Lamorna Ash is a British writer, and her award-winning book ‘Dark, Salt, Clear: Life in a Cornish fishing town’ documents her time spent in the Cornish town of Newlyn. We spoke about what it is to fully immerse yourself into a new environment, and what she took away with her, from her experiences at sea. 

Meaghan Hackinen is a Canadian writer, ultra-endurance cyclist, and adventure-seeker. Her first book, South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels has been nominated for two Canadian book awards.

Francesca Specter is the author of ‘Alonement - How To Be Alone and Absolutely Own It.' And the host of the Alonement podcast. In this episode we talk about the best ways to spend time alone. Francesca shares her own story on how she discovered the joys of solo time, and how to embrace it and cherish it, rather than fear it. We also talk about overcoming fears of being lonely when travelling solo and how to conquer those fears.

Writer and Photographer Suchitra Vijayan spent seven years travelling solo, across 9,000 miles along India's many borders, from Pakistan to Myanmar to Afghanistan. In this episode we discuss her journey and her new book, ‘Midnight’s Borders’ which is the first true people’s history of modern India containing over 40 stunning photographs taken by the author. Her stunning reportage and eye for detail bring regions and human stories to life, showing us how complicated, broken and beautiful...

Gem Bowles is a solo travel advocate and one of HolidayPirate's deal hunters. She has travelled to over 40 countries so far, mostly on her own. In this episode we talk about getting started in solo travel, how to have great, unique experiences and also some top unexpected tips on solo travel that can turn a good trip into a great one. We also discuss the importance of heading out on your own, rather than waiting around for the right moment or travel buddy to go with.

Preet Chandi is an army officer, nordic skier, ultra-marathon runner and an endurance athlete. She is also from a very ‘normal’ background. She is currently training for an expedition to Antarctica in November of this year, and aims to be the first Asian woman to complete the 700 mile hike to The South Pole, completely on her own and unsupported. She will be dragging 70kg of supplies with her. Preet shares her story of how it all started with a half marathon and a Google search!

Patti Lefkos is a Canadian freelance writer based in British Columbia. 
Aged 18, she visited Switzerland in her final year of High School but didn’t leave North America again until she retired aged 60, and began her career as an adventure travel writer. She published her first book ‘Nepal, one day at a time’ at the age of 73. In this episode we talk about off-grid volunteering, facing up to any fears around solo travel, and why it is never too late to start travelling.

Helen Ochyra travelled solo around Scotland for three months and recently released a book about her travels called ‘Scotland beyond the bagpipes.’ In this episode we talk about exploring Scotland’s mountains and lochs, venturing beyond the tourist trail, visiting the Outer Hebrides and what it is that makes Scotland such a magical and welcoming place.

My guest today is Jo McClintock. Jo is the Senior Director of Global Marketing and Brand at Skyscanner and she has the inside scoop on how travel might look in 2021. In this episode we talk about how we might start to travel again this year. How has the travel industry adapted to make us more confident when we make a booking? We also talk about which destinations may be welcoming us back first, and even how to beat the crowds before tourism really picks up again.

My special guest today is Rachel Khoo. We chat about travel, and how food can bring us together (because no matter where you are in the world, everyone has an opinion on food!). We also discuss the best way to learn a new language, moving to a new country on your own, and the best things about London, Paris and Rachel's current home, Stockholm. Plus her amazing new series on Discovery+ ‘Rachel Khoo’s Chocolate’.

British filmmaker Reza Pakravan shares his experiences of recording his new Amazon Prime series, ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Borders.’ Travelling 5000 miles, across eight African countries from Senegal to Somalia via the Sahel, a belt of land just below the Sahara Desert, and one of the most volatile parts of the world. We talk about everything from being arrested in Darfur, to the beauty of The Great Green Wall.

‘The Ultimate Travel List’ by Lonely Planet showcases the 500 most thrilling, memorable places on earth and the folks at Lonely Planet have ranked them in order of brilliance. This is the second edition of this book and has been updated with over 200 new entries, and is packed full of beautiful photography and travel tips. I’m also giving away a copy over on Instagram!

Nanjala Nyabola is a Kenyan writer and traveller. In her upcoming book Travelling While Black, she traces her experiences as a black woman travelling solo around the world. What does it feel like to move through a world designed to limit and exclude you? What are the joys and pains of holidays for people of colour? And why are guidebooks written only for white people?

Heeral Pattni is the founder of new solo female travel app, Amica. Set to launch soon, Amica gives women the opportunity to create unique friendships while travelling solo, based entirely on their mutual interests. It offers the best of both worlds when travelling solo; alone time, but also the chance to share amazing experiences with like minded women.

Kath Swinbourne is an Australian Outback adventurer, and in her words, a ‘woman of a certain age’. She spends 2-3 months camping solo in the outback, with her 4WD, satellite phone and some good quality coffee. She sleeps under the stars in a swag. In this episode we talk about the allure of the outback, safety tips, and why you should not wait around for anyone, or anything else to start your own adventures. Life is too short!

Candace Rardon writes sleeps stories for Calm app. We talk about how these travel stories can gently guide you into another world, and help you drift off. Candace is also a travel illustrator and has had her work published in National Geographic, The New York Times and BBC Travel. We also discuss how sketching can open up a whole other world when travelling.

In this episode I chat to Rosie Wilby. Comedian, author, and also the host of the super popular podcast, The Breakup Monologues. We talk about the theory of whether travel can really heal a broken heart, the importance of getting away from the everyday routine, and can solo travel even benefit a long term relationship?

In this episode I talk to Sophie Black. Sophie is a BBC Radio producer and a comedy writer. She also hosts the excellent parenting podcast ‘The Trap Door’. Today we discuss how solo travel can help you gain a fresh perspective, and why travel with and without kids is essential. This episode is brought to you by Craghoppers.

In this episode I talk to Liz Warner. Originally from Atlanta, Liz Warner now lives in Paris, and is currently taking on the challenge of running 30 marathons in 30 different countries before her 30th birthday (in June), raising money for various women-empowerment charities within each country. This episode is brought to you by Craghoppers.

This episode is a virtual hike through The Path of the Gods, on Italy’s beautiful Amalfi Coast. In this episode I will guide you through the mountainsides, and you can hear the sounds of mountain goats and their farmers, the quiet of the San Domenico convent, and the cold beer reward at the end of the hike, in Positano. This episode is brought to you by Craghoppers.

Lisa Francesca Nand is a travel journalist and broadcaster. She has previously presented travel features on Sky, and has also written numerous pieces for The Independent, The Telegraph, The Times and National Geographic Traveller. Lisa currently hosts one of the most popular (and addictive!) travel podcasts, The Big Travel Podcast, where she interviews fascinating guests such as John Simpson, India Hicks and Edith Bowman about their life in travel.

Efia Sulter is a solo travel writer who also focuses on mental health. Originally from Scotland, she currently lives in Melbourne. In this episode, we discuss the positive impact solo travel can have on your mental health and wellbeing. We both share an ongoing relationship with anxiety, so I was really keen to talk to her about this. We also talk about working visas, making new friends on the road, and that no matter how anxious you get before a trip, it’s always worth it.

Sophie Montagne describes herself as ‘athletically very average’. After taking a year out to travel, and craving more adventure, she joined the Army Reserve Regiment in London, where she heard about the ‘Ice Maiden’ voyage. The first all female team attempt to ski across the Antarctic continent, coast-to-coast and using muscle power alone. This is her incredible story of how anyone, even ‘normal’ people can achieve their dreams.

Mariellen Ward is a travel writer and blogger at BreatheDreamGo.com. In 2019, she received a national tourism award for best foreign travel writer and photographer from the ministry of tourism, from the Government of India. She was the first ever blogger to receive it. We talk about her love of India, advice for a first time visitor to India, and how to have an authentic Indian experience. And that million dollar question, what is it that makes India so magical?