YOLO tips from Lonely Planet writer Emily Luxton

Emily is a travel blogger, writer and solo female traveller based in Dorset. Her love of adventure and the outdoors was born on the south coast of England, but it’s taken her all over the world, from volcano boarding in Nicaragua to coming face to face with a black bear whilst hiking in Canada. Alongside blogging, she’s also the founder of an online Dorset travel guide, and has co-authored two Lonely Planet books. When not travelling, she’s usually exploring southwest England, attempting to grow veg on her allotment, or spending as much time in the sea as possible, preferably on her paddleboard. Here she shares some YOLO advice…

If you had to choose one YOLO experience, what would it be?

A Galapagos cruise. There’s nothing more magical than seeing animals in their natural environment, and having the chance to snorkel with sea lions, tortoises and penguins, or get up close to blue footed boobies and marine iguanas… it just sounds too wonderful for words.

Best active travel experience?

Hiking to the top of Mount Fuji – we hiked up overnight to reach the top in time for sunrise. The climb was seriously tough – hiking on loose volcanic rubble and scrambling over bigger rocks, while enduring thunderstorms and icy night-time temperatures – but the feeling of making it to the top was euphoric.

Do you have a bucket list city?

Seoul. I’m dying to explore the history, traditional culture and food of South Korea, but I’m also excited for K-pop, crazy cafés, K-beauty and the incredible contemporary architecture.

Tips for a YOLO experience?

Do plenty of research: read blogs, speak to other travellers and fi nd out what to expect before you go. Create a savings fund and work towards it slowly. Finally, try to live in the moment – travel and YOLO experiences are about much more than getting the perfect shot for social media.