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Introducing our First Choice Insiders
We’ve partnered with an amazing group of travel creators to launch the First Choice Insiders programme.
Getting all the on-the-ground information and inspiration you’re after when you’re searching for a holiday can be a lot – and that’s where our Insiders come in.
They pick the trips they really want to go on and bring all the details back to you – videos, pics and loads of local recs – on social and here on our website.
You can go along on those journeys with them, and see what hits the spot for you. They’re all set to be your eyes and ears on the ground – bringing you that ‘you had to be there’ expertise you won’t get anywhere else.
You’ll be hearing much more from them very soon, but for now, get to know them below…
Meet @gracegrangetravel
Grace in Palermo
I’m Grace, 30, a proud Welshie and obviously all things travel obsessed! When I finished studying to be a pharmacist in uni, I took some time out to travel where I met my fiancé, Matt and we explored Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji & Canada together. After that, I started sharing my travels on Instagram and helping others plan their trips, which I love so much. Aside from travel, I also have two house bunnies called Basil and Orzo, I love to bake, my guilty pleasure is Reggaeton and I’m also learning Spanish!
First Insider trip: Porto
Where’s the last place you visited?
I’ve just got back from a short but exciting trip to Mexico City. I love how diverse the city is and there’s so much to see and do (plus the food is incredible!). We did a street food tour, went to watch Lucha Libre Wrestling and visited Teotihuacan ancient ruins – we packed a lot in!
How do you approach planning your travels? Are you more spontaneous or do you like to plan things down to the last detail?
I won’t lie, spontaneous travel makes me anxious! I like to have everything planned well in advance with a full itinerary including restaurants, beaches and excursions etc! I really love doing the research and getting to know what the trip will look like because it makes me excited. I always think ‘when will I be back here?’ so I like to make sure I’ve got all the best things covered in my planning. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s always best to leave time for a bit of spontaneity – the best travel moments are always those that are unexpected!
Tell us about the most surprising place you’ve visited
Istanbul is definitely the most surprising place I’ve ever visited. It’s the most unique city I’ve ever been to because it truly is the place where East meets West! One minute you can feel like you’re in Paris drinking coffee and eating pastries on a cobbled street, then the next you’re walking through the Spice Market and could be in the medina in Marrakech! It’s a must-visit destination for sure.
Meet @hadley.ogarro
Hadley in Greece
Hi there, my name is Hadley – a food, lifestyle and travel content creator! It’s my aim to bring my followers the best recommendations, so they know where to visit in, around and outside London. I started vlogging mostly food 3 years ago, then as time has passed, expanded my content pillars across other interests of mine. I’m probably mostly known for my brutal honesty haha, I say it how it is!
First Insider trip: Barcelona
How do you approach planning your travels? Are you more spontaneous or do you like to plan things down to the last detail?
I describe myself as chaotically organised, so a bit of both! Even before I was a creator, I was always the one who had the trip planned by the hour in my notes app (whether or not the itineraries actually go to plan is a different story). I’ve become a lot more relaxed in the last few years I’ll admit, I’ve had some of my best experiences abroad just going with the flow.
What’s the number one thing you look for in a destination?
Food, sights, culture, or something else? FOOD. One thing about me, I’m gonna eat! I’m also a History and Archaeology graduate, so I’m a huge geek for culture. I definitely love squeezing in the typical touristy bits too.
Is there a destination you love to revisit? Or are you the type of traveller that can’t stand going back to a place you’ve already checked off your list?
There are many countries I enjoyed that I’d go back to for a more rich experience but for now, I’d rather visit places once just to get as many destinations under my belt as I can!
Meet @usntheworld
Ellie and Charlotte in Morocco
We are Usntheworld – AKA Ellie and Charlotte – two wives from Scotland, who love to travel the world. As a couple we have visited over 25 countries together, a mix of city breaks and beach holidays.
First Insider trip: Malta
Tell us about…
…the most beautiful place you’ve visited: Definitely has to be the Maldives – the beaches were breathtaking, and the water was so clear you could see baby sharks and stingrays!
…the most memorable place you’ve visited: Has to be Florence, Italy as this is where we got engaged in 2019. It’s such a beautiful city.
…the most surprising place you’ve visited: Bucharest, Romania! We booked a last-minute trip for the Christmas markets, and it was magical! We now recommend it to anyone looking to book a Christmas getaway – super cheap too!
Meet @lian_ireri
Lian in Marrakech
My name is Lian, 26 years old, born in Kenya but have been living and working in London for the past few years. In my 9-5 I work in marketing and social media, but outside of work I love all things fashion, travel and photography.
First Insider trip: Marmaris
What’s the number one thing you look for in a destination? Food, sights, culture, or something else?
Definitely the culture and the sights. I love visiting places that have a distinctive character, it’s what inspired me as a photographer.
Tell us about…
…the most beautiful place you’ve visited
Madeira Island. I honestly didn’t get to see enough of the island and would love to go back. The landscapes were breathtaking, people were so kind, and the main town was lively and vibrant.
…the most memorable place you’ve visited
Marrakech, Morocco. I visited Marrakech for the first time with some friends. We had a very detailed itinerary and got to visit all the touristy sites but also explore a lot of the city on our own. As part of the trip, we also spent 1 day in Essaouira which was a completely different vibe to Marrakech, all in all it was a great trip, with loads of wholesome memories.
Meet @baileyturvey
Bailey in Iceland
Hi! I’m Bailey, a travel content creator, originally from Brighton in the UK but currently working remotely from all over the world. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to over 6 continents and 60 countries, which has given me a great insight into the travel industry and has only spurred on my love for travel even more. I love nature & adventure travel and hiking in particular, along with adrenaline-pumping activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving. Despite doing a lot of solo travelling, I’m a bit of an extrovert and love meeting new people especially on my longer travels and that has become a key part of my travel content!
First Insider trip: Rhodes
How many countries have you travelled to so far?
So, back in April I actually hit my 60th country! Which was super exciting but randomly it was actually only Ireland. Despite living next door my whole life I never managed to visit and I visited twice in a month!
Is there a destination you love to revisit? Or are you the type of traveller that can’t stand going back to a place you’ve already ticked off your list?
I definitely love returning to countries! In fact, most the countries I have been to in 2024 are ones I have previously visited – albeit new places in the country! I think rushing through countries as a tick box exercise can ruin the experience. I would absolutely love to return to Iceland. I had the most incredible time there, but we were only there for 3 days which only scratched the surface. I would love to go back and explore more of the country and in the summer months too where daylight is almost 24 hours a day!
Tell us about the most surprising place you’ve visited.
Porto, Portugal! I really wasn’t expecting much from this city but I absolutely fell in love with it. It has some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, amazing food choices and was also super affordable for a traveller!
