A person with long hair and sunglasses smiles in front of a waterfront with boats, under a clear blue sky in Funchal, capturing the essence of their Madeira itinerary.

About Hazel’s Travels

Hi, I’m Hazel – a British writer, solo traveller, and former chef based just outside London, England.

Over the past decade, I’ve travelled solo through much of Europe, from the sun-baked coasts of Cyprus and Sardinia to the misty forests of Scotland.

This blog is where I share everything I’ve learned – with a special focus on solo travel, European destinations, local food, Mediterranean islands, and a love of books that fuel both imagination and wanderlust.

A woman is taking a selfie in front of a boat in Funchal, Madeira. — Funchal (Madeira) and London (UK)

A woman in a blue dress stands next to a red telephone booth in London filled with colorful flowers beside a red post box. Flowers also spill from wooden crates on the ground. — Funchal (Madeira) and London (UK)

Solo travel is a different kind of adventure. It can be empowering, enriching, and occasionally a bit daunting – especially at first. My goal is to help you feel confident, inspired, and prepared to explore the world on your own terms.

What You’ll Find Here

Whether you’re planning your first solo trip, looking for travel tips for women going it alone, or trying to overcome loneliness on the road, I’ve got you covered. Some of my most popular posts include:

You’ll also find itineraries and road trips designed to save you the planning hassle – complete with Google Maps showing exact routes, stops, and sights along the way.

A woman in a dress walks barefoot on a sandy beach toward the sea, with sailboats anchored in the water under a clear blue sky. — Iona Island, Scotland.

My destination guides focus on places I’ve explored extensively, including Italy, Spain (especially the Canary Islands), Scotland, Madeira, Cyprus, Italy, and Malta. I also travel frequently between London and Edinburgh, and I love sharing insider tips from both cities.

Food, Books & Sun-Soaked Travels

Before this blog, I spent 20 years in professional kitchens (eventually becoming a head chef), so food is a huge part of my travel story. I’m always on the lookout for local dishes, hidden gems, and the kind of meals that stay with you long after the trip ends. Some reader favourites include:

? Food from Madeira
? Food from Naples Italy
? A Culinary Tour of Bari, Puglia’s Capital
? Top 15 Alberobello Restaurants
? Food of Mallorca
? Guide to Wine in Puglia

Bright woman in red swimsuit and white shorts enjoying boat ride near rocky coast, sunny weather, Mediterranean travel, summer holiday, scenic seaside adventure, travel photography, Hazel's Travels. — Zakynthos (Greece), and Madrid (Spain)

A woman stands in front of the Puerta de Alcalá monument in Madrid, wearing a coat and scarf. — Zakynthos (Greece), and Madrid (Spain)

And for my fellow book lovers – I share curated lists of travel memoirs, historical reads, travel-related non-fiction, and fiction with a strong sense of place.

Travel Tools & Support

? Need help with booking? My Resources Page lists all the tools, websites, and services I personally use to find great deals on flights, accommodation, and insurance.

?️ Want done-for-you planning? My itineraries and road trips come with pre-built Google Maps so you can hit the ground running.

✉️ You can subscribe to my newsletter using the boxes on this page.

☕ If you’d like to support my work, you can Buy Me a Coffee.

? Proud to be named in the Feedspot Top UK Solo Female Bloggers list (2024 & 2025).

? For press and media requests, please email: blog.hazelstravels@gmail.com.