About me

Credibility snapshot

I’m not writing about travel from a distant memory. Over the last ten years, I’ve travelled to South Africa, Thailand, Iceland, Morocco, Norway, Sweden, England, Scotland, Croatia, France, Germany, Poland and Sardinia, with Indonesia next on the list.

I share honest, experience-based advice for people who want their adventures with realistic pacing, a bit more comfort, and none of the nonsense.

Who this is for

This blog is for you if you love travel, but want to do it in a way that involves less backpacker chaos and more comfort.

• You want adventure, but not the kind that leaves you needing a week to recover
• You like the idea of travelling independently, with a bit more comfort and a bit less chaos
• You’ve ever wondered, “Can I still do that?”
• You want honest travel stories, realistic itineraries, and practical tips from someone who has the worries and books anyway

This is me

Hi, I’m Alexandra Te Riele – travel enthusiast, storyteller, teacher. I’m also a camera-shy amateur photographer, which explains why there are far more pictures of volcanoes than of me.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best travel stories come from slow travel, embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the inevitable mishaps along the way. The strangest things make the best stories! To me, travel is about going at your own pace, laughing through the challenges and collecting memories – even if I question my own choices occasionally.

I usually travel with my husband, Marc, who’s my favourite travel companion and partner in adventure. Together we make the perfect travel duo: he’s fit, adventurous, and generally ready to jump behind the wheel for a long drive or a spontaneous detour. I’m the trip planner, the professional worrier and the one telling him where to drive next. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar cities, carrying the bags, or lending a helping hand when things get tricky, Marc is endlessly dependable. Travelling as a couple with him isn’t just easier – it’s genuinely better.

Our children, now young adults, are off exploring the world on their own travel adventures – sometimes making our own journeys look tame by comparison. Whenever they join us on a trip, they bring a fresh spark of joy, laughter and energy to our family travels.

This blog is for anyone who believes that curiosity doesn’t have an expiration date. It’s for travellers who want to explore the world – just maybe not at a sprint.

What you’ll find here:

Honest travel stories – the beautiful, the funny and the slightly embarrassing.
Practical tips for travellers who are a little less interested in sleeping on night buses.
Realistic advice about what is actually doable – because “easy hike” can mean very different things depending on who you ask.

Why I’m writing:

Because every trip comes with questions.

Can I actually climb that mountain? Is there a cable car somewhere? How steep is “steep”? Is sleeping in a treehouse in the middle of a game reserve a brilliant idea or an avoidable mistake? Will I regret skipping the spa for a sunrise trek? (Answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no.)

If you’ve ever searched for the practical questions that glossy travel brochures skip, this blog is for you. I’ll share the highs, the mishaps, the occasional “What was I thinking?” moment, and the honest reality behind unforgettable journeys. Because curiosity isn’t reserved for fearless travellers—it’s for anyone willing to step a little outside their comfort zone.

So, if you’re curious about the world but prefer your travel advice with a healthy dose of honesty, humour and reality, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore this big, beautiful world together – overthinking the difficult bits, laughing at the unexpected ones, and collecting stories worth telling.

Not sure where to start?

Whether you’re planning your next trip, looking for an unforgettable place to stay, or simply in the mood for a travel story that might save you from making the same mistake I did, you’re in the right place.

Destinations
Explore countries, road trips and adventures, with honest guides, practical tips and plenty of “I wish I’d known that sooner” moments.

Travel planning and tips
Everything that happens before you leave home—from itineraries and packing to budgeting, visas and the little details that make travelling easier.

Experiences and Stays
The places that made me laugh, gasp, worry, or never want to leave. Hotels, tours, unique experiences and the moments that turn a good trip into a memorable one.