NightingTales: Get to Know The Founders - Hugo Snell

Hugo, What first got you into travel?

My father was posted abroad in the British Army and I was born in the beautiful Victoria, Australia. From a young age I was travelling the world and living in various overseas countries. Some of my earliest childhood memories stem from family camping trips and long days on the beach in Cyprus where we lived for a few years in the 1990’s. 

What is your favourite adventure you’ve ever been on?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel South America for 3 months, spend 2 winters skiing in Canada and travel to a number of worldwide countries. However, the trip that stands out the most was my amazing honeymoon to Kenya & Maldives in 2022. It was my first taste of safari and I’m not sure my wife and I will ever be able to beat it!

Luxury travel or roughing it adventure?

A mixture of both for me! I grew up loving the adventure of an outdoor holiday with backpacking and camping, but recently the 5* experiences I’ve had are hard not to enjoy! The perfect holiday would have an element of adventure but would always finish with some 5* R&R to finish. 

Do you have any favourite travel books?

My favourite book as a child was Michael Morpurgo’s Kensuke’s Kingdom. Even now it is a book that encourages me to travel the world and embrace new cultures with open arms…. And if I’m ever to be stuck on a deserted island like the character in the book then I hope it’s Gili Langkangfushi in the Maldives! Another must-read if travelling the Greece is The Island by Victoria Hislop. Based on true events that take place on Spinalonga Island.

What do you look for when you travel?

A combination of rest, relaxation, new experiences and good food are always important to me. The perfect holiday will involve exploring a new town and finding local delicious restaurants as well as time spent in the sunshine. If it’s winter then I’m looking for snowy mountains and fondue and in the summer I’m looking for a golf course or padel court.

Do you have a favourite country to travel to?

I regularly head to Sweden to visit my wife’s family who live in Stockholm and at anytime of year it feels special.  At Christmas time the country is often snow covered and you really feel like you’re in winter wonderland. Come summer and the long sunny days spent on the islands eating crayfish are fantastic.

Where’s next on your bucket list?

South Africa. I’m desperate to head to Cape Town, Franschhoek and The Kruger. I’ve heard only good things about the wildlife, food and landscapes so it’s next on my list!