📚 Candice Brathwaite: Writing, Wanderlust, and Life Lessons Through Travel

On this episode of Routes, Clara’s travel companion is her good friend, Candice Brathwaite.Candice is a two-time Sunday Times best-selling author, podcaster, and champion of motherhood, diversity and inclusivity. You’ll be treated to an intimate conversation between two friends who laugh, share stories, and get deep.Candice credits travel as a major influence on her writing, claiming she wouldn’t be the author she is today without it. A self-confessed romantic, she adores solo adventures, people-watching, and the respite and space travel gives her to create. In fact, her fourth book was written whilst in the air.She opens up about her deep connection to New York and the influence her late and beloved Dad had on her to get out and experience the world.  From early trips across London as a young girl to a transformative four-month stint in India, that proved game-changing in shaping how she viewed her purpose in life.Born and raised in London, Candice now lives in the countryside with her family. She reflects on the contrast between her own urban upbringing and her children’s rural life, sharing how this difference in physical locations has shaped their daily experiences and perspectives.Warning: As Clara says at the start of the episode, “Adventure can be found wherever YOU are.” Be prepared—you might just want to pack a bag (or three), grab a journal, and book a solo ticket to anywhere.-Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNERChapter Markers:1:20 – Introduction. Clara welcomes Candice, a bestselling author and podcaster, and shares background on her journey.2:40 – Childhood Travel Memories: Tower Bridge and North London Visits. Candice recalls her early train journeys across London to see her father and her fascination with Tower Bridge.5:00 – First School Trip to the Countryside. Candice shares her year-four school trip experience to “The Croft” and how it opened her eyes to rural life outside of London.6:40 – Raising Kids Outside London. Candice talks about her children growing up in a quieter setting and their reactions to the hustle and bustle of the city.9:20 – Staycations in Wales and Bath. Candice discusses her family’s favourite UK destinations and why she loves solo trips within the country.14:40 – Solo Travels and Self-Discovery.Candice shares her experience travelling solo in India and her reflections on personal growth.16:40 – Memorable Trips as an Au Pair in Italy. The impact of losing her father during her time as an au pair in Naples and how it changed her perspective.18:20 – Writing Inspiration and Grief. Candice reveals how travel fuels her writing and her fascination with grief and resilience.24:20 – Goals of Freedom and Life in Jamaica. Candice discusses her goal to buy property in Jamaica, inspired by the desire for long-term rest and freedom.27:00 – Style Inspirations from Family. Candice talks about her grandfather’s influence on her love for fashion and elegance.36:20 – Joy in Dressing Up and Self-Expression. Candice expresses her love for fashion and the pride she takes in presenting herself with style.43:20 – Travel Style and Packing Habits. Clara and Candice compare their packing approaches, with Candice sharing her penchant for multiple suitcases.45:40 – Love for New York City. Candice reminisces about summers in New York with her family and her desire to live there for a decade.49:20 – UK Destinations to Explore Next. Candice lists her UK travel bucket list, including Glen Eagles, Margate, and Brighton.