Co-founder of Steppes Travel, Nick has, over the last 30 years, travelled extensively throughout the world and, at the last count, had visited over 74 countries. Russia remains his speciality although he has travelled extensively in the Far East, Middle East and North Africa. In 2005 he completed a 32 day motorcycle journey from London to Vladivostok, in 2006 he journeyed along the north coast of Africa from Libya to Alexandria and in 2007 he motorcycled around Romania.



Read Nick's latest report for On Location about Greenland.



Countries you sell?
None really, although I will always help out when necessary particularly with Russia which I know very well.

Last five countries visited?
Mozambique, Solovki Islands in Russia, Romania, Greenland, Russia

What has been your favourite travel experience?
Our "Great Game" trip travelling from Pakistan to Uzbekistan across the Karakorum into China and then across the Tien Shan into Kyrgyzstan.

Favourite/most impressive natural wonder?
Himalayas

Favourite animal?
Tiger

The best hotel/lodge that you have stayed in?
Alfajiri - Kenya

Your favourite restaurant?
Touradot - Moscow

Your favourite guide?
In Russia - Katya Galitzine. Her knowledge is extraordinary and despite the fact that she is my wife her ability to link the past with the present adds a fascinating additional dimension to any visit.

What has been your most remote travel experience?
Motor biking across Russia from London to Vladivostok in 2005.

Most embarrassing travel experience?
Leaving my passport in the hotel in St Petersburg and taking the train to Moscow.

Essential item that you always take with you on your travels?
Swimming trunks and a Swiss army knife. There is no relationship between the two!

Your one luxury when you travel?
Wet ones

What’s your best piece of travel advice?
Unless you know the country you are visiting, use a specialist tour operator to plan your trip. I do. It will save a great deal of effort, ensure you get to visit the most interesting places, stay in good hotels and there should be little price difference.

Where would you most like to go back to?
Yemen

Where you would like to visit next and why?
Antarctica – life long ambition