DESTINATION GUIDES
Paradise Islands of Japan: Okinawa, Ishigaki & Miyakojima
Japan has way more to offer than just bustling cities, culture and incredible food. The country is made up of over 6,000 islands and is surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Whilst travelling and working on a cruise ship in 2017, one of our main routes was sailing to three islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. Okinawa, Miyakojima and Ishigaki are all in the Okinawa Prefecture.
A Guide to Visiting The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
On everyone’s bucket list - right? I studied Ancient Egypt in primary school and remember being completely obsessed with the subject. Pharaohs, Pyramids, Hieroglyphics, all of it. I was intrigued that artefacts and mummies are constantly being discovered and the Pyramids are still standing after 4,500 years.
A Guide to Visiting Iceland in a Camper Van
Iceland is a country that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. It’s not every day you’re surrounded by raw, natural beauty and dramatic, un-touched landscapes, that Iceland has. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll need multiple trips to cover the whole country.
Let me paint the perfect picture of our trip.
A Guide to Visiting Seychelles
Seychelles is famous for its beautiful beaches, iconic boulders, scuba diving spots, mountainous hikes, and plus the native Seychellois people are incredible cooks! The country is made up of 115 islands, located off the coast of Kenya in the Indian Ocean. Just think of The Maldives - but way more fun!
12 Best Places to Visit in Iceland
After what feels like a lifetime of wanting to travel to Iceland… I finally did it! And it was everything I could have imagined, AND MORE. Seriously though, there is no other place like it on the planet. Truly one of a kind. Waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, black sand beaches, volcanoes and of course cute Icelandic ponies. They don’t call it ‘the land of fire and ice’ for nothing.
Scuba Diving with Mirage Divers in Dahab, Egypt
I never thought in a million years I would ever scuba dive, let alone think my first experience would be in Egypt. We dived with Mirage Divers in Dahab, which are known for being one of the best diving companies in the country. Dahab is a small, laid-back, beach town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula and only an hours drive from Sharm el-Sheikh. It’s the perfect place to relax for a few days and to ‘get happy’.
10 Things I Didn’t Know Before Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of those trips which you can’t explain to anybody. Your own individual experience and journey will not be the same as anyone else’s. The feelings, emotions and the physical and mental torture that you have to put yourself through to get to the summit, will change the perspective of your entire life.
How to Get Your PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Certification
There are many reasons why I call myself a water baby. I learned to swim at age 4 and stayed with the same company until I was swimming competitively for them at aged 16. I then became a lifeguard where I actively worked in the position for 9 years, including countless jobs that took me all over the world, from Japan, China and the USA. In 2014 I then qualified to be a swim coach which is the main reason why I’m now based in the United Arab Emirates.
A Packing Guide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
A packing guide that will save your life - quite literally.
After six months of planning, researching, training and spending all my mula on equipment and hiking gear, I felt ready to take on the roof of Africa. I remember my mum dragging me around all the typical sports and outdoor shops. ‘Soph, you’ll need a warm jacket, walking boots, gloves, backpack…’ - the list felt endless. To be fair, I was taking on my first, solo hiking challenge and I had to be ready.
Kayaking Day Trip to The World Islands, Dubai
Ever heard of The World Islands? I hadn’t either until moving to Dubai. The World Islands is an archipelago of small artificial islands in the Arabian Gulf. Dubai is famous for its man-made islands and land reclamation. The most famous examples of this are the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, which are land extensions of the city connected to the mainland. This is where The World Islands are different. They’re located 4km off the coast of Dubai and the only way to get to them is by boat, helicopter or jet ski if you wish.
Staying in a Bubble Tent in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Have you ever wondered where the movies Martian, Transformers and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed? Wadi Rum is the answer - a Mars-like valley in southern Jordan. The whole landscape makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. The red sand, giant rocks and the crisp starry skies are the stuff of dreams. To get the full experience of Wadi Rum, you can stay at glamping sites tucked away in the extensive desert - managed by Bedouins.
A Weekend of Adventure in Wales
Wales is famously known for its rolling hills, beautiful beaches, adventure holidays… rain and sheep.
Growing up, we had numerous family summer holidays in the Brecon Beacons, Barmouth, Tywyn and Snowdonia. Which are some of the most beautiful places in the UK.
Jordan 4 Day Itinerary
I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know Jordan existed until a couple of years ago. But now it’s one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited! I spent 4 nights in Jordan with my partner at the end of November 2019, staying in a different place each night - The Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Petra and Amman. Our trip consisted of staying in a bubble tent in the middle of the desert, walking 25,000 steps around Petra, floating at the lowest point on earth covered in mud and staying in a 4000-year-old cave.
A Night in a 4000 Year Old Cave, in Petra Jordan
Are you wanting to visit Petra and not sure where to stay? Instead of booking one of the many over-priced hotels, why not add a little adventure to your trip. For only around £20 a night, I have the perfect solution for you! The Hakuna Matata Cave in Little Petra is a 15-minute drive away from Petra’s main entrance.
40 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Jordan
From the bustling city of Amman to the deep history of Petra. From the Mars-like desert of Wadi Rum to the lowest point on Earth at the Dead Sea. Jordan has so much to offer. There’s no glitz and glam here - just thousands of years of natural gems that speak for themselves. I was introduced to Jordan at quite a late stage and I before I knew it, I was booking flights and accommodation. I am normally a huge travel planner, sometimes years in advance, in this case I didn’t have time to build expectations. And I’m glad I didn’t.