🌍 Culture. Curiosity. Connection.
Hi, I’m Em — solo traveller, history nerd, and the storyteller behind Em’s Globetrotting Gems.
I’ve visited 53 countries (and counting), exploring the world with a backpack and a big appetite for meaning. This blog is where I share the moments that moved me, the tips I wish I knew sooner, and the stories that stay with you long after the trip ends.
🧭 If you’re here for cultural insights, practical tips, and honest stories—you’re in the right place.
This travel blog is reader-supported. Some links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn a small commission if you book a tour, hotel, or buy something else through these links. It helps me keep this blog running and full of travel tips. Thanks for your support!
Why I Travel Solo
Solo travel started as a way to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Over time, it became my favourite way to see the world—with total freedom, more reflection, and space to connect with people and places on a deeper level.
I know solo travel can feel intimidating—especially if you’re not 22 anymore or backpacking straight out of uni. But I also know how empowering it can be to navigate a new city alone, plan a cross-country train route, or share a moment with a stranger who doesn’t speak your language.
That’s why I created Em’s Globetrotting Gems — not just to help you see the world, but to help you feel it. I want you to have those “wow” moments, those quiet reflections, those deep-in-your-gut this is why I travel realizations — whether you’re 23 or 53.
🎒 Thinking of going solo? Here’s why it might be the most rewarding thing you do.
✨ What You’ll Learn, Love, and Bookmark
| ✨ | Content Pillars |
|---|---|
| 🎯 | Solo travel tips to help you plan with confidence |
| 🌏 | Destination guides based on real experiences—not generic lists |
| 💡 | Cultural context & historical insights to deepen your journey |
| 📦 | Packing lists, practical planning & what to expect in each country |
| 🗺️ | Hidden gems & honest opinions—what’s worth it, what’s not |
Everything I write is rooted in real experience: the mistakes, the magic, the missed buses and the meaningful conversations.
From navigating public transport in the Balkans to finding hidden cafés in Hoi An or reflecting on the legacy of the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh—these are the stories and strategies I share, so you can feel more prepared and connected on your own journey.
A Bit More About Me
I studied history at university and still geek out over anything with a backstory. Whether it’s a centuries-old temple or a UNESCO-listed city, I’m always looking for the stories that shaped a place.
In Cambodia, for example, I visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields before heading to the temples of Angkor Wat—a heartbreaking contrast that stayed with me. These experiences are the heart of this blog: moments where history and travel meet.
When I’m not on the road, I’m probably reading a novel set in my next destination, trip-planning with too many tabs open, or editing blog posts from a café with decent WiFi.
Some Favourite Solo Travel Spots
| 🌍 Destination | 💬 Why I Loved It |
|---|---|
| George Town, Malaysia | A vibrant, welcoming city filled with street art, layered history, and perfect coffee spots. Always felt safe as a solo traveller. |
| Bath, England | Near my hometown! Rich in Roman and Regency history. Don’t miss the Jane Austen Museum—or the Mr Darcy Afternoon Tea. |
| Sumatra, Indonesia | Wild, warm, and wonderfully off-the-beaten-track. My guide covers orangutans, river tubing, and Lake Toba’s alpine calm. |
| Hoi An, Vietnam | Beautiful, bustling, and budget-friendly for solo travel. I’ve rounded up everything you need for a meaningful visit. |
| Gjirokaster, Albania | A peaceful stone town full of Ottoman charm, mountain views, and hidden history. Ideal for slow solo travel. |
| Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia | Lakeside calm meets centuries-old churches. Perfect for swimming, strolling, and slowing down – and watching the sun set over the lake. |
→ 🧳 Looking for more cultural gems? Browse my Destination Guides for must-visit spots.
Let’s Stay Connected
I love hearing from fellow travellers—especially if you’re planning your first solo trip or looking to travel more thoughtfully. Reach out via my Contact page, or follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for my latest cultural finds and travel stories.
Thanks for being here. I hope Em’s Globetrotting Gems inspires you to see the world with curiosity, compassion, and confidence.
That’s the journey—and I’d love to help you start yours.
💌 Culture. Curiosity. Connection.