Call of the World is your first port of call for all things travel and escapism.

Practical Guidance for Visiting Siargao Island, Philippines

Welcome to Call of the World, a travel blog created for curious, adventurous souls who crave authentic experiences, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable places. Whether you’re planning your next big trip or dreaming from your desk, this space is here to inspire and guide you.

Who’s Behind the Blog?

Hiya, I’m Rowan, a writer, traveller, and lifelong wanderer. In 2019, I left my job in London and set off to explore the world. I traded the 9–5 for lazing on Thai beaches, living out of a van, and moments that made me feel alive. Since then, I’ve hiked in the Faroe Islands, road-tripped through New Zealand, explored sacred cities in Sri Lanka, and chased golden light across Asia’s most colourful photo spots.

Follow me on Instagram: rowan_flora

Why Abu Simbel Is Worth the Trip: A Guide to Egypt’s Most Dramatic Temple

What You’ll Find on Call of the World

1) Authentic Travel Stories, Hidden Gems & Practical Guides

This blog is more than just a collection of travel guides. It’s a curated resource for meaningful travel — with a touch of wanderlust, beauty, and escapism.

Detailed Destination Guides — From 3-day itineraries to off-the-beaten-path spots, especially across Asia
Cultural Deep Dives — Stories behind temples, festivals, and traditions that most tourists miss
Photography Inspiration — The most Instagrammable and colourful places in Asia, from Lok Wah Car Park to Nine Arches Bridge
Practical Travel Tips — Budgeting, transport hacks, ethical travel, and what to avoid

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, looking for epic train journeys, or want to explore surreal places like Wat Sam Phran or Patrika Gate, you’re in the right place.

👉 Explore: Destinations

India's Golden Triangle Itinerary: What to see in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

2) Book Recommendations: Explore the World Through Literature

Here at Call of the World, I believe that travel and literature go hand-in-hand. By reading we can look outwards, and experience new worlds through the eyes of others. Not everyone can travel all the time, but a good book can be enjoyed anywhere. So, I have dedicated a section of this website to my must-reads, themed around various countries throughout the world.

Browse Literary Escapes — because travel starts in the mind. Find curated books set around the world.

👉 Check it out: Book Reviews by Country

About Call of the World. rowan flora. book reviews.

3) A Commitment to Sustainability

Last but not least, I am a firm believer that travel can be used as a force for good. Travel, done well, can be an antidote to prejudice and intolerance, as it promotes inter-cultural understanding and empathy. What’s more, it promotes the global redistribution of wealth, as many communities around the world benefit from jobs created by the industry.

Nevertheless, in the face of climate change, we all need to strive to do better. Here at Call of the World I have a particular interest in finding travel experiences where enjoyment and doing good for our planet go hand-in-hand.

👉 Popular read: Is It Ever Ok to Visit Elephant Sanctuaries?

How to Visit Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka's Wild Elephant Safari

How to Spend 3 Weeks in Sri Lanka: Epic Itinerary. Kandy to Ella train.

Why “Call of the World”?

This blog was born from a feeling: that deep pull to explore, connect, and experience more. Call of the World is about answering that call — whether you’re halfway across the globe or exploring close to home.

It’s about travelling with curiosity, seeing the beauty in the strange and the everyday, and discovering places that make your soul light up.

The name of this blog, Call of the World, was inspired by the classic novel Call of the Wild. A story about instinct, freedom, and the pull toward something deeper and more untamed. Just as Buck, the novel’s canine protagonist, feels the irresistible tug of the wild, I felt a growing call to break away from routine and explore the world with open eyes and an open heart. Call of the World captures that same spirit of adventure and longing. Not for escape, but for connection, discovery, and the raw beauty of the unfamiliar.