Travel Tuesday with Little Miss Gem Travels

My first Travel Tuesday of March 2020 is Gemma from Little Miss Gem Travels. Gemma and I first met in Rotterdam at the Traverse 2018 Bloggers Conference. We also took a Wowtrip to Brussels with several other travel bloggers and have remained friends ever since.

So over to Gemma from Little Miss Gem Travels to answer my Travel Questions:

Q1 – When did you become a traveller?

In 2015 I took my first solo trip to Newfoundland in Canada and as I stood on top of a hill looking out at the Atlantic Ocean I knew I needed to see more of the world.

Q2 – What kind of traveller are you? Full-time? Part-time? Anytime?

I would describe myself as a part-time city breaker. I fit my travels around a full-time job, seeing the UK and the world one short trip at a time.

Q3 – Which country do you originally come from and where do you call home?

Oxford, England – born and bred.

Q4 – Is there anything you miss from home when you are travelling?

My cat

Q5 – What do you love most about travelling?

It’s taught me that I don’t need permission to live a life that makes me happy and to trust my own instincts.

Q6 – And what is your pet hate?

The dreaded single person supplement

Q7 – Tell us about your favourite trip or place to visit.

I went to Japan In November on a photography holiday, travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto. It was my first experience of group travel and I learnt so much whilst surrounded by a lovely group of people.

Q8 – How do you prepare for a trip, are you a last-minute packer or days in advance?

I probably love the planning and preparation stages as much as the trip Itself. I make a packing list weeks in advance and will even start packing a week before going.

Q9 – What 5 things do you always take on your travels?

Passport, camera, toothbrush, blanket scarf and dioralytes

Q10 – If money was no object, where would you live?

Canada. It has everything – metropolitan cities, coastal towns and Incredible wilderness and scenery.

Q11 – Tell us more about your blog channel?

It’s a blog about my day trips, weekend getaways, and longer trips to places that have fascinated and inspired me. All whilst discovering small, local and independently-run businesses, staying in family-run and quirky hotels and B&Bs, whilst looking for beautiful bookshops.

I also write about how travel has had an impact on my physical and mental health and how I’m making a conscious effort to just be happier and more positive at home, at work and in my travels.

Q12 – What three blogs inspire you?

Twins That Travel – Wonderfully inspiring travel posts alongside raw and honest accounts of dealing with anxiety.

Jessica Rose Williams – Her beautiful blog details life as an introvert as she focuses on living life as simply and slowly as possible, creating a wonderful sense of calm and minimalism in her stunning cottage in the Peak District.

World of Wanderlust – Brooke’s blog was the first one I ever read, and it still draws me in on a regular basis. She may travel in a much more luxurious way to myself, but her photos are stunning and constantly make me want to plan my next trip.

Q13 – And your go-to travel resource?

Lonely Planet guides for most destinations and probably Instagram for general inspiration.

Q14 – What advice would you give first-time bloggers?

Just write what you are passionate about. Be happy if other people read and enjoy your work but don’t start out with the sole intention of having millions of followers.

Q15 – Where are you off to next?

2020 will be the year of UK city breaks. I’m heading to Liverpool at the end of March.

Quick lowdown of Gemma’s favourite:

Favourite Airport? Gatwick South Terminal – Wondertree is the perfect place for breakfast before an early morning flight and Wagamama Is my go-to lunch/dinner spot.

Favourite Mode of Transportation? Planes – I have the ability to sleep on almost any flight regardless of the duration.

Window seat or aisle? Window. Always.

Favourite City? Budapest. It stole my heart and I would love to revisit.

Favourite Country? Canada. It’s so diverse and beautiful, plus the people are lovely.

Backpack or Case? Suitcase. Due to back issues, it is important for me to be comfortable during the whole journey and carrying half my body weight on my back just won’t help with that.

Travel Book? It’s not an actual travel book but Murder on the Orient Express has always made me want to journey through stunning landscapes on a beautiful mode of transport (without the death obviously)

Quote? “To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

Thank you, Gemma, xxx!

You can keep up with Gemma on: 

Facebook – Little Miss Gem Travels
Twitter – @LMGTravels
Instagram – @littlemissgemtravels
Pinterest – LMGTravels
and of course on her blog – Little Miss Gem Travels

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If you enjoyed this post, read some of the other Travel Tuesdays