About Janet

From the moment the cabin door opened, and a plume of hot air and scent of jasmine wafted into the plane, I was hooked on travel. My first flight had taken me over the pyramids of Giza and the Nile at sunset. Nothing beats the sensation of arriving in a new country whether it’s Egypt or New Zealand. This set me on a course of travel which has taken me by train from Cape Town to Nairobi, Beijing to Hong Kong and an expat life in Dubai and South Africa. Today, I love writing about travel and inspiring others to see the world.

Talking points

What's your favourite destination?

The Middle East from Egypt to Dubai

Which destination is top of your bucket list, and why?

Istanbul as I would love to explore the city and cruise the Bosphorus Strait where the continents of Asia and Europe meet. I would also like to take a road trip down the Italian Riviera to the Amalfi Coast and hop on a Vespa before heading to Pompeii. Could I also add a dip in the Dead Sea and a LEC cruise to Antarctica to see the penguins? An occupational hazard of writing for A&K is that your bucket list gets longer every day…

How many languages do you speak?

English and modern-day hieroglyphics, known as Pitman shorthand

Which five items do you always pack when travelling?

• A paper map as nothing beats the feeling of unfolding one to reveal a new destination
• Notebook and pen to jot down first impressions 
• Prescription sunglasses
• Camera
• Carmex lip balm and Smints

What's your top travel tip?

Use all your senses to see, hear, smell, touch and taste a new country. Live in the moment and bring back an authentic souvenir