Window or aisle?

Always the window! Whether it’s watching the countryside roll by, a lightning storm far below out of a plane window or people watching in traffic, it’s so much more interesting.

 

Sunrise or midnight wander?

Midnight wander definitely. There’s something magical about feeling like you have a city to yourself and taking in the surroundings slowly without crowds of people. 

 

What’s your personal non-negotiable on a solo trip?

Packing light. I learnt that the hard way when navigating the many stairs in the Paris Metro while trying to carry a heavy suitcase and two shoulder bags!

 

A place that changed you either quickly or slowly?

Hamburg, Germany. It was my first trip to Europe as an exchange student when I was 16, which sparked my love of travel. It was my home base when I worked as a tour guide throughout Europe for several years, which helped me feel anchored when I was constantly on the move. It is the home of one of my oldest friends, my exchange student partner, who made me realise that distance is no obstacle to true friendship.

 

Where does apprehension sit for you when you travel? In the front or the back seat?

In the back seat. I’ve done some of the most out of my comfort zone things when travelling (hello paragliding in the Swiss Alps for this lady with a fear of heights! I only managed a quick glimpse out of my squeezed shut eyes but took plenty of photos so I could look afterwards, when safely on the ground.) I also think it’s really important to listen to your intuition. If something doesn’t feel safe, I change my route or location.

 

What’s underrated about travel?

Sitting on benches. A couple of years ago, I took a trip to southern Spain after an intense couple of years studying and working. I found such pleasure stopping throughout my day and just sitting on a bench, watching people go by and enjoying the surroundings. Remembering to stop and take in where you are, in between the busyness of trying to do and see everything in a location.

 

Train? Plane? Boat? Coach? Or Car?

Train. I love the anonymity of putting in my headphones, getting lost in the passing landscapes, wondering where other passengers are coming from or going to, and being able to step off the train right in a new city’s centre. Not to mention the architecture of some stations is a sight to see.

 

What does responsibility to a solo traveller mean to you?

It means ‘Welcome!’. Most of the women that join my small group tours are solo travellers, and it is so important to me that everyone feels welcome and comfortable to relax and really enjoy themselves.

 

If you could gift every solo traveller one thing, what would it be?

Time. Time to explore new places really deeply, to form connections, and to feel the culture by living it.

 

Finish this sentence: The world looks different when I walk through it alone because … I’m more observant. I notice different things, I start conversations with more people, and I sit and watch people passing by.