I like to travel in the run-up to Christmas, around November / December. Here’s why…
1. Christmas Decorations
By this time all the Christmas decorations are up, so you get to see some beautiful trees and decorations all around the world Continue reading
So these are my “Top Worst” travel experiences… otherwise known as my worst. We have been very lucky with travel overall (touch wood) and we have been healthy and safe for the most part, with only 2 near-miss car accidents , a rather scary red laser being trained on us, and 1 nearly missed flight to our names. But we have had our moments. Here are my Top 5:
Needless to say, I love travel, so it is difficult to pull together my best 5 experiences ever. Here is my best try:
Five: Driving the open Road on a Road Trip
We have had various awesome road trips (around New Zealand, France, Florida, Utah, Tennessee, Santorini and Yellowstone) and I love the open road. I love the independence you feel when you’re in a car. We don’t have a car at home, so maybe this is why I love it so much. It feels convenient, safe, and personal, like our little bubble. Driving a road trip has to be one of my top 5 travel experiences ever! Continue reading
While planning our trip to Shanghai, we read about the TWOV (Transit Without Visa), meaning you can transit through Shanghai without the need for a Visa. There are some restrictions, but if you read and follow the rules you can get yourself a big fat trip to China without the hassle (and cost) of a Visa!
I should say that this does not constitute immigration advice – this is just my understanding of the information online, and my experiences. If you are going, you should also research it yourself!
Essentially, if you are from certain countries, you can take advantage of the 24, 72, or 144 hour Transit without Visa rules which apply to certain cities in China. You also need to be coming from a third country, transiting through China, and travelling on to another third country. There are other rules about where you can go when you enter Shanghai, and when the time starts running to measure the 144 hours. Continue reading
I have taken more flights than I care to count, and flown to six of the seven continents on the planet. I have even flown in a tiny Cessna with four seats in it, and flown a glider. So it comes as a surprise to many that I am PETRIFIED of flying!
I think it all started the year that MH370 disappeared, and then the other Malaysian Airlines flight was shot down over Ukraine, and then the plane crashed in the alps. Continue reading
Is it time to admit that one of my fave things to do is to stay at home watching Real Housewives in my Pyjamas eating chocolate (don’t tell my Mum!). But occasionally I like to let my hair down. A good night out entails pure fun!
Honky Tonks, Nashville, USA
I think this was my absolute favourite night out. We got there early to bag a seat, and enjoyed a burger and drinks while the band came on. The band was incredible and we enjoyed an evening of amazing toe-tapping music. Continue reading
When I was in primary school and we had class photos, my Mum told me to write the names on the back. I scoffed at this – the concept that I might one day forget the names of my classmates was unthinkable! But now I struggle to remember names of those in primary school, secondary school, university, and previous colleagues.
The same goes for travel – at the time I know all the names of all the places, hotels, airports, and even metro lines we took. But fast-forward several years and it all blurs into one. So like my primary school class photos, there’s a lot to be said for writing the names on the back. Continue reading
My photos are mixed – there are some floor shots, while i’m working out how to use a camera, and some in the dark while I haven’t managed to put flash on. But sometimes the stars align and my photos come out well and I’m proud of them! So here is a showcase of some of the photos I like best (this is subjective – you might think they’re rubbish! 🙂 )
Spending time in the countryside can be rejuvenating and an escape from the rat race. Here are my top 5 rural places to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty….
Number 1: Switzerland
Switzerland has rolling valleys of the greenest of grass, grazed by doe-eyed cows with bells round their necks, in front of snow-capped mountains. Continue reading
I am a sucker for a vibrant city, ideally one with culture, and some form of water – be it the sea, a lake, a river or canals. Here are my top 5….
Number 1: Barcelona
Barcelona has everything – the wide tree-lined boulevards, the tiny quaint Gothic streets to get lost in, the lovely sandy beaches, complete with volley-ball courts and surfers, the harbour with yachts and palm trees. Barcelona is famous for the architect Gaudi. His work is beautiful and versatile, ranging from the huge gothic cathedral the Sagrada Familia to the lovely Park Guell. Continue reading
Big Fat Tourist 