About Craig Whittaker

'Travels of a Former MP' is a web page, dedicated to sharing insightful travel experiences and recommendations from a former MP.
When I was re-elected in 2019 as the MP for the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, I told my team that this would be my final term in office, and I would be 'hanging up my clogs' at the next General Election. That was the ambition, and I spent the next four and a half years putting a plan into place to turn that ambition into reality. And so, it transpired that in July 2024, I officially retired at the age of 62 (almost)
My biggest fear once money was sorted, was how am I going to fill my time. I always thought I had lots of interests outside politics. That was, until I sat down and analysed what interests I have. It came as a rude awakening when I suddenly realised that I do not! No golf, no sport, no friends outside politics...... nothing apart from a love of travel!
I have extensively travelled throughout my life, but rather than curtailing my desire to do more, I have a huge yearning to do more. I have always wanted to travel the ancient Silk Roads, feel the spirit of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great, and explore the countries that I have never visited. So, I woke my wife one morning to tell her that I wanted to plan trips to travel the Silk Roads and beyond on my Royal Enfield motorbike, she thought I had gone barking mad! I asked her if she fancied being my pillion, to which she turned over and said she will meet me when I get to Dubai!
And so, it started. Months of planning and research and about twenty routes and information created. The only problem currently in 2024, is all the conflict and wars east of Turkey. Undeterred my first bike trip saw me fly to India to visit Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh with my next trip scheduled for Feb. 2025, returning to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
There are other trips as well, but these are done with family and friends.
Join me as we explore the world together.