About

I’m Emma – aka Sparky – and this blog is where I share my travel experiences, destination advice and accommodation and restaurant reviews. I work as an editor in the travel industry so I’m not on the road full-time… I do however get away as often as possible, be it for a weekend break in Europe or a three-week trip to Asia.

My travels

I caught the travel bug at the age of 14, when my family emigrated from Wales to New Zealand. My time in the Land of the Long White Cloud changed my life forever, opening my eyes to the fact that there was a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. We moved back to the UK just 12 months later, but it wouldn’t be long before I was packing my bags and heading overseas again to explore our lovely planet.

I studied French and English at university and spent a year teaching English in Paris. After my studies I saved up and embarked on a solo round-the-world trip for four months. Upon my return I was lucky enough to land a writing gig at a travel start up, which led to an editorial role at *whisper it* Lonely Planet. I’m a lucky gal, and I know it.

I’ve tried paragliding in Colorado (loved it), sea kayaking in Sweden (fun but knackering) and scuba diving in Koh Tao (not for me). I’ve hitchhiked in Hawaii and experienced five-star luxury in the Maldives. I’ve eaten snails in Sicily, sipped kava in Fiji and caught the worst kind of travel bug in Morocco. I’ve seen 32 countries and counting.

I’ve experienced my fair share of bed bugs and 20-bunk dorm rooms. These days I’m more interested in good value adventures, rather than rock-bottom bargains. From November 2017 to March 2018 I’ll be exploring Central America with my endlessly patient boyf – who is the best thing about coming home.

Fun facts

• Favourite cities: New York, Paris, Palermo, Budapest, Wellington
• Favourite countries: New Zealand, Fiji
• I’ve never missed a flight (let’s hope I haven’t just jinxed myself)
• I am a nervous flyer
• Iran, Canada, India and Madagascar are top of my travel wish list
• A Malaysian youth football team once spent 20 minutes taking individual selfies with me in a Kuala Lumpur hostel, suggesting that I look like ‘Mary Jane’ aka Kirsten Dunst

Published work

• The Telegraph
  • Review - Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa Resort
  • Review - Cucuruchos Boutique Hostel
  • Review - Yemaya Island Hideaway and Spa
• Hostelworld
  • 5 ways to make the most of the Khao San Road
• Skyscanner
  • 10 best places to eat in Aspen
  • 10 things to see, do in Aspen and Snowmass in summer
• GoEuro
  • 10 Reasons to Visit Rome this Year

Contact me

To enquire about collaborations on sparkyseestheworld.com, ask a question or simply say hello, email sparksemmaAThotmailDOTCOM and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.