Riannah's Blog Posts
Top 5 Destinations for Winter Sun
Ultimate Guide to Corfu
About Riannah
I joined Tailored Journeys in October 2023. I've worked in a bar, qualified to be a dental nurse, then set up my own company, but I always craved bigger horizons. Travelling and exploring new places, cultures and food has forever been my biggest passion so I jumped at the opportunity to work in travel. I give it my all and I think it suits me very well!
Originally from...
Born in London, but my grandad is from Sri Lanka and I grew up in Greece.
When you're not working or travelling, you're...
Usually reading a book somewhere - travel on the mind. I also enjoy having friends over and going out for food.
What is your favourite band and film?
This is a tricky one, but my favourite band of all time will have to be Paramore and favourite film is Grease.
How many languages do you speak?
Two - English and Greek. I'm always toying with the idea of learning Italian or Spanish.
Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?
Marrakech. It’s a feast for the senses: the colours, the food and everything else absolutely captivated me and I'm currently trying to convince my husband to book a weekend getaway.
What are your top 5 must-pack items?
A book or 3 (that counts as one item!), mascara, my ugly walking sandals (don't judge me - they're comfy), a camera and my travel journal.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?
Wow, I thought the favourite band/film question was tricky… I've never been, but maybe Australia. They have sun year round, a laid-back vibe and I'd love to learn to surf.
What is a travel experience you will always remember?
I visited Israel and Jordan when I was 20 and it has to be hands down the best trip I've ever been on. Petra in particular was just magical, I found this adorable Bedouin girl selling tea and jewellery. I sat with her while I sipped the sweet tea and even though we didn't know each others language, I thought we communicated really well. It was a moment of reflection for me and something I'll remember forever.
What is your first great travel experience?
I grew up travelling back and forth to Corfu. We drove all the way from the UK to take our belongings over; it took four days. I was nine, and I remember driving through Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. From there, we caught an overnight ferry to Corfu. For a nine-year-old it was a real adventure!
What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it?
My favourite hotel is Kapari Natural Resort in Santorini. It's a small boutique hotel, built into the cliff face on the edge of the caldera. The hotel's minimalistic style is absolutely stunning. My husband and I went here for our honeymoon, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Which is your favourite beach, why and where is it?
My favourite beach is in Portugal, the Algarve specifically. My husband and I hired a car for the week to do some exploring and we happened across a long stretch of beach that was quite difficult to get to due to awful road conditions. Once we were there, it was like we had travelled to another planet! The sand was almost white and the water was so blue, there were also huge washed up jellyfish! This beach is very off the beaten track, so much so I couldn't find it on the map!
Which passport stamp are you the most proud of?
This is an easy one! It has to be Borneo, my first ever trip with Tailored Journeys. This gorgeous country was the furthest I’ve ever been, and marked the start of my career in travel.
What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Sri Lanka! I'm quarter Sri Lankan and I have never been, so its a must.
Have you ever worked abroad?
Yes. I worked in a family friend's greengrocer’s in Corfu when I did a brief stint out there on my own when I was 21. I got to hone my Greek and drink tsipouro (moonshine) with the guys that worked next door. It was great!
Have you experienced culture-shock, if so, where?
We left Corfu and moved back to the UK when I was 15 and strangely that was probably the biggest culture shock I've had. I was used to a very laid-back, relaxed way of life, swimming every day, and of course eating the best food. The UK was grey and cold and I had to start all over again.
If you had just 24 hours in a big city, which one would it be?
What do you miss most from home while you're away?
Honestly, I can't think of anything!
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you abroad?
My nan being kissed by a camel in Jerusalem. She hates any kind of animal and it was
hilarious watching her squirm!
Last Trip: Corfu
Next Trip: Vietnam
Pictures of Riannah on her travels
Sharm el Sheikh
Marrakech
Croatia
Jordan
Petra
Borneo
Brunei
Countries Riannah has visited:
