Hello! My name’s Steph - would summarise myself as adventurous, curious, easy-going, Scottish :)

Travelling has been a big passion since my first backpacking trip as a naive wee 18-year-old. I’ve since done trips whenever I could squeeze them in - over uni summers, between jobs, and even worked as travel rep for a while (city breaks, surf camps, festivals...). Most recently I spent a month working remotely from Chamonix and 3 months solo backpacked through Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

When I’m working, I design and build apps/software, currently at an early-stage tech start-up.

Currently calling London home where I live with my boyfriend Laurence - we love to host when we can so have set-up a nice guestroom space in our house in Clapham (south London). I’m also happy to share travel tips and recommendations - for anyone thinking about going to Scotland, I’ve written an extremely comprehensive guide to the key things to see and do there, as well as off the beaten track adventure recommendations.. if you’d like me to share just send me a message!

Language wise, I grew up bilingual in English/german and have lots of family in Gibraltar but my German is veeery rusty and my Spanish is extremely basic (I am working on it though!)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to have random, fun, and cheap travel experiences! Learn from everyone, share stories, make memories.

Interests

I live for adventure and anything that gives me a rush. I recently got really into kitesurfing but was also previously a sailing and wakeboard/water-ski instructor and even dabbled in white-water kayaking. Anything in the mountains is my happy place; not only do I want to get experienced in alpine mountaineering but a couple of years ago I became a qualified paragliding pilot. But don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy the chill activities like wild camping or listening to a good podcast too :)

I work in tech but love talking to anyone passionate about their work or with a new business ideas :)

Music, Movies, and Books

Really into any live music. Love love love latino music, afro pop and salsa clubs, traditional folk. Just all kinds.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I’ve had lots of amazing experiences but I feel the most heartwarming ones that stay with me are stories of unexpected kindness... On my most recent trip to Malawi, a curious local gave me a free ride across the country where we stopped off at his mother-in-law's place for lunch. They had very little but wanted to share everything with me.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm always keen to learn new languages or practice the ones I have some knowledge of! Em, some local scottish traditions!?

What I Can Share with Hosts

A drink, a joke, some crazy stories from around the world. I love learning about other cultures and travel experiences!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Scotland, United States