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Welcome to my portfolio!
My name is Sue, otherwise known as Nomadic Ku, and I'm a freelance travel writer.
I am passionate about travel and adventure and have lived or travelled in over fifty countries. I backpack, housesit and love to explore, whether I am hiking in remote landscapes or checking out city street art.
My mission is to inspire people to hit the road and take adventures of their own. I produce informative and inspiring travel articles, listicles, guides and essays based on a combination of personal experience and meticulous, accurate research.
My articles have been published in Huffington Post, LA Travel Magazine, Localiiz, TravelHoppers, International Living, Wanderful, In the Know Traveler, Travel and Talk. MisAdventures Magazine, My Itchy Travel Feet, GirlsGetaway, Travioor, Chasing la Bella Vita, TravelSignPosts, Writer's Weekly, GomadNomad, Campsites.co.uk, Dollar Stretcher, Inspired Senior Living, ThingsToDoEverywhere, WanderGoGo, Price of Travel, Travel-Wise, Eat your World, Offbeat Travel, Freedom with Writing, Epicure and Culture, Matador Travel, Thrifty Nomads, TravelHopper, Greatest Britons and Great Escape Publishing
I was a regular contributor to Trip by Skyscanner for whom I wrote seventy guides. I also previously wrote regularly for Go Overseas, Matador Travel and TravelPride.
In 2016 I was featured in the bestselling book 'Grand Adventures' by adventurer, Alastair Humphreys.
My partner and I are creators of the travel and housesitting blog - journey-junkies.com
When not on the road, I am based in Brighton, UK and have just completed a Brighton city guide for Touch Screen Travels. My most recent travels were exploring Mexico, Cuba and Colombia in January-April 2020.
If you require travel-related content of any type, don't hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]
The Norfolk Coastal Path walk is a fun active travel adventure for boomers traveling in the UK. The trail, a 3-hour drive from London, hugs the coastline along the North Sea. Sue King from , shares her experience and tips for this beautiful walk.
Mexico is a fascinating country to visit. Home to some unusual and bizarre traditions, its most famous festival is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The annual event honours and celebrates deceased ancestors. It's a strange juxtaposition of fun and melancholic, and an example of Mexico's obsession and acceptance of death.
Header image courtesy of Arif Imran (Pexels) For many travellers, Delhi is their first experience of the vast nation of India. The chaos, heat, traffic-clogged streets, poverty, and general madness can be a huge culture shock. Beyond the madness lies magnificent historical buildings, wide boulevards, world-class museums, superb restaurants, and fantastic shopping opportunities.
Although the name of Glastonbury is synonymous with one of the world's most famous music festivals, there is more to the tiny Somerset town than the annual gathering of peace and love at nearby Worthy Farm. With a population of approximately 9,000, Glastonbury brims with myths and legends. It...
An UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most impressive of Mexico's Mayan ruins The Mayan civilization, best known for its art, architecture, written language and astronomy, was powerful between about 2000 BC and 1500 AD, with Chichen Itza being built around 800 AD.
As a passionate traveller, much of my wanderlust has been inspired by books. Reading about the exploits of others has fuelled my desire to hit the road and have adventures of my own. At a time when many of us are in lockdown, staying motivated and keeping our travel dreams alive is more important than ever.
Last winter, I spent far longer in Mexico than intended. Initially, my plan had been to head down to Central America after whizzing around Mexico. However, I discovered that Mexico was too beautiful (and large!) to hurry. Valladolid in Yucatan state was one of the many lovely colonial cities I found myself lingering.
The seaside city of Brighton, located between the rolling hills of Sussex, is one of the UK's premier LGBTQ destinations. Brighton's queer history dates all the way back to the early 19th century when soldiers were garrisoned in the city during the Napoleonic wars.
London has an LGBTQ scene steeped in history, with queer pubs dating back as far as the 17th century. From glitzy cocktail lounges to dingy drag dens, London's scene is one of the most vibrant and hedonistic on the planet. Beyond the world of cocktails, there are countless reasons why LGBTQ travelers are drawn to England's capital.
It goes without saying that Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are India's heavyweights-the cities that the majority of travellers arrive in when they visit the colourful and compelling sub-continent. There are, however, many overlooked cities which are equally deserving of as much attention as 'The Big Three'.
Sue has been backpacking and housesitting her way the world since 2012 and has travelled and lived in over fifty countries. Her favourites countries to date are the equally colourful and compelling India and Mexico. This unique city is situated on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and is the most sacred place in India for Hindus.
Dia de Los Muertos is Mexico's most captivating festival and is celebrated each year between the 31st October and the 2nd November. The event honours those who have passed to the spirit world and is a compelling blend of reflection and exuberance, rooted in a combination of pre-Hispanic beliefs and Catholicism.
BRIGHTON'S BEST is an ideal travel guide to England's quirky and bohemian seaside city. It uses 141 images and 13,000 words to to explore key NEIGHBOURHOODS; detail SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES; outline ITINERARIES; and suggest great places to EAT and DRINK. All content is original and independent.
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With its many ashrams, colorful temples, and mysterious sacred rituals, India has always been a magnet for spiritual seekers. Here are a few of the most venerated destinations in the country, all of them captivating in their own unique way. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, ancient Varanasi is the most sacred city in all of India.
Although Colombia has been making great strides in tourism over the last few years, many people don't realize that it is now one of the hottest LGBTQ destinations in South America. As a result of recent legislation introduced by the government, LGBTQ rights are equal to those of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
We crept past the sleeping receptionist and out of the hotel at 1:30 am, walking through Old Manali in the pouring rain. Stray dogs howled and a rat scurried across the street in front of us. I had been traveling in India for several months with my partner, Teresa.
Having fallen in love with the awe-inspiring deserts and incredible rock formations of the American South West many years previously, I never believed that there would be anywhere else on earth to rival the sheer beauty and spirituality of those captivating landscapes - until I discovered Cappadocia.
Antigua Guatemala is easily the most beautiful city in Central America. Situated in the Central Highlands, less than an hour's drive from Guatemala City, it is a popular destination for well-heeled tourists and backpackers alike. It's easy to understand why. The cobbled streets are dotted with crumbling ruins and picturesque plazas.
I sat on a bench in the piazza taking in the scene. Locals walked their dogs or chatted to one another in the spring sunshine. I was in the neighborhood of Testaccio for a food tour and was relishing my escape from the masses of selfie-stick toting tourists in central Rome.
The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is Mexico's most popular festival and is celebrated each year between 31 st October and 2 nd November. The event honors those who have passed on and is a fascinating juxtaposition of contemplative and joyous.
When Harry and Meghan got hitched in May, the Queen bestowed them with the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The landscape of their new domain, Sussex, is quintessentially that of Southeast England. Situated on the coast, it's a 1,500 square mile county of castles, rolling hills, white chalk cliffs, winding lanes and traditional seaside towns.
It is always key to establish exactly what is expected from both parties. Some house-sits are paid, others are not. Occasionally, especially on longer sits, the property owner will request that the sitter contributes to bills. It is up to those involved to negotiate.
Brighton is sometimes referred to as "Little London by the Sea." Situated on the south coast of Sussex, Brighton is a mere 50 minutes from London by train, which means tourists usually just go for a day trip - if they bother going at all. But you should consider basing yourself in Brighton instead.
High in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, hidden in a subtropical jungle, there exists a surreal sculptural fantasyland called Las Pozas. It was created by English eccentric and visionary, Edward James between the years 1949 and 1984.
Having grown up in South West London, Wimbledon holds a special place in my heart. I have returned to my old stomping ground many times over the years, not only to watch tennis, but also to make the most of Wimbledon's other attractions.
Visiting Varanasi - the spiritual heart of India - on the banks of the River Ganges, was a long-standing dream of mine. The city had always fascinated me, maybe even scared me a little. I had read that few people visited Varanasi without falling ill.
Travel and adventure have been my passion for as far back as I can remember. I grew up on the south coast of England and I spent much of my time poring over maps and planning my great escape. I wanted to escape the rat-race.
Although Copenhagen is delightful at any time of the year, it is at its glorious best in December. The twisted cobbled streets, soaring spires, turreted buildings, blend of gothic buildings and cute multi-hued houses are a winning combination. Add a sprinkling of Christmas and you feel as if you are in a scene from one of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales.
In addition to being the coolest city in the UK, Brighton was recently voted the happiest city in England. No wonder the city receives a constant flow of day-trippers and weekenders from London. On the Sussex Coast Basking on the Sussex coast, Brighton is less than an hour away from the capital by train.
The best campgrounds to pitch a tent inside San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and other major US cities.
From Florence to Munich, Europe's second cities show you the soul of a country - with fewer crowds but all the charm.
Seafood platter at the Salt Room (courtesy of the Salt Room) A mere 47-minute train ride from London, Brighton, on the south coast of England, combines traditional seaside fun with an artistic, free-thinking vibe.
Portsmouth in the county of Hampshire is known for its seafaring past and today is Britain's premier Royal Navy Base. The dockyard is home to several historical ships including King Henry VII's Mary Rose and Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory.
If you want to enjoy the natural scenery of the United Kingdom the way the locals do, go for a walk... a really long walk. From Cornwall to Scotland, you can trek from a week to two months across rolling hills, along coastal tracks, through urban sprawls, or in shaded woodlands.
Everyone has heard of the popular beaches of Brighton and Blackpool, but with 7,760 miles of coastline, the United Kingdom has an abundance of gorgeous beaches that most of the world has no idea exists. From wild and rustic shores to glorious bays overlooked by castles, there is no shortage of breathtaking beaches to explore in the UK.
There is nothing quite like unzipping your tent in the morning to see the sun coming up over the ocean. Whether it's a classic white sand beach on a tropical island or a wild and remote shore scattered with driftwood, wherever you are headed in the world, you can usually find a beach to call home for a night or more.
New Zealand has some of the most pristine scenery in the world. Snow-capped mountains, wild beaches, fjords, and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife make the country a great destination for those who love spending time in nature. Kayaking is an ideal way to explore the coastline, lakes, and waterways of the country.
We love exotic travel tales that include active adventures , especially when it involves biking through off-the-beaten paths. Today's guest contributor, Sue King, did just that as she cycled her way through dusty backwoods to see the incredible temples of Bagan, Myanmar.
Exploring the subterranean underworld has always had an allure for intrepid adventurers. Hiking above ground is one thing, but scrambling, climbing, and crawling through mysterious caverns provide an adrenaline rush unlike any you'll get where the sun shines. Whether you're a caver or spelunker, the US has a huge amount of cave systems for exploring.
I've been a passionate traveler for over 20 years, and an on-the-road freelance travel writer for around 18 months. Since I started out, I've had close to 50 articles published, and I learned a few lessons along the way. As a rookie travel writer, success is largely down to forming the right habits and consistently putting them into practice.
The Lake District National Park is the largest national park in the UK and the first to be awarded with world heritage status. A natural landscape of 885 square miles, the scenery comprises of stunning mountains, deep valleys and scenic lakes.
With its reputation for crime, most first-time visitors are surprised at just how safe they feel whilst strolling the streets of Mexico City. The majority of tourists enjoy a trouble-free visit to this cultured, colorful and often overlooked metropolis.
As a travel writer who is on the road for much of the year, there is nothing I enjoy more than returning to my hometown for a fun girls' weekend in Brighton. These precious weekends give me a chance to catch up with the girls, re-visit our favorite haunts and check out the hippest new venues.
As a traveller, every now and again you come across a place that steals your heart a little. For me, Hampi, in the Indian state of Karnataka was one of those places. Magical and bewitching, Hampi is an ancient temple town surrounded by 16th century ruins.
By Sue King, Epicure & Culture Contributor Love eating meat-free? You can easily find a tasty vegetarian restaurant in Brighton, England to satiate your palate. But, that's not the only reason to love this United Kingdom travel destination. The seaside city of Brighton is nestled between the rolling hills of the South Downs, just a one-hour drive from London.
Want to travel to Ethiopia? Learn about guided tours in Ethiopia and top attractions and activities, plus read reviews from fellow travelers.
Sue is a passionate traveler and has been exploring the planet full-time since 2012, backpacking, housesitting and volunteering. Au pairing is perfect for those who love both travel and the company of children.
Alternative, cool, quirky and sitting snugly between the rolling hills of the Sussex Downs, Brighton is a one-hour journey by train from London. The city receives a constant flow of day trippers from the capital at any time of the year, but especially during the summer months.
Want to volunteer in Belize? Learn about volunteer programs in Belize, read tips on finding a volunteer placement in Belize, and explore reviews from past volunteers.
Surfers are drawn to El Salvador because it has some of the best breaks in the world. Even if you don't surf, the unspoiled beaches are beautiful and refreshingly uncrowded. Apart from beaches, the country is home to cute colonial towns, coffee plantations, active volcanoes to scale, and beautiful national parks to explore -- making El Salvador an adventurer's dream destination!
I've been a travel writer for nearly three years. I explore the globe and write guides, articles, and essays about my adventures and the destinations that I visit. I'm having the time of my life and only wish I had started writing a long time ago.
Want to learn Chinese in an off-beat destination? Consider Singapore! This island nation offers plenty of opportunities to learn Chinese through language schools and immersion. Learn more and read program reviews.
For adventure junkies, the Philippines are the perfect place to get away from it all and hike, bike, and kayak in remote areas. Adventure tours also include such activities as cliff jumping, white water rafting, spelunking, waterfall climbing, and snorkeling. The Philippines are a natural playground for adventure seekers of all types and there are tours to suit everyone.
Mexico City is blessed with an abundance of incredible museums. In fact, with over 150, it boasts more museums than any other city in the world! To tempt you further, most of them are either free of charge or a mere few pesos' entrance fee.
Find volunteer programs working with childcare overseas. Read reviews and alumni interviews. Only at www.GoOverseas.com.
I've been a passionate traveler for over 20 years, and an on-the-road freelance travel writer for around 18 months. Since I started out, I've had close to 50 articles published, and I learned a few lessons along the way. As a rookie travel writer, success is largely down to forming the right habits and consistently putting them into practice.
The best spot for white water rafting in Honduras is Cangrejal River Valley. With its Class III and IV rapids, the rafting here provides not only a heart-pumping adrenaline rush but a chance to take in the lush jungle landscape and huge granite boulders.
Want to teach in Nicaragua? Learn about teaching jobs in Nicaragua, read a guide to teaching English in Nicaragua, and read reviews from past teachers.
I have been a travel writer for 18 months. In the space of that time, I've had close to 100 articles published. Along the way, I've learned a few lessons about what editors want. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an old hand, here are three important things to remember: Make your deadline!
There are a few items that are essential for every emerging travel writer, and had I known about them when I was starting out, it would have made life easier and my progress swifter. A couple of the things I have listed here are obvious, but there are one or two that are perhaps less so.
After three years and nearly 200 published articles, I have learned a thing or two about freelance travel writing. One being the importance of an alternative perspective. The travel writing market is flooded with straightforward destination pieces, so standing out is vital. But how can you make your articles stand out?
The latest Tweets from Nomadic Ku #travel (@kuking1). #TravelWriter, #Backpacker, #HouseSitter, Free Spirit - pursuing a life of #adventure and exploration. Living out of a very small(!) backpack since 2012. Brighton, England
Fairly often people make comments about my adventures such as, "Women can't do what you do" or "this lifestyle is very dangerous for a woman" or "you can only do this because you are a man." There are undoubtedly some risks that women deal with much more frequently than men but I still believe that women can travel safely and can even travel solo.
Winner of three singles titles and four doubles titles in grand slams, she was ranked in the world's top ten for thirteen consecutive years. Her highest world ranking was number 2 which she reached in November 1975. Wade's most famous victory was winning the Wimbledon singles title in 1977 after sixteen attempts.