Who’s Telling These Stories, Anyway?
This is Me. Zo.
Hey! I’m Zo—Brummie born and raised, wife, mum of two, writer-at-heart, and lifelong over-packer. When I’m not planning trips, I work in social work—an incredible but intense field that demands a lot of heart, energy, and patience.
Travel became my escape. Not in a “run away from life” kind of way, but a “pause, reset, and come back to myself” kind of way. It’s how I breathe again after holding space for others. It’s where I reconnect with my own joy, my family, and the stories that remind me who I am outside of the work I do.
Suitcases & Stories was born out of that need—to remember the beauty, the chaos, and the connection that comes from seeing the world with the people I love. I write how I speak: honest, reflective, sometimes emotional, always real. These are our travel stories, told from my point of view. They’re for anyone who’s ever needed a break from work, from stress, from life, and just wanted to go somewhere—even if only through a blog post.
So whether you’re a fellow social worker, a stressed-out mum, a dreamer with a passport, or someone who just loves a good story—I’m glad you’re here.
And just so you know—this isn’t your typical travel blog. I’m writing from the lens of a Black British woman, with all the richness, context, and nuance that brings. From how we move through airports to how we’re received in different countries, our experiences matter—and I don’t gloss over that. You’ll find those reflections in the stories too, because they deserve to be part of the narrative.
Let’s explore, escape, and exhale. One suitcase and story at a time.