The Journal
Adventures, Guides & Stories
Real guides from real trips — destination breakdowns, packing lists and honest stories from Barbados to Patagonia.
road-trips
The North Coast 500 and Isle of Skye: A Scotland Road Trip in a Defender
A road trip around Scotland's North Coast 500 and on to the Isle of Skye in a Defender with a rooftop tent — John o' Groats fish and chips, whisky distilleries, Smoo Cave, the Old Man of Storr and Dunvegan Castle.
trip-planning
North Island vs South Island: Which Should You Visit in New Zealand?
If you only have two weeks in New Zealand you probably cannot do both islands properly. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide which one deserves your time.
barbados
Where to Eat in Barbados: A Local's Guide
From Chefette roasted chicken sandwiches to Friday night at Oistins Fish Fry to fine dining on the west coast — where to actually eat in Barbados, from someone who lives here.
barbados
How to Stay Active on Your Barbados Holiday
Barbados has a well-earned reputation for beaches, rum and sunsets. What's less known is how genuinely easy it is to stay active here — hiking, swimming, running and water sports, most of it free.
road-trips
Driving to Torres del Paine — Everything You Need to Know
Most people take the bus to Torres del Paine. We drove — with a three year old, a grandmother and a boot full of camping gear — and the drive itself turned out to be part of the experience.
trip-planning
The Complete Patagonia Travel Guide
A complete route, season-by-season breakdown and practical planning guide for a 2 to 4 week trip through Patagonia's iconic stops.
packing-lists
The Complete Patagonia Packing List — What I Actually Carried with a Toddler
Packing for Patagonia means preparing for wind, cold and unpredictable weather while also packing for a three year old. Here's the exact list I carried across three weeks — Torres del Paine, El Chaltén and beyond.
packing-lists
West Highland Way Packing List — What I Actually Carried with a Toddler on My Back
The West Highland Way is 96 miles of Scottish highland trail from Milngavie to Fort William. Here's exactly what I carried hiking it with Freddy on my back — the gear, the mistakes, and what I'd change.
toddler-travel
Costa Rica with a Toddler — Pura Vida and Cloud Forests
Ten days in Costa Rica with a 20-month-old — cloud forests, a volcano hike, wild sloths and the Jeep Boat Jeep crossing of Lake Arenal, solo.
toddler-travel
Flying Long Haul with a Toddler — The Honest Guide
Three flights, one solo mum, one toddler, and everything I've actually learned about surviving long-haul travel without losing your mind.
adventures
Walking the West Highland Way with a Toddler: Day by Day
A realistic 14-day, day-by-day itinerary for walking the full 154km West Highland Way with a toddler on your back.
trip-planning
The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Guide — 12 Days Around the Ring Road and Westfjords
Iceland is one of those destinations people talk about for years before they go and can't stop talking about after. Here's how we drove 12 days around the full Ring Road, including the Westfjords.