Travel content creator, influencer and digital tastemaker Candace Salters moved to the UK at 18. Since then, she has built her brand, Candace Abroad, to serve the wanderlust of a +200,000 audience across blog, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube. Part creator, part curator, part social media entrepreneur – Salters’ edge lies in her dual expertise: harnessing London’s neighbourhood pulse (from Mayfair cafés to Notting Hill mews) while extending her lens into less-explored UK and European escapes.
For those seeking relevance with the younger affluent, Salters offers more than pretty snapshots. Her info-rich features on day-trips from the capital, festive high teas or “hidden-gem” cities draw in a loyal audience. Socials, newsletters, and content partnerships marks Salters as an influential digital voice bridging London chic, American wanderlust and European discovery for an online first generation.
Favourite local neighbourhoods in London?
Absolutely Hampstead and Bloomsbury.
Hampstead is a world of its own: think leafy village with boutique-filled lanes and elegant houses. It has an unmistakable community feel that I love, and walks on the Heath and views from Parliament Hill feel like being a movie. You can also have a dip in the Hampstead Women’s Ponds, while warm – it’s been around since the 1920s and very “local London.”
Bloomsbury is the opposite energy but just as special: literary, academic, and layered with history. In particular, Gower Street, Russell Square Gardens, and the charming bookshops off Marchmont Street like Judd’s Books.
Local detours and hidden gems?
Clerkenwell is a quietly brilliant area and great for pub-hopping and a little London detour. Start at The Holy Tavern, a tiny, wood-panelled 18th-century pub then wander to The Eagle Farringdon, credited as London’s first gastropub!
In South London, you can also skip Borough Market and wander a bit further to Maltby Street Market for the same (if not better) global street food finds and less crowds.
Favourite festive things to do in London?
If I had to choose I’d say my signature Christmas Walk London is a non-negotiable every year: you start on Bond Street to see the high-fashion boutique displays, then looping through Regent Street’s “Spirit of Christmas” angels, past Fortnum & Mason’s advent-calendar façade, and finish in Covent Garden for the giant tree. And of course ice skating at Somerset House – you just can’t beat skating in a neoclassical courtyard.
Christmas shopping in London is a must. I love popping into the iconic stores like Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty, the window displays alone are worth the visit. And London’s local Christmas markets are just as special: Marylebone Village Christmas Lights, Greenwich Market with its independent makers, and Kingston’s riverside chalets (just 25 minutes from Waterloo Station).
How has travel blogging and influencing changed in the last few years?
In my opinion, the industry shifted dramatically. In the early days, creators made content purely from passion and curiosity. Now the landscape is far more commercial, and the trend cycle moves impossibly fast; one creator shares a spot, a hundred follow, and suddenly originality becomes harder to find.
The medium has changed, too of course. Everything is video-first, fuelled by TikTok and Reels and lots of saturation. But I still genuinely believe there’s space for those who love what they do and explore beyond the algorithm.
Central London restaurants to impress?
Il Gattopardo, Mayfair, it’s elegant and polished Italian with impeccable service. Oblix West at The Shard for panoramic views and contemporary plates, perfect for tourists coming to London without feeling gimmicky. And Maresco in Soho for Scottish seafood meets Spanish tapas.
If we’re going for pure aesthetics, then it has to be the Hotel Café Royal off Regent Street, it’s inspired by historic European salons, and makes you feel like you’ve just stepped in Budapest or Paris.
Favourite bars in central London?
Firebird in Soho, it’s a female-owned wine bar and restaurant inspired by the flavours and open-fire cooking traditions of Southern Europe. The founders, Anna and Madina are lovely and the Baked Banana Old-Fashioned is divine.
London restaurants where you’re a regular?
Ayllu in Paddington. It’s Japanese-Portuguese fusion and perfectly reflects London’s multicultural spirit – go for the Peruvian beef BBQ and Truffle Tuna Roll, it’s divine!
And I love Behesht Restaurant in Kensal Green, which is a true North London gem with Persian décor, traditional charcoal-grilled kebabs, warm flatbreads and generous portions, basically like stepping into someone’s family dining room.
Most unexpectedly inspiring city you’ve visited recently?
Valletta, Malta. I went in expecting a simple sunny weekend in the Med, but it ended up being one of those trips where the local experiences completely shift how you see a place. I took a cooking class with Maltese cook and author Pippa Mattei, learning how to make traditional dishes like ftira (Maltese bread) and the stories tied to them.
I also visited Meridiana Wine Estate, run by founder Mark Miceli-Farrugia, which produces some of Malta’s most respected wines. Maltese wine isn’t usually the first thing people think of, which is why tasting it at the source felt so surprising; their Isis Chardonnay alone is worth the visit.
Where do you go for pure escapism?
Long, delicious walks through Regent’s Park, especially in Queen Mary’s Rose Garden with the city’s largest collection of roses, or a spot of deer watching in Richmond Park.
Where do you go for stimulation and creative energy?
The Tate Modern on the Southbank. I’ve been visiting since I was 18; from student days wandering the towering Cildo Meireles boombox in its permanent collection to tons of rotating exhibitions throughout the year. It’s hard to leave not feeling inspired!
And where do you go when you need a creative reset?
Out of London; ideally somewhere warm and Mediterranean.
Favourite hotel anywhere in the world?
Soho House Rome. The rooftop pool looks straight over the rooftops of the Garbatella neighbourhood, and the interiors mix Soho House’s signature aesthetic with Roman charm. It’s stunning.
Dream vacation, not yet fulfilled?
The Maldives and a proper switch-off with an overwater villa to match. After so many Europe city breaks, a slow, sun-soaked island escape is definitely overdue!
