It’s the last Monday in May on Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, and I’m standing on a frighteningly steep slope, ready to watch 25 daredevils hurl themselves down after a wheel of cheese. This is the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling. “One to be ready!” calls out the master of ceremonies at the top of the
How to Attend the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling Read More »
What makes a good destination for first-time solo female travelers? You want a destination that thrills you — but as a first-timer, you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. My first solo trip ever was to Buenos Aires, Argentina when I was 23 — and while I was already an experienced
14 Best Destinations for First-Time Solo Female Travelers Read More »
I have spent a LOT of time traveling alone in England, Scotland, and Wales. Much more than I originally intended. I went to Europe without a plan, ended up living for months at a time in two different cities in England, and used them as a base to explore the country. I never thought the
Solo Female Travel in England, Scotland, and Wales — A UK Guide Read More »
Wales is a bit of a peculiar destination. It doesn’t have the fame or glory of England or Scotland, but it’s brimming with just as many treasures. So many people want to visit Wales — but they’re not sure where to begin. Why is that? I think part of it is that Wales doesn’t have a signature
A Dreamy Trip to South Wales Read More »
The question I get more often than any other is, “So what’s your favorite place?” Truth? I understand why people ask me this question, but I hate this question. Most other travel bloggers hate it, too. It’s not just that we get asked it constantly, it’s that it’s impossible to boil down years of travel and
My Love Affair with Scotland Read More »
If you’re a longtime reader, you might remember my stint living in Chester, northwest England. Though Chester was a tough place to live as an outsider and especially an American, I loved exploring the region, a place that so many people overlook. There was city-hopping in Manchester and Liverpool, and discovering adorable pubs in random towns all over
Scenes from England’s Lake District Read More »
Having lived in and traveled extensively throughout the UK, I’ve gotten to know the country well and have been continuously discovering new places to visit. Some of them are still my most-wanted destinations: beach-hopping in Cornwall, hiking in St. Kilda, partying in Newcastle. One destination that I finally got to visit: the Cotswolds, a region in Gloucestershire,
Scenes from the Cotswolds Read More »
“Now, lean in and smell it, just like wine,” I instruct the girls before me. Vicky and Candice obey, each leaning into a small glass filled with an ounce of Whitley Neill gin at the bottom. “Now smell it with your mouth open. It’s just like tasting it! Rachelle taught me that on the trip.”
On Curiosity, Gin, and Cultivating Interests Read More »
My gin trip to the UK was one of the most interesting trips I have ever taken. I spent time with fascinating (and often off-the-wall) creative entrepreneurs, learning about how they ditched the 9-5 to make booze with their buddies. I visited stunning new regions of Britain and a few old favorites. And, of course,
The Most Glorious Spirit: A Week of Gin in the UK Read More »
Well, that’s certainly a way to end Sober September. I’m heading back to Europe for a few weeks this October, and I’m kicking things off with a boozy trip around Britain. Alongside Matt of LandLopers and Rachelle of The Travel Bite, I’m spending a week sampling the finest British gins throughout England. I adore gin. It’s
I’m Off to Britain to Sample the Gin Read More »