Janice Horton

Social media is about building relationships


I’m Janice Horton – otherwise known as The Backpacking Housewife. I’m an ex-housewife, an empty-nester, a nomadic world traveller and travel writer, who loves to discuss dreamy destinations all around the world and, in particular, the pros and cons of midlife and senior travel and about making the most of opportunities to travel in retirement – or what I like to call – the Golden Age of Travel.
I adore social media. I love reading and writing. I enjoy talking.
I’ve always got a story to share. I’m active on The Web, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads – and now Tiktok and YouTube where I’m coming to grips with video presentation.
My social circles and my combined social media reach is entirely organic having been earned over time.
My followers across all my social media channels and the subscribers to my mailing list are interested in my posts.
“It’s important to remember that social media is never about numbers. Social media is about building relationships.”
As well as a travel writer, I’m also a bestselling writer of The Backpacking Housewife series of romantic adventure novels published by HarperCollins.

I’ve been an active member of The Romantic Novelist’s Association ever since my first book was traditionally published in 2004. Since then I’ve written and published a total of 15 books.
You can read more about my books on my Books Page.
Did you know that I welcome press and blogger inquiries and I’m happy (delighted, actually) to be interviewed online, offline, in print, in person, on the radio, on TV, to chat about my travels or my books!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch! Use the Contact Me Form straight through to my email!
Recent Media
January 21st 2025: I was a guest on BBC Radio Northern Ireland – The Connor Phillips Show – the most listened mid-morning radio entertainment programme in Northern Ireland and the topic was taking a midlife gap year (or ten!). This is the cropped version. Listen in!

Listen to my topical interview on BBC Radio Northern Ireland
I loved being a guest on The Failing Writers Podcast and had so much fun discussing what makes a romance story. This is the podcast for all those who ever dreamed of being a writer but then went and put the kettle on instead! I was asked to critique the lad’s attempts at pushing back the boundaries of romance writing! Lots of laughs. Put the kettle on and listen in!
Listen in to the fun FAILING WRITERS PODCAST
I really enjoyed chatting with Lady Janey on TRAVEL RADIO


Watch my interview on PEPITO LIVE COSTA RICA
Listen to my interview for THE KAY ADAMS SHOW ON BBC RADIO

Interview with Vonnie on THE MORNING SHOW RADIO MARLOW
MYVLF – the global virtual literary festival connecting readers with authors































