Firstly, thank you for visiting my website. I hope that you find some interesting ideas for travel and you enjoy the photos from my travels.
If you have any questions, please do drop me a message - I’d love to hear from you!
I am Ruth, also known as The Organised Explorer. I live in Leeds, United Kingdom. They call the County of Yorkshire “God’s Own Country” and I can absolutely see why. I am incredibly lucky to live near some incredible National Parks, historic cities and picturesque villages. It truly is an incredible part of the world and I have a joyful time exploring it.
When I am not exploring my own neighbourhood, I adore travelling the world. I have a bucket list that consists of ‘everywhere I have not yet been’ and I am working hard to check of as many of them as I can. I treasure my annual leave and like to use it thoroughly to see as much of this wonderful globe as I can.
If there is one thing I love as much as the actual exploring and travel, it is the research. I devour guidebooks, blogs and social media for ideas on where to go, what to do and how to see it. It is all part of the love for me but most importantly, it allows my time in these incredible destinations to be filled with amazing experiences, great food, wonderful drinks and beautiful sights.
I have completed many solo travel adventures and these have been the most educational experiences of my life. I have learnt so much and met some wonderful people all over the world. My favourite travels though, are those with my beloved Daniel. When I can laugh and love my way around the world, I feel incredibly lucky.
So, to give you a bit more information about me and to put a bit of context to my adventures, here are 10 things to know about me:
I am tall - 6ft - so above average. This might provide context for me moaning about shower heights, airplane leg room or head height in caves etc.
I love walking/hiking. If I am in a new city, I will walk everywhere to really explore and see as much as I can. If there is countryside/hills/mountains then I am going to visit them.
My biggest bug bear in travel research is an article that states ‘Top 10 things in [a city]’ and then number three is in a completely different city or worse a completely different country. Don’t get me wrong, it will be a completely valid suggestion for a visit but surely there are 10 things within that city! Check out posts on what to do in Helsinki… visiting Tallinn (in Estonia) is one of the top 5 things to do in Helsinki!
I am a big fan of hand luggage only. I can pack for a two week adventure with only cabin bags and I love it.
The literature that I take on my adventures is firmly in the Cosy Crime category. Agatha Christie is my favourite but any kooky detective solving a murder is right up my street.
My travel snack of choice is Pick’n’Mix. I love sweets and they are perfect for a little pick me up when the flight is delayed.
When visiting a city, one of my first searches in Google is “Speakeasy”. I love a fine cocktail that is expertly mixed and if there is a bit of mystery surrounding the location/entrance to the bar then all for the good. My cocktail of choice would be bourbon based, if it is a limited menu then an Old Fashioned will be my order.
My favourite food is Greek but I am always happy to try any food. The only thing that I can’t do… heat (spicy heat). I am firmly in the mild camp and definitely know that delicious flavours don’t have to come with spice.
I may pack light on my adventures but the one thing I always make sure I pack is my travel pillow. I can sleep anywhere and through pretty much anything, my Trtl neck pillow is one of the best things I have bought for my travels.
The number one travel destination on my bucket list has been on there since I was 8 years old playing on my GeoSafari. I have not yet managed to get there…. It will be so special when I finally get to visit.
