1. How many countries have you visited?
Iceland was number 30 for me in September (2018). The more I travel, the more I learn of other places. This fuels my passion for exploring.
2. Most memorable country you have visited so far?
Guatemala, it was action packed! We hiked through the jungle, floated down rivers in tubes, played on rope swings, went cliff jumping and explored caves by candle light. The country is stunning, the people are kind, and we loved eating fresh guacamole at every opportunity.
3. What’s your favourite city?
Barcelona. I lived there for two years, so I really got to know the city well. It has so much to offer for everyone, from its culture, art and history, to it’s delicious restaurants, quirky bars, and famous night life. And to top it off, it’s a city with a beach on the Mediterranean. What’s not to love?!
4. How many languages do you speak?
Two, English and Spanish. I used to speak French pretty well growing up but unfortunately, I completely stopped speaking it when I was twelve. It’s true what they say, if you don’t use it, you lose it. I’d love to pick it up again though.
5. What Steps are you wearing on your El Camino?
I have divided the countries that I have visited between four different El Camino bracelets. There is one however that I never take off. This has the places that are especially meaningful to me.
It includes the following Steps:
Canada – This is where I was born and raised.
Spain - I spent the majority of my twenties exploring Spain, and it’s also where the idea of El Camino was born.
Meribel – This is where I did my first snow season and of course, met Tom.
Cornwall - The place I feel so privileged to call home.
Central America Region Step - I fall in love with every country I visit in that region.
Atlantic Ocean Step - The ocean that joins the two places I call home.
6. What is your favourite thing about traveling?
Meeting new people, experiencing different food and cultures, learning languages, finding new adventures, pushing my limits, I could go on forever.
7. What is your favourite travel memory?
It would have to be the time I travelled to Laax, Switzerland. I was living in Barcelona at the time and I remember really missing the snow. So I googled ‘best place to snowboard in Europe with hostel.’ Laax repeatedly showed up in the results.
At the time, I was working in a youth hostel on a fairly low wage. With a bit of saving, I was able to get there. I went alone and had the time of my life. The snow was amazing and I ended up making friends from all over the world. One I’m still very close with today. It’s my favourite memory because even though snowboarding in the Swiss Alps sounds like the most expensive thing in the world, I was able to do it on my own and on a budget.
8. Toughest moment? Toughest travel moment?
When returning from the Philippines back to the UK last year, I got food poisoning just before I reached the airport. I had four flights following that and it felt like the longest day of my life!
9. What can’t you travel without?
My El Camino of course! I feel naked without it.
10. What are your top five items to take on a trip?
Head torch - Always very useful. Made for moments rummaging through my backpack in the dark.
Water bottle - I’m always looking for water refills to avoid buying plastic bottles.
Coconut oil - It has so many uses so I never travel without it.
Camera - To capture all those amazing moments on my trip.
My laptop - El Camino allows me to work around the world so it comes everywhere with me.
11. What’s the best piece of travel advice you have received?
Go with the flow. And I completely agree, it’s how I’ll always travel. It’s nice not to have any plans sometimes and to just see what happens. It allows for freedom and flexibility. Also, there’s a lot of stuff you can’t control when travelling (like the weather or promises of 3 hour bus journeys that take 12), so I think it’s always better not to get stressed out and just go with it.
12. What is the worse?
Plan every detail of your trip.
Sure planning is necessary to some extent and it does ensure you don’t miss out on certain things such as staying in your favourite accommodation, or eating in a particular restaurant, but I feel that planning every aspect of your travels can be restricting.
Amazing opportunities often arise unplanned.
13. What country is top of your bucket list?
New Zealand. I love adventure and NZ has that written all over it. I’d love to jump in a campervan and tour around. Wild camping, hiking, canoeing, climbing, sky-diving, and whatever other activities I come across.