What’s your favourite travel story?

My first "solo" trip that started it all. 1989 (I was 12): I don't know how we managed to convince my parents, but my sister and I travelled (with my aunt, no parents) to Thailand - we went trekking- Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Sai. No running water, no toilets, just friendly and warm tribespeople from the Hmong, Karen, Akha and Lisu. Starry skies for infinity, as we huddled by fires to keep warm whilst the tribe elders' regale folklore. We saw the last of the poppy fields, and probably the beginning of the end of the hill tribe's way of life. It was a life changing trip that ignited my love for travel, but more importantly to travel with a curious mind and always respectfully and responsibly. 

What is the one thing you don’t travel without?

I keep a “permanent” bottle opener and matches in my toiletries case.