Meet Alex Gorton
Meet one of the Auree Travel editors, Alex Gorton. There are not many places she hasn’t visited and so is the perfect inspiration. We caught up with her this week to find out more about her latest hotel favourites and some travel secrets.
What’s been your most memorable trip?
Such a hard question as in my past job (Travel Editor of Condé Nast Brides), I was lucky enough to travel to some amazing places. A 10-day trip I took with my husband to Namibia is up there with the best of them. Such an incredible country and awe-inspiring landscapes. I’d go back in flash. I also adore India and my first visit to the Taj Mahal was pretty memorable.
What destination keeps popping up on your Instagram feed that intrigues you?
Vietnam looks amazing.
As former Travel Editor at Conde Nast Brides, where would you recommend travelling for a honeymoon?
It totally depends on what you want to do. If you want to flop and enjoy a really luxurious holiday, then it’s the Maldives or the Seychelles. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, then a safari is hard to beat.
What is your favourite thing about travelling?
The excitement of seeing a new place, discovering something or somewhere you’ve never encountered or seen before.
Have you ever been somewhere that didn’t live up to the hype?
Hahaha! Don’t know why I’m laughing, but that was probably our honeymoon. We went to somewhere called Mafia Island (off the coast of Tanzania) under the illusion it would be amazing. It was most definitely not.
If money wasn’t an object, where would you go for a week’s holiday?
Right now with four young children, it would be a week in the Maldives or Mauritius. A complete flop do-nothing beach holiday with sun. If I had a bit more energy and was travelling on my own or with my husband, it would be gorilla trekking in Rwanda or seeing the chimpanzees in Tanzania. I have always wanted to do that.
Do you research restaurants for your holidays or are you more spontaneous?
Not really as I’m sadly not that organised! I would probably google something when I was there.
What are your must have items that you pack in your suitcase?
Suncream, swimwear, beach cover-ups, sandals…
What books will you be taking on your next holiday?
Anything gripping and relatively easy to read. I’ve just read Sabine Durrant’s Lie with Me, which is the perfect holiday book – a fantastic psychological thriller based in Greece. Tasmina Perry writes great bonkbusters.
What are your tips for travelling with young children?
Ok, easily said, but try not to stress as that’s not going to help anyone. Pack an iPad and little treats/presents to ‘break in emergency’. We went to Dubai at half-term and I brought along loads of those little packets of lego to give them in the journey (although I was obviously panicking about them losing it down the seat). Lollipops to suck on take-off/landing are great for stopping ears popping, sticker books, medicine in case someone suddenly develops a temperature…..
What 3 Auree pieces would you want to take on holiday?
I love layering necklaces and bracelets, so probably the beautiful Chelsea Egg necklace, the Albany Russian bangle and a Plaka nugget bracelet.
Aisle or window?
Short-haul window, long-haul aisle (so I can go to the loo without climbing over someone!)
Image credits: namibiatourism.com; Auree own; seal-superyachts.com; Pinterest.com; luxresorts.com; lizlovesbooks.com