a meal. Samosa Chaat, also delicious!
Q: Most memorable journey?
A: I went to Kenya for 6 weeks at the start of 2023. We stayed in the Masai Mara for 3 weeks working with an NGO on their rainwater harvesting tank project, and we painted over 10 water tanks all around the Masai Mara, in the smallest most remote villages. It was an incredible experience; we met some amazing people on this trip who are doing really incredible things for their local community. It was also like being on safari every day, driving past Lions on their morning hunt and grazing Zebra and Giraffes.
Q: Favourite travel advice?
A: I won't travel without earplugs, I consider them as essential as my passport. But if noise doesn't bother you as much as it does me, my favourite travel advice would be to leave days where you have nothing planned, often those days end up being the most interesting! After all, "A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving".
Q: Next on the must-see list?
A: I'm currently planning a trip to Sri Lanka to see parts of the country I missed, mainly focusing on hikes and wildlife. Others on my list are The Galápagos Islands, Colombia and Bhutan.