From sleeping in a swag under the stars in outback Australia to sipping Champagne in an over-water bungalow in Tahiti, travel writing has taken me on an unforgettable journey.
I’ve abseiled underground in New Zealand, been shark calling in Papua New Guinea, swimming with elephants in Thailand and watched turtles nesting on the Great Barrier Reef.
Adventures have involved being scared witless on a mountain bike in Rotorua, paralysed with fear crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City and anxious of losing my dignity on the world’s fastest roller coaster in Abu Dhabi.
But I love my job as a professional travel writer.
From the pungent odour of a wet market on a hot day to the soothing infusion of jasmine in a health retreat, from the raucous hubbub of city traffic to the silence of the desert, from the heart-wrenching sight of a maimed beggar to the spontaneous smile of a stranger, and from the face-wrinkling taste of a fried insect to the caress of an elephant’s hide, travel sharpens awareness, arouses the senses and engages you with your surroundings. (Oh, I nearly forgot the gut-twisting pain of diarrhoea.)
Along the way I’ve been humbled by the generosity of those with so little – and sometimes ashamed by the action of those with so much. I’ve been inspired by people I can barely communicate with and forged friendships that have lasted a trip or a lifetime.
I’m privileged to travel so extensively and I’d be honoured if you’d like to join me via my blog. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, occasional traveller or just want to daydream from your armchair, I’d love to have you onboard.
Here I share travel tips, reviews, insights and observations, plus other titbits that don’t make it into my mainstream publishing. Please subscribe by email or RSS feed and follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Happy travels!