Nan with a Backpack

Nan with a Backpack “Sold everything, traveled with no plan, found Cambodia. Now it’s home, and my base for exploring. Solo female travel after 50. One step at a time.” Hi, I'm Sonja.

I was born in Southampton, England, and I’m a mum of 3 and a proud nan to 6 little adventurers. In 2022, I made the biggest leap of my life, I sold everything I owned, including my hairdressing business, packed a backpack, and set off to see the world. Now based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I continue to explore new places, like my recent 10-day adventure in India, learning, laughing, and discovering a

long the way. Backpacks, adventures, and streets that smell stronger than morning coffee. Always one step at a time, always honest.

08/08/2026

When the rain starts in Cambodia… 🌧️
I’m dry.
My tuk-tuk driver? Not so much! 🇰🇭 🙏🏽

Sometimes you don’t need words. Just golden lights, beautiful reflections, and the peacefulness of a Cambodian temple. ❤...
06/08/2026

Sometimes you don’t need words. Just golden lights, beautiful reflections, and the peacefulness of a Cambodian temple. ❤️🇰🇭

Happy 6 months, Leo! 💙Six months of smiles, cuddles (not enough!), and so much love. From Siem Reap, I’m one very proud ...
06/08/2026

Happy 6 months, Leo! 💙

Six months of smiles, cuddles (not enough!), and so much love. From Siem Reap, I’m one very proud Nan.

Travelling has given me so much, but being away from family and friends will always be the hardest part. 💙👶✨

05/08/2026

Have you spotted the Big Red Bus in Siem Reap yet? 🚌🇰🇭

If you're looking for a different way to explore the city, this sightseeing bus is definitely worth a look. Climb aboard, enjoy the views, and see Siem Reap from the top deck.

Would you choose the Big Red Bus to explore Siem Reap? 👇

A while ago, I was asked if you can get English squash here in Siem Reap Cambodia 🇰🇭 I has been out of stock for a while...
04/08/2026

A while ago, I was asked if you can get English squash here in Siem Reap Cambodia 🇰🇭 I has been out of stock for a while but it’s now back in stock 🎉

03/08/2026

A peaceful walk along the riverside. How many times have you visited Siem Reap?

Found Siem Reap’s only capybara café 🦫Real capybaras, good coffee, and it turns out you can even stay the night (yes, it...
02/08/2026

Found Siem Reap’s only capybara café 🦫

Real capybaras, good coffee, and it turns out you can even stay the night (yes, it’s a hotel too).

Busier than I expected, lots of local families there too. Well worth a visit if you’re in Siem Reap.
Watch today’s YouTube video on Nan with a Backpack at 7am uk time 1pm Cambodia time

📍 Casa de Capybara, Siem Reap

01/08/2026

From 1st October

01/08/2026

🇮🇳 Your Questions About My India Tour... Answered 🇮🇳

I've been receiving lots of questions about my Introducing India Tour this November, so I thought I'd answer the most common ones here.

Who is organising the tour?

The tour is professionally organised by Plotpackers. I'll be travelling with you as your host for the entire trip, but Plotpackers look after all the bookings, accommodation, transport and logistics. I travelled on this exact tour last year and loved every minute of it. It exceeded all my expectations, which is why I was so excited to return this year and invite my subscribers and followers to join me.

When is the tour? - The tour runs from 7th to 14th November 2026.

Where do we go? - We'll explore Delhi, Agra, enjoy a unique luxury glamping experience, visit Jaipur, the Pink City, before returning to Delhi.

What will we see? - Some of the highlights include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur's colourful bazaars and much more.

What's included? - The tour includes seven nights' twin-share accommodation, return airport transfers from Delhi Airport, daily breakfast, all transport throughout the tour, an experienced local guide and all the guided sightseeing listed in the itinerary.

What's not included? - International flights, travel insurance, some lunches and dinners, plus any optional activities you choose during your free time.

Will someone meet me at the airport? - Yes. Once you've booked, Plotpackers will ask for your flight details. They'll meet you at Delhi Airport when you arrive on 7th November and take you back to the airport at the end of the tour on 14th November.

Will we get information before we travel? - About a month before departure everyone receives a suggested packing list and is added to a WhatsApp group with me, the Plotpackers team and our local guide. It's a great place to ask questions and get to know everyone before the trip.

Can I have my own room? - Twin-share accommodation is included, but if you'd prefer your own room you can request a private room when booking, subject to availability.

What about the food? - This was one of my biggest concerns before I went last year. The restaurants we visited were carefully selected, and our guide advised us where it was safe to eat. I even asked if we could try local street food, but he recommended against it because hygiene standards can vary. We followed his advice, enjoyed some fantastic meals together and nobody in our group had an upset stomach.

Can I book closer to the departure date? - Only Plotpackers can answer that, as they manage all bookings and availability. If you're interested but can't commit just yet, it's worth contacting them to discuss your options.

If you have any questions about the experience itself, I'm more than happy to answer them. If your questions are about booking or availability, the Plotpackers team will be able to help.

Email: [email protected]

Tour information and booking:
https://www.plotpackers.com/package/budget-trip-introducing-india?optionId=cgke14rgfh9aq9hgviq0zjsj&arriveDate=2026-11-07&creator=Sonja+King

I had an amazing time on this tour last year and can't wait to experience it all again. If India has always been on your bucket list but you've been unsure about travelling there alone, I'd love you to join me in November.

If I've missed anything, just ask in the comments and I'll happily answer.

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Siem Reap

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