The Empowered Traveller

10/09/2026

A little bit of news I’m pretty chuffed about… 🥹💙

I’ve been nominated for Accessible Writer of the Year at the Travel Media Awards 2026! 🏆

I'm also very honoured to be alongside some other fabulous writers.

Accessible travel, honest stories and showing what is possible is at the heart of what I do.

So this one feels pretty special. 🌍♿️✈️

05/09/2026

I have spent the last few days touring the vineyards and w**eries of Balaton and what a warm welcome and beautiful range of w**es I have experienced! On top of this many are connected by the innovative hop on hop off w**e bus! On a sunny day what better way to let your taste buds explore what Hungary has to offer 🍷 🥂 🍾 🚍



**e

01/09/2026

Well some days start well and just get better. Balaton region of Hungary is really showing me the good life. Firstly at Janus Xantos lookout, on to some beautiful w**es at the Kristanus vineyard (and some delicious lunch) then a quick relax in the largest thermal lake in the world!...Heviz Spa and finally and incredible location to stay in a safari tent at the Palos resort complete with deer, alpacas and deeply dark skies!!!

**e

27/08/2026

Just had this published with i (inews): a piece on San Marino, a beautiful and atmospheric country

It's the world's oldest republic, entirely encircled by Italy. Yet, it feels like nowhere else nearby,medieval streets that empty out after the day-trippers leave, three fortress towers watching over the Adriatic, and a farm-to-table morning that started with grappa at 10.30 am 🙃 (no regrets).

With thanks to Podere Lesignano - San Marino Repubblica di San Marino Hotel Ristorante Cesare**** San Marino La Terrazza Ristorante Hotel Titano

Read it here:

Once the day-trippers depart, San Marino feels like a well-kept secret

10/08/2026

🌰🇵🇹 My newest video is here!

This time, I’m heading deep into the mountains of Madeira to experience the spectacular Festa da Castanha – the Chestnut Festival – in Curral das Freiras, the Valley of the Nuns.

It’s far more than a celebration of chestnuts. I explore the traditions, food, music and folklore of this remarkable mountain community, culminating in the colourful Cortejo Alegórico parade.

It was a brilliant opportunity to discover a different side of Madeira – away from the usual tourist trail – and to see how a humble local crop has become such an important part of the valley’s identity.

🎥 Watch my newest video (like and subscribe :) ) and come along for the adventure!

If you enjoy travel, culture, food and exploring the less familiar side of destinations, I hope you’ll enjoy this one.

👉 The Empowered Traveller

Festa da Castanha: Discover Madeira’s Incredible Chestnut Festival ...

03/08/2026

🌴 New article published! ✈️

I'm so excited to share my latest piece for Lonely Planet on accessible travel in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands.

These islands are famous for their breathtaking landscapes, rich Polynesian culture and incredible adventures—but what is the experience like for travellers with accessibility needs? I explored the current accessibility landscape, practical travel tips and what visitors can expect when planning a trip.

It's a privilege to contribute to conversations that help make travel more inclusive and empower more people to explore the world.
Tahiti Tourisme Lonely Planet
What does accessible travel mean to you?

Here's everything you need to know about getting around, where to stay and what to do when you have mobility challenges.

15/07/2026

Eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, all within walking distance of each other — and yet most people still haven't heard of this place. 🇮🇹
Ravenna sits quietly in the shadow of Rome, Florence and Venice, but its 1,500-year-old mosaics (still glowing after craftspeople pressed glass and stone into wet plaster by hand) make it one of Italy's most extraordinary — and least crowded — city breaks.
I spent a long weekend there: Byron's old haunts, a mosaic-making workshop, turtle rescue centres, Adriatic beach clubs, and more piadina than is probably wise. Full 3-day itinerary (with real tips on where to eat, stay and get around) is up on Lonely Planet now 👇

Visit Ravenna once and you will find yourself returning again and again.

02/07/2026

This is a short video I created for Motability Foundation's Lifestyle Magazine on the back of a visit to Costa Rica. I was hosted by Il Viaggio Travel and the fantastic Stephanie Sheehy. Stephanie and Emilio are pioneers of accessible travel in Costa Rica, working hand in hand with hospitality providers and the government to further the development of accessibility across the country.

They are a living example of what CAN be done and how experiences can be opened up for everyone to enjoy.

18/06/2026

A nice surprise this week. Adela and I turned up, briefly, in the background on Costa Rican national television.
During a trip to Costa Rica with accessible travel provider Il Viaggio Travel, we had a painting class led by Jairo, a Costa Rican artist who paints using his mouth and has built a genuinely successful career through skill, persistence, and a clear love of the work. That class became part of a feature for Historias, a documentary-style series on Repretel, produced with the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network (Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible) — a nonprofit connecting artists and entrepreneurs with disabilities to wider audiences across the country.
Jairo's class was so good and showed how inclusive tourism design can benefit everyone. That's the quiet power of accessible tourism done well — it doesn't just open up destinations, it opens up encounters.
Jairo is on Insta

Asociación sin fines de lucro apoya a artistas como Jairo.