Helping You Plan Realistic, Regret-Free Trips – Without the Hype

Planning a trip shouldn’t feel like a second job – but somehow you’ve got 14 tabs open, 3 conflicting itineraries, and no clue what’s actually worth doing.

I help independent travellers like you cut through the noise and make smart, low-stress travel decisions – so you can plan with confidence and skip the regret.

This blog isn’t about ticking off every sight. It’s about figuring out what matters for you, and giving you honest, experienced advice to back it up.

Hi! I’m Fiona

I’m Fiona – originally from London, usually traveling solo, and always trying to make travel planning easier for people like me: independent, curious, and a little tired of blog posts that try to sell every experience as “life-changing.”

I started traveling seriously after a year in New Zealand – six months living and working in Auckland (yes, in a prison office… long story), and another six road-tripping the country. Since then, I’ve returned multiple times and built an entire library of guides focused on what’s actually worth your time there.

Back home in the UK, I’ve explored everything from London’s big hitters to overlooked gems in York, Nottingham, and the Scottish Highlands.

I’m not trying to cover the whole world. I write about the places I know best – the UK, New Zealand, and the US – so I can give you practical, realistic advice rooted in personal experience.

What You’ll Find on This Blog

You’ll find some big guides here – yes, even the “50 things to do” type – because sometimes it helps to see all the options.

But what I really focus on is helping you make decisions. I don’t just give you a list – I help you figure out:

What’s actually worth your time
What’s skippable (even if it’s popular)
How long you really need in a place
And how to plan a trip that doesn’t leave you stressed or second-guessing everything

Whether you’re deciding how many days to spend in London, which New Zealand town makes the best base, or if something’s worth the money, I’m here to help you make confident, realistic choices – without adding to your browser tab chaos.

Want a shortcut?
Get my free travel planning resources:
A UK Culture Cheat Sheet to help you avoid awkward moments and tourist mistakes
A New Zealand Itinerary Template based on real road-tested routes

Where I’ve Been (And Why I Only Write About Places I Know)

I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot – mostly solo, often with a map in one hand and a coffee in the other.

But here’s the thing: I don’t write about everywhere I’ve been. I focus on the places I know inside-out, where I’ve lived, returned to, or travelled deeply.

That’s why this blog is focused on just three countries:

The UK – it’s my home country, and I’ve explored it extensively, from big hitters like London and Edinburgh to smaller gems like Nottingham and York.
New Zealand – I lived and worked in Auckland, then spent months road-tripping the North and South Islands. It’s the place I’ve returned to the most.
The US – I’ve road-tripped across the States, and while I only cover a few regions here, I focus on thoughtful planning guides based on my own experience.

If I haven’t spent time in a place, I don’t write about it. That’s how I keep things useful, honest, and judgment-based – not just pulled from press releases or keyword research.

Planning something soon? Start with my UK Travel Hub or New Zealand Guide – or just join the list for updates and planner freebies.

I’ve not just been to New Zealand, I’ve jumped out of a plane above it!

What’s Next (aka Future Travel Goals)

Even though I’ve travelled a lot, there’s still so much I want to explore — not to tick boxes, but to get to know new places the way I’ve gotten to know the UK and New Zealand.

A few goals on my radar:

See the Northern Lights
Experience cherry blossom season in Japan
Explore the Champagne region of France (slowly)
Visit the Galapagos Islands
Walk the Great Wall of China
Finally make it to Hawaii and complete my 50 states
Visit every continent at least once
And always… return to New Zealand. Again.

I won’t write about these places until I’ve been there. But they’re on the list — and I’ll bring back everything I learn when I do.