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Top travel destinations for 2024!

As we welcome the start of the new year, I wanted to share with you my top destinations for 2024 to allow us to manifest lots of travel into the next 12 months!

Reykjavik, Iceland: Chasing the Northern Lights

2024 is the year to see the northern lights at their best! Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and has been gaining popularity for its beautiful landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and of course, the Northern Lights. The best time to visit is between September and March.

Tokyo, Japan: The Tech Capital of the World

Tokyo is no stranger to the travel scene, but 2024 is going to be a year like no other for this city. With the Summer Olympics having left a buzz of excitement, Tokyo is the destination to explore this year and despite what everyone says, it is actually possible to do on a budget. Immerse yourself into the mix of ancient traditions and modern technology by exploring historic shrines, eating fresh sushi, and navigating the neon-lit streets of Shibuya. The best time to visit is March to May when it isn’t too hot and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!

Cape Town, South Africa: A Combination of Culture and Nature

Cape Town is an absolute hidden gem. Nestled between the famous Table Mountain and the stunning beaches of the Cape Peninsula, this city is the perfect balance of culture, history, and amazing scenery. You can explore the diverse nature, indulge in local cuisine, and take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for a panoramic view that will leave you in awe. The best time to visit is January to March as the days are longer and the weather is gorgeous!

Marrakech, Morocco: The Red City

Be transported to a world of sun and spices in Marrakech. The vibrant colours, busy souks, and the aromatic scent of spices will leave you in awe of this amazing city. Get lost in the maze-like streets of the medina, visit the historic Jardin Majorelle, and savor the flavors of tagines and couscous. The best time to visit is May to September as there is less rain and it is not too hot!

Quebec City, Canada: Winter Wonderland

If you’re a winter person, Quebec City is your dream destination. The historic charm of Old Quebec during the winter season, with twinkling lights and snow, is straight out of a fairy tale. Embrace the cold with activities like ice skating in Place d’Youville, exploring Montmorency Falls, and sipping on hot maple syrup-infused drinks. Who said winter is the worst season? The best time to visit is of course December to March!

These are my top travel destinations for 2024 that are sure to give you the travel bug and make the most of this year! Pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for your next adventure! Safe travels!

Em ❤

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How to spend 3 days in Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is a small but lively city in the northern part of the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. The things to do are mostly history and food centred as the night life isn’t very exciting.

Here are some of the best things to do in Zadar

Climb the bell tower

The bell tower is in the centre of the peninsular of Zadar town. 162 steps up, the tallest viewpoint in the town, gives you an amazing view over all of the old buildings and the harbour. Would definitely recommend going up at sunset- and it’s only €3!

Go on a free walking tour

There are a few different tours going on every day in several languages which educate you on the history of the town and the buildings as well as an insight into local lifestyle. I went on a tour with Free Spirit Tours Zadar and had a lovely experience. The tour was about 1hr40 and the guide grew up in the town so included person stories in the tour which kept everyone engaged. The tour is free but leaving a tip is optional which I think encourages the tour guides to be enthusiastic and passionate about the town. I would definitely recommend!

Try some local seafood

There is an abundance of fresh seafood restaurants around the whole town, avoid the two main streets to find the cheapest and most delicious! Try the black risotto at Restaurant 2 Ribara.

Go for a sunset swim

Head to the western side of the peninsula to find the sea organ and the nicest swimming spots. There isn’t a beach here but steps from the promenade into the water. The water is super clear and clean and if you go around 30 mins before dark you’ll see the most beautiful orange and pink sunsets in Croatia!

Drink some Maraska Maraschino Liqueur

Maraska is a traditional Croatian liqueur made from cherries and is very easy to drink! You can try in most restaurants or bars for €3 euros or buy a whole bottle from the supermarket!

Visit the Plitvice National Park

You can take a guided tour from Zadar about 3 hours north to the lakes. The lakes and waterfalls are stunning but unfortunately you aren’t able to swim in them. This tour will cost around €40 plus the park entrance fee which is around €30 and last for the whole day. Most people are torn between visiting Plitvice or Krka and my personal preference is Krka!

I had a lovely visit to Zadar but 3 days is definitely plenty of time to see it all!

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Whale Sharks: Where and When to see them

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, growing up to 12 meters long, and swimming with them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are completely safe to swim with as they only eat plankton.

Here are some of the best places across the world to see whale sharks, and the best time to visit each destination:

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks. The reef is located off the coast of Western Australia, and is home to a variety of marine life, including the whale shark. The best time to visit Ningaloo Reef is between March and July, when the whale sharks come to feed on the plankton-rich waters. You can also see manta rays, turtles, and dolphins here.

Donsol, Philippines

The small fishing village of Donsol in the Philippines is another great place to see whale sharks. The best time to visit Donsol is between November and June, when the whale sharks come to feed on the plankton in the area. Aside from whale sharks, you can also spot other marine life such as sea snakes, rays, and barracudas.

Utila, Honduras

Utila, a small island located off the coast of Honduras, is also a popular destination to watch whale sharks. The best time to visit Utila is between March and April when the whale sharks congregate in the area to feed. You can also see other species of sharks, turtles, and dolphins.

Mafia Island, Tanzania

Mafia Island off the coast of Tanzania is home to one of the largest populations of whale sharks in the world. The best time to visit Mafia Island is between November and February, when the whale sharks come to feed on the plankton-rich waters. The island is also a sanctuary for sea turtles and various species of fish.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao, a small island located off the coast of Thailand, is known for its whale shark sightings for scuba divers. The best time to visit Koh Tao is between March and May, when the whale sharks come to feed on the plankton in the area. Aside from whale sharks, you can also find other marine life such as turtles, barracudas, reef sharks and groupers.

La Paz, Mexico

La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, is known for its whale shark sightings, and you can even swim with them. The best time to visit La Paz is between October and April, when the whale sharks come to feed on the plankton in the area. Aside from whale sharks, you can also find sea lions, dolphins, and various species of fish.

Whale sharks are some of the most amazing creatures in the sea, and seeing them up close is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia or Donsol in the Philippines, there are plenty of opportunities to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Be sure to visit during the right season to maximize your chances of seeing them, and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!

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The Best Places to Travel in April

April is a great month to travel as many destinations around the world have perfect weather and less tourists. There are so many options for travelling in April which are affordable and beautiful, whether you want a beach holiday, jungle adventure or city break.

Here are some of the best places to travel in April:

Japan

April is one of the best times to visit Japan, as the famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The cherry blossoms typically peak in late March or early April, depending on the location. Some of the best places to see cherry blossoms include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. In addition to the cherry blossoms, April is a great time to explore Japan’s beautiful gardens and temples, and to try its delicious local food.

Portugal

April is a great time to visit Portugal, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than in the summer months. Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and delicious food and wine. Some of the best places to visit in Portugal include Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. In April, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and surfing for really cheap and explore Portugal’s history and culture.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an amazing destination year-round, but April is one of the best times to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are much fewer tourists than in the peak season. Bali is super budget friendly as whilst to get there is expensive you can survive on less than £20 a day. Bali is known for its stunning beaches, jungles, and sea life. In April, you can go surfing, hiking, and snorkeling, or explore Bali’s many temples and traditional villages.

Greece

Greece is also a good place to visit in April as the weather is still nice and you can travel for much cheaper than peak season. Greece is known for its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and delicious food. You can explore ancient ruins, go hiking and sailing, or relax on the beach. Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are among the best places to visit in Greece and island hopping in the south is definitely a bucket list activity!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another great destination to consider in April, as it marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. The weather is warm and sunny, and the rain only comes in short bursts. Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, rainforests, and wildlife and there are so many amazing hostels to choose from. You can go surfing on the coast, hiking in the jungle, zip-lining through the trees and explore Costa Rica’s many national parks and wildlife reserves.

April is a perfect month to get out of the UK, as there are so many destinations around the world that offer better weather and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday, city break, or a jungle adventure, there are plenty of options to choose from. From Japan’s stunning cherry blossoms to Bali’s beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone in April.

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Malta Summary

A couple of weeks ago I took a short trip to St Julians, Malta to get away from the stress and drama of university. It was a little different to usual as I stayed in a hotel and didn’t have much time to research before I went. This lead to a lot of spontaneity and taking recommendations from people I met which turned out for the best. I wanted to summarise my itinerary and what would be helpful for visitors to know especially during winter where there are less things open.

PLACES TO VISIT:

Paceville– This is the street with all the clubs and bars. I found it was busy all the time, every evening looked like a weekend and there was always a lively atmosphere which was welcoming. At the moment due to covid, most clubs are requiring an entrance fee of between €20-€60 euro with a few drinks included depending on the day, time, and whether the bouncers like the look of you! I would say the best are Havana, Footloose and Shadow.

Sliema– This town is about 15/20 minutes on the bus from St Julians and has a lot more variety of shops, restaurants and activities. The ferry station here has regular trips to Gozo and Comino which are definitely worth visiting and costs around €15. There is a big shopping centre in Silema where full find all of the usual shopping outlets. One of my favourite European shops you won’t find in the UK is Jennyfer.

Valetta– This is Malta’s capital but is quite different from what you might expect from a city. The buildings are mostly stone and low rise which is a really beautiful change from the industrial look of most capital cities. You can get there by bus which takes about 40 minutes and costs €1.50. There are lots of independent cafes, some interesting museums and some must-see landmarks however Valetta is more expensive than the surrounding towns.

Gozo– This is an island about an hour and a half on the boat from Sliema. The main attraction is Victoria which is where you’ll find most of the shops, the St George Basilica and one nightclub. You will need to get the bus from the ferry terminal into Victoria. For the day time, the most famous beach is Ramla beach which is surrounded by fresh seafood restaurants and has a beautiful sand beach with crystal blue water.

Comino– This is the small island situated between Gozo and Malta. Here you’ll find the blue lagoon and the crystal lagoon. These are famous for the clear blue water and amazing snorkelling experiences. There is a truck just up from the lagoon which sells fresh juice using a fresh pineapple as the cup!

Tips for Malta

  • Pack painkillers- In Malta you can only get painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen prescribed from the pharmacy. This also means they are very expensive at around €6 for a packet so remember to pack your own.
  • Restaurants- The majority of places serve pizza, pasta or burgers so be prepared to love those things or eat in more expensive/fancy restaurants for a wider variety. My favourite place to eat was a small independent pizza place on Triq Santu Wistin just at the bottom of the stairs. 1 huge slice of pizza was €2.75 and was enough for 2 people!
  • Masks- masks are still part of regulation in Malta so be careful not to get caught out without one as you can be refused entry to places.

As always if there are any other questions I can answer or you would like some more recommendations then please reach out!

Bracelet is from @elcaminobracelets on instagram

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Hotels vs Hostels

This is a topic which I have spoken to lots of people about in the last few days so I thought I would summarise my opinions based on experience into one post. I want to make it clear that I am specifically talking about budget travel and solo travel based on personal experience. For family holidays and similar, hotels might be a more suitable option but for travelling on your own and for meeting new people I would always suggest staying in hostels. I also want to make everyone aware of the possible risks of staying in both places, even though the chances of places being unsafe are low. And as always, if you ever have questions you think I can help with don’t hesitate to contact me!

HOTELS

Depending on the country and whether you’re staying alone, hotels can be a quick and easy option which you can book months ahead of your visit. The price directly mirrors what you get for example If you and your friend want a 4* hotel with a pool you’re expecting to get exactly that, and you expect to pay a higher price for those amenities. Being able to book far in advance will be a large factor in decision making for some people as it removes the element of stress from the trip and you know that you will have a private room with no disturbances. Hotels are also really easily accessible as they will most often be on transport lines in the city. This is much easier for returning late at night where you don’t want to be going through side streets alone. However, in some countries, hotels can be the less safe option. You don’t know how many people have access to keys to your room and whilst in some places there is a lock on the inside of the door, I still wouldn’t feel safe knowing someone could try and get in. Additionally, you are very isolated on your own as it’s unlikely you’ll be directly interacting with many other hotel guests and there is a risk that your room could have been tampered with before you arrived. There have been stories about hidden cameras in bedrooms and whilst this is very uncommon it’s always something to have in the back of your mind. The majority of hotels will be secure and safe and you will have a lovely stay there, but as a female travelling alone there are more suitable options with better prices.

HOSTELS

I think there is an image around hostels which makes people think they are rooms filled with bunkbeds with no aircon and no privacy however there is a massive range of types of hostels and if you’re willing to pay slightly more (which probably will still cost less than a hotel) there are some really modern and fancy places to stay. My favourite thing about hostels is the atmosphere. Because everyone is in the same boat and has the same intentions, everyone is very friendly, outgoing and looking to make friends. This means you can meet people to go on day trips with, eat dinner with and even people who are going on to the same location as you afterwards. Some hostels even host events or parties which helps bring everyone together. Also by sleeping in shared dorms you never feel on your own but of course being in a room with strangers also comes with its risks. A lot of people worry about their belongings being stolen but most places have lockers to store your things (bring your own padlock). I would suggest buying a money pouch which you can wear while you sleep under your clothes or your pillow which you can put your passport, phone and other valuables in, but it’s very unlikely that people will want to take your things. If you are worried about the lack of privacy or potential to get no sleep, some hostels have private dorms and single gender dorms to suit whatever makes you comfortable. For solo travellers or small groups, hostels provide everything you need as well as recommendations for things to do in the area and I think the experience you’ll have is incomparable.

I would love to hear everyone else’s opinions on which they prefer and why so feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

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The 5 Best Greek Islands To Visit In 2021

1. Syros- for culture

The capital of Syros island, Ermoupoli, is considered one of the most picturesque Cyclades capitals. Featuring Venetian mansions, spectacular sunset views, narrow alleys, neoclassical buildings, and impressive catholic and orthodox churches, this island has such a magical feel!Ideal for families and couples who seek a romantic, yet laid-back holiday destination, Syros has an elegant and nostalgic vibe that enchants every visitor.

Things to see: Vaporia Quater, Town Hall, Apollo Theatre, Capuchin Monastery and the many beautiful churches

Where to stay: Manos Rooms, Anemona Villas, Dolphin Bay Family Beach Resort or Plagia Villas

Food and Drink: Allou Giallou, Amvix, Mazi, Jar, Mammo Wine & Food Bar or Syros Winery

2. Sifnos- for food

Sifnos has the typical Cycladic ambiance, including whitewashed houses and chapels, innumerable dovecotes, a breathtaking natural landscape and, of course, amazing beaches!The moment you’ll get off the ferry from Athens to Sifnos, you’ll feel like entering a whole new world! The island’s atmosphere is deeply calming, while the air is scented with almond and orange aromas that will seduce you. The tiny whitewashed villages, the cobblestone, embellished with colorful flowers, alleys, the luxurious Sifnos hotels, and the mesmerizing sandy Sifnos beaches ooze charm in abundance!

Things to see: Church of Seven Martyrs, Monastery of Chrissopigi, Folklore Museum and Archaeological Site of Agios Andreas

Where to stay: Aglaia Studios, Elies, Nymfes Hotel, Petali and Villa Irini

Food and Drink: Absinthe, Drimoni, Omega3 and Maiòlica

3. Milos- for the coast

Milos is one of the volcanic Greek islands, sitting at the southernmost part of the Cyclades island complex. Thanks to its volcanic origin, Milos boasts a magnificent colorful landscape and a coastline that counts more than 40 exotic beaches.

Things to see: Caves, Catacombs, Ancient Theatre, Venetian Castle, Monastery of Agios Ioannis Siderianos

Where to stay: Anemoessa, Tania, Villa Sosanna, Delmar Apartments and Suites, Jorgos Studios and Litsa Malli Rooms

Food and Drink: Armenaki Resturan, Aragosta, Astakas Restauran and Jordans Meat…ing

4. Santorini- for honeymooners

One of the most popular holiday destinations worldwide and the most visited of all the Greek islands, Santorini is one of the most magical places you’ve ever seen! It is easily reachable from Athens and can be combined for an island-hopping by ferry with islands like Mykonos, Crete, Paros, Naxos and more.

Things to see: Volcano, Caldera, Romantic Sunsets at Oia, Akrotiri Minoan Site, Ancient Thera and the Catherdral

Where to stay: Pegasus Suites and Spa, Annio Flats, Anny Studios, Eltheon and Reverie

Food and Drink: Chilli, Kapari Taverna, Mylos, Oia 1800, Selene, Sun Spirit, Koo (club) and Enigma (club)

5. Corfu- for gorgeous landscapes

Sitting in the North of the Ionian Sea, Corfu in Greece is strongly influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English and for this reason has a cosmopolitan, multicultural charm. The historical and religious monuments, the picturesque villages, the beautiful nature and the hospitality of the locals offer memories difficult to forget!

Things to see: Kanoni and Mouse Island, Achillon Palace, Old Fortress, Spianada Square and New Fortress

Where to stay: Delfino Blu Wellness Boutique Hotel, Crystal Blue, Fedra Mare, Spiti Nikos and Albatros Hotel

Food and Drink: Akron Bar and Restaurant, Aktaion, Rex Restaurant, Sebastians Tavern, Sabbia Beach Bar, Barcode and Corfu Sailing Club

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Top 10 Tips- Safety Whilst Travelling Solo

  1. Research the area for potential threats- this can be general statistics related to crime rates, safety, morals and values to ensure you’re safe, respectful, comfortable and can fit in.
  2. Have your accommodation sorted before it gets dark- its very important to book accommodation before night time so you can ensure somewhere to stay, for your first night I would suggest always booking well in advance for peace of mind.
  3. Share your location and itinerary with your family and friends- a general tip so that they can check on you without having to call everyday.
  4. Lock up your valuables- investing in a money belt and carrying a small amount of money in a purse with the rest under your clothes makes you less of a target to thieves.
  5. Don’t tell strangers you’re travelling alone- this can make you an easy target to be taken advantage of.
  6. Trust your gut instincts for everything!
  7. Blend in as much as possible so you don’t look like a tourist- wearing similar clothing and learning some common phrases can provide a more authentic experience for you and not standing out as a target.
  8. Carry a small hairspray or mosquito spray- these items are easy and legal defence tools if you find yourself in a situation where you need to protect yourself.
  9. Invest in an alarm doorstop- these are about £10 on amazon and are perfect for hotels to put under the door while you sleep and make a loud sound if triggered.
  10. Buy an inside door lock- another safety item which prevents even key holders from gaining access to your room.