Amy Cooper

Amy is a travel writer and one half of Explore’s weekly Two Ways to Go columnist. Born a coast-hugger, she loves exploring oceans and islands and meeting the people who care for them. She can also sniff out a city’s best martini in a minute.

My all-time favourite destination is … Hawaii. Growing up in the frozen north of Scotland (my second-favourite all-time destination), I dreamed of a paradise with swaying palms, golden beaches, lilting ukulele and frangipani. It felt like somewhere imaginary until I finally made it to those islands and saw my childhood fantasy was real - and every bit as magical.

Next on my bucket list is … Chile. From the Atacama Desert to Patagonian Antarctica, there’s just so much diversity and beauty in the landscape there.

My top travel tip is … Befriend the bartender. Often even more clued-up than a concierge, the person mixing your nightcap is also your most likely source of essential intel on where locals love to eat and drink without the tourist price tag and how to bag a rockstar table.