This Brits Life

Travel, Expat Life, and Politics for Independent Women

About Gemma Lawrence

Hi, I’m Gemma. Welcome To This Brits Life.

I’m a British expat 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.

Follow Me: Instagram · BlueSky · TikTok · Facebook · Pinterest · YouTube · Twitter/X · Medium

My Mission

  • Inspire women to enjoy more solo experiences, no matter their age, background, or body size
  • Share authentic travel experiences and destination guides 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.

It’s about empowering women to take control of their lives, travel on their own terms, and stay informed about the world around them.

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.

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, not just the highlight reel.

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.

A woman, Gemma Lawrence, with long hair is seated while typing on a vintage typewriter at a wooden desk. The desk faces a pegboard displaying an assortment of notebooks and stationery items, with a sign that reads 'Everything you see here was typed on this typewriter'. Some of the items bear typewritten text, showcasing the machine's functional and creative use.

From Digital Marketer To Blogger And Freelancer

Before This Brit’s Life, I spent years working in digital marketing after earning my degree in journalism. But when I moved to Vancouver, I discovered that landing a marketing and communications job would be extremely difficult. I found myself giving up the career I loved for a 9-5 to essentially pay the bills.

So I Joined the British Columbia Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) to find other options. I helped with their marketing and communications before stepping up into the leadership role of Marketing Director, then Vice President and President.

I won multiple awards both for the chapter and myself, while gaining experience in storytelling, community-building and event planning.

Today, alongside my blog and 9-5, I work as a virtual assistant and freelancer content writer. I help small businesses, bloggers, and creators grow their online presence through content strategy, SEO, and social media support.

If you’re looking for help with blogging, copywriting, or digital marketing support, you can learn more on my Services page or reach out directly by emailing me at gemma@thisbritslife.com to discuss your project.

The U.S. Capitol building with dark storm clouds overhead — a symbolic image of American democracy facing political unrest and rising authoritarianism under Trump.

About This Brit’s Life

This Brit’s Life combines solo travel, Western culture, living abroad, lifestyle, and global awareness into one authentic space. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Solo Travel Guides — Practical advice for traveling alone with confidence.
  • Destination Guides — Canada, America, Bermuda, England, and global travel inspiration for women.
  • Western Culture & Calgary Stampede — A deep dive into Canadian cowboy culture, live music, and events.
  • Living Abroad — Expat life tips, helpful resources, and emotional insights.
  • Self-Confidence & Lifestyle — How to’s, ideas and stories about self-love, independence, and life lessons.
  • International Politics & Democracy — Informative and thought-provoking posts about authoritarianism, the Republican Party regime, rise of the far right, billionaire agenda’s, christian nationalism, women’s rights, and how global politics affect travelers and citizens alike.

My interest in international politics isn’t new.

It started back in school, where I studied 20th-century history, including World Wars I and II. I later focused on American politics for my A-Level exams. My chosen topic was JFK and the U.S. civil rights movement. This shaped my lifelong fascination with democracy, power, and social change.

All of the research and commentary in my political posts are based on verifiable sources, reputable independent media, subject matter experts, and real-world experience, with a focus on accuracy and independent thought.

Politically in today’s world I am considered a progressive or “woke liberal”, but my goal is non-partisan journalism while also sharing my own viewpoints on what is happening.

I believe that travel and awareness go hand in hand because exploring the world is richer when you understand it.

A woman, Gemma Lawrence, taking a selfie while wearing a colorful, sequined top in a dimly lit bar or club. The background features some festive decorations and a wooden interior.

Fun Facts About Me

  • I’m an introverted extrovert who loves live country music and quiet movie nights in equal measure.
  • My comfort drink is a hot cup of tea or peach iced tea.
  • I prefer a whiskey and coke or a nice cold beer to fancy overpriced cocktails.
  • I’ll always choose local pubs, low-key bars, locally owned eateries and boutique hotels over high-end restaurants and luxury resorts.
  • I’ve always been interested in history, American politics, and culture — especially how they shape people’s everyday lives so I love a good museum.
  • To explore new places my go-tos are walking tours and hop-on on hop-off buses.
  • I’ve attended the Calgary Stampede multiple times and can confirm it’s one of the most fun solo adventures you can have.
  • I’m a movie junkie – action/adventure, crime and courtroom dramas are my usual go to’s – favourites include the Fast & Furious series, Jurassic Park & Jurassic World Series, the Hangover Trilogy, Twisters and Bad Boys.
  • Supernatural (I’m a Dean girl), Suits, Gilmore Girls and Vampire Diaries are some of the TV series I can watch over and over again.
Gemma Lawrence of This Brits Life with long brown hair smiles at the camera while seated in a bar. Behind her, a television is showing a sports game, and other patrons are visible.

Let’s Connect

If you’ve landed here because you’re dreaming of traveling solo, planning to move abroad, or want to better understand the world we live in, you’re in the right place.

Start here:

If you’re a brand, tourism board, or business interested in collaboration, check out my Work With Me page.
If you need help with virtual assistant or content writing services, visit my Services page.

You can also connect with me on BlueSky, Instagram, or email me directly — I’d love to hear from you.

This Brit’s Life is about exploring, staying curious, and not letting fear dictate us.

Whether through travel or truth-telling, my mission is the same: to encourage independence, awareness, and confidence — one adventure (or one post) at a time.

If I can do it, so can you.

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Disclaimer: This Brit’s Life is an independently owned platform with no paid political affiliations. All opinions are my own.

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