I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger based near London, in England.
I have travelled solo throughout most of Europe, and I’m here to help you do the same.


On this blog, you will find a focus on European countries such as Italy, Cyprus, Malta, Scotland and Spain (including Madeira and the Canary Islands). I have travelled to these destinations numerous times and have published some extensive travel guides to help you get the most out of your visit.
I travel reguarly between London and Edinburgh for my day job, so I am well versed in both cities, and I’m happy to be your local travel guide!
If you’re a fan of islands, you might be interested in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Mallorca, Madeira, Malta and Cyprus. For the Canary Islands, I have a post which compares all 8 Canary islands to help you decide which one is best for you.
I spent 20 years of my life working in kitchens, eventually becoming a head chef, so of course food is a big part of my travel life. The first thing I do in any new country is check out the local food scene. My most popular food posts include my guides to eating in Madeira, food from Naples, restaurants in Alberobello and food from Puglia, Italy.
You may also notice New York City has sneaked into my blog… of course NYC is not in Europe, but it’s my favourite city outside of Europe, and I hope to expand this site to include more of the USA one day.
I also have a few shopping round-up posts; the most popular is my Harry Potter-themed gifts post, followed by my Travel Essentials post and my list of Best Travel Books. Most items can be purchased on Amazon.
In case you were wondering, the Harry Potter gifts post came off the back of my Harry Potter locations series, which provides details on many Harry Potter filming locations in England and Scotland. Please note these posts are not affiliated with JK Rowling or Warner Bros Studios in any way – they are my own words and my own opinions only.
Solo travel is a different experience to travelling with a group, and I aim to help solo travellers get the information and confidence they need to get out there and do it.
You can subscribe to the Hazel’s Travels newsletter using the boxes on this page, and you can also Buy Me A Coffee if you would like to support my work.
For press and media requests, please email blog.hazelstravels@gmail.com.


Recent Posts from Hazel’s Travels
- 10 Excellent Things to do in Blair Atholl, ScotlandNestled in the heart of Perthshire, Blair Atholl is a charming village surrounded by stunning landscapes, rich history, and the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. This page provides a list of things to do in Blair Atholl, plus a map showing each location, and hotel suggestions too.
- 15 Wonderful Things to do in Aviemore, ScotlandAviemore is a vibrant town and a gateway to the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with its sweeping landscapes and wide range of outdoor activities. This page provides a list of things to do in Aviemore, plus a map showing each location, and hotel suggestions too.
- 26 of the Most Popular Things to do in Edinburgh, ScotlandThere are so many things to do in Edinburgh, it can be difficult to know which ones to prioritise for your trip. This post aims to give you a starting point, by outlining 26 options for things to do in Edinburgh. There’s also a full map showing all 26 locations, and frequently asked questions at the bottom of the post.
- 7 Cool Things to do in Newhaven, Edinburgh, Scotland.Once a bustling fishing village, Newhaven retains its old-world charm whilst being only a short distance from the city centre. Its picturesque harbour, with colourful boats and the iconic Newhaven Lighthouse, is the heart of the area and a beautiful spot for both locals and visitors to explore. Known for its fresh seafood and scenic walks along the Firth of Forth, Newhaven is also home to a variety of excellent seafood restaurants and markets. Its proximity to attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal also add to its appeal.
- 12 Glorious Things to do in Dunbar, ScotlandSituated just 30 miles east of Edinburgh, this charming town boasts stunning seaside views, rugged cliffs, and expansive beaches. Known for its strong ties to Scottish history and as the birthplace of renowned conservationist John Muir, Dunbar holds a special place in both the cultural and environmental landscape of the country.
- 12 Wonderful Things to do in Dunkeld, ScotlandDunkeld, located on the banks of the River Tay in Perthshire, is a picturesque village surrounded by stunning natural beauty. This page provides a list of things to do in Dunkeld, plus a map showing each location, and Dunkeld hotel suggestions too.
- 17 Brilliant Things to do in St Andrews, ScotlandWelcome to St Andrews, Scotland’s historic seaside town known for its stunning coastline, world-famous golf courses, and rich cultural heritage. This page contains a list of the best things to do in St Andrews, complete with a map, FAQs and suggestions for where to stay.
- My Year of Travel: Where I Travelled in 2024This post is about where I travelled in 2024. As a part-time blogger, this list is nowhere near as long as I would like to be! But nonetheless, I will outline my year of travel, including links to relevant articles I have written about each country/city too.
- 12 Excellent Things to do in South Queensferry, EdinburghSouth Queensferry, a charming town located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is a scenic spot with stunning views of the Firth of Forth and its famous bridges. This page provides a list of things to do in South Queensferry, plus a map showing each location, and hotel recommendations too.
- 9 Charming Things to do in Dean Village, EdinburghDean Village is one of Edinburgh’s most charming corners, nestled along the peaceful banks of the Water of Leith, just a short walk from the city centre. This page provides a list of things to do in Dean Village, plus a map showing each location, and hotel suggestions.