Paula Rooney
My name is Paula Rooney and I write relatable travel memoirs. I approach travel in a free and mostly unplanned fashion and enjoy whatever experiences present them selves to me. After parenting for many years, I now enjoy the freedom that solo travel gives me.
My solo backpacking trip in 2020 was life changing; it gave me time to take stock of my life and come to terms with the difficult decisions that we make as parents. My children are thrilled to see Mum traveling and enjoying herself.
Two years after my solo interrailing trip, I walked the Camino de Santiago. It took me 36 days to walk the 500 miles from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. This was a unique time out of life to enjoy the beauty of Spain and the beautiful Spanish villages and towns.
My fourth book, in which I travelled solo around Morocco, is out soon.
I grew up in Harlow, Essex, spent some time in Ipswich, Suffolk and settled in Cornwall with my children in 2001.
I Hope There’s a Kettle in My Room
Published by Fortis in June 2022
Second edition published in 2025 by Paula Rooney
£9.99
Description
This is the inspirational true story of a 55-year-old woman who puts the ghosts of the past behind her and determined to discover a sense of freedom, embarks on a solo backpacking trip around Europe.
45 trains. 14 buses. 10 countries. 16 beds. A cable car and a tin boat in an underground cave.
She travelled to mountain tops, across the Swiss Alps, melted in Venice, felt emotional in Ljubljana, fell in love with Czech and was surprised with Germany. All the while, searching for a decent cup of tea and hoping there’s a kettle in the room.
Odd Poles and Baggy Trousers on the Camino de Santiago
Originally published by Fortis in July 2023
Second edition published in 2025 by Paula Rooney
£9.99
Description
In 2022, Paula Rooney embarked on a life-changing journey when she hiked 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago across Spain. Over the course of 36 days, she experienced a range of emotions, from the joy of making new friends to the pain of blisters and hunger.
Her journal chronicles the highs and lows of this unique pilgrimage, with vivid descriptions of the breathtaking scenery and the kindness of strangers along the way. When she arrived in Santiago and stood before the magnificent cathedral, surrounded by love, Paula knew that her life would never be the same again. Join her on this transformative journey to Santiago.
Tinsel and Tapas: Solo in Andalucia
Originally published by Fortis
Second edition published in 2025 by Paula Rooney
£9.99
Description
What happens when your children have flown the nest and Christmas loses its magic? How do you fill that void that is left behind? How do you find a new way to enjoy Christmas?
Paula decides to avoid an English Christmas altogether and explore the warmth and beauty of Andalucia, Spain.
This journal captures Paula’s month in Andalucia where she experiences the culture, and the festive traditions of Spain, visiting Seville, Cordoba, Granada as well as Setenil de Las Bodegas, Ronda and Sacromonte.
All Around Morocco: A Five Week Solo Adventure
Coming July 2026. Kindle version out now.
£9.99
Description
Paula’s fourth solo adventure takes her to Morocco and this has to be her most challenging trip yet. Marrakech is a huge culture shock, the sensory overload too much with its dizzying noise, colour, snakes and monkeys.
Convinced she has made a mistake with her destination, she quickly escapes to the Sahara Desert to stay in a tent overnight. The silence and endless stars reset her, spurring her onto the winding, ancient streets of Fes, the pretty blue town of Chefchaouen, and many more towns over the five weeks..
Paula starts to enjoy Morocco and its many layers, the culture steeped in history, the craftsmanship and warmth of its people, and the stunning scenery, the towns that felt like film sets, and tagines cooked on hot coals amid countless mint teas
As usual in Paula’s adventures, not everything goes to plan, and she needs to dig deep to navigate difficult situations, which only helps her connect with Moroccan people on a level she never anticipated.
When she returns to Marrakech, everything feels different. She is different. Morocco has opened her eyes and heart to a different way of living.
Paula Rooney Author 