Backpacking Bella

28/10/2025

Purpose is becoming more important in travel.

In 2026, it’s about authentic experiences that reflect our values. This could be staying at a hotel with a story, bookish retreats or astrologically-aligned getaways.

So what’s your travel 'why'? My latest post shares 7 of the latest trends to inspire you.

Link is in the comments 👇

27/10/2025

I visited the beautiful city of Kyoto during an incredible three-week trip around Japan. Once the country's capital, it remains the capital of culture thanks to its many historic temples, shrines and geisha district.

I’ve put together this 2 day Kyoto itinerary based on my time there. It includes the famous bamboo forest, plus cool little bars and restaurants I discovered along the way.

Link in the comments 👇

16/10/2025

What the 'follow your dreams' influencers rarely admit is it's not that easy to make a big change in your life.

Often the main roadblock to our happiness is the messy stories we tell ourselves.

Read my article here:

I spent 18 months stuck between my dream and my fear

14/10/2025

Next chapter of my solo travel memoir!

A simple kindness terrified me more than being lonely

09/10/2025

Instead of jam-packed city breaks, people are seeking slower, gentler trips focused on restoration: mountain retreats, forest walks and seaside sanctuaries.

Natural landscapes, I’ve learned, are healing - in surprisingly specific ways (new post in the comments!).

27/09/2025

When you meet people, do you usually trust them or not?

This is the latest installment of my solo round-the-world travel memoir - about two beaches, one motorcycle and a question I couldn’t answer.

Find the link in the comments 👇

15/09/2025

Don’t date a girl who travels 💔

That's the title of a blog post that went viral 12 years ago, about a woman so fed up with 'normal life' that she left it all behind to explore the world.

Back then, I was travelling solo and could definitely relate 😅

So, are female backpackers really undateable? And can wanderlust and lasting love ever be compatible?

I explore this in my latest post - find the link in the comments!

15/09/2025

Here is the latest chapter from my solo travel memoir. It's February 2013 and I've just arrived at Palolem in Goa, where someone makes me an unexpected offer.

When someone made me an unexpected offer

22/07/2025

Belgium may be small, but it's packed with charm and history. I have lived here for ten years and I've explored this lovely little country in depth.

Here's my recommendation for the perfect 7 day Belgium itinerary that you can do entirely by train. It's great for first-time visitors.

Link is in the comments! Photo below is me a few years ago in a wintry Bruges.

07/07/2025

During my time in Bali, I found myself reflecting on the journey that brought me on this round-the-world trip: the break-up, the travel dreams and how I’d been standing in my own way.

Read it here:

The healing we seek can be found in unexpected places

03/07/2025

Latest chapter of my travel memoir!

I wake to a dramatic surprise on my first day in the ancient city of Hampi in India, and make an important discovery.

Read it here:

How destruction on day one led to my greatest discovery

01/07/2025

Who else is obsessed with Portugal? 🙋‍♀️

This is a photo of me in Lagos back in 2017 - the coastline there is absolutely stunning.

The Daily Telegraph has named Portugal Europe's greatest holiday destination and I totally get why! Unlike other popular countries, here you can still stumble across quiet beaches and cute cobbled lanes.

I've put together my ultimate 2-week itinerary for Portugal with every secret spot, perfect timing and dream accommodation I've discovered over the years.

Find the full guide in the first comment 👇