What’s your favourite destination and why?

At WeExplored, travel isn’t just what we sell — it’s what we love. Each month, we’ll turn the spotlight on our team as they answer the Question of the Month.

JO GASKIN

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Austria three times, and it’s still one of my favourite places in the world. There’s just something about it that keeps pulling me back.

The scenery is unforgettable, from the snow-capped Alps to the peaceful stretches of the Danube River. It’s the kind of place where every view feels like a postcard. Salzburg is a standout for me. Walking through its charming streets, surrounded by baroque architecture and mountain backdrops, feels almost like stepping into The Sound of Music movie.

One of my favourite memories is a 30km bike ride along the Danube, passing through the beautiful town of Dürnstein and its surrounding vineyards. It was relaxing and scenic.and one of those experiences you wish you could bottle up. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the entire ride.

Vienna offers a completely different feel: grand, elegant, and full of history. Its architecture and atmosphere make it a must-visit.

What I love most about Austria is its mix of natural beauty, culture, and timeless charm. Whether it’s the cities, small towns, or countryside, it always feels a little bit magical, and definitely worth visiting.

MELISSA DICK

Japan has always been one of my favourite destinations, but if I’m honest, it’s the onsens that keep calling me back.

There’s often hesitation at first. The idea of communal bathing can feel unfamiliar, even a little confronting. But once you understand the history and intention behind it, everything shifts. Onsens have been part of Japanese life for centuries, deeply connected to rituals of purification, healing, and rest. They’re not just baths, they’re a way of slowing down and reconnecting with yourself.

My favourite onsen towns, like Hakone and Gero, are tucked into valleys surrounded by mountains and rivers. You’ll see guests wandering the streets in yukata, moving gently between baths, embracing a slower rhythm of life.

The experience itself is surprisingly comfortable. Everyone follows the same quiet ritual, washing before entering, respecting the space and sharing an understanding that removes any self-consciousness. Before long, you realise no one is looking at you, and you’re simply…present.

The mineral-rich waters, drawn from volcanic springs, are known to relax muscles, improve circulation and leave your skin incredibly soft. But more than that, they calm the mind. There’s something deeply meditative about soaking in warm healing water, surrounded by nature, with nothing to do but be still.

Staying in a ryokan completes the experience, with kaiseki meals, tatami rooms, and wearing a yukata throughout the hotel, from dinner to the baths. It’s not just a stay, it’s an immersion in Japanese culture. 

Beyond this, Japan captivates me with its changing seasons, kind and gentle people, incredible food, seamless travel via the Shinkansen, and its balance of history, culture and modern life. It’s a destination that holds a special place in my heart.

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