Ever dreamed about quitting work and booking a one-way ticket? It’s beautiful here’s Georgia Hopkins did just that, swapping her corporate Sydney life for a suitcase five years ago, bound for LA. She’s since created guides for everywhere from outback Australia, to Portland (Oregon), Montauk, Sun Moon Lake (Taiwan) and Marrakesh. She contributes to Conde Nast, Vogue, AFAR, BAZAAR and the Evening Standard, and creates custom itineraries for wanderlust seeking travellers. Her current obsession is Portugal and in particular, “the Alentejo region, and a century-old farm retreat called Sao Lourenço do Barrocal”. Here’s the low-down on how the Melbourne-based influencer approaches eco travel, her ever-evolving style and what’s in her overnight bag.

HAS YOUR VIEW ON THE WORLD CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR TRAVELS?

Hmm, yes and no. I think the more you travel, the more you realise there are no borders between cultures – staying open, fostering tolerance, and accepting and learning about other people and their cultures is so important to me. I thrive on this feeling of connection, and I think the world then feels like a much smaller place (which I love).

WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE MOST ECO-CONSCIOUS?

I think the Scandinavian countries definitely lead the way when it comes to being the most environmentally-friendly – Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark. Spain and Portugal are up there as well.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL?

I just try to travel as mindfully as possible. I am completely horrified at the moment by the amount of plastic pollution. I just returned from Greece where they don’t have a recycling program – there were plastic bottles lying around everywhere. Hotels are often the worst culprits when it comes to plastic waste with individually wrapped cotton buds and other vanity kit items plus plastic straws and plastic water bottles. I think it’s important to do your bit wherever possible  – I am trying to remember to pack my keep cup and glass water bottle wherever I go. I also love supporting local restaurants and shops and try and track down local farmers market for seasonal produce – eating what’s local and in season. Ecological conservation is also important to me – being careful not to leave any trace when visiting a beautiful or protected location.

WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL ETHOS?

I believe travel has the power to change the world if we can all be a little more mindful in the way we approach it.

FAVOURITE ECO HOTELS OR DESTINATIONS?

Nihi Sumba, Sumba, Indonesia
AMAN Resorts (my favourite hotel group in the world)
Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia
Six Senses Resorts 
Bambu Indah – Ubud, Indonesia

WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL STYLE?

So much time on the road has inadvertently turned me into a minimalist. I guess my style is pretty relaxed and not particularly trend driven. For me, versatility is key. I am all about the combination of good quality and comfort.

WHAT’S ALWAYS IN YOUR OVERNIGHT BAG?

Something to hike in, something to do yoga in, my headphones, some incense, my Tocca perfume, a couple of dresses, sneakers, my Lucy Folk sunnies, and a leather jacket.

CURRENT FAVOURITE INSTA DISCOVERIES

I am really loving these guys right now: @maggieontherocks, @ceciliebahnsen, @apatchofskye, @piariverola, @ignant.