Paddy Farmer, Vietnam

Clare Higginson

  • Asia, Australasia and Oceania

My Expertise

  • Australia Flag Australia
  • Costa Rica Flag Costa Rica
  • Cambodia Flag Cambodia
  • Indonesia Flag Indonesia
  • Malaysia Flag Malaysia
  • Vietnam Flag Vietnam
  • Egypt Flag Egypt
  • China Flag China
  • Japan Flag Japan
  • Mongolia Flag Mongolia

It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list.

I also seek adventure; exploring the deep blue or hiking a peak often winning favour. Although it’s my time horse herding in Mongolia that I regularly want to relive.

I fell in love with Asia when I realised how varied my experiences could be and the warm climate, the constant smiles and the exotic food just added to the allure. I moved to Vietnam, then later to Malaysia taking every opportunity to explore the other countries on my doorstep; Indonesia being a firm favourite. It was eventually through my journey into China then onto the Trans-Siberian railway that I found my way home. Now, at Steppes, I get to travel through Asia every day, sharing my enthusiasm and joy whilst designing itineraries through some of my favourite countries.

Clare Higginson, Mongolia
Clare on horseback in Mongolia
Gers Mongolia and goat herd
Gers on the open steppe.
Lone cyclist on grass steppes of Mongolia.
Clare cycling in Mongolia

The Magic of Mongolia

Mongolia, a vast yet glorious country. The gers are simple yet plenty. The food abundant and fresh. This doesn’t even start to describe the nomadic families I met nor the pleasure from riding on horseback through the steppe where Genghis Khan made his name. I am desperate to return and spend more time in this fascinating destination. Next time, it’s the eagles that I seek.

Read my blog

Clare Higginson, Borneo
Clare (left), Steppes Travel Asia expert, with Ashley Leiman (right)
Orangutan, Pangkalan Bun, Indonesia
Male orangutan

Indonesian Borneo - The Future of the Forest

My time spent with Ashley Leiman, founder of the Orangutan Foundation, in Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesian Borneo has had a real impact on me. We travelled by klotok, the name for the local riverboat, down the Sekonyer River to the orangutan feeding sites but it was the trip out to the Lamandau Reserve by special invitation from Ashley that really hit a nerve. Seeing the rescued orphans and their release programme proved just what important work they do, which we support through our small-group tour.

Read my blog

Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo fish market
Chicken BBQ, Tokyo, Japan
Street food, Japan

A Personal Story through the Street Food of Tokyo

Fish. I have no problem with them in the water but when they are on my plate, I admit, I struggle slightly. During the street food tour in Japan, I surprised myself and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t solely fish on the menu of course. No pun intended. We also ate yakitori, okonomiyaki and cherry blossom flavoured ice cream; everything is possible in Japan, even in their cuisine.

Read my blog

My Favourite Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Clare Higginson, Borneo
Clare Higginson

Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Trekking in Borneo – reaching the peak of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah despite a torrential downpour and the Pinnacles in Sarawak in the scorching heat.

Close up of bay coloured przewalski horse with black mane.
Clare Higginson

Travelling across Mongolia

Horse herding across the Mongolian steppe where Genghis Khan made his name.

Clare Higginson, Borneo
Clare Higginson

Diving in Indonesia

Snorkelling and scuba diving in Indonesia where I saw manta rays, sea horses and some elusive sunfish.

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)
Hidden

Some of my favourite holiday ideas

I love to travel and when not travelling myself, I am passionate about creating the perfect holiday for others. I have picked a few holiday ideas that we feature on our website to hopefully whet your appetite, but I would love to chat through any holiday plans you have and help create your trip of a lifetime.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E