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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The 7 best restaurants in Colombia for stunning dishes made with local ingredients
Delightful flavors, world-renowned chefs, and innovative spaces await…
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The charming way Kate Middleton’s unique coronation headpiece paid utmost respect to King Charles
There's a sweet story behind Kate Middleton’s unique coronation headpiece
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The best hotels in Israel for a unique and luxurious stay
From the mountains of the Golan Heights to the hedonistic capital of Tel Aviv, travel writer Lydia Swinscoe details the best hotels in Israel for a vacation to remember
By Lydia Swinscoe Last updated
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Where to buy Kate Middleton's favorite Aspinal handbag in an array of dreamy colors
Kate Middleton has an impressive handbag collection but Aspinal is one of her go-to brands
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Iconic contemporary artist Jake Chapman is creating the wildest works of art using Prince Harry’s book, Spare
Fans of Prince Harry should look away now…
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Fauda season 4 is finally here but there’s one stand-out cast member missing from the latest installment and we’re not happy about it
After a three-year hiatus, Fauda season 4 is now showing on Netflix!
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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I spent a week at VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth on one of the hardest detox programs in the world - here’s what I learnt about The Mayr Method, and my health
Travel writer Lydia Swinscoe spent seven days at VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth medical resort in Austria
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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‘Natural botox’ is the latest beauty trend promising to boost skin tone and luminosity and TikTok is *obsessed*
An ancient practice is being labeled as ‘natural botox’ and there’s actually scientific proof behind it too
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Banksy stands in solidarity with Ukraine in new video that confirms the seven new pieces of art in the war-torn country are his
The elusive artist released a new video showcasing seven new pieces of art in Ukraine
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Kate Middleton’s much-loved dress brand Self Portrait has an amazing sale that’s too good to miss
Self Portrait's fun designs are loved by celebrities and royals alike
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The best Christmas markets in Europe for a magical, merry adventure
From Hamburg’s joy-inducing delights to Sofia’s under-the-radar stalls, these are the best Christmas markets in Europe for all-round yuletide fun
By Lydia Swinscoe Last updated
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Lady Louise Windsor and Sophie, Countess of Wessex read heartfelt tributes to Queen Elizabeth II following private church service at Balmoral
Key members of the Royal Family gathered at Balmoral for a church service dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s stylish Castañer espadrilles will add a fun edge to your look
Castañer’s stunning espadrilles are loved by both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle…
By Lydia Swinscoe Last updated
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The eyeliner Adele uses to perfect her cat-flicks has a rare discount—and it's worth every penny!
Adele's eyeliner is always spot-on, here's where to get the exact product she uses and swears by
By Lydia Swinscoe Last updated
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Meghan Markle's hair evolution: a rundown of her most iconic styles, from sleek ponytails and chic buns to that wedding look
Meghan Markle's hair always provides stylish inspiration, here's how to re-create some of her key looks at home according to the experts
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Bewitching European islands to visit in 2022
These European islands provide all you need for a memorable trip—tranquility, rugged beauty, and seriously good food
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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9 of the world’s most beautiful gardens—be inspired by these serene works of art
The world’s most beautiful gardens prove nature never fails to impress
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The most spiritual places in the world for a life-changing adventure
Wanting to visit the most spiritual places in the world? These 11 destinations promise to leave you spellbound…
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Amazing restaurants in Lima, Peru for outstanding Peruvian dishes and dreamy ceviche
Restaurants in Lima don't get better than these...
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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The best places to visit in India for life-lasting memories and enchanting experiences
It's hard to pick the best places to visit in India as there are so many unforgettable sites to marvel at, but travel writer Lydia, who lists the country as one of her favourite places in the world, gives it a go...
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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9 incredible traditional Italian dishes you shouldn't leave Italy without trying
These traditional Italian dishes showcase the best of the countries produce
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Tracey Emin requests 10 Downing St remove gifted neon artwork following ‘shameful’ actions by Boris Johnson and government
The request follows Boris' public apology to the Queen
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Louis Theroux poses shirtless and sweaty in ‘thirst trap’ photo, sending fans into a frenzy
Louis Theroux may have just broken the internet...
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
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Jennifer Lopez's favorite Le Labo candle has a rare 10% off today and it smells sublime
Santal 26 is rarely discounted—you're going to want to stock up, sharpish!
By Lydia Swinscoe Published