Hi there, fellow travel enthusiasts! I’m Izzie, a Londoner by birth but a global citizen at heart.

Growing up in England, my parents instilled in me a deep love for travel and visiting new places. However it wasn’t until 2012 that my own wanderlust truly took root. Life changed very quickly: I met my now-husband (a fellow travel junkie!), decided to leave my comfortable job in administration, and trained to become an English language teacher. After completing the gruelling CELTA teaching qualification, I took a leap of faith and moved to Rome, Italy. Those two years of la dolce vita were unforgettable! Afterwards, my husband and I moved to Hamburg, Germany, where we embraced a new culture and life in the heart of Europe. Living in Germany has its perks – a major one being that my husband gets 30 days’ holiday a year, and his company offers sabbaticals (we’ve had two so far!).

Now, I work 100% remotely, writing for The Curious Sparrow and teaching English. It’s the dream setup for a travel addict! I get to immerse myself in different cultures, linger in each place, and keep my travel fund alive. I’m in no rush to tick destinations off a list; I’m all about exploring places slowly and intentionally, truly getting to know what makes each one unique.

So, what can you expect from The Curious Sparrow? This blog is for you if you want more from travel than just seeing the sights. Here, you’ll find:

• Thoughtfully planned travel itineraries full of practical suggestions
• Budget-friendly tips (I’m all about mid-to-low-budget travel – no dorms full of snoring strangers, but no 5-star resorts either!)
• Slow travel insights, with a focus on depth over destinations
• Street food and local specialties (I’m a big-time foodie and love diving into different cuisines)
• Sustainable travel practices for eco-conscious adventurers
• A curious, open-minded approach to every place and culture

If this sounds like your travel style, welcome to The Curious Sparrow! I share tips, insights, and stories that go beyond the typical tourist paths. Sign up for my mailing list so you never miss an update. Feel free to share your own stories or suggestions in the comments – I love hearing from fellow travellers!

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow