Tales From The Road Ahead
For travellers with curious minds and overactive imaginations.
At some point on a muddy hill in Thailand, surrounded by twenty-something backpackers effortlessly bounding uphill while I concentrated mainly on staying upright, I found myself wondering what exactly I was doing there. Not because I didn’t want to be there. I did.
But I wasn’t the youngest, the fittest or the most adventurous person on that hill. I certainly wasn’t carefree. I was too busy worrying about slipping, falling and making a complete fool of myself.
Then I reached the top. It occurred to me that this wasn’t the first time I’d worried my way through an adventure. Somewhere along the way, I’d become a reluctant adventurer.
Welcome to Tales From The Road Ahead, a travel blog for travellers with curious minds and overactive imaginations. Here I share honest travel stories, practical advice and adventures from around the world through the eyes of someone who often wonders if she’ll cope, fit in or make it to the top, and who then goes anyway.
You’ll find glaciers, safaris, chaotic cities, group tours, comfortable adventures and the occasional questionable decision. You’ll also find plenty of pre-trip anxiety, because half the battle is often convincing myself the trip was a good idea in the first place. Come along and find out what happens when curiosity wins the argument.
Latest adventures
Lava View Lodge Bromo review: where’s the lava?
Lava View Lodge has one enormous advantage: Mount Bromo is right across the road. But what is it actually like to stay here before that infamous 3 a.m. start?
Can I really climb Mount Bromo? Apparently, yes.
Can I really climb Mount Bromo? At 57, with a 3 a.m. alarm, a volcano, a lot of stairs and a firm decision not to get on a horse, there was only one way to find out.
7 days in Java: ancient temples, hidden waterfalls & smoking volcanoes
Planning a trip to Java can feel slightly overwhelming. There are volcanoes, temples, waterfalls, cities, coffee plantations and approximately seventeen ways to get from A to B. This Java itinerary brings it all together into a route that balances big-ticket sights with some genuinely memorable adventures.
Bukit Lawang Ecolodge review: staying on the edge of the jungle
We stayed two nights at the Bukit Lawang Ecolodge on the edge of the rainforest. Here’s our honest review of the rooms, food, location, jungle access and the things you should know before booking.
Bukit Lawang jungle trek: what it’s really like – and why I loved it
Jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang was one of the highlights of our Sumatra adventure. Here’s what the trek was really like, from scrambling through the rainforest to tubing back down the river and discovering I was considerably fitter than I thought.
9-day Sumatra itinerary: jungle adventures, volcanoes & Lake Toba
Our 9-day Sumatra itinerary takes you from Medan to the jungle of Bukit Lawang, the volcanic highlands of Berastagi and the shores of Lake Toba, with orangutans, waterfalls, cycling, Batak culture and plenty of adventure along the way.
Can I really make it to the Madakaripura Waterfall, Java? River crossings, a motorcycle and ruined shoes
Madakaripura Waterfall is spectacular, but getting there is an adventure in itself. Here’s what to wear, what to expect and why I ended up sacrificing a pair of leather sandals to the river.
The best safari lodges in South Africa: find the one that fits your travel style
Discover the best safari lodges in South Africa, from luxury lodges to authentic tented camps and malaria-free reserves. Find the perfect safari for your travel style.
The Overthinker’s Scorecard: camel rides in the Moroccan Sahara
The Moroccan Sahara delivered unforgettable views. The camel delivered several unexpected sideways steps. My brain supplied the unnecessary disaster movie. Here’s my honest Overthinker’s Scorecard on one of Morocco’s most iconic experiences.
Not sure how fast you want to travel anymore?
A short quiz to help you plan trips that feel enjoyable, not exhausting.