Discovering hidden gems, embracing slow travel, and exploring the world with curiosity, intention, and an open heart.
Travel, for me, isn't about ticking destinations off a bucket list or capturing the perfect Instagram shot. It's about immersing yourself in a place, connecting with its people, and allowing yourself to be transformed by the experience. It's about slowing down enough to notice the small details—the way morning light falls on ancient stone, the aroma of fresh bread from a local bakery, the rhythm of daily life in a new place.
After years of rushing through cities with packed itineraries and exhausting schedules, I've learned that the most memorable travel experiences come when you give yourself permission to wander without a plan, to get lost on purpose, and to spend an entire afternoon in a café simply watching the world go by.
Whether it's a weekend escape to the Cotswolds or a longer journey abroad, my approach to travel centers on quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and meaningful experiences over superficial sightseeing. This is slow travel—intentional, immersive, and infinitely more rewarding.
"The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask."
Stay longer in fewer places. Deep immersion beats surface-level tourism. Give yourself time to understand a place beyond its landmarks.
Seek out hidden gems and local favorites. The best experiences often happen in places that aren't in guidebooks.
Travel responsibly. Support local businesses, minimize your environmental impact, and respect the communities you visit.
After years of over-packing and lugging heavy suitcases, I've mastered the art of traveling light. The secret? A capsule travel wardrobe, versatile pieces, and learning what you can actually do without. Here's what I pack for a week-long trip:
Slow travel is a philosophy, not just a pace. It's about traveling with intention, staying longer in fewer places, and allowing yourself to truly experience a destination rather than simply seeing it. Here's how I practice slow travel:
Instead of cramming five cities into seven days, spend a full week in one place. Rent an apartment, shop at local markets, develop a routine. You'll see beyond the tourist façade and discover the real rhythm of a place.
Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity. Some of my best travel memories come from unplanned moments—stumbling upon a local festival, accepting an invitation to dinner, or simply spending an afternoon watching life unfold in a town square.
Slow travel naturally reduces your environmental impact. You take fewer flights, use less transportation, and create less waste. Support local businesses, respect local customs, and leave places better than you found them.
Choose places in residential areas with kitchen access. Apartments over hotels let you live like a local.
If you can't carry it comfortably for 15 minutes, you've packed too much. Bring half the clothes and twice the money.
Learn about local customs, dress codes, and etiquette before you arrive. Respect goes a long way.
Avoid restaurants with picture menus near tourist sites. Ask locals, look for full tables, embrace adventure.
The best way to discover a place is on foot. You'll find hidden gems, get exercise, and save money.
Hello, please, thank you, and excuse me in the local language show respect and open doors.
The best experiences often come from plans changing. Embrace detours, delays, and unexpected opportunities.
Take photos, but don't experience life through a screen. Be present first, document second.
Shop at independent stores, eat at family-run restaurants, book local guides. Your money makes a difference.
Avoid crowds, save money, and see destinations at their most authentic. Shoulder seasons are ideal.