I joined Discover the World in 2002 after completing my degree in Travel and Tourism and gaining valuable experience with a specialist Canadian tour operator. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to explore many of the incredible destinations we offer, including New Zealand, Norway, Finland and Sweden, as well as making several trips to Iceland. As the saying goes, in Iceland you can experience all four seasons in a single day, no matter what time of year you visit, and I’ve certainly found that to be true!
Travelling has given me the opportunity to experience some truly unforgettable landscapes, cultures and wildlife. One of my greatest passions is photography, and I always enjoy capturing the unique scenery and natural beauty of the places I visit. A particular highlight was the incredible opportunity to photograph wild brown bears in Finland, an experience that combined two of my greatest interests: travel and wildlife photography. Being able to visit our destinations firsthand means I can share genuine knowledge, practical advice and personal recommendations, helping our customers choose the perfect holiday and make the most of their travels.
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Jo’s top travel experiences
An unforgettable overnight cruise on Milford Sound in New Zealand. While the daytime scenery is spectacular, staying overnight offered a completely different experience. Once the day visitors had departed, the fjord became wonderfully peaceful, allowing us to appreciate the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and rainforest in complete tranquillity.
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Jo’s top travel experiences
Photographing wild bears in Finland was incredible letting me indulge my passion for photography.
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Jo’s top travel experiences
Taking my children to meet Santa in Finnish Lapland was truly memorable. Seeing the excitement and wonder through their eyes made the trip truly magical. From exploring snowy forests and enjoying husky sledding to feeding reindeer and meeting Santa himself, it was a fantastic family adventure and one we’ll always remember.
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Jo’s top travel experiences
Husky sledding is one of my favourite winter experiences. There’s something truly special about mushing a team of huskies through the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland, surrounded by peaceful forests and pristine winter scenery. It’s an exhilarating yet magical way to experience the beauty of the Arctic.
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Jo’s top travel experiences
Two weeks in Canada is still one of my favourite trips, with so many stand out experiences from seeing the thundering falls of Niagara by boat, helicopter and behind the falls, white-water rafting on the Kicking horse river, to the scenic blue of lake Louise, riding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer and watching pods of orca glide through the water just outside Vancouver.
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Jo’s top travel experiences
One of my favourite days in New Zealand was exploring Abel Tasman National Park. A speedboat to a remote beach; kayaking through the crystal-clear waters; seeing tiny blue starfish along the shoreline. To top it off, we ate what are quite possibly the best burgers in New Zealand from the famous Fat Tui food truck!
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Jo’s top travel experiences
Watching the mesmerising northern lights dance across the night sky in Finnish Lapland was a truly unforgettable experience.
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Jo’s top travel experiences
Taking in the breathtaking views of Aurlandsfjord from the warmth of a floating sauna before diving into the icy fjord waters was an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.
Jo’s favourite holidays
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Best SellerOffer AppliesAround Iceland
Iceland Self DriveThis classic two-week fly drive itinerary takes in the best of Iceland's Road 1. Fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls all feature.
From £2385 Excluding Flights
Discover More14 Nights
May-Sep
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Arctic Wildlife at Ranua
Finland Short BreakCombine winter activities and wildlife on this great family holiday.
From £1130 Excluding Flights
Discover More4 Nights
Jan-Mar & Dec
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Wild Brown Bear Adventure
Finland Short BreakEncounter brown bear, wolverine and lynx in East Finland's wilderness on this short break.
From £1253 Excluding Flights
Discover More4 Nights
May-Oct
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Best SellerIcehotel Break
Sweden Short BreakA unique and truly unforgettable experience at the world's coolest hotel.
From £693 Excluding Flights
Discover More3 Nights
Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec
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NewToronto and Niagara City Break
Canada Independent Short BreakDiscover the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Toronto on this four day visit to Canada’s largest city, with an included full day excursion to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.
From £700 Excluding Flights
Discover More3 Nights
Year Round
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Best SellerDiscover Aotearoa
New Zealand Self DriveThe ultimate self drive covering a lot of ground but with plenty of time to relax too.
From £3395 Excluding Flights
Discover More20 Nights
Year Round
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Offer AppliesMajestic Rockies by Rail and Road
Canada Rail Self DriveWitness the Rockies' natural beauty and soaring wilderness on this independent journey.
From £3478 Excluding Flights
Discover More6 Nights
May-Oct
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NewArctic Lakeland Adventure
Finland Self DriveEnjoy exploring the untouched wilderness, prolific wildlife and the long summer days.
From £1249 Excluding Flights
Discover More8 Nights
May-Sep
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Offer AppliesWest Iceland Escape at Hotel Husafell
Iceland Self DriveThis fly drive close to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Langjokull Glacier allows you to explore Iceland's beautiful west.
From £826 Excluding Flights
Discover More3 Nights
May-Sep
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Helsinki City Break
Finland Short BreakExplore Finland’s capital city. Helsinki offers a delightful blend of historic sites, architectural styles, lush parks, and inviting cafes. A perfect setting for a memorable short break.
From £350 Excluding Flights
Discover More3 Nights
Year Round
Latest blogs
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The Best Hotels to Stay in the Nordics in Winter
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What you Can Expect from a Road Trip to Iceland in Summer
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Top 10 Trips of a Lifetime
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