About Me

My story

Hi and welcome to my site – I’m Claire Drinkwater. I spent ten years working in London, managing communications for global TV networks. After a long-term relationship breakup and burnout, I decided to take a career break to travel. I saved up for a couple of years and eventually booked a round-the-world ticket.

Over the course of this year-long trip, I travelled solo through India, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America, often staying in one country for a month or more. Even in all these places, it took me time to recover and regain my sense of passion, creativity and self-trust (something I write more about on my Substack).

Along the way I learned to travel on my own terms: letting go of the pressure to see everything, and leaving room for rest and spontaneity.

I now live in Belgium and write for people facing similar travel decisions – about solo breaks, longer trips and taking a career break to travel. Backpacking Bella helps you choose well and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Dreaming of a career break but worried about the money? This held me back for a long time, so I made a free guide. You can find it here: 15 ways to fund your adult gap year →

What you’ll find here

Backpacking Bella shares the practical guidance I wish I’d had before I left.

This includes realistic itineraries, simple approaches to budgeting and travel capsule wardrobes designed for real life, so your planning feels calmer and more manageable.

I also write a weekly Substack newsletter, Out of Office Adventures, where I share deeper reflections on burnout, travel and rebuilding self-trust.

Why the name Backpacking Bella?

“Backpacking” reflects how I travelled – independently, carrying all my belongings on my back.

“Bella” means beautiful in Italian and this reflects my approach to travel: slowing down, appreciating places and leaving space to feel inspired.