My passion for travel led me to leave my career in photography and instead dedicate my time to inspiring others to see the world. Nearly 18 years later, I’ve helped people explore the globe and indulged my curiosity for more unusual destinations. My travel experiences range from swanky African safaris to wild road trips up the USA’s west coast. There’s nothing like the peace of early mornings or the thrill of making unexpected discoveries off the beaten path.

Overland trips from Kathmandu to Istanbul, Mexico City to Panama City, Cape Town to Nairobi and crossing the Drake passage to the Antarctic Peninsula have given me never to be forgotten memories of some truly awe inspiring experiences.

I prefer more immersive cultural experiences. There’s something magical about connecting with locals in destinations that haven’t been overrun by tourists and giving back to the communities I visit. My dream trip? A twelve-month overland journey through Pakistan, the Middle East, and Northern India, complete with downtime to really live like a local. Give me places like Pakistan and Southern India for their unique cultures and real contrast.

One of my most memorable travel stories involves trying massive scorpions in Vietnam; against all my instincts, I put one of these crunchy critters in my mouth, which then led to a delightful bonding experience with locals over beers. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace new cultures, right?

If I could share a dream destination with a loved one, it would be the Galapagos Islands. I made a promise to my mum ten years ago that we’d go together, and it’s a promise I intend to keep. Oh, and while we’re at it, let’s get rid of Wi-Fi on planes. It disrupts the whole point of travel, which is to disconnect and truly immerse yourself in the journey.

Looking ahead, I think we’ll see a greater emphasis on sustainability in travel, with operators prioritising eco-friendly options and travellers aiming to minimise their environmental impact. Travel isn’t just about ticking places off a list; it’s about making meaningful connections and trying to make a positive impact wherever I go.

Places Linda has been…

Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czechia, Estonia, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Holy See (Vatican City), Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey (Turkiye), Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

It would be a dream come true to….

• Witness the Aurora Borealis
• Trek to the top of Angel Falls, Venezuela
• Visit the Polar Bears in the Arctic

I will never forget….

• Antarctica – Magical landscapes, unforgettable wildlife experiences and the incredible silence; no words can describe how truly special this continent is!
• Russia & The Baltics – Standing in Red Square, Moscow and wandering through the beautiful medieval cities of Tallinn & Riga.
• Georgia – Tasting the unique local wines of Georgia.
• Myanmar – Exploring the Temples of Bagan by bike.
• Uganda – Staring into the eyes of the Mountain Gorillas and the sound of the male’s chest beating.
• Uzbekistan – Being mesmerised by the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva.
• Turkey – Hot Air Ballooning over Cappadocia.
• New York – Getting lost in Central Park.
• Cambodia – Watching the sunrise over Angkor wat Temple.
• Buenos Aires – Shopping for treasures at San Telmo Market.
• Peru – The views over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
• Morocco – The mouth-watering smell of tagines cooking whilst walking the streets of Marrakesh

Off the beaten track highlights…

• The Silk Road – The People, Architecture and Deserts of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan
• Central America – Everything – ancient ruins, cultures, beaches, volcanos & jungles
• Cuba – Horseback riding through Tobacco plantations and meeting the local cigar makers

I was pleasantly surprised by…

• Cape Town – A fantastic city full of world class cafes and restaurants. Not to mention the breath taking backdrop of Table Mountain.
• Azerbaijan – The very cosmopolitan capital, Baku, blends UNESCO listed sights, skyscrapers and multicultural influences.
• Panama – The seven islands of the Bocas del Toro – one of the most biologically diverse places on earth!