Nicky Gardner

Nicky Gardner is a travel writer, editor, and consultant focusing on European slow travel. From 2005 to 2023, she co-edited and was the principal author of *hidden europe* magazine, a publication exploring the continent's lesser-known cultures, communities, and landscapes through literary, long-form narratives. She also co-directs hidden europe, a Berlin-based publishing and consultancy company. Gardner co-authored *Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide*, an English-language guidebook that has seen multiple editions, and contributes a regular column on European rail travel to *The Guardian*. An advocate for exploring Europe by public transport, Gardner’s writing frequently explores off-beat destinations, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, linguistic minorities, and island communities, reflecting a deep interest in cultural difference and identity. Her professional philosophy centers on slow travel, which she defines as a conscious choice to linger, engage with local communities, and value the journey itself rather than merely the destination. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers since 2007, she offers consultancy services covering slow travel, sustainable tourism, and the intricacies of European rail ticketing, including guidance for tech startups within the rail industry.