Hey there!
I am James Hammond, informally known as Hammo.
I love to roam this world, and I am intensely curious about each place I visit. I am a video creator and podcaster with a passion for travel, epic views, coffee, backpacking, baked beans and people. I will share tips, positivity and a dust of inspiration for that traveller in you. Let’s go!
Roaming with Hammo YouTube channel
Latest Blogs
Washington, DC, has always been on my hitlist of places to visit in the USA.
When I was a young kid watching the news, I always saw videos and photos of the iconic landmarks in this city, such as the National Mall, Lincoln’s Statue, the White House, and Capitol Hill.
Finally, I managed to visit, and this blog combines two visits over two days a year apart, aided by my friends Adam and Stephanie from Road Unraveled.
In this blog, I'm taking you on a weekend trip through the heart of American history—Washington, DC!
It is no secret that Nepal is one of my favourite destinations on the planet, and you can see why by seeing the awe-struck Annapurna at Poon Hill to trekking the Langtang Valley and exploring the winding alleys of Thamel or soaking in the spiritual energy at Swayambhunath, this place has everything.
Traditionally, in my YouTube videos, I showcase the best of a place I have visited with videos and photos. However, weirdly, I do not have enough content to make a great video of Thamel or Kathmandu as a whole, but I have tons of content to share in written form.
I stayed in Thamel, Kathmandu, for a combined five weeks during two visits in 2018 and 2023, so I know the area well and have some cool spots for you to check out.
In this blog, I want to cover my favourite restaurants, cafes, sights, and accommodations in Thamel, Kathmandu.
The Vancouver Seawall is a scenic, uninterrupted pathway that runs along Vancouver's waterfront, offering stunning views and a great way to explore the city's natural beauty.
The route is flat and easy in terms of trajectory but hard in terms of distance.
Starting from Spanish Banks and ending at the Vancouver Convention Center, the Seawall covers approximately 28 kilometers.
We completed the Seawall in reverse to finish the last leg in Downtown at the end of the hike. I predicted that we would walk more than 28 km, and I would be knackered at the highest level.
I was proven right, which you see more of in the video below.
Why one day?
We fancied a challenge, and as the route is flat, I am pretty confident we could complete it without problems.
This wasn’t a race; we stopped off for brunch and checked out a few trendy cafes for coffee.
I outline key points of interest along the walk to give you the whole experience of walking the Seawall and perhaps encourage you to see a part of it when you next visit Vancouver.
Let’s dive into some details below.
Today, we're heading to one of British Columbia's most breathtaking destinations—Joffre Lakes!
Get ready to experience crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning mountain vistas, and an unforgettable hike through the heart of nature.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or love exploring beautiful places, this journey will inspire you. I am not the best at hiking; the hardest battle is just getting there. Then, I am motivated to get through the hike to stunning views of the mountains and the lakes.
Joffre Lakes is about a 3-hour drive from Vancouver, or you can stay in the closer hubs of Pemberton or Whistler. This is one of the most popular hikes in British Columbia, so be sure to get on the front foot with the admin!
You will need to go online to book a day pass, and they allow 500 visitors a day in the summer months. You will need to be organized and lucky.
I would label this hike moderate, with some steep parts as you go up, but it is worth it as you come across the three lakes at varying altitudes. I love exploring the local areas for hikes, and this one is a favorite of mine.
So, lace up your hiking boots, and let's dive into the natural beauty of Joffre Lakes!
This week, I am taking you on an adventure to Hornby Island, British Columbia, known as the Hawaii of British Columbia.
Hornby is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, serene beaches, and clear waters. It is a true gem on the West Coast.
This tranquil island, with a small, close-knit community, offers a perfect escape into nature while being just a short trip from the bustling cities of Vancouver and Victoria.
I'll explore its picturesque landscapes, learn about the local culture, and uncover some hidden treasures along the way.
So grab your hiking boots, pack your beach gear, and join me as I discover all that Hornby Island has to offer!
Let's get stuck in!
It was one of those rare occasions when we went away for a holiday—no plans, just relaxation and sun.
So, where do you go in the middle of winter for a nice, mild, sunny break in Europe?
Madeira, Portugal!
Known for its charming countryside, secluded beaches, and Cristiano Ronaldo, this is a gem of a place for a week’s break—which is precisely what we did!
When travelling, we become guilty of travelling too fast and getting in as many experiences as possible, but this travel is different this week.
I am in Madeira for a relaxing week, enjoying our swimming pool at the accommodation and checking out the island leisurely.
This blog will have great tips and ideas for combining easy travel with relaxation at your own pace.
This came at the end of a seriously fast year of travels, during which we visited over twenty countries and tried to keep my podcasting project going. It was tough going!
I will also share why going on ‘holiday’ is rare for me and why I loved Madeira, some much-needed R&R.
Let’s get stuck in!
Welcome to my short and sweet Taiwan adventure!
I'm super excited to take you on a journey through Taiwan in this blog.
Over the next seven days, I'll be exploring the vibrant cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung, discovering their top attractions. From the iconic Taipei 101 and the spiritual Longshan Temple to the bustling Shilin Night Market and the busy Ximending, Taipei has so much to offer.
Then, I'll head south to Kaohsiung, where we'll visit the stunning Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Lotus Pond, and the Pier 2 Project.
Our seven-day trip was magical. We checked out awesome night markets to try the famous street food of Taiwan. This episode includes a lot of coffee, temples, memorials, lakes, and views.
I have covered all the bases in this one. We even managed to get into a favourite Japanese haunt for lunch one day; thanks, Coco!
The bullet train was a dream to ride on as we travelled south, and it is an experience you should have once you are there.
Who doesn't want to travel at 300km per hour?
This video has great hostel options if you want a cheaper option in both cities. I even chuck in a few Western brunch places to keep the vultures at bay.
Whether you are planning your own trip to Taiwan or just love travel adventures, this guide has something for everyone.
Let's go on a journey!
After a 5-year hiatus, we finally returned to Nepal and Kathmandu and are pretty excited about it. Our plan? The stunning Langtang Valley, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas in Nepal.
We had visited Nepal previously to hike the Annapurna, and this time, we are back to attempt the Langtang Valley. I have a love/hate relationship with hiking, and this journey isn’t short of drama either.
This is a blog on my unforgettable trek through the breathtaking Langtang Valley in Nepal. Starting from Syabrubesi, we'll journey through lush forests, cross suspension bridges, and visit charming Tamang villages. Experience the serene beauty of Kyanjin Gompa, where the towering peaks of Langtang Lirung and surrounding glaciers create a stunning backdrop.
We returned to Nepal for the first time in five years, and I am buzzing to be back. I instantly knew I was returning to one of my favourite countries when I smelt the dust and heard the traffic in the taxi from the airport to the hotel in Thamel.
Five years ago, we hiked the Annapurna Circuit and visited Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu, and other places around the country. This time, we visited Kathmandu and the Langtang Valley. We had been craving Dal Bhat every day since the last time we visited, and we had it every day in Nepal this time, including in Langtang on the trek.
Officially, a law in Nepal requires a guide when trekking in national parks and trails like this, so we had one for our journey. Whether this is enforced is another conversation and depends on the area you are trekking in Nepal.
This was a 9-day trek with a rest day in the middle of the journey, and it didn't come without drama on the second day.
The Langtang Valley trek can be challenging, with steep ascents and changing weather conditions. But the rewards are immense. Every step brings you closer to nature, and the views are simply out of this world.
The Langtang Valley offers more than just a trek; it's an experience of a lifetime filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and personal growth.
Let’s go hiking!
Today, I am taking you on an unforgettable journey through two of South Korea's most captivating destinations: Busan, the vibrant coastal city, and Gyeongju, the historic treasure trove.
We had spent five days in Seoul, and our aim for the second half of our trip was to always visit somewhere different in Korea. We looked at a map and picked out two exciting places. We had no idea what to expect or find when we headed south towards the coast.
First, we'll explore Busan's bustling streets and stunning beaches, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. I have stunning walks along the beach, with brunch and coffee recommendations to get your juices flowing!
The weather was sensational for our beach trip; sunscreen and a hat are necessary in this video. The colours were breathtaking as I strolled down the boardwalk along the beach.
Next, we'll step back in time as we visit Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Known as the "museum without walls," Gyeongju is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the majestic Bulguksa Temple and the ancient tombs of Daereungwon.
We hopped on a bus from Busan to Gyeongju for a day trip to this quaint little town, which showcases a slice of Korean history. I don't think I have ever seen the colour green like I did in Gyeongju; the colours blew me away.
Join me as I take a little trip into the unknown and try my best to showcase as much as possible in my short time on the southern coast of South Korea.
Whether planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this blog will give you all the inspiration and tips you need.
Let's go on a journey!
Deep Cove in North Vancouver is one of my favorite places to hang out when looking for somewhere different yet serene.
Deep Cove is a small, picturesque village located at the eastern edge of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It sits on the shores of Indian Arm, a fjord that stretches north from Burrard Inlet, surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Deep Cove offers a peaceful escape from the city, known for its waterfront views, outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking, and access to trails like the popular Quarry Rock hike.