This is it, our final issue of Concrete for the year, and my last section as Travel Editor. How are we here already? Around this time last year, I applied to become the Travel Editor for Concrete whilst I was studying abroad in New Zealand. I’ve always loved travelling: the opportunities it gives you to meet people from around the world, to immerse yourself in new cultures, and experience adventures which you would never normally expect to have. I wanted to bring forward my ideas to the travel section, and encourage others to share their experiences, stories, and suggestions. I had always wanted to be involved with such a great team of writers and editors, and as both travel and writing are two things I love deeply, it felt like the perfect role for me.

And what a year it’s been! From coming up with content ideas and reading over articles, to long sessions spent staring at InDesign; I’ve loved my role as Travel Editor and all that it’s taught me. One of my favourite aspects about the role has been reading the work that the travel writers have written for my section and collecting inspiration from their travel suggestions and stories.

A personal highlight was putting together the sex issue, and getting to read all the sex and relationship travel stories that were anonymously sent in. They provided me with some great entertainment and laughs, and I hope they did for all of you reading too! Some were shocking, funny, and slightly scary, and which, thanks to all of you, made it an engaging read.

Another highlight was the Concrete archive issue, where I was able to read back over the previous issues from the last twenty years or so. I chose an article from the 2009 issue on exploring the local area around Norwich which travel writer, Ella Hamlin, responded to with their article ‘What to do on Our Doorstep.’

Reflecting on the year, I think my favourite article to write for travel was ‘Christmas in the Sun.’ I had so much fun researching for this piece, learning from my Australian friend about how they spend Christmas by the pool with a barbeque, and being able to share my own experience of Christmas in sunny Los Angeles.

So, as this last issue of the year comes around, it marks an end for me: the culmination of my role as Travel Editor and my three years at university. I’m taking so much away with me from the role. My love for travel and writing is as strong as ever, and I have lovely new friends from the Concrete team, plenty of new ideas, and more fascinating knowledge that I’ve learnt from reading the articles you all created.

Thank you to everyone that wrote for travel and took part in making this section what it has been this last year. I’ve loved being editor and it’s something I’m so proud of. I can’t wait to see what next year’s Travel Editor will create!

Image: Concrete/Innes Henry