Growing up, Ian spent many of his summers holidaying around Europe and the USA, embedding his enthusiasm for travel from a young age. However, it was the years spent studying geography at university that surely ignited Ian's wanderlust. Following the conclusion of his studies, he set about working and travelling in numerous places, including multiple ski seasons in Europe, where he also tried his hand at off-piste snowboarding in La Grave, France. But it wasn't all work - Ian has covered much of continental Europe through various rail trips, visiting the likes of Croatia, Germany, Austria and Sweden, whilst a journey to Italy's west coast, exploring Cinque Terre and Pisa and a trip to Ukraine remain his personal highlights. He's also recently returned from a luxury-filled trip to Italy on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

As an avid foodie with previous experience as a chef, wherever he travels, Ian always places looking for the most unique food and wine experience top of the agenda. And, having spent a year travelling New Zealand and an extensive trip covering much of Uganda, make sure you ask Ian about swimming in the bioluminescent waters Marlborough Sounds or experiencing hundreds of wild elephants on safari.

Favourite country

Norway

Top recommendation

For the best alpine views, book the early dinner sitting on the southbound Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Unforgettable moment

RIB safari in scenic Balestrand

Ask me about

• Hunting the Northern Lights in Lapland
• My journey on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
• Experiencing a 15-course tasting menu in Copenhagen
• Snowmobiling over frozen lakes in Finnish Lapland