My travel journey is a mix of incredible experiences, unforgettable moments and a love of exploring the world. From the Grand Canyon to climbing Mount Fuji, my adventures span continents and cultures, each trip leaving a lasting mark in my travel journal.
One of my most memorable experiences was seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. The sheer silence and greatness of it left me utterly speechless. Climbing Mount Fuji to catch a sunrise also stands out as an impressive moment—reaching the summit was nothing short of magical.
My culinary adventures are as bold as my travels. One of my most stand-out, albeit unpleasant, food experiences was trying a worm in Africa. Despite knowing it would taste as bad as it looked, I bravely took a bite, only to confirm my worst fears. Travel isn’t always smooth sailing. One of my most notable mishaps was getting deported from Belarus, a story I’ll recount with a mix of humour and caution!
I have a great appreciation for slow travel. If I could turn back the clock, and travel back in time, it would be to a time when journeys were made by train or ship, making travel a romantic adventure rather than a mere necessity.
One of my most epic journeys was travelling from Birmingham to Australia without flying. This ambitious trip involved crossing Europe, taking the Trans-Mongolian Railway, journeying through China and Southeast Asia by bus and local transport, and finally hopping on a cargo ship from Singapore to Australia. This adventure was driven by seeking something different and explore the world in a unique way.
For those who are anxious about travelling, I recommend taking it slow, having a reassuring companion, considering small group tours, and discussing what to expect in advance. This approach helps ease anxiety and makes the experience more enjoyable.
Given the chance to choose a travel companion for a long-haul flight, I would pick my mum. I would love the company and conversations we would share.
I hope my travel stories inspire a sense of adventure and encourage people to explore the world.
Places Janine has been…
Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burma, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyrus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Holy See (Vatican City), Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Laos, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey (Turkiye), Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
Fitting in like the locals
Hiring a motorbike in India, cruising from Kollam to Varkala Beach and stopping to eat a traditional Keralan fish dinner with a local family.
Top of My Bucket List
· Galapagos
· Iran
· Mexico
· the Hurtigruten
Favourite Places I’ve Travelled
· Kayaking in Antarctica
· Slovenia: Rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, waterfalls, boat trips and exploring cities, caves, castles, churches, traditional homes and the tiny coastline… wonderful!
· Outer Hebrides: If Scotland had good weather, they could be mistaken for a Pacific Island with crystal clear waters and white sand.
· Surfing in Taghazout, Morocco
· Kwazulu Natal: Anglo Zulu War Battlefields & Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Safari
· American National Parks, driving from LA to Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce, Zion and Vegas
Favourite places in Europe
· Germany! Especially the Rhineland, the Black Forest, Lake Constance, Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle
· Copenhagen and Malmo – Copenhagen famous for Hans Christian Anderson and cute, compact Malmo
· Italian rail trip from north to south covering the Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome, Anzio, Naples, the gorgeous Amalfi Coast and Pompeii. Great landscapes, food, and wine!
· Vienna – a city with unique charm and a vast array of cultural attractions.
Just back from…
· Visiting family in the Channel Islands and a music festival in Reims the champagne region of France
· Surf trip around Bali and Lombok
· 50th birthday in Rarotonga
· A week in beautiful Aitutaki, including completing their half marathon!
Some Favourite Holiday Experiences
· Cycling D-Day Landing Beaches, with my best friend in the rain for 3 days! From Cherbourg to Ouistreham we covered over 150 miles of moving experience and hilarious moments.
· Kite surfing on Lake Garda
· Cargo ship from Singapore to Australia!
· Greg Mortimer ship from Ushuaia to Antarctica.
· Weekend trip with my Mum to Paris (one of many)!
· Travelling around the islands of Bali and Lombok on a scooter with a surfboard.
Next Holiday Destination
Sabah in Malaysian Borneo in August 2024.
