Time For a Staycation

Last year my mum was due to have a milestone birthday (80 but don't tell her I told you!).

As she is a lover of all things theatre related, I decided to find accommodation through hotels.com for a room in Manchester together with tickets to see Sister Act at the Palace Theatre.  Sadly, due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled and as such, our plans.

In current climes, it is important that when you make any plans, you bear in mind current Government guidelines so that you can prepare and organise accordingly.  This was especially important when starting to arrange her birthday this year.

Looking at the Government road map going forward, restaurants are due to open with the ability to eat indoors from the 12th May, with hotels opening from the 3rd July 2021.  We are due to be out of lockdown by the 21st June and with any luck, everyone able will be vaccinated by the 31st July 2020.

Bearing in mind the above, I decided to book a staycation for my mum and I for September; with as much luxury as I can think of, whilst being mindful of the rules and what is safe to do for ourselves, and all.  

Rather than taking public transport to Manchester for our staycation, I have organised a car to transport us to and from our location.  This both adds a little luxury touch, whilst reducing our contact with others where possible.

With restaurants eager for diners to return to their establishments, we already know that proper distancing between tables will be in place and enhanced hygiene practices will be well established.  I plan to choose a few different restaurants for both lunch and dinner options for our two day trip.

With the theatre option not being available, I am looking at visiting the Manchester Museum to see the fantastic T-Rex, as well as a not to be missed visit to Chinatown.  We may decide to also utilise one of the free walking tours around Manchester which allows you to see many of the old and new architecture around the city.  Although at 81 by then, I suspect that the walk will be more of a stroll!  Again, don't tell her I said that!

For our accommodation, I have chosen to book an aparthotel which offers us both privacy and an added safety aspect rather than mingling with other guests; whilst maintaining a high quality of accommodation and a high level of cleanliness.

All of our bookings and planned trips will of course be subject to Government guidelines as well as any travel restrictions in place.  By then, both my mum and I should have had the vaccine so will also be in line with any Covid checks that are in place for any of activities and bookings.

Now is time the time to start planning your next staycation; where will you be going to for yours?

Images from Unsplash

In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own

Romantic Destinations

When you think of romantic destinations to visit with your partner, where do you think of?  A romantic weekend in Paris or Florence perhaps?  A week in New York might encourage a dozen romantic moments; a walk in Central Park, a jazz club with cocktails and dimmed nights at 1am...

For a longer stay, perhaps a honeymoon or anniversary visit, I always think of an island, a beach, turquoise waters and just you and your partner.   For me, that place is Mauritius. 

Mauritius is the perfect destination for a long haul getaway with your love and Destination2 has some amazing places that you can stay on the island.  You can visit the website here.  

Whether you want to do nothing but lie on an idyllic beach and have a dip in the crystal clear waters or whether you want an excursion or two, Mauritius has everything that you could want.

Perhaps a romantic horse ride on the beach at sunset or maybe a diving experience in a submarine underwater trip?

You can also visit Des Deux Cocos which is a private island only a five minute boat ride away from Mauritius where you can experience the feeling of perfectly alone together, in a setting that is nothing short of paradise.

Don't think however that Mauritius is only beautiful beaches, there is a life and a beat to Mauritius that you have to experience.  How about a visit to Le Caudan waterfront in St Louis where you can find shops, craft markets, bars and casinos as well as the famous umbrellas on the waterfront.

Romance does not have to be a holiday or a trip.  It doesn't have to be a romantic meal out or a boat ride on a lake.  Romance can be as simple as running your loved one a bath surrounded by candles, a snuggle together at 5am, a note left on the fridge saying "I love you".

When it comes down to it, romance is a personal thing and revolves around the pair of you, together.  Whether it is waking up to a kiss in the morning, or lying on a beach, holding hands in paradise.

What is your kind of romance? 

Goa - Not Just A Beach Holiday

I don't know quite why, but whenever I think of my perfect beach destination, somewhere perfect with pink sunsets and unspoiled beaches, my thoughts always turn to Goa; despite never having (yet) visited.  

After doing extensive research for my Summer holiday, one of the destinations I looked at was Goa and it turns out, Goa has so much more to offer as a destination than just perfect beaches.  Whether you want a lazy beach holiday, something action packed with sports, a party time or want to check out the culture, there is something for everyone.

If you are looking to get a great tan and have a relaxing time, check out the beautiful beaches, particularly Mandrem, Baga and Cavelossem.

For something more action packed, why not check out the Devil's Canyon or Goan Caves?  You could also check out the spice plantation and say hello to the elephants or perhaps visit the butterfly conservatory in Ponda.

If you are looking to see some wildlife as well as checking out the beautiful scenery of Goa, why not go to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary or the Mollem National Park which are home to sloths, panthers, fairy bluebirds, barking deer and many other species.

If you are looking for some fun times, the nightlife in Goa is amazing.  Check out Tito's Road in Baga Beach for big name DJs and commercial style music or perhaps Anjuna Beach if you are looking for partying right on the beach and the Psy Trance experience.  Don't forget about the not to be missed Arpora which has the infamous nightclub in the sky.

There is so much more to Goa than meets the eye.  

Holiday Gems is a brilliant budget holiday website that offers fantastic deals, whatever time of year.  The best time to visit Goa is between November to March so have a look on the site for a great deal and get booking!

This post is in collaboration with Holiday Gems.

Traveling Stateside: American States For The Bucket List

Heading to the USA may seem like one of those trips that would be bucket list worth, wouldn’t you agree? With so many states and destinations to choose from, you could spend your whole traveling life visiting every inch of it. However, there are some destinations in the US that are worth adding to your bucket list and should certainly be high on the priority list for your future holidays. For different reasons I might add. So I thought I would share with you five of them now to get you inspired.

Image source

Florida

Maybe Florida is one to add to your bucket list and I can tell you that there are many reasons as to why you should have it on there. Not only do you have the fabulous Orlando, filled with some of the best theme parks in all of the world, but you also some of the best beaches around. Miami beach, Fort Lauderdale and The florida Keys will have you escaping your real life and relaxing into that beach vibe in no time at all.

California

Maybe California is the one, the sunshine state and the place where not only do youa have the home of some of the studies for the top filmes we see at the cinema, but you also have cities like San Francisco and the indi vibe that Santa Cruz can offer. Staying in places like the Hotel Paradox means you are closer to the action of this fabulous location. California has something for everyone, and many people consider a road trip of this state to take it all in.

New York

The state of New York has many hidden gems, but one of the most iconic places happens to be New York City. You can walk down the sidewalks of Manhattan pretending you are a star in the latest Sex and the city release, you can shop until your heart's content in some of the most iconic stores, or just take in some of the best views around on top of the empire state building.

Nevada

There is one thing for it when it comes to Nevada, and that is the adult sin city of Las Vegas. It happens to be on many bucket lists already, but as it might not be in yours, I thought I would include it in this list anyway. Seeing the sights and sounds of the lights and grandeur that is the Las Vegas strip, betting a bit of money on the roulette or slot machines, or just enjoying cocktails around the pool or taking in one of the famous residency shows. It really is a fun holiday to have.

Texas

Finally, we have the state of Texas and it really has a lot to offer in terms of a vacation. The musical capital of Austin has some of the best live music around, but there are also places such as Houston and Dallas that you can take in as well. Finally, if you like the chance to just sit and relax then you can people watch in the multicultural area of San Antonio.

I hope this has given you some food for thought for your next trip away.

Tips For Blogging On The Go

Fitting in time to blog can be a hard thing.  A full time job, dates, commitments with friends and having time to actually relax and sit down to write can sometimes be challenging.

So many times I have found myself under deadline, or with an opinion piece that I really want to write and end up writing at 11pm.  Not ideal.  But writing still brings me so much joy, so how do you do it?

The challenge is to fit my blogging around my life and still being able to be creative with it and keep the joy and excitement in there, without it being a chore.

For me, that means creating a virtual office that I can take with me everywhere, whilst maintaining a home base where I collate my ideas.  Here is how I do it:

Buy a Notice Board

I have recently purchased a notice board for my room where I can pin my notes for my latest blogging ideas and projects. I use colourful post it notes along with pages from my notebook in order to create a visual aide that I can look at for reminders of what is in my to do list along with inspirations for future pieces.  For me, this works much better than a calendar or diary.

Utilize Your Travel Time

I worked out the other day that I spend 45 minutes on the bus every day.  Perfect time for a little blogging inspiration!  I have a cheap notebook that I don't mind tearing pages from where I jot down ideas and piece together blog posts using bullet points that can be typed and added to later.

If you travel to work by bus or by train, your commute is the perfect time to get started on pieces and get the inspiration flowing.

Write on the Go

A few months ago I purchased a small lightweight tablet with a removable keyboard which has proved a lifesaver.  Whilst you cannot get a tablet out on the bus (although would be great on the train), I find it perfect for transforming my notes into a few paragraphs in my lunch or when in the summer, sitting in a park and getting a little work done whilst getting some sunshine.

Maintaining Your Down Time

Remember, writing is supposed to be fun.  It is what you enjoy so don't make it a chore.  Remember to enjoy yourself, take a break, take a step back and relax.  If you schedule your time there is no reason why you should be writing late at night or getting up early to finish a piece.

Top 5 Tips For Planning a Long Haul Holiday

As I mentioned in my previous post, How To Do The Grand Prix In Style, next year I turn 40.  Although not particularly bothered about the number myself, I am bracing myself for the inevitable teasing and middle age jokes.

For me though, 40 is a number and is more an excuse to celebrate and do something really fun.  Especially as my best friend turns 40 in the same year so a holiday together is something we are really considering.

Me being me, I have been doing a lot of research.  Now whether you are planning vacation rentals in Los Cabos, an action packed holiday around Australia or a sight sighting tour in Japan, planning your long haul holiday pulls up a few more things to consider.

So here are my top 5 tips for planning a long haul holiday.

Where do you want to go?

If you are planning a long haul holiday, you are going to spending serious money which you need to ensure that you spend wisely.  What type of holiday are you looking for?  Do you want to lie on a beach in paradise?  See as many sights as you can and absorb the culture?  Do you want somewhere hot or cold? Do you want a holiday with a bit of everything?

The world is very large and there is the opportunity to get everything that you want.  You just need to decide what you are looking for and thereby, narrow your options down.  If you are going to be spending a lot of money it is so important that you choose the location that will be perfect for you, for the right price.

With that in mind...

Research, research and research again

So you have chosen your destination.  Now to choose what you are going to be doing when you get there.  Where you have chosen to go on a bespoke route or a package holiday, if you choose to arrange trips or places to go whilst already on holiday; the chances are that you are going to pay over the odds.

Even if you are just planning a beach holiday, which beaches are the best?  Where the best and most recommended bars and restaurants to go to?  What is the best way to get to that perfect beach that you found online but have no clue how to get to?

Perhaps you have booked the perfect place to stay but want to take day trips and investigate some of the culture and see the sights.  How do you get there?  What are the recommended things to do by people who have visited the country before?  What trip looks amazing, but would turn out to be a boat ride to hell or the most boring 8 hours you have ever wasted?

I think we all have fallen for a well promoted but ultimately terrible trip on holiday.  I still have nightmares about a 6 hour boat trip that promised dolphins and fine food but ultimately was terrible seas and even worse food.

Tripadvisor and travel blogs are your friends.

Respect the culture

Chances are that if you are planning a long haul holiday, you are going to be visiting a place that has a different culture to your own.  A simple gesture in a different culture can mean something totally different.

For example, in places like Japan South Korea, tipping is classed as an insult.  They take pride in the job that they do and do not want or need an incentive to do it well.  In Russia, the Middle East and Western Africa a thumbs up has the same meaning as giving someone "the finger" in the UK and the US.

Your timing also works differently depending on the country you visit.  In Germany, turning up late, as it is in most of Europe is considered rude; whilst in places like Latin America, turning up about an hour late is deemed the most appropriate time to attend an event.

So you have chosen your destination, planned what you are going to do; what else do you need to think about?

Plan for the plane journey

A long haul holiday means a long haul flight.  6, 8, 12 hours being on a plane.  The best tip I can give you is to invest in a travel pillow.  Sleep on a flight can be nay on impossible, but a travel pillow, practically one that wraps around your neck or enables you to rest your head to one side is a God send.

Don't over indulge on the bar.  Chances are with a long haul flight is that a few free alcohol drinks are going to be included.  There is nothing worse than having a few too many drinks, falling asleep and then waking with a hangover with a few more hours still left on the plane or worse; that you now have to navigate an unknown airport in a foreign country with your head pounding.

Remember, this is part of your holiday too!  So have a glass of wine to celebrate but entertain yourself as well.  Take advantage of the wifi and watch that TV series that you keep meaning to watch on Netflix.  Read that book you have been meaning to read for ages but haven't had the time.

Pack Intelligently

This applies to all holidays.   Do you really need those 14 dresses for a 10 day holiday?   Do you need that extra swimsuit that you love but feel uncomfortable in?  If you don't feel comfortable wearing it at home, you are not going to feel comfortable wearing it on holiday.

During the day you need minimal clothing.  A couple of swimsuits or bikinis, a fabulous pair of shorts or a skirt that you can team with different tops.  A comfortable pair of sandals for the day and a couple of heeled and non heeded options at night that you can wear with everything.

Remember, when it comes down to it, everything you need (apart from passport, tickets and money) can be purchased there.  Buy local shampoo and conditioner that you can leave in your room when you leave.  

Take mini products where you can and leave space in your suitcase for the flight home for those gifts and purchases that you bought to remind you of the trip.

What tips would you give for a long haul holiday?

*Post in collaboration with Luxury Retreats.  All images from Pixabay.

How To Do The Grand Prix In Style

I absolutely love Formula One.  I am fairly new to the sport, only starting to watch at the beginning of Jenson Button's winning year.  I was hooked (and totally gutted when he retired last year).

I have yet to get to a track to see a race myself, but have always fancied going to see a race abroad as you can combine a holiday with seeing the Grand Prix.

Next year I turn 40.  I want to do something special to celebrate my birthday and not being the birthday party type, what I have decided to do is combine my love of F1 and a holiday to a far flung destination.  

As I am turning 40, my holiday will be luxury all inclusive all the way, combined with going to one of my favourite tracks; but which one?

Singapore

Singapore is an island city state off the shores of southern Malaysia.  But don't think that a city state island make you think that there is nothing to do.  Apart from the Grand Prix weekend, there is lots to do.

Think an island city can't be green?  Try going to Gardens by the Bay which covers nearly 250 acres.  Check out the amazing picture above.

Want the city break experience?  Check out Marina Bay which has everything from science museums to bars, restaurants and casinos.

Abu Dhabi

If you want to really make Abu Dhabi a Formula One experience, you can visit Ferrari World which boasts the world's fastest rollercoaster.   You can't visit Abu Dhabi however without seeing the breathtaking Emirates Palace.

For something a little different, why not visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon hospital where people from all over the country send their beloved animals.  There is a museum and a free flight aviary whilst at the same time providing essential care to the falcons.

Mexico

One word.  Tequila.  Only kidding, there is so much that you can do in Mexico which is still near the track.  The nightlife in Mexico City is amazing but for some cultural visits, you can visit the Chapultepec Castle which has fantastic views of Mexico City and also houses the National Museum of History.

For an essential day trip out of the city, 2 hours drive away you can visit the Pyramid of the Sun which is estimated to have been built in approximately 200 CE.

So what do you think of my options?  I really cannot decide.

How To Have A Child Friendly Road Trip

When I think about road trips, I always look back to when I was a little girl.  

My mum, my dad and I used to travel down by car every year to Argeles in France.  I think we went for around four years and there were always meticulous plans in place to ensure a smooth trip and that I didn't get too bored and say "Are we there yet?" every five minutes.  

First of all, before making the around 17+ hour trip to Argeles, my dad would take the car to www.kwik-fit.com to get a full service done.  There is nothing worse than breaking down when you are travelling a long way to a foreign country.  Especially when you have a young child on board, in this case, me!

My mum used to stock the car with snacks and games that I could play in the back seat.   The trip was always broken down into segments so that it was easier for me and there was always something to look forward to or a destination to get to instead of driving for ten hours straight with a tired and grumpy five year old.

We used to set out early in the morning, around 5am with me sleeping in the back seat for the first few hours and then we would stop for breakfast.  The trip to Dover was around 5 hours so stopping mid point at a service station for some food and a quick look at the shops worked really well and I was energised and excited after breakfast to get to the ferry.

Apart from one year my mum tells me when I fell asleep just before we got to Dover and I slept through the ferry journey, only waking an hour after we docked and asking "When we are we getting to the boat?"

For the France part of our journey the games and snacks came out.  After around five hours, my limit of tolerance apparently, we used to break our journey for the night, always stopping at the same hotel.  I remember being obsessed with the little mushrooms on the hors d'oeuvres trolley and my mum tells me while writing this that I refused to eat anything else!

The beautiful Argeles

After another early start with me once again asleep in the back seat, the 5-6 hour trip down to Argeles didn't seem so bad with the excitement of getting to our destination closer and closer.  

We used to stay in a large static caravan on a local site near to the beach.  I still remember the beautiful beach and the hot sand, running towards the sea to cool off.  I even met a French girl one year who was staying in the caravan next to us.  We became penpals and were friends for many years, even staying at their home one year for a weekend.

Road trips with a young child don't have to be a nightmare.  It is all about planning ahead as much as you possibly can, making it fun and taking advantage of early starts where some of the hours can disappear in sleep. 

I wouldn't change those memories for the world.

*Collaborative post #carsafetychecklist 

Top 5 Things To Do In Gran Canaria

I have finally made the decision, I am going on holiday next year!!  I haven't been away on holiday for seven years now so think that I am definately due some sunshine.

As always when I decide to do something, I research!  This is especially important when you are going away on holiday, not least for the amount you are spending.  You want to go somewhere that has everything that you want, for the best price.

This week I have been looking at Gran Canaria with Holiday Gems and thought I would share some of the research I have been doing, to help you with your holiday destination planning too.

Gran Canaria is in the Canary Islands, just off north western Africa.  The flight time is 4.5 hours, something to consider for those of you who don't like flying.  Personally, I love flying and enjoy it as part of my holiday.

Gran Canaria has both white sandy and black lava beaches.  Depending on whether you are looking for a busy, active holiday you might choose to go to Puerto Rico or for something quieter, somewhere like San Agustin.

Here are 5 things to do in Gran Canaria depending on what type of activity you like.

Drink Rum!

Let's face it, when we go on holiday we are allowed to have a tipple (or 5).  Gran Canaria is famous for its Arucas rum.  Gran Canaria has been producing sugar cane for 5 centuries now and during that time, has perfected its rum making which is now exported all over the world.  

There is a distillery that you can visit which is 15 minutes outside of the capital which gives you an afternoon experience of showing you how the rum is made and of course, allowing you to sample some of the many flavours of the rum!

Look to the Stars

For a night time activity, what is better, and more relaxing, than looking at the stars?  Gran Canaria is one of the best places in Europe to see the stars at night and there are two different observatories on the island that offer night walks.  Not something perhaps for a family holiday, but perfect for a romantic holiday away.

Go Swim with the Fishes!

Gran Canaria is great place to go scuba diving over various parts of the island.  If you are looking for a relaxed dive, looking at the fishes and maybe coming across a sea turtle or two.  For the more experienced, you could check out the El Cabron Marine Reserve, there is submerged wreck at Puerto Mogan or a cave dive in Las Palmas.

Take in some history

For me, it is important for me to take in some culture of the place that I am visiting.  To see the history of the country and what is important to those that live there.  

To achieve that, you can do no better than visit Teror which is a place of pilgrimage for the residents of Gran Canaria as it holds the state of the Virgen del Pino which is the patron saint of the Canary Islands.  There are also weekly Sunday markets where you can pick up handcrafted local items.  To check out some authentic and typical architecture of the island, go to the Plaza de Teror.

See the whole Island!

One of the best things about visiting an island is being able to see the whole of it in one day.  This is something that you can do in Gran Canaria.  There is a day tour available which enables you to see all four coasts of the island in a trip that takes around 8 hours and costs around £32.

You get to see everything from the pictureque fishing villages to the mountains, the banana plantations and also the famous Canteras beach.  

So what do you think?  Is Gran Canaria somewhere that you would think about visiting for your summer holiday?  Let me know!

Images all from Pixabay

Post in collaboration with Holiday Gems

The City Break Checklist

Whether it’s Barcelona, Prague or London, packing for a summer city break can be tough. Unlike beach escapes where you can throw a few bikinis and a pair of flip flops in a case, city holidays need a carefully considered wardrobe.

City breaks are naturally more active than beach holidays, as you explore all that the city has to offer. With the wrong clothing, this can be a disaster — blisters and sunburn anyone? Thought not! Daniel Footwear is here to help with their our essential city break packing checklist.  Check it out below!

Shoes

Whether it’s ancient cobbled streets or long days spent sight-seeing, there’s only one thing for it: trainers. Thankfully, we’re in the midst of a 90s revival, meaning our trainers are bang on trend, as well as super comfortable. For a glam edge to your everyday style, we love our range of Michael Kors trainers.

When day turns to night, and the clock strikes cocktail o’clock, those cobbled streets and lengthy treks still remain. However, we fully understand that you might want to add a touch of glamour to your evening outfit. Depending on what you have planned, you may want to take some heels with you — you can always take a taxi if it’s a long way away. Wedges are a popular choice, and they look great with both jeans and dresses.

We recommend packing a pair of comfortable flats, such as sliders or Fitflop ballerina shoes, and a pair of embellished sandals too. Embellished sandals are a stylish alternative to heels, perfect for channeling that beach-to-bar look, while their added glitz adds a dash of glamour that every summer night needs.

Accessories

Sunglasses are a must – especially in those typical hot climates. They help you look stylish whilst protecting your eyes from the sun rays. Who doesn’t love a big pair of sunglasses? It can get extremely hot when you are out exploring a new city, partner your sunglasses with a sunhat for an instantly glamorous look. A sunhat is a timeless accessory that will shield your face from the mid-day sun, whilst making you look very chic.

For an evening, don’t forget to pack some statement jewellery to finish your look. Bold jewellery will mirror the glitz and sparkle of your embellished sandals.

Clothing

Maxi dresses are fabulous for the summer. They are a great city break staple that are cool and stylish by day, and totally glamourous by night when partnered with a pair of wedges and a chunky necklace – very boho.

When you are out exploring the city’s history, something light and floaty is ideal to keep you cool throughout the day. Cami tops, kaftans, floral playsuits and tea dresses are perfect, and totally on trend. They’ll even look great with your trainers. Fashion that’s comfortable, who would have thought it?

We also recommend packing some t-shirts to pair with some frayed denim shorts just in case you burn your shoulders. They cover up those sore burnt bits, whilst keeping you cool when you explore rest of the city.

Sun cream

Whatever you do, don’t forget your sun cream. It can get very hot when you are out and about during the day doing activities, and you might not realise the strength of the sun’s rays. You don’t want to ruin your strip with sore sunburn, or even sunstroke. Be safe and apply plenty before you head out into the sun.

*Collaborative post

Get The Most of Your Vacations

Pexels

I realised last month after my best friend's anniversary that I had not been abroad for six years. The last time was her wedding in Cyprus. This has been due to a lack of planning as much as a lack of funds.

The thing about travel is that it can be pretty expensive, so it’s best to get as much as you can out of it as you can. In one of my previous posts I talked about wanting to go on a holiday alone next year. This has now progressed into possibly visiting a few different areas (or countries!) during a couple of weeks time period. This is something that I really, really want to go and as such, I have been doing a lot of research.

The thought of travelling alone is both terrifying and exhilarating to me and I want to ensure that I am have the best time possible. Here are some of the tips that I have been picking up to plan a travelling trip in the best way - ensuring that you get the most possible out of it.

Do your research

When people talk about doing research before travelling, they’re usually thinking of the sort of research you do when you’re building an itinerary. Going on Yelp to find local businesses, looking at Google Maps to find the routes you need, et cetera. But the sort of research that really helps you get to know a place on a deeper level can involve reading more about the history of the destination, or even reading fiction from its writers. Visit travel blogs that have odd anecdotes about vacations in the area are worth a read! These things help you get a feel for the culture before you arrive, which can increase your empathy and sensitivity once you’re at the destination.

Pexels

Don’t build a hectic schedule

One of the most common mistakes with any sort of vacation is the building of a really busy itinerary. People think of all the attractions they’d possible want to see then create a day-by-day, even hour-by-hour schedule to make sure they can fit it all in. But not only are these itineraries pretty hard to stick to most of the time, but it also puts you in a bit of a rush when you’re there. This, of course, is a mistake. To get to know a place much more, you should really slow things down. Less is more when it comes to itineraries; spend more time at your chosen destinations, and allow for some leeway so that you don't see just the touristy things, but nothing about the area or its people.

Interact with the locals more

If you really want to get to know a place as much as possible, then is there really a better way of doing it than by spending more time with the locals. If you’re visiting a foreign country, then this may mean that you have to learn a bit of the local language. (Don’t just assume they’re going to know how to speak English, even if you’re going somewhere like Germany or France!) If you have the time, then see if they’re willing to share interesting stories about their lives in this place. At the very least, you should be able to get recommendations for places to visit that the guidebook doesn’t even mention. Speaking of which…

Wikimedia

Don’t rely on the net for all your info

One of the reasons why speaking to the locals is such a good practice is that you’ll get more suggestions of places to visit, or a better feel of where the locals like to eat and drink. A lot of people rely too heavily on the Internet for this sort of information. That five-star review on Yelp tells you a lot less about a given place than you might think - and the same goes for a one-star review! Another reason that the Internet can be a little unreliable is that most people end up going directly to a business’s website to find out more about it. This doesn’t always give you the most balanced and fair view of the place.

Personally I never rely on sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp because every single person has different wants, needs and preferences. Someone's version of a perfect place might be another's version of hell!

Get yourself a guide

A lot of people are put off of the idea of getting a guide, or going on tours, because it seems to impose some sort of strict schedule on them. But if you’re going somewhere fairly exotic or adventurous, or even if you’re simply going to a city where you don’t know the language all that well, then hiring a guide might help you see much more of your destination. Don’t assume that guides all work on commission for nearby tourist spots - many of them will be multilingual locals who are pretty much willing to aid you in whatever you fancy doing. There are a lot of other reasons to hire a guide on vacation, but the potential to learn much more about your destination is definitely one of the most important.

For myself, I think that this would be better if there are a few of you travelling together. On a solo holiday you might feel like you had hired a friend for the day!

Go solo

I am told (and I hope) that people really do underestimate how good solo travelling can be. Whether it’s because of a lack of independence, fear of safety, or even financial constrictions, most people simply don’t consider the idea of going to a new destination without a trusted friend or family member.

But a solo adventure actually forces you to come out of your shell and interact more with the place around you. This is what I want. It helps you feel a lot more familiar with the location much faster, because you’re simulating the experience of simply wandering around just like you might do at home.

There are businesses like Just You - Solo Travel that provide packages and plans for those who don’t quite know how to go about it and need a little help. In general, solo adventuring is one of the best ways to get the most out of your vacation - so don’t dismiss it!

Pixabay

Keep the camera in your pocket

Don’t see most of your vacation through a camera lens, or through the screen of your smartphone. I’m not saying don’t take pictures - because you absolutely should - but your first instinct when you see something astonishing shouldn’t be to reach into your pocket. This actually alienates you from the experience somewhat; it forces you out of that immediacy and turns you into a different type of observer. Really take the time to look at things with your naked eyes; this is where the priceless moments of any vacation are found.

As an example of this, last year I saw someone say that they had missed the experience of their child seeing Disneyland for the first time, because she was so concentrated on getting the right photograph to capture the image. In doing that, she missed the moment.

Look first, take photograph later!



*Collaborative piece

Petals On The Wind

When I was 21, I moved to Ireland.  Being 21, it was not a considered decision.  My good friend was moving home and asked if I would like to come and live in Ireland with her.  I said yes immediately.

I left my job, sold my car, packed up my belongings and without hesitation upped sticks and got on the boat to Ireland.   It was the most impulsive thing that I had ever done and the best thing I have ever done.

We stayed in Ireland six months, before deciding to move again to Jersey.  I remember at the time feeling like I was a petal on the wind, going wherever the wind decided to take me.  I did not want to put down roots anyway.  If someone had offered, they could have put me in a parcel and shipped me off to Australia and I would have agreed.

Sadly, for this petal, my journey began and ended in Ireland.  Hopping from country to country, even when you are working, involves money.  I set off for Ireland with no savings and despite getting a full time job there, I did not have the funds to go to Jersey.  My friend left, and I went back to England.

At the time I swore that I would make enough money and then join my friend in Jersey.  It did not happen.  I was offered a better job back at at my old firm and starting working my way up the ranks.  Comfortable and a regular paycheck, along with the typical many nights out of a 21 year old meant no savings.

Do I have regrets?  No.  I don't believe in regrets, it is a fool's game.  I am now in a great position at the firm I went back to, I have had some great times and I am happy.  I believe everything happens for a reason and therefore, perhaps Jersey was not meant for me.

Now though, at 38, my feet has begun to itch again.  I wrote recently about wanting to take a trip to Barcelona on my own.  I want to go, experience the city, sit by the harbour with a glass of wine and nothing else but my thoughts and do so comfortable in my own skin.

Everything in my life is in flux at the moment.  I know that I am going to be making changes over the next few years, positive ones that will move me forward with my life and more travel, is definately one of the changes that I want to make.