Hidden Gems
of Greece
Read moreTeaching novice monks English in Luang Prabang, Laos opened my eyes to a whole new world of culture and inspired a passion for travelling in Asia. This was in my early twenties and my first immersive foray into travel. I’d later go on to embark on a six-month backpacking trip across China, Japan and Southeast Asia, and thanks to this I’ve picked up a few neat tricks when it comes to planning bespoke holidays and adventurous getaways in eastern Asia.
In more recent years I’ve been on a cross-country trip across the States, a solo backpacking adventure through Eastern Europe, lived in Melbourne (Australia) for a year and revisited Asia several times…yet my passion for travel is as strong as ever!
Steve’s Favourite Places
China & SE Asia
I spent the first half of 2014 travelling across Japan, China & Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore). It was an absolute dream fulfilled and still inspires my travels today.
China struck a chord with me – the hair-raising hikes in particular stick in my memory including trekking to the top of Mount Huashan in Shaanxi Province and making it across the dreaded ‘plank walk of death’, as well as a two-day rural hike in southern China from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Japan
There’s something about Japan, its evocative culture, verdant nature and incredible cuisine that keeps me coming back. That, as well as my wife being Japanese. I’ve explored many parts over the years, but my highlights include summitting Mount Fuji and biking round the lakes and forests of Kawaguchiko.
When I travel with my wife I’m exposed to a much deeper level of immersion and authenticity – visiting amazing local restaurants, izakaya hangouts and rural hiking trips that just wouldn’t have been possible without her. Now I like to see myself as something of a tour guide and love to show family and friends a hidden and untouristy side to Honshu.
Greece
In early 2020, I enjoyed a slow travel trip through Europe, and really relished the freedom of taking time to explore each destination. Lake Bled in Slovenia is now one of my favourite European destinations.
One real highlight was hiking across the dramatic landscape of Meteora in Greece, visiting the orthodox Christian monasteries perching precariously atop the many steep rock formations and marvelling over their construction while enjoying sweeping vistas over the rocky landscapes.
Steve’s Travel Experiences
For me, hiking is definitely a way for me to explore and connect with a destination. I find the combination of the outdoors, fresh air, exercise and hopefully – incredible views to be the perfect tonic to modern life and I seek it out wherever I go. From off-radar pathways in China, lakeside routes around Slovenia’s Lake Bled to summitting Mount Fiji in Japan, I’m always looking for the next adventure.
