The Monday Media Diet with Gina Jackson

Gina Jackson is a London-based travel writer. Her excellent Substack caught my eye and she was kind enough to share her MMD. -Colin (CJN)

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Gina, a London-based travel writer and author. I love great restaurants, design-led interiors, and boutique hotels with a sense of place. I write hard-hitting hotel reviews and destination guides for a mix of publications (Conde Nast Traveller, The Times, The London Standard, The Telegraph etc), and have written two books published by Hoxton Mini Press, covering the UK’s hotel scene: British Boutique Hotels and London Hotels. I also share more personal travel stories and travel guides on my recently launched Substack.

Alongside writing, I’m also a content creator @ginagoesto, and have documented my travel and food-related adventures on Instagram since my university days at Cambridge. Once I graduated, content creation was my ‘side hustle’ alongside a full-time job in marketing, but about a year and a half ago, I decided to quit my marketing career to pursue journalism and content creation full-time.

When I’m not testing out hotel beds around the world, you’ll find me in Notting Hill, where I live with my husband Oliver. As a born and raised Londoner, I am of the proud opinion that it’s truly one of the world’s best cities. I love trying out all of the latest restaurant openings in town, and making the most of the endless cultural thrills (plays, concerts, exhibitions, musicals!) that we have on our doorstep.

Describe your media diet.

What’s the last great book you read?

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray. It’s a brilliant tragicomedy revolving around a dysfunctional family in Ireland. The book flits between the different characters, unravelling stories from their past: it’s laugh-out-loud funny, and also incredibly sad. I couldn’t put it down!

What are you reading now?

I’m reading Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera. It’s an unapologetically uncomfortable book about the history of the British Empire, demonstrating how we’re still feeling the knock-on effects of colonialism in modern-day Britain. It’s a book that everyone should read.

What’s your reading strategy when you pick up a print copy of your favorite publication?

I like to read a book or magazine as it’s meant to be read: I start at the very beginning, and read through it in order - when it comes to books, I never skip ahead!

Who should everyone be reading that they’re not?

I’ve only recently joined the Substack community, but have already discovered some great reads on there. Some of my favourite newsletters are Benjamina Ebuehi’s ‘Sweet Things’ (her recipes have never failed me!), and Eleanor Cording Booth’s ‘A Considered Space’ for lifestyle edits, travel tips, and general life musings.

What is the best non-famous app you love on your phone?

I wish I had more niche recommendations for this question, but I spend most of my time on TikTok or Spotify. Otherwise, I love Delli for discovering artisan and independent food and drink makers, and TooGoodToGo for snagging great deals on food that would otherwise go to waste.

Plane or train?

I usually opt for planes to save time; but I love trains for the scenic route.

What is one place everyone should visit?

Malaysia! Most travellers seem to skip Malaysia in favour of Thailand or Indonesia, but my mother’s side of the family is from Malaysia, and I’m always championing it as a destination. Malaysian food is some of the most flavourful and unique in the world, and there’s so much to discover when it comes to beautiful scenery: beaches, islands, and rainforests.

Tell us the story of a rabbit hole you fell deep into.

I love a good pop culture conspiracy theory. Google ‘Avril Lavigne replacement conspiracy theory’ and you might fall down the same rabbit hole…