Ian’s writing for 101Holidays was always crisp, thoroughly researched and delivered on time
Mark Hodson, group editor & co-founder 101Holidays
An award-winning writer, Ian is author of Encircle Africa: Around Africa by Public Transport, the narrative account of his solo and unassisted circumnavigation of Africa.
He honed his writing skills with a competitive voluntary internship at 101Holidays.com. He has now written for a variety of online and print magazines including Adventure Travel, Sidetracked and The Island Review, and worked with worldtravelguides.net to improve their Africa pages.
A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers and African Travel & Tourism Association professional bodies, his blog has been studied at A level English.
Ian has spoken to a wide variety of schools and organisations, giving his motivational and enthusiastic account of a life in adventure.
Download a pdf version of Ian’s mediapack or check out his Upwork freelance work.
Books
Encircle Africa: Around Africa by Public Transport
ebook and paperback, November 2013, reissued July 2019
Tracing family who served in the Second World War: a beginner’s guide
ebook, August 2018
Photographs from the Mediterranean Theatre: a then-and-now photographic odyssey to recapture images born of the Second World War
Limited edition hardback, July 2019
Into adventure and sunshine: travelling behind the lines of World War Two
ebook and paperback, December 2019
A really enjoyable and interesting read.
Will Noble, editor, The Londonist, on Ian’s taxidermy piece for the website
Highlighted writing
The view from Pakistan: what I’ve learnt from the climate change frontline
Finalist, British Guild of Travel Writers Members’ Excellence Awards 2023, Travel Blog Post of the Year, October 2023
An appointment with the doctor
Runner-up Nat Geo Traveller‘s travel writing competition Issue 17, May/June 2013
Gabon confidential
Contribution to Roam Alone: Inspiring Tales by Reluctant Solo Travellers, March 2017
A peek at the peaks: off to Mam Tor
Contribution to Bus-Pass Britain Rides Again, September 2013
Selected for the re-edited omnibus second edition of Bus-Pass Britain: 50 of the nation’s favourite bus journeys, May 2016
Thank you very much for sharing a great story with us.
Thea Felmore, Africa Geographic
Writing
Mashatu Euphorbia review, Beau Monde Traveller, December 2024
Dining out: West Africa’s bushmeat trade is greater threat than poaching, Environment Journal, November 2024
Time to Shine, feature on Sierra Leone, Travel Africa issue 106, November 2024
Getting on the map, Travel Africa issue 106, November 2024
Siwa Oasis entry, GO List, Fodor’s travel, November 2024
Cultural Cairo: 8 reasons to linger in the Egyptian capital, weather2travel, November 2024
Finding the dirty side of renewable electricity in Ghana, vlog, Environment Journal, November 2024
How people in Ghana are learning to profit in a win-win for wildlife too, Environment Journal, October 2024
Plastic saves lives in West Africa, and destroys ecosystems, vlog, Environment Journal, October 2024
Worth the weight? Illegal gold mines are polluting Ghana, Environment Journal, October 2024
Even with conservation sea turtles face an existential threat, vlog, Environment Journal, October 2024
Comoros, Jetsetter, Autumn 2024
The Perfume Isles, Selamta, September-October 2024
Extreme weather is about to send the price of chocolate soaring, Environment Journal, September 2024
Alternatives to deforestation in Ghana, vlog, Environment Journal, September 2024
Seeing red: Ghana’s palm oil industry and sustainable futures, Environment Journal, September 2024
The Walserweg Gottardo: A new trail tells the story of Switzerland’s forgotten people, BBC Travel, August 2024
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh: which is better for a Red Sea escape?, weather2travel, August 2024
Seven reasons South Africa should be top of your bucket list, South American Vacations, July 2024
Morocco or Egypt: Which Should You Pick?, Fodor’s, May 2024
Seek and ye shall find, Travel Africa, Edition 104, May – July 2024
I visit the Peak District at least once a month – here’s how to do it without a car, The Independent, May 2024
I’ve found the best-value safari destination in Africa, The i, April 2024
Preserving the ancient art of halloumi making in Cyprus, Reader’s Digest, April 2024
A history of Kendal Mint Cake, the original energy bar, Reader’s Digest, March 2024
Why Casablanca makes the perfect Moroccan city break, weather2travel, March 2024
Pudding or tart? The fascinating history of Bakewell’s famous treat, Reader’s Digest, February 2024
What a 700-mile walk across Bangladesh taught me about travel, Voyagers Voice, January 2024
Henderson’s Relish: The South Yorkshire rival to Worcestershire sauce, Reader’s Digest, January 2024
Why Kenya is the perfect winter escape, weather2travel, December 2023
The Indian Ocean’s secret paradise, published online as The winter sun wonder you probably hadn’t thought to try, The i, November 2023
Last orders for the Jamestown mule, Tonic, September 2023
Content writer, Meeting Point US and Meeting Point Dominicana, September 2023 – present
Why now is a great time to book a beach holiday to Egypt, weather2travel, September 2023
Creator of Africa content for, South American Vacations, July 2023
Repeat freelance consultancy, Go City, March 2023
Freelance coverage of COP27 UN climate change conference for Environment Journal including, underrepresented groups must be heard for COP to have moral authority, November 2022
Freelance consultancy, Go City, October – November 2022
Reports from Pakistan’s climate change emergency for Environment Journal, including what I’ve learnt from the climate crisis frontline, September 2022
Freelance Consultancy, Go City, October 2021 – March 2022
Treasure Islands, Issue 1, JRNY magazine, TravMedia Awards Travel Magazine of the year 2021, July 2021
Staff writer worldbeachguide.com, September 2020 to present
The
City that started a revolution, City AM, November 2019
Lika Virgin, City AM, October 2019
In search of the last man in Europe, City AM, September 2019
A Bite-Sized Food Tour of the Spanish Capital, Wego Travel blog, August 2019
Then and now – recapturing images born of the Second World War, Limitless Pursuits, August 2019
The Grand Dames of Italian Art and Culture, Wego Travel blog, August 2019
Collaborating travel writer with Mr Hudson, March 2019 – present
Writing for camping.co.uk, March & April 2019
Experience Singapore’s Cultural Festivals, Furamafirst, October 2018
On track, Issue 02 (Perseverance), Let’s Explore Magazine, September 2018
This taxidermy class is the most fun you can have with a dead mouse, The Londonist, August 2018
Sierra Leone’s Turtle Islands: The ultimate digital detox, Africa Geographic blog, August 2018
Romantic Places in Singapore, Furamafirst, July 2018
Chamonix and Champagne articles, Rendezvous en France, July 2018
5 reasons Singapore is more than just a stopover city, and A 3 day 2 night itinerary from Singapore’s Chinatown, Furamafirst, July 2018
Ouidah – Benin’s Route of Slaves, and Ethiopia’s Lake Tana monasteries, Where Sidewalks End, June 2018
The art scene in Singapore, Furamafirst, May 2018
Website content including 12 Apostles from Melbourne: a prefect road trip and other examples, Bookmundi, April 2018 – present
Climbing Mount Cameroon & An audience with a traditional priest in Togo, Wheresidewalksend, March 2018
Secrets of Singapore’s hippest spot: Tiong Bahru, Furamafirst, March 2018
Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka, Designing Wealth magazine, Spring 2018
Valletta: a modern city with an ancient heart, TNT Magazine, February 2018
5 top health and wellness activities in Singapore, and Chinese New Year in Singapore, Furamafirst, February 2018
24 hours in Freetown, Sierra Leone, The Travel Magazine, January 2018
Rose-tinted spectacles, (fiction) The Write Launch, January 2018
Content writer for Locally Sourced Cuba including tour landing pages and blog posts, December 2017 – present
Not just an open book – my week in Scotland’s national book town, GomadNomad, December 2017
The glimmering surface of things, (fiction) The Write Launch, October 2017
Toulon – the forgotten Riviera, Holiday magazine, July 2017
Black tea and burnt feet, Southeast Asia Backpacker, June 2017
A postcard to Croydon, The Croydonist, June 2017
Along the Great Sandy River, maptia.com, June 2016
Dying breeds on the Maltese islands, The Island Review, December 2015
Writing and editing Africa pages of worldtravelguide.net, September 2015 – January 2016
Postcard from… Brussels, Emily Luxton travel blog, January 2015
Postcard from… Sri Lanka, Emily Luxton travel blog, December 2014
River of gold: a personal voyage through Africa’s lagers, Dave’s Travel Corner, August 2014
Gibraltar: the end and the beginning, Dave’s Travel Corner, August 2014
Writer, Globetrotters club enewsletter, November 2013 – January 2016
Information pages, including Best time to visit… series, completed during competitive voluntary copywriter internship at 101Holidays.com, April 2013 – July 2014
Blog posts for myTNT magazine UK, TNT online UK, June 2013 – May 2014
Eating up Africa, feature article, Globe magazine, Winter 2013
Encircle Africa: where the journey begins (and ends), a founding storyteller’s tale, Maptia.com, October 2013
The journey begins, article, Sidetracked magazine, Edition 11, September 2013
Africa’s mountain of greatness, feature article, Adventure Travel magazine, Issue 106, July/August 2013
Encircle Africa: the first solo and unassisted circumnavigation of Africa by public transport, article, Out Dare Adventures, May 2013
Destination articles, Travelwithamate, December 2012 – May 2013
An exotic overland trip from Tangier to Kenya, article, Travelthruhistory, November 2012
Speaking
Sidcup U3A, November 2024
Women’s Fellowship, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, West Wickham, April 2024
Invited speaker, Inspiration Day, Canford School, June 2023
Women’s Fellowship, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, West Wickham, January 2023
Edenbridge U3A, November 2022
Women’s Fellowship, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, West Wickham, February 2022
Ravenswood (West Wickham) Women’s Institute, April 2021
Merchants’ Academy Wild Wednesday talk, online, March 2021
East Surrey Family History Society, online, March 2021
York Geographical Association & Royal Geographical Society Yorkshire and North East joint meeting, online, September 2020
Bromley U3A, April 2020 (postponed due to coronavirus)
Ravenswood WI, March 2020 (postponed due to coronavirus)
Edenbridge U3A, March 2020 (postponed due to coronavirus)
IET Retired Members Meeting, Horsley, February 2020
Explorer’s Connect 10th Birthday Bash, Tickenham, Bristol, June 2019
Huddersfield & Halifax Geographical Association with RGS Yorkshire & the North East, University of Huddersfield, November 2018
Women’s Fellowship, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, West Wickham, November 2018
Great African Journeys, Wildest Journeys, Birmingham, November 2018
Sutton U3A, September 2018
Bexley U3A, March 2018
Blackpool & District Geographical Association, October 2017
Hymers College, Hull, September 2017
U3A, Ealing, September 2017
Cambridge University Expedition Society, St John’s College, Cambridge, April 2017
COPSE outdoor pursuits group, October 2016
Royal Holloway Geography Society, October 2016
Repton school, Derbyshire, September 2016
The Perse school ’42’ club, Cambridge, September 2016
Guildford Travel Club, Guildford, February 2016
Geographical Association York and District & Royal Geographical Society Yorkshire and North East joint meeting, York, January 2016
Hymers College, Hull, September 2015
Oxford University Expedition Club, May 2015
U3A, Croydon, April 2015
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Geographical Journeys ten minute microlecture, London, March 2015
Intrepid Explorers, King’s College London, March 2015
Royal Geographical Society & Geographical Association joint regional lecture, Sheffield, March 2015
Explorers Connect, Guildford, February 2015
St Andrews Adventure Group (STAAG), February 2015
Royal Geographical Society East Anglia regional hour lecture, Norwich, January 2015
Globetrotters Club hour lecture, Chester, September 2014
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Geographical Journeys ten minute microlecture, London, March 2014
Tales of Adventure, London, October 2013
Pecha kucha talk, charity Night of Adventure, London Leicester Square, March 2013
Royal Geographical Society, Explore weekend invited speaker-delegate, November 2012
Publicity
Contribution to tales from beyond the brochure podcast, April 2022
Guest expert, episode 33, Curious Pavel Podcast, July 2021
Review of Into adventure and sunshine, Pages Places and Plates, March 2020
Encircle Africa interview, WanderOwl, July 2019
Walking thru Bangladesh podcast interview, The Pursuit Zone, May 2019
Ghana expert for Word Travel forum, July 2017 – August 2018
Interview, Some thoughts on Italy, Amici di Hackert blog, July 2017
Behind the Lines: Ian Packham retracing a world of unrest, October 2016
Ten essential pieces of kit you might not have thought of, Odysseon.com, September 2016
Interview with Limitless Pursuits, March 2016
Inclusion in Alastair Humphrey’s Grand Adventures, March 2016
Travel Africa magazine Busman’s holiday interview, Edition 70, Spring 2015
Encircle Africa added to Kickass Trips website, March 2015
Cambridge105fm Bookmark interview, February 2015
Cambridge 105fm interview and ‘best of the guests’ podcast (00:00-11:28 min), January 2015
The biggest obstacle was myself, Adventure 1000 interview with Alastair Humphreys, September 2014
Inclusion in travelling alone or with a friend post, alastairhumphreys.com, August 2014
Indie-book-bargains featured author, August 2014
Sheffield to Castleton route rated one of the best, Bus-Pass Britain Rides Again article publicity, August 2014
Blog added to explorers web adventure database, August 2014
Review of Encircle Africa: Around Africa by Public Transport, A bookish affair, August 2014
Review of Encircle Africa: Around Africa by Public Transport, Travelling Book Junkie, August 2014
Compass best book reviews, review of Encircle Africa: Around Africa by Public Transport, July 2014
Author of the week interview, Travelling Book Junkie, July 2014
Encircle Africa talk, Globetrotters Club hour lecture, London, June 2014
The Pursuit Zone audio interview, June 2014
Croydon man travels Africa by public transport, article, EastLondonLines, January 2014
105 Drive with Julian Clover radio Interview, Cambridge 105fm, January 2014
An African adventure on trucks, canoes and buses, article, Croydon Guardian, 15 January 2014
Encircle Africa article and blog summary, King’s College London Alumni Online, January 2013
Africa by public transport, article, In Touch magazine, Spring 2011