Gareth’s story

Unfortunately I don’t have one of those generic stories where I went on a trip abroad, found myself and rebranded my personality with boosted confidence and swagger.

I’m one of those people who’s just always enjoyed visiting other countries. Trips with school, family, university and friends developed this personality trait over time, but it’s always been there.

I took the fairly conventional route through education and into employment, spending years as a secondary school Geography teacher — talking about the world rather than seeing it in person. Although I always wondered what I’d be doing if I’d followed that desire to travel a little more seriously. So eventually, I decided to find out.

I spent the majority of lockdown planning trips, some successful and some not so much. It was that time that gave me the motivation to finally start documenting properly — making sure every future trip gets logged with clear memories to look back on. Wood’s Wanders is the result of that.

I’m based in Kent, have visited over 30 countries, and have a particular love for Europe — the kind of travel you can do on a real budget without sacrificing the experience. On here you’ll find honest Interrail guides, takes on overrated and underrated destinations, hostel vs hotel breakdowns, packing lists and the reality of affording regular trips alongside a regular life.

No filter. Just the wander.

— Gareth