Gail Simmons in Wahiba Sands, Oman
I’m a contributor to many UK national newspapers and magazines including the Observer, Telegraph, Guardian, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Independent and Wanderlust, as well as several international publications such as TIME magazine, al-Jazeera English, the UAE National and CNN Traveller.
I’ve also broadcast on BBC’s ‘Excess Baggage’, and the BBC’s ‘From Our Own Correspondent’.
After completing a masters degree in history I pursued a varied career that included working in a medieval castle, protecting historic buildings and leading walking trips in Europe and the Middle East, before giving in to my nomadic and creative instincts to become a full-time travel writer.
I enjoy writing about independent and ethical travel, and in recent years have specialised in the Middle East region where I’ve travelled widely. I’ve been described as “that rare beast – a travel writer with a conscience who sees beyond the 5-star to the country behind.” I certainly hope to be so.
The theme photograph for my website was taken in the village of Hamra during my trip to Oman in March, 2010. Oman's interior has many abandoned, mud-brick villages such as Hamra (meaning 'red'), and I was struck by the beauty of this door with its fine wood carving and soft, faded colours. © Gail Simmons
