English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
It can’t have escaped you that last week was International Women’s Day. Well, one day of the week was but it seems to expand every year. In the UK, yesterday it was also Mother’s Day. As I never had children, I haven’t celebrated Mother’s Day properly since 1999, the year I lost my wonderful Mum.
Whatever direction we take in life, we all have people who have inspired us. For some it is an award-winning athlete, for others an individual who has triumphed over adversity. Maybe yours is someone who has dedicated their lives to helping others? Today it seemed fitting to share my biggest inspiration to travel – my Mum, who barely went anywhere!
A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post on why and how she inspired me to pursue a life of exploring the world. In it, I share how she responded when I returned from a trip around travel agents in London (the only way you could book a holiday at the time) with the immortal line “Mum, I’m going to Africa!”
It was 1992. I was a naïve, optimistic but slightly shambolic 22-year-old. The world was a lot bigger than it feels today. The continent of Africa at the time wasn’t high on anyone’s holiday agenda unless it was a week on safari in a fancy lodge.
What I was planning was a long way from that – three months on an overland truck from Kenya to Zimbabwe.
Along the way I was attacked by lions in the Serengeti, got manhandled by a chimpanzee in Burundi and had the awesome experience of trekking in Rwanda to meet the mountain gorillas. These unsurprisingly remain some of my most precious wildlife encounters. Click on THIS LINK to read more & see what else made it into my Top 11.
You can read the ode to my Mum HERE to see her response to my plans, as well as what happened when I was robbed on day one in Nairobi. Then there are my pathetic attempts to reassure my parents over their safety concerns, Mum’s immortal packing advice and my thoughts on who is braver.
Is it those of us who travel, or those we leave behind?
The people who truly inspire us are not always those who have done what we dream of. Sometimes, it’s those who haven’t but believe in us, who have the greatest impact.
Thank you, Mum.
I’m sorry.
I love you.
So, who has been your biggest inspiration? Who do you choose to celebrate or remember on International Women’s Day? What is a key lesson your mother taught you? I’d love to hear, hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
This week over on YouTube, I am back in northern Spain, namely San Sebastián. One of my most popular recent videos was the food tour sampling all the delicious pintxos in the town. But San Sebastián has a lot more to offer than just its gastronomic credentials. In my latest video I take a walk along the beaches, up to the fort, explore the various churches and generally see what else this lovely part of the world has to offer visitors. I really enjoyed the few days I spent there and hope that the video inspires you to plan a visit too. You can see it all for yourself HERE.
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
P.S. If you’re in the UK then don’t miss grabbing your copy of the Daily Mail on Saturday (16th) when you will find a short interview with yours truly. This is my 3rd big publication and each time I’m asked to contribute is super exciting. The article focusses on being an over 50 travel blogger/YouTuber. It’s part of a series of articles targeted at travellers to promote a new insurance offering for those of us who are slightly older but with no plans to stay at home. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you can beat the rush and lay your hands on a copy.
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – My Biggest Inspiration to Travel – A Tribute to My Mum
Blog – 5 Ways to Avoid Being Attacked by Lions
Video – Best Things To Do in San Sebastián, Spain
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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