Since buying a one-way ticket and beginning my journey around the globe in 2014, I have backpacked and city-breaked my way through over 40 countries, seeking out inspiration by immersing myself in cultures, countries and experiences. Below you will find the places that have captivated me. For each one I have crafted a mix of detailed travel guides, intriguing stories, and beautiful photo journals that will hopefully inspire you to discover somewhere new.
Fringed by 160km of beautiful beaches and surrounded by turquoise waters, Mauritius is rightly famed for its resorts and powder-white sands. However, dig a little deeper and you will find that this island is brimming with fascinating cultural experiences.
Home to the swirling dunes of the Sahara, the dramatic Atlas Mountains, and a rugged Atlantic coastline, the vibrant North African country of Morocco lures visitors with its mix of Islamic architecture, bustling markets, and bustling, labyrinthine medinas.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities of Cape Town or Johannesburg, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, or getting up close and personal with wildlife in the country’s national parks, the rainbow nation of South Africa is Africa at its finest.
One of the world’s largest and most populous nations, India varies wildly in landscapes, cultures, and traditions. From the towering Himalayan peaks to the tropical south and everything in between, this is a country that is bound to beguile with its riot of colour and chaos.
Cradled by the Pacific and defined by dramatic mountain ranges, lush forests, and vibrant cities, Taiwan is a country that surprises and delights at every turn. From the buzzing night markets of Taipei to the serene mountain trails and hot springs, it offers a seamless blend of historical splendour and innovation.
Sri Lanka was once described by famed explored Marco Polo as the ‘finest island of its size in the world’. While this is undoubtedly true, he may also have been understating its appeal. from its golden south coast to its lush highlands, the Teardrop Isle may be one of the world’s finest of any size.
Although the futuristic, cosmopolitan cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract the majority of visitors to the UAE, this oil rich nation the size of Austria is much more than its major metropolises. Beyond the glamour of Dubai lies 6 more Emirates that vary in wealth and cultural allure.
Overcoming its recent, tumultuous past, Vietnam is now a mainstay on the South East Asia backpacking trail thanks to its spell-binding natural beauty, bustling cities, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Sitting on the sun-soaked edge of Central America with islands spilling out into the Caribbean Sea, a trip to Belize allows travellers to straddle the line between a laid back island escape and action-packed Latin American adventure.
Occupying an area of Central America blessed with verdant jungle, mountainous highlands, and majestic volcanoes, Guatemala is one of the region’s most diverse countries and one that captivates travellers thanks to its ancient culture spanning centuries.
Framed by the Alps, Austria blends grand imperial cities with spectacular natural beauty. Vienna’s palaces and coffeehouses, Salzburg’s musical charm, and alpine valleys of lakes and peaks make it a destination rich in culture, history and outdoor adventure.
You would think that being home to some of the finest beers in the world would be enough to draw anyone to Belgium, but alongside Trappist ales, this is a nation that offers Belgian chocolate, medieval cities, towering monasteries, and wonderfully crazy carnivals to name just a few reasons to visit.
Set at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus is a sun-drenched island steeped in myth, history, and striking natural beauty. From the ancient ruins of Kourion to the frescoed monasteries hidden in the Troodos Mountains, it’s a land where stories stretch back millennia.
In the heart of Central Europe, Czechia offers a captivating mix of fairy-tale charm, rich history, and pastoral beauty. While its capital, Prague, dazzles with Gothic spires and cobbled lanes, beyond the city lie forested highlands, limestone karsts, and rolling vineyards that stretch across the countryside.
From the café-lined streets and harbour baths of Copenhagen to windswept beaches, storybook towns and islands shaped by the sea, it’s a destination defined by both simplicity and sophistication. Nordic cuisine draws foodies & and the Danish concept of hygge makes even the smallest moments memorable.
From the glittering boulevards of Paris to sun-drenched vineyards and Mediterranean shores, France offers a rich tapestry of culture, history and landscapes. Medieval villages, alpine peaks and world-class cuisine make it a destination where timeless tradition meets modern flair.
When you think of Germany, there’s no doubt that beer, lederhosen and meaty cuisine are what come to mind. However, beyond the obvious stereotypes, this is a land steeped in culture and tradition, from the alpine peaks to the bustling, achingly hip cities with all the fairytale towns in between.
Bathed in sunlight and steeped in myth, Greece is a land where ancient history and vibrant modern life exist side by side. From the marble ruins of Athens to the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades and the rugged peaks of the mainland, its landscapes are as diverse as its cultural heritage.
With one of Europe’s most exciting and beguiling capital cities, Budapest, Hungary often feels a little overlooked compared to its Central European neighbours but this land of rich folklore, fairy tale spires and thermal spars is a must-visit on any Central European itinerary.
Once the centre of the Roman Empire and birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is packed with some of the world’s finest artworks, architecture and cuisine. There are more World Heritage Sites here than anywhere else on earth but even if you have no interest in history or culture, the flair and style of this nation is bound to draw you in.
Latvia is a quietly captivating Baltic nation. In Riga, Art Nouveau façades frame lively markets, cafés and creative neighbourhoods, while beyond the capital, dense forests, long sandy beaches and traditional villages reveal a quieter side to the country.
Since becoming independent from the Soviet Union in 1990, Lithuania has modernised rapidly, becoming one of the most exciting Baltic nations to visit. The capital, Vilnius, contrasts its charming cobblestone streets and baroque churches with a vibrant nightlife while elsewhere, the Baltic coast is a haven for hikers, cyclists and beach-goers.
Tucked between the rugged peaks of the Balkans and the waters of the Adriatic, Montenegro is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets; a country where wild beauty meets centuries of rich history. Medieval walled towns like Kotor and Budva cling to the coastline while the landscape shifts to emerald lakes, deep canyons, and dramatic mountain passes.
Dappled with gabled townhouses, picturesque windmills and crisscrossed by canals, the Netherlands is densely packed with wonderful towns and cities despite its diminutive dimensions. While Amsterdam is obviously the big draw, this is a country that packs a cultural and scenic punch within such a small area.
Following a turbulent 20th century, Poland has risen to become one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. Historical cities compete with stunning countryside and idyllic lakes for the attention of tourists, but it’s the nation’s tradition and history that are the real draw.
With culture-packed, pastel hued cities and a wild coast of beautiful beaches, Portugal has something for everyone.
Tucked in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia is a land of rugged mountains, medieval castles and timeless villages. From the jagged peaks of the High Tatras to the graceful spires of Bratislava, its riverside capital, the country balances outdoor adventure with rich cultural heritage.
When most people think of Spain, it may just be sangria, paella and tapas that come to mind, but beyond the resorts that are packed with British tourists, it is a hugely diverse, alluring and passionate country.
Switzerland is a land of soaring Alps, shimmering lakes and picture-perfect villages. From the cosmopolitan cities of Zurich and Geneva to the scenic trails of the Jungfrau and Matterhorn, it offers a blend of cultural sophistication and outdoor adventure that’s uniquely its own.
Marking the boundary between the east and the west, Turkey is an enthralling cultural mix of influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean to the Balkans and Central Asia.
Made up of not one country but four distinct nations – Scotland, Wales, England & Northern Ireland – each with their own history, traditions, and cultures, the United Kingdom is packed with stunning, rolling countryside and vibrant cities.
The twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda balance lively harbours and historic charm with untamed pink-sand beaches and rich wildlife. It's a Caribbean blend of culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
Seemingly stuck in a time warp of classic cars and dilapidated cities, the past century of war, trade embargoes and communism hasn’t been good to Cuba. However, look past your preconceptions and you will find a magical, colourful country that moves to the sound of salsa and dances to the beat of its own drum.
With its mix of fragrant spice markets, lush plantations, nature reserves and deserted tropical beaches, Grenada is easily one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic destinations.
The glistening Caribbean, world-renowned cuisine and Aztec remnants, the land that gave us Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is a mesmerising blend of Latin American splendour, Mesoamerican tradition and contemporary, cosmopolitan cities.
Even if you have never visited the USA, there is no doubt that you have a connection to it in one way or another; American media is beamed globally and come to dominate our cultural consciousness making cities like LA, New York, and Las Vegas almost as familiar to us as our home nations thanks to countless silver screen appearances.
Be prepared to be seduced by Argentina, a country where the passion for tango and football runs deep. The cosmopolitan capital Buenos Aires is brimming with cultural highlights but the real draws are the country’s incredible natural wonders.
Stretching from the rugged peaks of the Andes to the wilds of the Amazon basin via deserts, salt flats, and rousing cities, Bolivia is one of South America’s most adventure-packed destinations.
Tropical, white sand beaches, wild rainforests and vibrant, colourful cities make Brazil one of the world’s most captivating nations. It’s a football-loving country that moves to the beat of samba and isn’t short of natural wonders, from epic waterfalls and diverse wildlife to wonderous coral reefs.
Sandwiched between the peaks of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, the long, narrow nation of Chile stretches a vast distance, encompassing deserts, lakes, beaches and snowy Patagonian peaks.
With ancient sites that span over 5000 years, Peru’s history has been pulling in visitors and explorers for centuries, but beyond the iconic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the country offers wild beaches, verdant jungle and adventure in the high Peruvian Andes.