Chongqing, China
Chongqing is a punch to the senses. It doesn’t build gradually or ease you in. It arrives all at once in light and heat and movement, a city that seems to hum from the ground up. Neon cuts through the haze, towers rise out of the mountains and everything feels heightened. The spice sits in the air as much as on the tongue. The warmth comes from both the people and the climate, which in summer is almost unrelenting. It is one of my favourite places on earth.
Shanghai, China
I spent months fretting ahead of our trip to China. In truth, I think it was because I had never been so excited about going anywhere in my life. That kind of anticipation has a way of turning on you; I became convinced that something would go wrong. The visa would be rejected, the flights cancelled, the rains would set in and undo it all. I almost wouldn’t let myself feel excited about what I knew felt like a dream.
Galway, Ireland
The four of us had 24 hours in Galway. It became a bit of a challenge, how much food and fun we could fit in before catching the last flight home. Waking up for work on the Monday afterwards was painful, but completely worth it.
Girona, Spain
An impulsive decision to book a girls’ trip to Girona, based entirely on one video we saw, turned out to be an excellent idea. We had no real plans beyond eating as much as possible and talking endlessly over cold white wine which, in hindsight, was exactly the right approach.
Warsaw and Krakow, Poland
I have a real affection for Poland. It feels, still, like an underrated destination. The food is generous and deeply rooted, the cities interesting and the history is both complex and impossible to ignore.
Tuscany, Italy
After a wonderful few days in Rome, we took the train down to Florence to begin our time in Tuscany. I’d always wanted to visit, and it really was as charming as I’d hoped. We checked into a beautiful apartment right in the centre and headed straight back out into the late afternoon light.
Rome, Italy
The first time I visited Rome, it was fleeting. Just a few hours carved out of a longer trip, a brief encounter that felt incomplete almost as soon as it began. Even then, it was clear the city required more time than I had given it. This time, we returned with intention. A few slow days to walk, to eat and to let the place reveal itself.
Seville, Spain
We took a short three day trip to Seville in April, mainly in search of some sun after a particularly bleak stretch of weather at home. It was my first time in Andalusia, and I immediately loved the warm and slow pace of the region.
Tainan, Taiwan
We decided to take a short trip to Tainan to see in the New Year. Travelling in Taiwan is effortless, and the high-speed rail carries you from Taipei to the south with a smooth efficiency. Within a couple of hours, the pace had shifted. Tainan feels older, slower and more grounded.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is a second home to us. It is my partner’s hometown, and through him I have come to know it not just as a visitor, but with a kind of familiarity that feels personal. It is a city I return to with real affection. Friendly, vibrant, and unique, it carries a warmth that extends beyond the climate. Taipei really is a very special place.
Algarve, Portugal
What drew us down to the Algarve from Lisbon was the coastline, particularly the sea caves and rock formations around Lagos.
Lisbon, Portugal
I return to Lisbon again and again, and I never feel finished. There is always another street, another view, another small moment that feels newly discovered. It is my favourite city in Europe, especially because it was the first place my partner and I travelled to together.
Naples, Italy
Naples is an intense place. It’s chaotic, a bit rough around the edges and, at times, overwhelming. But it’s also one of my favourite cities in the world. The energy, the food, the sense of life everywhere you look. It’s brilliant and, I think, hugely underrated.
Paris, France
After more than ten visits, I think I’ve finally worked out that I love Paris. The first few times I came, I didn’t feel that way at all. I was younger, travelling on a very tight budget, staying in not-great areas and had a couple of experiences that left a bad impression.
Porto, Portugal
I’ve visited Porto twice now, and loved it just as much both times. It’s a city that feels easy to settle into, beautiful without trying too hard, full of good food and genuinely welcoming.
Oma, London
A little birthday treat for my partner, we booked in for lunch at OMA. This was before it picked up its Michelin star, but even then it wasn’t easy to get a table which is always a good sign.
Casse-Croûte, London
Tucked halfway down Bermondsey Street, one of the best food streets in London, Casse-Croûte was the setting for my birthday meal. It’s a small, proper French bistro, with a menu that changes daily and is written up on a chalkboard.
Tamil Prince, London
I’ve been to The Tamil Prince a few times now, and it never misses. It was one of the first places we thought to take my partner’s family when they were visiting from China, which says a lot. It’s the kind of restaurant that feels special without being over the top, a desi gastropub with a really well put-together menu.
Barrafina, London
I have very good friends. The kind of friends who buy you a voucher for Barrafina and not a modest one either. Generous enough that my boyfriend and I could go all in and order exactly what we wanted, without that usual mental tally running in the background.
El Camino, Palma
We were in Palma to celebrate my best friend’s 40th and, knowing how much we all love Barrafina, she kindly booked El Camino (their sister restaurant) as a thank you for coming. A very generous move and very on brand for her.