Everywhere I visit, I write – Karen Rose Kingsbury
A Photo Collection
We love photos; planning them, taking them and flicking back through them. Our Photo Collections attempt to capture some of our favourite travel moments from across the globe, each with their own unique theme. This month, we want to share with you our first ever Photo Collection which of course had to be based on some of the amazing writing backdrops we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy on our global travels.
A combined passion for travel and writing has fulfilled me for nearly a decade. Over this time, I’ve accumulated no less than 28 handwritten journals full of stories in various locations worldwide. These handwritten journals helped me to create our travel blog and I still write them alongside the blogs today.
For me, writing is a hobby that brings me great pleasure but if there is one thing better than writing, it’s writing with a view. And not just any view. A unique, story-telling view that helps to fully develop the words as I scribble (or tap) them! Whether it’s a blank journal page, an iPad note or a WordPress blog, check out these incredible writing backdrops and be inspired to capture your next destination in words.
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
The Photo: A window seat in a private apartment near McMahon’s Point in Sydney NSW overlooking the iconic Harbour Bridge.
The Location: From this incredible spot, we enjoyed vivid sunrise colours illuminating the harbour, warm summer sunsets and even two evenings of firework displays as well. Nothing beats a spot like this for a stay in Sydney so we highly recommend you find a place that affords a unique and priceless view when you visit.
The Story: We were last in Sydney in November 2017 for a week. You can read our Top 3 Natural Things To Do in this iconic city if you love spending time outdoors in cities. Every single one of them is a FREE thing to do in Sydney. Whilst staying in Sydney, we wrote of catch ups with long lost friends, coastal walks in Coogee and jet lag from Hong Kong.
2. Bensfield Treehouse, England
The Photo: Perched on the decking of Bensfield Treehouse in Wadhurst England, this spot affords views of an idyllic rope bridge that connects the treehouse to the rest of this Suffolk Estate.
The Location: From this unique spot, the sun sets off to the left side of the rope bridge, making it a fantastic afternoon writing seat. No matter how far you have travelled and the places you have stayed overnight, there is nothing quite like a treehouse getaway.
The Story: We visited Wadhurst in East Sussex in Summer 2017 for a weekend. You can read our Treetop Holiday For Two which focuses on this desirable stay and be inspired to plan a romantic weekend break in the U.K. with a difference. Whilst staying at Bensfield Treehouse, we wrote of countryside walks, delicious local and fresh produce, as well as what it was like to have a tree in our bedroom.
3. Paradise Cove, Mauritius
The Photo: Upgraded to a Suite at the discretion of the generous Manager at Paradise Cove, this private balcony enjoys views of the pristine cove this boutique property is famous for.
The Location: Mauritius is of course paradise on earth. A visit surely has to include an intimate, relaxing beach break, amongst other adventures, and the small and elegant Paradise Cove resort is ideal for such a stay. Order breakfast to your room and start everyday writing from this spot with the sound of the gentle tide below and the glow of the sun rising in the sky.
The Story: We were in Mauritius in October 2016 for a week. We will be sharing more with you about our Mauritius trip next year so if you want to keep up to date with the travel blogs, follow our Facebook page. Whilst staying at Paradise Cove, we wrote of candlelit dinners on the beach, loss and love, as well as the best day trips around the island.
4. A rented campervan parked in Gunalda Rest Area, Australia
The Photo: Blissfully happy in the back of a rented campervan on Australia’s east coast with a brand new writing backdrop every single night.
The Location: Gunalda Rest Area is located between Noosa Heads and Hervey Bay on Australia’s east coast. It’s an excellent FREE roadside stop with lots of greenery and the opportunity for a wonderful sunset if you park up overlooking the countryside. Australia is one of the most incredible countries to experience by road and a campervan affords you the freedom to stop (pretty much) wherever you like, continuously changing your writing backdrop. Writing from the back of the van with a new view was my favourite thing to do at the end of the day when my skin had had more than its fair share of vitamin D and needed a nice shady spot to relax in.
Whilst driving Australia, we found that (legal) free stops, often gas stations or road lay-bys, were the best way to cost-effectively drive Australia and enjoy activities and excursions during the day.
The Story: We spent 6 weeks travelling from Sydney to Cairns along Australia’s east coast at the end of 2017. You can read our Australia Travel blogs for inspiration to explore in this fun way. From the Blue Mountains to the Daintree Rainforest, and everywhere in between. Whilst travelling the east coast in a campervan, we wrote of Australian wildlife, typical couple tiffs over each others driving ability, and how our fear of spiders lessened the longer we stayed.
5. Marina Playa, San Antonio, Ibiza
The Photo: Taken from the bed of a Studio with Sea View room at Marina Playa in San Antonio Ibiza, our favourite Balearic island, with patio doors wide open onto the sea.
The Location: This spot is definitely one of our writing backdrops top picks! All around San Antonio, you’ll find endless bars, restaurants and properties that afford sea views, mesmerising sunsets and the background pump of mellow house music, but this hotel gets the balance spot on. While away quieter Ibiza days in Spring or Autumn with a great book or a blank journal and a cuppa. This is the side of Ibiza that not many people think about so you just might be lucky enough to have the place to yourself.
The Story: We visit Ibiza regularly, often choosing to base ourselves in cost-effective San Antonio. You can read our Top Daytime Activities from San Antonio if you fancy exploring a different side to an area known mainly for its nightlife. Whilst staying in Ibiza, we’ve written of boat trips to Es Vedrà, wild and exciting party nights, and the importance of finding a lifestyle that brings you daily happiness.
6. B. Saya Villas, Bali
The Photo: The deck of a Rijasa One-Bedroom Suite Villa at B. Saya Villas in Ubud Bali, overlooking the lush green gardens which open out onto well-tended rice paddies.
The Location: Ubud is magical in any season and from any location, but B. Saya Villas is an affordable collection of well looked after rooms that achieve the right mix of pool and cocktail service, alongside authentic Balinese dishes, countryside and local people.
The Story: We visited Ubud in May 2018 for 5 days. You can read about our exciting Eco Trek through the rice paddies that we enjoyed from this location. Whilst staying in Bali, we wrote of warm smiles and friendliness, runaway wedding plans and the incredible raw and vegan eateries we found everywhere.
You may also be interested in reading About the Transformative Travel Trend.
7. Essex, U.K.
The Photo: Just one of many great outdoor writing backdrops that we have discovered in our home county of Essex in England.
The Location: The lush green grass, local plants and multitude of trees here, make walks, outdoor coffees and writing days in Essex a pleasure. We always love finding new writing backdrops in the Essex countryside, like this one at Harlow Garden Centre. If you have an unmissable wiring backdrop in Essex for us to try when we are not globe-trotting, please get in touch and let us know.
The Story: Writing backdrops that inspire you at home are just as important as ones that inspire you in brand new exciting destinations you’ve never visited. We will be sharing our best Essex days out ideas with you next year. If you want to receive our travel blogs direct to your email, you can subscribe today further down this page. From Essex in the U.K., we have written of finding adventure in your own back garden, the building excitement of long-awaited trips and of course, post-travel blues.
Destination writing is one of the things in life we take greatest pleasure from. There’s nothing like sitting back in a unique location, putting pen to paper or tapping away at your keys. No matter how much you attempt to capture with written word, a photo captures the rest so pointedly.
Never travel without a blank journal to capture the true essence of your trip and accompany your photos. We love journals with travel themes or inspiring slogans. Find your perfect travel journal today.
This Photo Collection captures some of the best writing spots we’ve enjoyed so far and will continue to grow as we discover more. You can find new additions on Instagram with the hashtag writingbackdrops. Why not add your own photo to the collection by using the hashtag yourself. Simply tag Transform Me Travel for the chance to have your image featured in this blog.
Happy Writing!
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