We all need a Kate!

Updated on February 26th, 2025

Picture the scene.

It’s 1992.

I am a slightly naïve and shambolic 22-year-old British girl with huge travel ambitions. I had been working two jobs to gather the money for a “big trip” but had no idea where to, until I wandered into a travel agent who asked if I wanted to speak with their Africa expert.

He told me about all these magical places that I had never heard of (Ngorongoro Crater anyone?), the amazing beasts I could see, the lakes I could cross, the gigantic waterfalls and the white water rafting down fantastical rivers. I was hooked!

By the time I left I was signed up to 3 months travelling in a truck with 20 other people, camping around Africa from Kenya to Zimbabwe. But to save money, I was flying into Mombasa for a day, getting an overnight train to Nairobi and spending a few days there before the trip started.

Excited barely describes how I felt. Clueless would definitely cover it. Terrified really wasn’t an emotion I remember having.

Ignorance really is bliss!

I assumed everyone on the trip would be going the same way as me, so I was surprised to hear when I picked up my tickets that only one other person had booked through the same agent. And they knew her well as she worked there.

“Her name is Kate. She’s got short blond hair. We’ll tell her to look out for you!”

Perfect! What could possibly go wrong?

So, I arrived at the airport with a backpack containing all the wrong clothes but with a head full of enthusiasm. I searched everywhere in vain for this mythical blond-haired angel. But I was also shy and nervous to approach any likely candidates as none seemed to be looking for me.

As I took my seat on the plane, I was unaware of what I would find when we landed early the next morning. I had not considered what to do for the day, how I would cope with having all my stuff with me, or how I would get to the station to make my overnight train.

And just before take-off, a head popped up from the row in front.

“Are you Sue?” said this vision with short blond hair.

“Yes!” I stated excitedly. “Are you Kate?” “Yes!” She replied. “We’ll catch up when we land?”

“OK!” I responded.

No need to worry, I was sorted!

When I look back, I realise how much I learned over that first few days on African soil. How much Kate taught me and how many of her travel skills I still use today.

There was the hard, confident and “not taking any s**t” attitude to negotiating with taxi drivers at the airport.

Then there was how she had contacts in a local Mombasa office where we could store our bags and make the most of the one day we had.

She took charge of getting us to the station and making sure we were on the right train.

What could have been a scary and overwhelming experience, turned into a laugh-a-minute overnight adventure.

And even when we arrived in Nairobi, she seemed to know exactly how to navigate the city using the local bus networks. Unintimidated.

Throughout the following days, we visited a giraffe sanctuary and explored Karen Blixen’s (Out of Africa) house.

I copied her confident stance. I was protected and not alone. I felt safe.

The one time I ventured out by myself, I got home to find my wallet had been stolen from my bag. Thankfully all they got away with was a credit card (which I cancelled immediately), a few dodgy photos which I was going to use for visas en route and about £50 cash. In the whole scheme of things, I was very lucky.

So, why am I telling you this?

Because Kate made me see that travel was fun. She taught me many lessons through watching how she negotiated the world. How she interacted with locals, for a win-win outcome which was enjoyable for all involved. How she planned, overcame obstacles and executed the plan. How easy she made it all look.

None of us was born with an innate ability to navigate through the world in a seamless manner. You may be a talented linguist, or an expert in the culture of another country, but I’m certainly not. Kate didn’t know all the tricks without learning them from someone else or making her own mistakes. I have certainly made plenty. Some have been fun and created a good story. Others have been costly and frightening.

And that is exactly why I am creating my NEW Find Your Way Course – The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey. Because I read many comments on various forums from women who have major changes happening in their lives. Who really want to travel but have no idea where to start.

Find Your Way

The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey

But I have a solution.

I want to be your Kate!

I will hold your hand and show you the way. I will help you to navigate everything and share over 30 years of experience in budget, luxury, independent, tour group, with a partner, solo, time challenged and slow travel. Let me impart all that knowledge and if you want to be first on the list then click HERE to get your name down. And I am excited to share everything I’ve learned with you!

HERE

If you’re keen to read more about my African adventures then check out my blog posts on getting attacked by lions in the Serengeti (yes, that really did happen!) and my favourite wildlife encounters.

getting attacked by lions in the Serengeti

my favourite wildlife encounters

So, what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your travels, and did you have a Kate to show you the ropes? Or are you new to travel but finding it overwhelming, if so, let me know what you are struggling with most. Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

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