A New Dawn For Adventure -Because You're Not 17 Anymore

Inspiration, information and entertainment for the post-backpacking generation

Welcome to Grown-up Travel Guide!

Are you longing for the adventure and the thrill of new discoveries you remember from your backpacking days?

Do you find yourself free to travel again now that the kids can fend for themselves and you no longer have to spend two weeks at a family resort each year? Or perhaps you want to explore together but go somewhere interesting?

Or maybe you skipped the whole kids thing anyway, but now have a bit more money and time to devote to seeing the world?

So what’s the answer? What I like to call Grown-up Travel.

It’s time to rediscover your spirit of adventure.

This is where Grown-up Travel Guide can help. My mission is to inspire and inform to help you get the most out of your adventures, and I’ve been doing that with this blog since 2012.

With a focus on amazing experiences with a decent level of comfort, I share my tips on hidden gems and different ways to explore well-known places, amazing places to stay, food to eat, drinks to drink and more.

I’m Andy, by the way. Stick with me, it´s going to be a fun ride.

Me with elephant behind Kutali Zambia

You can read more about the Grown-up Travel concept elsewhere on the website, and read about me and my crazy story in the, er, My Story section.

The short version is: I am a Brit but have been living in Norway for over 25 years and travelling in Africa for even longer. That’s why you’ll find a lot of articles about these two destinations. I am passionate about food and drink as well as sharing things I have learned from decades on the road. 

You can start by checking out my main topics below, scroll down to find the latest and most popular articles or just pick a place you are interested in from the menu at the top of the page.

Happy travels!

Norway

Norway

I’ve been living in this great country since 1999 so I think I know what I’m talking about. My mission is to share my knowledge with you so that you can discover the majesty of Norway. I’ll tell you all about the natural splendour, rich cultural tapestry, and unique experiences that await. From the serene to the spectacular, Norway offers a journey of discovery and awe at every turn. Explore with me!

Africa

As someone who has been travelling Africa since 1992, I think I know what I’m talking about when it comes to the world’s most exciting continent too. I am happy to admit that I’m an Africa addict, having visited more than 30 countries and counting. I also work as a travel designer for The Grown-up Travel Company, where I create life-changing adventures for real travellers. My Africa articles cover safaris, city guides, beach breaks, packing advice and much, much more…

african christmas celebrations

Cultural Immersion & Discovery

Discover the world through its people, traditions, and customs in my Cultural Immersion & Discovery section. We’ll uncover the authentic experiences that define each destination. Learn about local crafts, traditional ceremonies, and the global tapestry of cultures that makes our world wonderfully diverse. I’ll show you where you can enjoy genuine interactions, not fake shows for tourists.

Nature & Wildlife Encounters

Nature & Wildlife Encounters is about connecting with the natural world. Experience breathtaking landscapes and encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. Whether it’s trekking through national parks, going on a safari, or whale watching, you’ll read how to responsibly enjoy Earth’s wonders. From the serenity of nature to the thrill of wildlife sightings, it’s all here.

Culinary Adventures

If you ask me, trying the local cuisine is an absolute highlight of travelling. I’m on a never-ending gastronomic journey and my articles will tantalize your taste buds and introduce you to the world’s cuisines. I am serious about great beer and wine too… Learn about the best local dishes, street food secrets, and gourmet experiences in the destinations I visit. 

Hidden Gems

Uncover the secrets within the familiar with our “Hidden Gems” collection, where well-known destinations reveal their lesser-seen wonders. Step off the tourist trail and into a world of hidden alleyways, untouched natural beauty, and cultural treasures waiting just around the corner. Dive into the heart of exploration and discover the unseen marvels of the world’s most beloved places.

Active & Adventure Travel - zipline

Active & Adventure Travel

For those who seek to combine exploration with exhilaration, our Active & Adventure Travel theme is your gateway to the world’s most thrilling experiences. Scale mountains, dive into the depths of the oceans, or cycle through scenic landscapes. We offer insights on preparing for your adventures, staying safe, and finding activities that challenge and inspire, regardless of your age.

travel tips - planning

Travel Planning & Tips

The foundation of any great travel experience is thoughtful planning, and I’m here to help. My Travel Planning & Tips section equips you with all the necessary tools, advice, and checklists to ensure your journeys are seamless and enjoyable. From budgeting and packing to navigating new cultures and staying safe, I’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Latest Articles

My Best Tips for Solo Travel

Introduction Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff in Santorini as the sun sinks into the Aegean...

The Best Bergen Itinerary for a Short Visit

Nestled between seven mountains and the magnificent Norwegian fjords, Bergen is a true Scandinavian...

Exploring the World’s Most Iconic Libraries

The world is home to many famous, historical, and renowned libraries that are must-visit...

Five Spookiest Cities To Visit This Fall

With Spooky season in full swing, there is no better time to dive into the world of the unknown. But...

Top 7 Fun Things to Do near Miami International Airport

Long layovers can be exhausting, to say the least, stuck in a city with nothing to do except prowl...

How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway in Brisbane

Planning a weekend getaway can be both exciting and daunting, especially when the destination offers...

I’m Back on YouTube! What’s Next for the Grown-up Travel Guide Channel

Hi everyone, I’ve got some pretty exciting news about where we’re taking this channel – and, well...

Discover the UK’s Lesser-Known Natural Wonders

Think of travelling in the UK, and iconic spots like Stonehenge and the Lake District might come to...

10 Unforgettable Cultural Expeditions for Adventurous Retirees

Retirement is a great time to explore the world and learn about different cultures. Cultural...

Most Popular Articles Since 2012

Planning an Epic Norwegian Road Trip: The Complete Guide

Norway is a BIG country, and if you are going to see a lot of it in a relatively short time, you...

The 21 Most Beautiful Places in Norway

Introduction Norway is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich...

The Road Trip of Your Dreams: Cruising Along the French Riviera

The allure of a road trip along the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is undeniable. With its...

Father-Daughter Trip Ideas: Creating Meaningful Memories Together

Speaking from experience, exploring the world with your daughter offers an incredible opportunity to...

The Best Christmas Markets in Stockholm for 2024

Another Christmas markets article for you lucky people, and this time it’s the turn of...

Only in Norway…some lessons I’ve learned from living up here

At the time of tapping this out I’d been living here in Trondheim, central Norway for the best...

Bloodline Filming Locations: A Scene-by-Scene Florida Keys Guide

Introduction Right, let’s get this monster of a post started – with my carefully...

Been there, haven’t done that – 5 things you shouldn’t miss in Berlin

In our mission to inspire and inform Grown-up Travellers we continue our series of articles...

Why Helsinki takes the crown as Scandinavia’s food capital

I’ve been planning a trip to Finland with my family and I thought it might be a good idea to...

Been there, haven’t done that – 5 things you shouldn’t miss in London

In our mission to inspire and inform Grown-up Travellers we begin a series of articles containing...

First impressions – a Limey driving in the USA

This article is part five of the series “Trip diary: Three weeks on the road in Florida”...

The five stupidest things I’ve done while travelling

Now this sounds good. You must have been up all night narrowing this list down to five… Hey...

Flight report: Lufthansa New Business Class Frankfurt to Miami

This article is part four of the series “Trip diary: Three weeks on the road in Florida”...

Berlin: How to cure ‘Ostalgie’ in three easy steps

Ostalgie? What’s that, some kind of infection? Not exactly. In the words of Wikipedia...