Emily Pippard

When I’m not at work or travelling, I’m… 

Planning my next trip! Or I’ll be outdoors making the most of Brighton life: hiking/ walking, enjoying the beach, trying new yoga or gym classes, at pub quizzes, or catching up with friends - often in London. 

What was your first great travel experience? 

My first real adventure was backpacking around Thailand in 2013. I still remember hopping into a tuk‑tuk in Bangkok and being hit with a sensory overload—the colours, the smells, the chaos—and I was hooked. On that trip I also had my first solo‑travel experience, when I extended to volunteer for a week at an elephant sanctuary that I adored. That trip set the tone for all my adventures since! 

What are your top three places in the world? 

Peru, Guatemala and the Maldives. Peru and Guatemala are top for similar reasons – I feel they both have a bit of everything. They both have unbelievable hikes. In Guatemala, I watched the sunrise over an erupting volcano, and in Peru, I hiked in snowfall to see the colours of Rainbow Mountain; both host impressive ancient archaeological sites like Machu Picchu and Tikal, and charming historic cities like Cusco and Antigua. The landscapes throughout both countries are so diverse, with high-altitude lakes, mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, and beaches. Add the wildlife, the indigenous people and culture - and they’re easy favourites. 

The Maldives I loved for its paradise beaches. White sand, clear blue water and the best diving I’ve ever experienced – on each dive I saw sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, turtles... it was unbelievable. I could have stayed forever. 

Which destination exceeded your expectations and why? 

Jordan. I had wanted to go for so long, but it still completely exceeded my expectations. From the Mars‑like desert landscapes of Wadi Rum to floating in the Dead Sea, it was just amazing. Of course, Petra was the highlight - seeing it in person (and so empty!) was very surreal. The people were so friendly, the food was delicious – all in all, a dream trip. 

What is the one essential item you always pack? 

A portable phone charger. I’m obsessed with taking photos, and without one, my battery doesn’t stand a chance! 

What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it? 

A hotel I would love to stay in is Misool in Indonesia. It’s a remote, untouched island sanctuary and conservation centre deep in Raja Ampat, a boat ride away from the nearest village. 

• It is set in one of the richest reef ecosystems on Earth and offers world class diving and snorkelling with extraordinary marine life right off your villa. 
• They have overwater huts and eco luxury villas, built sustainably from reclaimed wood, sat above a turquoise lagoon where you can watch the sunrise over jungle fringed beaches. 
• The resort actively supports local communities and protects the surrounding marine reserve. 

Which Travel Nation trip would you most like to take? 

I would absolutely love to visit the South Pacific Islands – and if I’m travelling all that way, might as well see a few! So this South Pacific island-hopping itinerary sounds perfect.

Later this year, I plan to visit Japan, and want to visit the exact locations featured in our Classic Japan itinerary.  

What is the greatest wildlife experience that you’ve ever had? 

Watching wildlife is often a highlight of my trips, and I’ve been lucky to have experienced some unforgettable moments. Some highlights include watching turtles lay their eggs in Borneo, witnessing the Great Migration between Kenya and Tanzania, listening to howler monkeys in the Amazon Rainforest, watching hundreds of fruit bats fly at once in Sri Lanka, kayaking alongside dolphins and penguins in South Africa. Each one felt like a David Attenborough documentary! 

What is your favourite national park and why? 

Komodo National Park in Indonesia is stunning. The scenery alone is incredible, with rugged islands, turquoise bays and some of the best snorkelling I’ve ever done - and of course, you can see the famous Komodo dragons up close! 

Where is your favourite beach and why? 

As a real beach lover, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some beaches around the world. I don’t have one single favourite, but some of the standouts have been in the Maldives, Philippines, Brazil, Tanzania (Zanzibar), South Africa (Cape Town) and plenty more. 

Which passport stamp makes you most proud? 

Turkmenistan – only because I nearly didn’t get in! 

If you had just 24 hours in a big city, which one would you choose? 

Either Buenos Aires (my old favourite) or Cape Town (my recent favourite). 

What do you miss most from home while you are away? 

Walkers’ salt and vinegar crisps - closely followed by marmite on toast. 

Why do you love to travel? 

I love how travel makes me feel alive. Even the simplest things - taking public transport or ordering food -suddenly become exciting. I love the sense of achievement that comes from merely getting yourself from A to B in an unfamiliar place, conquering a fear, ticking something off the bucket list, or even just meeting new people – it all comes with such a buzz. Because I often travel solo, I find the lows can be lower, but the highs can be higher, and the sense of freedom is like nothing else. The list is endless!