I joined Travel Nation in 2011 after returning from an epic trip across the Americas, including three months cycling across Canada and the last few months back on the bikes in South America. Returning to the UK, we wanted a change from the big-city living of London, so heading to Brighton on the coast was the best decision we have made. I previously worked for Trailfinders for 4.5 years, with over half the time in their Business Class Department. I have traveled widely and visited over 60 countries across five continents.
Upminster, Essex (end of the District Line in London).
I studied Economics and Geography at Sheffield University. I had a brilliant time, Sheffield is a great student city - fantastic nightlife and the Peak District right on the doorstep. I then studied at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London for a Masters in Development Studies.
4.5 years at Trailfinders, including 2.5 years as a First and Business Class Consultant.
I have worked in the travel industry since 2005. I've spent the majority of my time specialising in Business and First class travel so I have a wealth of experience and knowledge selling trips for leisure and corporate travel. I have travelled extensively to over 50 countries across six continents, giving me vast experience to suggest ideas and plan that once in a lifetime trip. I can advise the best options to suit your needs and allow you to enjoy that extra level of comfort and style.
Playing football, running, socialising down the pub or at friends houses. I'm always up for trying a new hobby.
Band - Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Team - Brighton and Hove Albion.
Cycling around the world with a tent and all the necessities to live, in four panniers.
Cycling the Columbia Icefield Parkway in the Rockies during a 3-month trans-Canada cycle expedition; trekking Torres Del Paine National park, Chile, with two friends in mid-winter including sections of knee-deep snow and without seeing another person for five days; trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal.
Laos - such an amazing, chilled out place. Very friendly people, beautiful scenery and great water sport opportunities on the rivers. I found it to be a completely different pace of life when you arrive from hugely populated China.
Headtorch, penknife, guidebook, trekking shoes, sunglasses.
It is questionable whether you can call it unpacking. It's more a chaotic emptying of bags and creating carnage within seconds.
Canada - fantastic scenery and activities, such friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere.
Travelling to Bolivia at 18 on a one-month expedition with a party from school. We helped build a kitchen for a school, trekked over 5,000m in the Andes, visited the Amazon jungle. It gave me a taste of adventure and led to a whole lot more.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives. For 5-star luxury on a beautiful island surrounded by a coral reef, you cannot beat it.
Tayrona National park, Colombia. It offers stunning beaches complete with Seychelles-esque boulders and it's surrounded by jungle.
A cancelled Chinese visa - a bureaucratic nightmare and no-one seems to know the actual requirements when visiting Tibet.
Pig's Brain soup in China - I would not recommend it.
Sydney - great place with lots to visit in the day including all the usual city highlights plus fantastic beaches and coastal walks followed by a great party atmosphere in the evening.
Halloween on Caye Caulker, Belize. The whole island - locals and tourists - all dressed up and hit the few bars there were.
Friends and family and home-cooked food during long trips away.