My love for holidays has been persistent since childhood. I entertained myself by designing itineraries for dream holidays and figuring out how many pocket money instalments I’d need to save up to pay for the trip — it was quite a few.
At university, studying Classical Archaeology and Ancient History for my UG and MA, I was book deep in the ancient cities of Greece, Rome, and even further afield. Travelling to Rome for the first time with friends during my studies to see history up close crystalised my love for the city, and also set alight my passion for travel.
I’ve frequented Lindos Village in Greece, it’s a true home from home with meandering cobbled streets, orchestral cricket symphonies, and divine local cuisine.
As a Global Travel Advisor, I’m honoured to share my passion for travel and help Audley clients make lasting memories.
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Q&A with Willow
What’s the one thing you always pack?
I’ve got into the habit of packing a film camera. There’s something mindful and nostalgic about snapping a finite number of pictures and having to wait to see what I’ve captured. Another tip is buying a new fragrance before a trip — I use it while I’m away, and forever have my holiday memories tied to a specific scent. It’s almost magical how our sense of smell has the power to take us back.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
My first ever night in Rome, I was with a group of friends on the hunt for a late-night dinner. Most restaurants weren't seating anyone new. We stumbled upon an ornate wooden doorway emerging out of ivy-covered walls. A neon sign beckoned us in. A small staircase lead upstairs, Italian music softly drifting down to us. We sat entirely alone as guests, watching the owner trawling through receipts of the day, a cigar in hand. Hundreds of napkins plastered the wall, with handwritten notes of praise. ‘With love from Japan… Texas…. U.K…’ Some had lipstick kisses on them. At one point, the owner took my hand and slow danced with me across the tiled floor. We drank our wine and marvelled at how it felt like we had simply stepped inside a film.
Where would you love to travel next?
I’d love to explore more of Greece and Italy. For Greece, exploring smaller islands such as Naxos, Syros, or Paros and seeing rugged coastlines, sleepy traditional fishing harbours, and meandering old town streets. For Italy, my classics degree beckons me to visit Herculaneum — the lesser-known companion of Pompeii yet equally rich, if not wealthier, in archaeological finds and data.