“Travelling has enriched my life so much and I love to be able to share that with people and hopefully give them the opportunity to do the same. It’s a big wide wonderful world to explore!”

As a Bench Africa Expert, it comes naturally for Claire to be passionate about this part of the world and she has a wealth of expertise to share. “Africa is a magical place that gets truly under your skin. It’s also happens to be where I met my now husband - on a six week trip around Africa!”

At the top of her list of highlights in Africa is trekking through Volcanoes National Park Rwanda to come face-to-face with some very special locals. “I spent an amazing hour with a family of mountain Gorillas. They are the most beautiful creatures – it was a great privilege.” She also stayed at the famous Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, where she was lucky to share “kisses with Big Ed”.

Claire is equally passionate about Europe, South America, Central America and Asia. She has travelled extensively throughout these regions by plane, train, bus and car. From watching the Northern Lights dancing on the horizon near Tromso, in Norway, to arriving at Macchu Picchu's Sun Gate after a four-day trek, she has just about done it all.

Another favourite travel experience? “Zooming through Chitwan National Park at night in Nepal, on a motorbike in search for wild Rhino, being rewarded by a mother and her calf peacefully grazing with the working elephants under the stars”. As you can see, she is full of inspiring ideas and has no shortage of insider tips to take you around the globe.