Lydia Swinscoe
Lydia is a travel writer and solo travel expert, based mostly in London. Her work has been published in print and online for the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, BBC Travel, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Marie Claire, Oh magazine, The Evening Standard, and woman&home.
A solo trip to Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico aged 19 kickstarted her travel addiction and she's since gone on to explore parts of 60 countries, returning to many often. Solo travel is her speciality, and she's happiest when hunting out great food while wearing flip-flops, preferably somewhere hot. Her award-nominated blog Lydia Travels documents artistic intimate hotels and brilliant restaurants across the globe.
She began her career compiling fashion and beauty pages for teen magazines at the BBC where she interviewed and styled some of the world's biggest pop acts, from Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato to One Direction, before joining celebrity magazine Now, as Fashion and Beauty Director, and later Woman magazine as Lifestyle Director, overseeing all fashion, beauty, food and travel content. But it's travel that has been a constant passion throughout her 14-year career.
At 23, she quit her job and travelled out of a backpack for a year, living on just $26 (£20) a day. Of the 15 countries she visited, 13 were explored by land in a bid to cut her carbon footprint. Highlights from the trip include completing Nepal’s Annapurna Base Camp trek, a teaching by the Dalai Lama in the foothills of the Himalayas, sleeping on the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, and being completely overwhelmed by the magnificent Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border.
Latest articles by Lydia Swinscoe
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Patti Smith’s coolest looks, from casual tees and jeans to her trademark oversized jackets
The artist, singer, poet and writer has a tried and tested style that never seems to date
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Chloë Sevigny is one of the most stylish women in the world - and these looks prove it
She's our favourite style icon
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The best travel destinations for solo women, according to a solo travel expert
Having visited over 60 countries, many alone, these are the ones I’d recommend for solo travellers
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Inspiring women who shaped the travel landscape forever
These trailblazing adventurers paved the way for modern travellers
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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32 incredible under-the-radar places to visit before they get too popular
These little-visited destinations draw inquisitive travellers looking to get off the beaten path
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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32 places where you can find the world's most impressive plant life
From Cuba and Sri Lanka to Socotra and beyond, these spellbinding spots feature an abundance of natural wonders
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Dreamy destinations for epic hikes and enthralling views
These spellbinding spots are best explored on foot
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Mesmerising places in India to add to your bucket list
Hand-carved temples, addictive cities, serene ashrams, and magical wildlife-spotting opportunities await in India
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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32 enchanting places where volcanos dominate the skyline
These must-visit destinations boast atmospheric landscapes and dramatic scenery
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The world's most beautiful temples - from Ruwanweli Maha Seya to the fascinating pyramids of Tikal
Don’t miss these spellbinding structures
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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32 must-visit places in Sri Lanka for the trip of a lifetime
Ancient temples, magnificent wildlife, and rugged beaches await…
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Awe-inspiring places to spot incredible wildlife across the globe
Looking for an adventure with a difference? These stunning spots boast all manner of amazing animal-spotting opportunities
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The world’s most idyllic beaches - from the black sands of Iceland to Costa Rica's inspiring coast
Whether you’re into hiking, sunbathing or seeking out deserted coastal stretches, there’s a dreamy beach waiting to be explored
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Where to catch the world's most beautiful sunsets
From the bohemian Chilean city of Valparaiso to India’s southernmost point, these sunset spots promise gloriously serene evening scenes
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The world's most beautiful buildings, from Colombo’s standout Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque to Ricardo Bofill’s vibrant La Muralla Roja
These photogenic structures will leave you spellbound
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The best-ever travel tips from travel editors, experts, influencers, and writers across the globe
32 tried and tested travel tips from people who travel for a living
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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32 tried and tested ways to improve your sleep
Having a hard time nodding off? These tips and tricks are here to help
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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32 foods high in Vitamin B, from crunchy hazelnuts and creamy pistachios to kale, lentils, and avocado
Add these foods to your diet to help boost brain function and up your energy levels
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The world’s best healthy holiday destinations, from wellness retreats to tranquil mountain escapes
Return home feeling calmer, well-rested, and with a renewed sense of joie de vivre
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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32 incredible foods to boost your immune system
From fresh ginger to citrus, here’s what to add to your plate for a healthier immune system
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The best climbing plants for adding depth, colour, and interest to your garden
From joyful bougainvillea to the heady scent of jasmine, these climbing plants will elevate your outdoor space instantly
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Incredible film locations to inspire your next getaway - from the tropical landscapes of Sri Lanka to the deserts of Jordan
These inspiring destinations are begging to be explored...
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Mesmerising castles you can actually stay in - from a tranquil Japanese retreat to the luxurious Irish lodge celebrities and artists flock to
Get the royal treatment in one of these impressive chateâus...
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The magical islands where celebrities and royals like to spend their downtime
In need of some holiday inspiration? These astonishing islands are sure to dazzle...
By Lydia Swinscoe Published