Hi, I'm Sue
Real travel advice from someone who's actually been there.
Indonesia, 2026
Where it all started
My first trip to the UK was in 2015, when I went to visit my daughter, who was living in London on a work visa. While I was there we took off together to the South West Coast, Ireland and France, and that was it. I was hooked on Europe. Then life happened, and I had to wait until 2024 to go back.
Travelling with a toddler
In 2024 I joined my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter (then just 18 months old) on a trip through Scotland, England and Italy. It was a lovely trip, and I treasure the memories. But let's be honest, travelling with a toddler is not exactly relaxing. We knew what we'd signed up for!
Going it alone
That trip got me thinking. If I wanted to see Europe at my own pace, I'd have to do it myself. So in 2025 I booked a trip "all by myself" to Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic. I won't pretend it wasn't a little daunting. But I joined a group tour, met the most wonderful travelling companions, and came home more confident than when I left.
And then I couldn't stop
I came straight home and booked another one. In 2026 it was France, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Croatia, and then Indonesia too. And now I'm planning 2027: the UK, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Spain.
Peace Bell, Rovereto, Italy, 2026
Where I've been
2015
England, Ireland and France
2024
Scotland, England and Italy
2025
Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic
2026
France, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia, Croatia and Indonesia
2027
UK, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Spain (planning now!)
Why I started Travel Hints 60
Somewhere along the way, I became the friend everyone calls before they travel. Which tour company? Which eSIM? How do I get from the airport to the hotel? What do I actually need to pack?
After the hundredth message, I thought: why not put it all in one easy place? So that's what Travel Hints 60 is. The tours, apps, packing lists and planning tips I actually use, shared with you.
Why I built TRAViS
I'm a bit of a spreadsheet queen. But when it came to planning a trip, spreadsheets just didn't cut the mustard. Planning needs to be visual. You need to see what you're doing each day, what's booked, and where the gaps are that still need filling.
So I built TRAViS, my Notion travel planner, to do exactly that. I use it for every trip now, including my 2027 one.