For almost a decade, Al Hidden has been The Local Answer’s resident travel writer. Since his first article in our December 2015 issue when he took us to Zagreb, he has shared his adventures to countries all over the world. From Norway to New Zealand, Alaska to Antarctica, Al’s in-depth travel knowledge and recommendations have helped many readers to plan their next trip.

We asked Al to share a little bit about himself and why he writes for us.

“I’m a retired copywriter who has written for a living for years, including on travel-related topics. I’ve always been interested in geography and travel. When I married one of the most travelled people I’ve ever met, it led me to broaden my travel horizons considerably. Having been fortunate enough to visit some very exciting destinations, it’s a pleasure to share the experiences with others.”

Do you have any formal qualifications related to your chosen topic?
“My training as a technical author included some technical copywriting content. To be honest, as someone who has always enjoyed writing, most of what I have learned has been self-taught, learned ‘on the job’ or absorbed from some very skilled writing mentors over the years.”

What is your favourite thing about The Local Answer?
“I love working with the friendly family team and contributing to what they’ve done to build a well-written monthly magazine that is actually much more than ‘just another local directory’.”

What is your favourite thing about Gloucestershire?
“As a traveller, excellent communication links with other parts of the UK are always helpful. And of course, our amazing local scenery. I have a particular soft spot for the North Cotswolds and everything it offers to walkers.”

Where is the travel location you most enjoyed visiting?
“No hesitation here. Despite having been able to visit some very special locations around the world, there’s a very special place in my heart for Switzerland and the Swiss. I’ve always said that, if I was only ever allowed to travel in one country outside the UK, it would be to Switzerland!”

If money was no object, what would be your dream holiday?
“If you had asked me that a year ago, I would have said Antarctica. Having now visited the place, it’s a phenomenally hard question to answer. Let’s say that Mrs H and I are working on what comes next! So long as Mrs H is with me, any travel adventure is a dream holiday!”

What is your top tip for someone planning a holiday this year?
“Remember that time and money invested in travel is never wasted. There’s the anticipation before you go, the trip itself and then the memories that stay with you for a lifetime. Keep an open mind and be prepared to try somewhere a bit different – maybe inspired by my articles in The Local Answer over the last few years.”

 

If there are any travel topics you think would be interesting for Al to write about, or if you have any feedback about his recent articles, let us know. Email your thoughts to: lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk