The Empowered Traveller

17/03/2026

My recent trip to Madeira to explore and, in particular, visit the accessible Caminho Para Todos (Pathway for Everyone).
Despite being mountainous Madeira is surprisingly accessible.



Is Madeira truly an accessible paradise? I tackled its famous trails to find out

The Levada do Caldeirao is described as the Caminho Para Todos, translated as the ‘Way for All’ – Matt Dennis put this claim to the test

20/02/2026

Would you book a family holiday if you knew one of your children would be excluded from activities when you got there?
Most people wouldn't. And yet that's exactly what happens to millions of families every year because of a lack of accessible provision in travel.

I've written about this, drawing on my own experience and the findings of Responsible Travel's Accessible Holidays Survey — and the results might surprise you.

The barriers are smaller than you think. And the opportunity is much bigger.

Have a read and let me know your thoughts 💙
click 👇have a read of the full article:
https://theempoweredtraveller.substack.com/p/the-travel-gap-why-accessible-tourism?r=3r8k9v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

17/02/2026

Two Belgian cities that completely won me over while writing for Low Season Traveller.
Mechelen surprised me in the best way, a city that feels genuinely lived-in rather than curated for tourists, with a skyline dominated by the magnificent St. Rumbold's Cathedral and a cool café culture, and Leuven had an energy all its own, youthful and buzzing thanks to its ancient university, yet full of history at every corner.

It's a privilege to contribute to Low Season Traveller® — a magazine that encourages people to explore beyond the peak season rush and discover destinations at their most authentic. Exactly the kind of travel writing I love doing.

Dive in here 👉 https://www.flipsnack.com/BBA57F88B7A/low-season-traveller-issue-14/full-view.html

Thanks to Visit Leuven, Visit Mechelen and Toerisme Vlaanderen - VISITFLANDERS

06/02/2026

Looking for your next long weekend getaway? ✈️☀️

I just spent four days exploring Madeira, and it’s safe to say I’m hooked. Between the sub-tropical climate (even in November!), the incredible seafood, and the 3,000 km of hiking trails, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Highlights of the trip:
✅ Walking the glass-floored skywalk at Cabo Girão.
✅ Tasting traditional "espetada" beef skewers.
✅ Exploring the "Valley of the Nuns."

If you’re planning a trip, I’ve put together a day-by-day itinerary with my top tips on driving the island's famous tunnels and finding the best local wine. 🍷

How to spend a long weekend in Madeira from wine tasting, cultural activities & hiking levada trails to the many festivals, fine dining & Funchal food tour

03/02/2026

I loved reminiscing about my first paid commission in this month's Talk Travel Writing newsletter. The actual final article for The I newspaper was published just over a year ago, and so much has happened since then.

Thanks, Lottie Gross and Steph Dyson, and I look forward to reading others' stories over the coming months.

This month, we're asking other freelance writers to divulge how they got their commissions and trips

02/02/2026

Deep in Karnataka🇮🇳 the trees outside of our we heavy with Fruit Bats otherwise known as Flying Foxes or, brilliantly, Megabats! 🦇🦇

They are big with wingspans up to 1.5m. Fortunately fans of fruit 🍇 not blood 🩸

life

23/01/2026

I’ve just uploaded a short video from my stay at Zedwell Capsule Hotel, one of London’s most unusual places to sleep — hidden beneath Piccadilly Circus itself.

Think minimalist capsule rooms, total quiet of London, and one of the most central hotel locations in the city. But is it actually worth it? 🤔

👉 Watch the video below

Would you stay in a capsule hotel in the heart of London — or is this your worst nightmare? Let me know in the comments 👇

I stayed at Zedwell Capsule Hotel in Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most talked-about capsule hotels — located directly beneath Piccadilly Circus station...

19/01/2026

Writing for BBC and published in the run up to yesterday's chaotic AFCON2025 final between the hosts Morocco 🇲🇦 and 2021 champions Senegal 🇸🇳

Great to get to talk about accessiblity at sports events.

16/01/2026

Wondering around the streets of Rabat, it's striking the amount of street art and the size of some of these murals. I've seen plenty more from tram and bis windows.

Just incredible....Express Yourself! ❤️

14/01/2026

Nearly kick off!!! What a stadium! What a noise!! What a country!!