Don't Tell Me I Can't......Go On Holiday With Strangers

Emily Woodburn makes new friends as she travels the world

- James Hanman & Natasha Holt

Accelerating on my Vespa scooter, the wind in my hair and the beautiful mountains above madrid flashing past, I’d never felt more free. Behind me, on bikes of their own, I could hear my friends laughing too. we had plenty to smile about, we were on the adventure of a lifetime. But while it might sound like we’ve known each other for years, in fact, it’s only been a matter or hours. aged 48, I’m travelling with strangers...

I hadn’t travelled much growing up. My dad wasn’t a fan of airports, so our holidays were to Cornwall or Scotland. We had a lot of fun but when I was 12, a school trip to France exposed me to the wonders of the world. I was overwhelmed by the different food, language and culture.

But it wasn’t until my 20s that the travel bug really got me – in 1995 I made my first big trip to America.