About Jessica
I specialise in writing about North Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, having lived for 15 years now in the region (both in Cairo, Egypt and now in Cappadocia, Turkey). I've contributed to around 50 Lonely Planet titles, including co-authoring 28 blue-spine country or city guides with the vast majority being in the MENA region. My LP guidebook work includes 4 editions of Turkey; 3 of Egypt; 2 of Middle East; 2 of Africa; 2 of Cyprus; and 2 of the Marrakesh city guide.
Before writing for LP, I tour led for Intrepid Travel in the MENA region for five years, leading small groups from Cairo to Istanbul, usually introducing completely new travellers to the region. I have a particular passion in using travel to break stereotypes and misconceptions (not surprising, seeing as I live in a region often maligned in the media) while due to the fact I live in the region, I have an in-depth knowledge of the politics and history. I have particular interests in sustainable travel, slow travel, solo female travel (which I am an expert on), and travel that goes beyond just getting a chi-chi instagram selfie, to instead dig deeper into a destination.
