The first "non-traveller" sat in his 18th century armchair exploring distant countries through the books he read, and re-exploring the trips taken through the souvenirs of the Grand Tour he had collected. Since then, we have used everything from photographs to virtual reality as a way of experiencing a far-away places without the need to leave the comfort of our home.
Since the days of our armchair traveller, cultures and styles have spread across the world. Today, in most large cities, you can get a taste of Little Italy, or discover the latest fad in Chinatown. But what does it take to truly experience the uniqueness of another place?
As today's non-traveler, I'm exploring what it means to "non-travel" within the cities we live. I've created this website to share my adventures, and as a souvenir of my travels to transport us there once again. I hope you find some inspirations for your own non-travels here.
Learn more about the origins of non-travel with this short history.
About Me
After 10 years in three countries, working and consulting for a range of architecture, design and tech companies, I've managed everything from communications and community, to complex projects and events. My own creative work comes from my love of travel and curiosity in the world around me.
I want to share the importance of travel in how we embrace other cultures, while encouraging individuals to explore and engage more with the world around them. I started developing this idea during my MA in Design Research by looking at how the design of objects allows us to experience travel without physically moving. This work won the Graduate Paper Award at the Tourism and Travel Research Association 2016 Annual International Conference. Since then I've been developing ways in which we can "non-travel" through objects, the written word and curated experiences.
When I'm not exploring my home city of San Francisco or travelling further afield, you can find me non-traveling (through vineyards) in my day job.
Where I'm currently non-travelling:
- On my first non-travel tour of Paris... in San Francisco. More details coming soon!
- Through every SF guidebook I can get my hands on.
- With photos for my 100 day project: #100citiesinSF.
- Brainstorming an exciting non-travel event with J.Hannah Co.
- Planning my next trip to the American Deep South!
“Mark Twain said that travel is fatal to prejudice... I love showing up in places thinking one thing and having those expectations turned on their heads all the time. But then again, I’m a fool - I think curiosity is a virtue.”