Gail Simmons is a travel writer and lifelong nomad. She was born in Northumberland to an army family who, after periods living overseas, settled in the Chilterns. After completing an MA in medieval history Gail pursued a varied career that included working in a Cumbrian castle, protecting historic buildings and leading walking trips in Europe and the Middle East, before becoming a full-time writer in 2003.
Gail enjoys writing about independent and sustainable travel, specialising in the Middle East. She has contributed stories for many UK publications, including The Telegraph, The Observer, The Guardian, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, The Independent and Wanderlust, as well as several international publications. She has also broadcast on the BBC’s Excess Baggage, and From Our Own Correspondent.
In 2016 Gail completed a PhD in Creative Writing at the University of Reading, and now teaches travel writing at Bath Spa and Cambridge universities.