Travel Writer

Bringing adventures to life

I’m a travel writer and filmmaker sharing immersive journeys designed to make your heart sing — thoughtful adventures that inspire ideas, spark curiosity and show how travel can enrich our lives in meaningful ways.

Recently, I’ve slept in a remote Japanese temple, travelled slowly by train across Europe, faced my greatest travel fear by boarding a cruise ship, soaked up the best of Singapore in just two days, and returned to Australia to re-explore the country for the first time in more than three decades.

American naturalist John Muir once wrote: ‘We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver.’ Those words resonated powerfully during nine days trekking Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, walking through mesmeric cedar forests, beside rivers and waterfalls and Shinto temples — a journey that has stayed with me long after it ended.

“Mark joined us on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. His social videos from the trip are down-to-earth, informative and accurate about the wonderful experience of a Walk Japan tour.” Bella Creel, Walk Japan

For lovers of sustainable no-flight travel, my recent adventure with Byway Travel saw me rail-hopping across Europe, reliving my Interrail youth with a new found appreciation for slow travel. From Paris and Geneva to Milan, Lake Como, Chur and Bern, the highlight was the breathtaking rail climb through the Alps via the iconic Bernina Pass, winding from Italy into Switzerland.

I also took on the challenge of cruising — despite being a long-time sceptic. Dreading the enforced conviviality of life aboard ship, I sailed around the Cyclades to see whether cruising could win me over… and the outcome genuinely surprised me.

“We had the pleasure of welcoming travel writer Mark Cummings aboard our Jewels of the Cyclades cruise. He perfectly captured the unique benefits of this style of cruising. Throughout his journey, he highlights and shares unforgettable moments with humour and honesty from the itinerary, showcasing the true magic of the jewels of the Cyclades.” Eliza, Variety Cruises

City explorers will enjoy my Singapore Stopover Special, uncovering where locals go for sunset views, how to secure a seat at the legendary Raffles Bar, and how to reach the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel — without paying a penny.

I recently returned to my radio roots on ABC Radio Sydney to reflect on how the city has changed since I lived there in 1991. You can read more in my piece for The Sydney Observer.

And if Japan is calling, I’ll take you beyond the crowds to experience Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in a more thoughtful, immersive way — working alongside the expert team at Holiday Architects https://holidayarchitects.co.uk/blog/real-travels-in-japan-mark-cummings

I hope these stories — in words and on film — light a spark and give you as much pleasure reading and viewing them as I had creating them.

“I haven’t taken Mark up Everest yet, but I love reading about his travel adventures home and abroad. I hope when I get to his age I’m still flitting around the world like a spring chicken.” Kenton Cool, world leading high-altitude climber, avid adventurer who has climbed Mount Everest 19 times.

Working together

If you specialise in experience-led, thoughtful travel, I’d love to hear from you. As a travel storyteller across words and film, I collaborate with destinations, tour operators and travel brands to bring journeys to life for engaged, curious audiences.

Some of the inspirational companies I work with are Walk Japan, Holiday Architects, Byway Travel, Scout PR, Lemongrass PR, The Small Cruise Ship Collection, Variety Cruises, Inspire Global Travel, The Travel Festivals, The Safari Series and Kodama Travel.

If you’d like to discuss a collaboration, please get in touch.