Riannah's Blog Posts
Top 5 Destinations for Winter Sun
Ultimate Guide to Corfu
Background
I joined Tailored Journeys in October 2023 but I feel like I've been here for years! I've worked in a bar, qualified to be a dental nurse, then set up my own company, but I always craved more. Travelling and exploring new places, cultures and food has forever been my biggest passion. So of course I jumped at the opportunity to work in travel 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.
Countries Riannah has visited:
About Riannah
When you're not working or travelling, you're...
Usually reading a book somewhere! 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 definitely Grease.
How many languages do you speak?
2 - English and Greek. I'm always toying with the idea of learning Italian or Spanish too.
Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?
Marrakech for sure. I had only seen pictures of what to expect, but it really does exceed any expectations. Its a feast for the senses, the colours, food and everything else just absolutely captivated me and I'm currently trying to convince my husband to book a cheeky 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 the sun year round, a laid-back vibe and I'd love to learn to surf. But if I'm being honest, I would live absolutely anywhere.
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 wandered away from the group and 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, but one of the first journeys we took to take all our belongings over, was a drive from the UK all the way to Corfu; it took around 4 days and I saw so much. I was 9 and remember driving through France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, where we caught an overnight ferry to Corfu. It really was an 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 has a minimalistic style but absolutely stunning. My husband and I went here for our honeymoon so it definitely 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 fam trip with Tailored Journeys. I was fortunate enough to travel to the furthest I've ever been to this gorgeous country, and it marks 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 this is definitely at the top of my list.
Have you ever worked abroad?
Yes, I worked in a family-friend's greengrocers in Corfu when I did a brief stint out there on my own when I was 21. I got to hone my Greek language skills 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 that was probably the biggest culture-shock I've had. Having grown up in Corfu, I was used to a very laid-back relaxed way of life, swimming everyday and of course eating the best food, to moving back to the UK where its grey, cold and having 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?
Visiting Jerusalem when in Israel with my nan and seeing her get kissed by a camel. She hates any kind of animal and it was just hilarious watching her squirm!
Pictures of Riannah on her travels
Sharm el Sheikh
Marrakech
Santorini
Croatia
Jordan
Petra
Borneo
Brunei