Vacationers of the Week: Charlotte Hockin and Natalie Bruynseels-Fogg
Vacationer Magazine caught up with Charlotte Hockin and Natalie Bruynseels-Fogg for our Vacationers of the Week. You may follow their travel adventures on their website, Our Taste for Life, or follow them on Instagram. The self-proclaimed soulmates are bloggers and content creators who’ve been together for eight years.
Although Charlotte was born and raised in London and Natalie was born and raised on the Isle of Man, the nomadic couple doesn’t really call any one place home. Why? Because they travel around in their self-converted campervan, spending time with family on the Isle of Man, London, or Sheffield.
We connected with Hockin and Bruynseels-Fogg to ask them about all things travel, including their life on the road, places they’d recommend for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting the UK, and their favorite places to visit, including a Southeast Asian country.
Vacationer Magazine: What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
Charlotte Hockin: I used to work as an International Account Manager for a UK cosmetic brand. My job would take me all over the world, but I’d only ever see the inside of an airport and a meeting room. It gave me the travel bug though and inspired me to quit my job to travel the world.
Natalie Bruynseels-Fogg: I shared a similar passion for travel after enjoying cruises and holidays with my family. We knew travel was going to be a part of our lives from the time we met.
What inspires you to travel?
We believe that travel makes us better people. We become more present and mindful. We try things that we might have never tried otherwise. We learn important life lessons from the cultures and people that we encounter. And most of all, we are happier!
Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel. If so, how?
We both identify as lesbians. We have visited several countries where our relationship is frowned upon and in some cases, illegal. In this instance, we recognize our privilege of being white, straight-passing, cis females.
We shouldn’t have to hide who we are, but that is the reality for many countries in the world. And fortunately, we are able to do that should we ever feel the need to do so.
Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where? What made it a memorable experience?
We’ve been to Malaysia where it’s still illegal to be gay. While we don’t agree with their anti-LGBTQ policies, we had nothing but a positive experience throughout the country. It just means having to keep our relationship on the down low which not everyone is comfortable with.
How long have you been traveling together? What was your first trip together? Would you recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travelers?
Charlotte: We traveled from very early on in our relationship. I surprised Natalie with a trip to Italy within a few months of knowing her. We spent some time in Milan followed by Lake Garda. It’s one of our fondest memories.
Milan is a vibrant and bustling city with a notable gay scene, while Lake Garda is picturesque and romantic. I’d happily recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travelers.
Was it naturally easy to start traveling with one another? What are the perks of traveling as a couple?
It was always in the cards that we would travel. We discussed it from very early on in our relationship. Travel has brought us closer together and allowed us to get to know each other, and ourselves, on a much deeper level.
How would you describe your travel style in three words?
Adventure, outdoorsy, and spiritual
What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting the UK?
Check out the unofficial gay capital of Brighton.
Have a night out in Soho, London.
Experience London Pride.
What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why?
Our top three destinations that we’ve visited have to be India, Nepal, and Bali.
India was just a crazy whirlwind adventure. It’s unlike anywhere in the world and a challenging country to travel to, but so worth it for the unique and magical experiences.
Nepal is also incredibly magical and spiritual. We did our first multi-day hike to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal and it’s one of the highlights of all of our travels.
We love Bali because of its unrivaled natural wonders and laid-back healing vibes!
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
The top three places on our bucket list right now are New Zealand, Iceland, and Peru. All 3 countries have astounding natural landscapes and exciting hiking opportunities!
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
Our camera of course!
