Life doesn't always go as planned, but setbacks can lead to valuable lessons. Here's what I learnt when things went wrong this year.

Morocco is a diverse country where you can enjoy surf, sea, desert and mountains. There’s lots of open space and wonderful landscapes. You can also enjoy the chaos of the cities, where the medinas (old cities) offer a unique and exciting cultural experience. But is it safe to travel there as a woman?

Hiking in the High Atlas Mountains you can expect towering peaks, lush valleys, breathtaking vistas and snow-capped summits. As you make your way along the dusty pathways, you experience a taste of authentic Moroccan Berber village life.

In this blog, I’ll explain how you can learn to sail, and what I think is the best way to achieve certain sailing goals (competitive sailing, adventure crewing, skippering a circumnavigation or going on a sailing holiday). 

In this post, I’ll cover why sailing is such a rewarding way to travel, what you should consider before jumping on board, and how to find your first crewing opportunity. Plus, how to stay safe.

Come on a journey across the Atlantic with me, as I explain what it's like to be at sea for three weeks and how it makes you feel.

Whilst I enjoyed many things about my time in Port Louis, I was also beginning to realise that being in marinas didn’t reflect what I valued in sailing.

We take on rough seas and Biscay in an attempt to escape winter and the harsh weather of the North Atlantic Ocean.

I had become intoxicated with a clarity of mind which I have yet to discover anywhere other than being at sea.

I’ve decided to depart for warmer climes for the foreseeable. I am now embarking on a new adventure, hitchhiking onboard sailing vessels despite having next to no sailing experience – all whilst continuing to work as a freelance writer.

I’ve realised that life is too short to worry about what other people think of your decisions and it’s too short to not take a risk in the pursuit of happiness – or contentment.

Positive mental framing and adopting a ‘challenge-oriented’ mindset is what has led to a marked positive shift in my wellbeing over the past couple of years – the past twelve months in particular. What can we learn from the Norwegian mindset to help us get through this winter?