About this brits life
Here To Help You Navigate The World With More Confidence.
From solo travel and expat life to international politics because understanding the world goes hand in hand with exploring it.
What you’ll find here
Solo travel, living abroad, and global awareness in one authentic space
I’m a British immigrant living in Canada, an adventurer at heart, and the creator of This Brit’s Life designed to help women explore the world independently with confidence.
My journey didn’t start with courage though. I spent my 20s wishing I had the confidence to travel alone, only to finally take that first completely solo trip in my 30s. That one decision changed everything. As a single woman who loves nothing more than random adventures, I wouldn’t be living overseas now if I hadn’t finally gotten over my fear of solo traveling.
Here on This Brit’s Life, I share everything I wish I could have told my younger self, back when I was too scared and insecure to travel. My goal is to help other women do the same: step out of fear, embrace independence, and create unforgettable adventures on their own terms.
But This Brit’s Life isn’t just about travel. It’s about growth, courage, and speaking up for what matters. I write about everything from solo travel and expat life to international politics because understanding the world goes hand in hand with exploring it.
GET TO KNOW ME BETTER
How My Solo Travel Journey Began
I have always been curious about the world, but my love of travel started after University when I spent a month exploring America and Canada, from New York to Vancouver stopping in California and Las Vegas on the way, by plane and Greyhound bus.
I fell completely in love with the diversity of both Countries and, most of all, Vancouver where I returned the following year. In the years that passed I saw more of America with stays in Memphis, Mississippi, New Orleans, Texas, and Vegas, as well as places in Spain, Greece, and Cyprus.
In 2014, three years after my parents passed away, I returned to Vancouver and submitted my application for Canadian Permanent Residency while I was there.
It was a turning point for me because for the first time ever I found myself overseas completely alone when the friend I had traveled there with left me without a word.
Having spent most of my life in my own company, I adjusted quickly to being on my own and discovered that solo traveling was actually really fun.
As soon as I got back to England, I was planning my next solo trip to Vancouver, the Rockies and the Calgary Stampede while I awaited news of my visa application. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Since then I’ve explored Bermuda, Italy by train, and more of America and Canada including Washington DC, Boston, Salem, Maine, Las Vegas, New York, and Toronto; mostly solo.
Those experiences taught me resilience, confidence, and joy in independence — lessons I now share through my guides, posts, and travel advice.
get to know me better
Starting A New Life Abroad
Moving to Canada was never seriously in my plans until my life completely changed. After my mum and dad both died suddenly within months of each other, all I wanted to do was leave the Country.
But it took years of working through fear and self-doubt as well as planning and saving before I finally made the move to Canada. I quickly discovered that moving abroad alone is as challenging as it is rewarding. That’s why I write honestly about the practical and emotional realities of expat life,
From navigating visa struggles, rental markets and limited employment options for immigrants to finding community and sustaining friendships in transient and often superficial environments, I share what it really takes to build a new life overseas.
Moving overseas is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. It’s an amazing adventure, but it can also be an uphill struggle that’s incredibly lonely especially if you are single, and often overwhelming.
Meet your Cruise director
Hello! I’m Gemma
I’m a British immigrant living on Canada’s West Coast, solo traveler, writer, and firm believer that understanding the world is just as important as seeing it.
Years ago, the thought of travelling overseas alone terrified me. That changed when I unexpectedly found myself alone in Canada. Since then, I’ve built a life abroad, traveled extensively on my own, and attended everything from major festivals and sporting events to concerts and cultural experiences solo.
On This Brit’s Life, I share practical advice to help women travel confidently, navigate life abroad, and better understand the political and social issues that shape our lives, communities, and travel experiences.
Because travel doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The places we visit, the countries we move to, and the opportunities available to us are all shaped by political, economic, and social decisions.
I want to help you become the confident “cruise director” of your own life, whether you’re booking your first solo trip, considering a move abroad, or trying to better understand the world around you.
MY MISSION
INSPIRE WOMEN
to enjoy more solo experiences, no matter their age, background, or body size
Share authentic travel experiences
with real photos – even if they’re not perfect – that help readers to plan confidently. No gatekeeping here.
Offer practical tips
for solo traveling, living abroad, self-care, and solo confidence building
Educate and inform
on what is happening in the world, how it affects us especially women and why we need to be active participators.
Encourage independent thinking
through articles on global politics, democracy, and social awareness.
Provide support
with resources, and practical guides to resist far right policies, and regimes.
Travel Solo With Confidence
Events
Enjoy solo travel that is built around iconic experiences. Here you will find solo-friendly events starting with a deep dive into the Calgary Stampede – what to expect, how to plan, what to wear, and how to enjoy it fully on your own.
City Breaks
Culturally rich cities that are easy to explore solo. From Calgary and Vancouver to North American and European city breaks, these guides focus on safety, things to do alone, and how to make the most of short solo trips.
GET TO KNOW ME BETTER
BRINGS ME JOY
Finding live music
travel style
Locally owned over chains, finding hidden gems and boutique hotels
FAVOURITE WAYS TO EXPLORE
Walking tours. Hop-on on hop-off buses
COMFORT DRINK
Cup of tea or peach iced iea
Coffee Order
Vanilla Latte
Guilty PleasureS
I’m a movie junkie….action and adventure. Also Cowboys 😉
favourite eats
BBQ, Chicken Strips, Italian
i’m a nerd about
History, Politics. Love a good museum!
travel Bucket list
Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Egypt
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Ready To Collaborate?
I welcome the opportunity to partner with tourism boards and like-minded brands that align the This Brits Life community.
Explore The Blog
Solo Travel
explore the world
Practical guides and resources for women who want to explore the world independently and confidently.
Living Abroad
start again overseas
Get advice, lessons learned, and resources from a British immigrant building a life in Canada for over 10 years. .
Politics & Society
knowledge is power
Learn more about the governments and the people who are shaping travel, migration, rights, and daily life.
Favorite Posts
On the Blog
Popular posts you might love.
Letters from THIS BRITS LIFE
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Disclaimer: This Brit’s Life is an independently owned platform with no paid political affiliations. All opinions are my own.
