My Travel Inspirations

Presenting some of my favourite travel creators from across the globe and media spheres, which I would recommend you follow, read, watch and listen to!

There are plenty of awe-inspiring travel content creators out there, and this is by no means an exhaustive list. These just happen to be my favourite, picked for original ideas, and seriously inspirational content which motivates me to travel, discover and create myself!

Follow.

@vagabrothers

Brothers Alex and Marco Ayling introduce us to the world of travel with their casual-vibe yet super-informative vlogs, plus are regularly churning out practical advice, Instagram inspirations and reflections, and have even recently brought out a travel show on Hulu, 'Basic Vs. Baller'. Marko and Alex are well-informed but approachable: watching their Youtube channel feels like you're travelling with friends! Their curious outlook and broad-minded ethos is neatly summed up in their epic phrase "Stay curious and keep exploring!".

@lexielimitless

This girl is a literal record-breaker! Lexie Alford is currently the youngest person to have traveled to every single country in the world, scratching off her last country at the age of 21. Wow. The sheer diversity of the places she explores is out-of-this-world, and she does so with humility and openness. Follow her YouTube vlogs and Instagram for some serious wanderlust and practical travel advice and wisdom.

@alivelikethewind

Clé Hunnigan is a craftsman. The Insta, the vlogs, the travels, everything is meticulously crafted and his Insta is worth a follow just for the beautiful photographs and aesthetic. But over and beyond beautiful snapshots, Clé is a storyteller, and his stories tell of a deeper connection with individuals around the world, and of discovery and journey as a form of art. He is also the founder of the wind collective, a global travel community hosting monthly group travel experiences for, as they describe, 'the constantly curious, the daringly brave, who have a sense of wonder about the world and know life is too short not to explore it'.

@brunomaltor

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten any francophone readers! But seriously, whether you speak French or not, Bruno Maltor is definitely worthy of a follow and a subscribe. Insane photography, videos and written blog guides, reviews and Insta stories constantly updated with breath-taking vistas of thrilling new destinations. Plus, the baseball cap-sporting man himself is bubbly and bursting with enthusiasm. His motto, usually excitedly uttered at the end of an adventure-filled video, roughly translates to "And above all, above all, don't forget to travel!" I agree, good motto.

Read.

Bill Bryson

To be honest, I think any travel-literature enthusiast will know about Bryson, but I must stress there is a reason why this man is considered such a travel legend. Bryson doesn't just travel to places, he dives deep into a destination's quirks, culture, history. Bryson analyses places and offers a refreshingly sarcastic and witty voice on well-known countries, continents and regions, ranging from small-town America to the Australian outback. Bryson has seen and done it all, and even better, he can laugh about it all. A unique and wonderful literary genius, deservedly described by the Sunday Telegraph as "Suave, sarcastic and very funny...not your typical travel writer'. My favourite reads have been Made in America, Notes from a Big Country, and Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe.

Available on Amazon.

Paul-Edouard Prouvost

Perhaps less well-known than Bryson, and aimed towards my dear franchouillards, Paul-Edouard Prouvost is next on my reading recommendations. I recently read Prouvost's Le Vagabond de L'idéal, a sublime memoir of the author's travels and adventures across the globe, the flowing narrative often interrupted by profound reflections not just about places but about people, and purpose itself. The young French vagabond transports readers on a whirlwind of eclectic voyages, from a multi-month bike tour across South America, to icy ordeals in the Himalayas, to Singapore's shining business universe.

Available on Amazon.

Watch.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

This CNN Original series, starring acclaimed chef Anthony Bourdain, has won five Emmys, including four for Outstanding Informational Series or Special, and it's no wonder why. Introducing twelve seasons of gritty discovery, delectable local cuisine, inspiring individuals and exhilarating destinations. Join Bourdain, the down-to-earth and refreshingly cynical chef and presenter, as he ventures far and wide to parts unknown of the planet. I'm talking tucking into kebabs in post-civil war Libya, drowning in Quebecois maple syrup dishes, and cooking with world-famous chefs in France. This guy's mission is simple: to meet people and eat food, but this series goes far beyond that. Parts Unknown is a beautiful portrait of our planet, which may be far from perfect, but is utterly mesmerizing.

Available on Netflix.

Antoine de Maximy: J'irai dormir chez vous

Forget Napoleon, I would indubitably consider Maximy to be France's national hero. His six-season travel series, simply named "I am going to come and stay in your home", follows the open, kind, curious character that is Maximy, solo-travelling and always accompanied by his trusty hand-cams, as he ventures out all over the globe, with a simple and authentic mantra: to experience places through the locals' eyes, through the people who work, sleep and live in a village, city or country. Astoundingly, he sets out with no plans made or hotels booked, hoping to meet locals and stay at their abodes- and without giving away any spoilers, the results of this travel experiment are brilliant, and the encounters he makes, unforgettable. Get ready to accompany Antoine around the world, from Germany to Bolivia, Tahiti to Malta.

Available on Youtube.

Listen.

Podcast by Megan Hine: The Power of Adventure

Megan Hine, renowned adventurer and survival consultant (On shows such as Running Wild With Bear Grylls and Man Vs Wild) chats with other amazing and adventurous individuals, on a quest to delve deeper into what adventure means. She explores the life-transforming aspects of breaking barriers, setting challenges and being open to unexpected adventures and stepping out of one's comfort zone. One of my favourites to listen to whilst on bike rides, as I gaze into the distant horizon, dreaming of far-flung kayaking trips down jungle rapids, or desert treks and mountain ascensions.

Available on Spotify.

Podcast by World Nomads: The World Nomads Travel Podcast.

Global travel brand and insurance provider World Nomads have launched an exciting podcast, presented by enthusiastic and friendly Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester. A great mix of travel news, travel advice from experts in the field, interviews and destination inspiration, to suit all travel tastes!

Available on Spotify.

Ok, here we have it: my top travel inspirations! Please get in touch if you have any podcast, book, vlog or account recommendations which you think are worth a follow!

Thanks for reading!