Globetrotters – Hiya Jack 👋

This weeks Globetrotter is Jack  or as I know him on Instagram Jackthetrendytraveler- Hiya Jack.

From his Instagram feed and answers below you’ll see that Jack is someone who wants to see and experience as much as he can on not only his travels but in every day life. From absailing down mountains, crazy mountain biking or even paragliding  Jack shows that if you just sit at home wishing to do these things you will miss out on experiences that will change and enrich your life.

Jack is also a pro with his photography.  Very jealous of his drone and and also loving one of his recent 360 degress shot -so much so that you’ll be able to see a repost of this shot on my instagram from his recent trip to Amsterdam.

So without further ado let me hand you over to Jack-


Why do you enjoy travelling?
Travelling allows me to explore not just new cultures and people, but also to discover who I truly am. Meeting new people and experiencing new things changes you and changes how you see the world. You can’t broaden your mind like you can through travelling. You don’t want to just stare at pictures and listen to other people’s stories. You need to experience it.

Tell us the funniest story from one of your adventures?

Now I didn’t find it funny myself but whoever I tell this story to seems to have a grin on their face… I went to Morzine in the French Alps close to the border of Switzerland with my good mate Joe. We were off on a mountain biking holiday and riding some decent tracks. For those of you that are not too savvy about mountain bike routes, they’re similar to ski runs. Green runs are for families, blue are challenging for a beginner rider and then it steps up to a red route. These runs have jumps with ‘chicken runs’ meaning you can bail the jump and ride around it if you aren’t feeling brave. These were the routes Joe and I were riding. After the red routes, it steps up to black routes. These routes are for the gods of mountain biking. We actually saw a few riders sponsored by red bull riding these tracks. No doubt neither of us have the skill level for these huge jumps.

Anyway, as I was happily riding a red down the mountain, it was crisscrossing routes with a black one. Oh dear. Racing down pushing 40mph at some points there’s little room for error and there I am seeing black signs everywhere. Slightly concerned I think, no problem I’ll just get back onto the red route at the next junction. Meanwhile, Joe who’s riding behind me is laughing as he sees me take the wrong turn. (Caring friend I know…) First jumps coming up, sweats beading down my face dripping from my full face helmet. Up I go fully committed get some amazing air time. I eye up the landing and boom, through some miracle I land perfectly bystanders are watching this jump with heavy camera gear, the red bulls guys I assume. Phew, I’m feeling pretty good about myself but I see the next one not too far away. No worries, it doesn’t look as big as the last. I prepare myself and just as I hit the bottom of the jump some sort of squirrel thing runs out in front of me causing me to swerve. There’s no going back now and no way to correct myself. As I fly off the jump in completely the wrong direction that’s the last thing I remember. I woke up a few moments later. A circle of helmets haloed my vision looking just as confused as I was. Turns out I’d managed to go head to trunk as it were with a huge pine tree in an attempt to avoid the rodent. I managed to gingerly ride the rest of the route meeting Joe at the bottom who just started laughing once he’d seen my the grass and earth wedged in my full face helmet. So not the funniest of stories but definitely one  I won’t forget anytime soon!

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?


This photo was my first time at a Major League Baseball game where the Yankees beat the Bluejays (I forget the score). We’d just walked into the stadium as we were a little late, just in time for the Yankees to get a home run. Everyone stood up and went crazy. I stood there taking in the awesome sight whilst Connor my amazing friend from my American camp Wah-nee managed to grab this shot. Since then I’ve had it blown up onto a canvas which now hangs proudly on my wall. The sky was just as dramatic as the crowd, we didn’t know it then but the biggest rainstorm I’d ever witnessed was to happen halfway through the game!

If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

I’d love to visit the Thailand! The geography there looks absolutely stunning. The culture there seems so interesting and the stories I’ve heard about the country sound so inspiring. I have to visit – it’s just a case of when!

What do you never travel without?

CAMERA!! The one thing I take everywhere is some form of camera. Whether it be simply my iPhone 6 Plus – cred to that camera, it’s a decent quality! I’ll always have my GoPro on me just because it’s so small and takes awesome photos! I’ll have my DSLR if I know there are some decent photos to be taken and I love taking my drone out. My phantom 3 has a brilliant 4K camera attached to a 3 axis gimbal that shoots amazing and I mean stunning videos and photos! Deffo recommend if you’ve got the cash, it’s well worth it!

What is the best piece of travel advice you could give?

This advice goes wider than just travel but applies all the same – take every opportunity! I live by this and it’s done me pretty well so far. Whatever comes your way, go for it! You never know where it might lead. If you get the opportunity to go scuba diving, for example, do it! You might end up finding a real passion for it and even end up getting a few qualifications. The before you know it you’re living the dream taking people scuba-diving in the Philippines or here there and everywhere! Just go for it!

To see more from Jack do check out his Instagram here

Captured To Share – Auckland 


As many of you will know we’ve recently returned back from adventures in New Zealand. It was our first adventure to this beautiful country and it did not disappoint! The scenery, the people, the experiences and the truly majestic landscape. I’m already thinking about when we can next visit and what we still need to see.

We’ve blogged about a few of our experiences already and you can read about some of them here (there is still plenty of stories still to be shared!)

Glowworms

Wine on Waiheke

Martha Mine

Whilst we are still getting pen to paper or fingertip to keyboard so to speak we’ve written a post for our friends Captured to Share about our Top 5 things to do in Auckland.   Do check it out and this link will take you there

One of the best things we did in Auckland was seeing in the New Year.  We were surprised at how quiet it was especially compared to New Year Eve’s we’ve had in Sydney previously. We were able to have a lovely meal (without a booking!) and then stand with a fair amount of personal space and see the New Year in with fireworks off the Sky Tower. Auckland is the first city to welcome in the New Year and a night that will forever go down in our list of best nights EVER.

We only had 4 days in Auckland and by no means were able to see all of the cities delights so if we have missed anything off do let us know for next time we are down under.

 

15 Reasons to Visit Venice

  1. Getting lost is the BEST way to explore
  2. Try to visit in Spring or Autumn as these are the best seasons to explore.
  3. It will be weird to not see cars but you won’t realise this till you head back to the airport
  4. There are 417 bridges in Venice. I dare you to try and cross them all. The Rialto bridge is one you need to both walk over and sail under. 
  5. Factor in the cost for a Vaporetto pass as this will help with your exploring. It will save your achy feet and really you have to see Venice from the canals as much as possible.
  6. Every corner, bridge and canal is a picture perfect moment so get ready to get snapping. 
  7. Don’t just stay in Venice get out and explore the other islands in the lagoon like Burano, Lido and Murano
  8. You can hire bikes and ride around Lido (fun fact this is where the Venice Film Festival is held) 
  9. A Gondola ride is going to be pricey but where else can you do this? Surely the experience far outweighs the expense. 
  10. Visit Burano to see the amazing coloured houses and eat the ‘s’ shaped cookies this island is known for 
  11. When in St Mark’s Square ensure you go up the Bell Tower. You get to see a different side of Venice and the lagoon 
  12. As frustrating as wet shoes will be experiencing Acqua alta is soo interesting to witness. Ovs not ideal for the locals though and there is a lot of working being done to minimise it. It has also been said to be one of the reasons people move out of Venice 
  13. You need to buy a carnival mask in Venice even if you aren’t there during carnival 
  14. Try to eat away from the St Mark’s Square as it is pricey in this area. You will have just as beautiful buildings to look at a few streets back
  15. Get up early or stay up late and visit some of the more touristy sights so you can marvel at the magic of the city on your own. 

Globetrotters- G’day Debbie 👋 

This weeks Globetrotter is a special one as it’s my lovely MumDebbie

My mum and dad are solely responsible for my sisters and my traveling genes. They took us on our first overseas trip when we were little and that started us all off on trying to see as much as the world as possible. They are always off seeing or doing something new. From walking the Kokoda track (REPEATEDLY!), hiking in Nepal, exploring India, cycling through Europe or just exploring new places within Australia they truly are #travelgoals. I mean any two people that can take 3 girls under 9 on a 30 hour flight must have some awesome travel resilliance. She’s also managed to wave her daughters off from most airports and whilst I know she misses us all dearly she wants us to go and explore and see the world. As a previous teacher she knows just how important the life lessons you get from travelling are.

You can find a lot of travel stories and pictures on both Debbie’s blog and Instagram and links are below. On the blog Debbie covers all topics so you will get travel as well as lifestyle, books to read and lots of fun stories about our family. She manages to get herself into rather hilarious travel mishaps which thankfully she blogs about.  Debbie was the main reason I started blogging. She has been blogging since 2011 and it was great to see her have her own creative space to share her stories, thoughts, photographs and travels. If she didn’t start her blog all those years ago then The Wandering Darlings wouldn’t be here! Thanks Mum x

So with out further ado everyone say G’day to my Mum – Debbie…


I made my travelling debut 25 years ago when we exchanged jobs, houses, cars and lives with an English teacher and his family and took our three young daughters to live on the other side of the world. We loved the Teacher Exchange program which saw us move from a small town in Australia to the village of Cheddar in Somerset UK for a year. I’ve been travelling the world ever since with my husband, my daughters and even on my own. I favour active holidays, think climbing mountains in Nepal, cycling through France, Belgium, Croatia and New Zealand, hiking in Papua New Guinea, skiing in the Italian Alps and visiting past Rotary Exchange students in Sweden, Denmark and Finland – just to name a few! I love adventures and always seem to be caught up in some excitement. I was made redundant at the end of 2016 and my husband retired in 2017 so we now have lots more time to make travel plans. I enjoy blogging, reading, writing, cycling, running, hiking and spending time with family, especially my three daughters who have also lived and travelled all over the world

What is your favourite type of trip/holiday?

Adventure/active trips with my husband. Think biking and barging from Paris to Bruges, cycling and sailing in Croatia, trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, walking the notorious Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, cycling the Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand’s South Island, Friendship Exchange with Rotarians in India. I love visiting family and friends overseas and always try to add in a little adventurous side trip.

Why do you enjoy travelling? 

Our family’s motto is borrowed from a Danish saying – To Travel is to Live. I enjoy seeing new places, interacting with people, experiencing new things, leaving a part of myself behind when I leave home to become a new person while travelling. Travel is freedom, it tests you and your relationships with others, it’s stressful, it’s fun, it’s hard, but it makes you feel so alive despite all the hurdles.

Our first experience of travelling was moving to England with our three small daughters on a yearlong Teacher Exchange back in 1992. It was a pivotal point in all our lives and has set us up with a love of travel and adventures.

Quotes to live by:

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

It’s all the little moments that make life a very big adventure.

Tell us the funniest story from one of your adventures?

Where do I start?? My life is full of adventures and funny stories but one that I love telling is this.

Driving through Denmark with my daughters and saying “there’s a big castle around here somewhere, but I can’t see it”. Looking, looking, looking…they said is it that one right in front of us? I couldn’t see it for looking.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels? 

That’s hard! This my most favourite recent travel pic. The Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand


If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

My dream place to visit is the Greek Islands and I will get there one day! I’ve just heard Mykonos and Santorini are among the most expensive places to visit in the world.

What is the best piece of travel advice you could give?

Sorry I couldn’t leave it at just one so I’ve listed three!

1. Always dress and pack for where you’re going to not where you’ve come from.

2. Be organised but also be spontaneous and ready to take opportunities should they arise.

3. Don’t live the trip through your camera or phone, put them down from time to time and just soak in the sights with your whole being.

To find more from Debbie check out the links below

Blog
Pinterest

Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

Globetrotters- Meet Francesco 👋

I’ve got to know Francesco on Instagram and he is the king of travel inspo with his landscapes! 

From his feed I have discovered so many places in Italy that are now on my ever growing ‘To Travel’ list. The colours, his use of light, the views he chooses to capture are all key in creating that wanderlust that you just want to get out and explore.  His photographs are pieces of art! I’ve included links below so that you can see for yourself. Trust me you won’t regret it. 

So let me introduce you to Francesco..

So I am an Italian 24 year old guy who loves literature, art and photography. In fact I’m also a poet, a photographer, a designer, a geek, a graphic designer and lot of other things that are not important at the moment! I try to live a life peacefully and I hope to expand my mind every day more and more. 

Where us the best place you’ve been? And why? 
The best place I’ve been to is Lyon, the city exudes magic in all it’s corner and its amazing the amount of art she can contain. Lyon is a city full of stories.
What is your favourite type of trip/holiday? 
I love travelling solo and also in couple. I think that solo travelling fullfills the essence of the wunderlust and sensucht in all their own way. In a couple you share, you grow and you breath together which is amazing. 

 Tell us the funniest story from one of your adventures?

At Chiusi Della Verna  there is a sanctuary, which is really really beautiful on top of a mountain. One of my friend come with me to visit with only a pair of gym shoes. We didn’t know that in Chiusi there was a lot of snow! So we visited anyway and we had so much fun! 

What is your favourite photograph from your travels. (Include said photograph) 

This is a hard one but maybe it’s this one. It’s a nun going into the Cathedral of Spello 🙂 



If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be? And why? 

I wanna come back to Lyon, I feel that I have still a lot to see there! 

What is the best piece of travel advice you could give? 

Google maps is your best travel mate!


To find more from Francesco click the links below -seriously do follow his Instagram it really such a piece of art! 

Website 

Instagram 

For more from our other Globetrotters check the link below

https://thewanderingdarlings.com/globetrotters-introducing-desi-👋

Sacré-Cœur


Of all of the amazing places in Paris the Sacré-Cœur is one of my favourites. If you haven’t been there I almost demand you get on a plane to Paris right now.  Seriously get onto the easyjet website and book up your flight.

Whilst it’s known as Sacré-Cœur the official name is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris and your can find it in Montmartre. I have stayed in this area on my last two trips to Paris and have stood and stared for many an hour at this amazing Basilica.

It was built between 1875 and 1914 on the place where Saint Denis (the first ever Bishop of Paris) was decapitated for his faith. Which sounds barbaric now but then again we’ve obviously not learnt from history as you would have thought people would have stopped killing other people for their faith- that’s a post for another day!

The Sacré-Cœur is beautiful inside and out. It is free to go inside and is open from 6am till 10.30 pm every day. There is crypt underneath the basilica however according to the website is currently closed. You are also able to climb the Dome of the Basilica. Entrance is outside to the left (you also can also access the crypt at the same place).

I would thoroughly recommend climbing the 300 stairs to the top of the Dome. The views are spectacular and you see more of Paris then you could imagine. You also have the Eiffel Tower in sight which is certainly high on the list of ways you should see the tower. The walk up isn’t too challenging but it is steep and narrow in some places and you just need to take it at your own pace. Honestly once you see the views you will forget about the steps . After that bit of exercise you also earn yourself a pain au chocolat #winning.

There is an admission charge and the opening times do depend on the season.  So do check when planning your visit. One thing to note is there is always a lot of people trying to put thread bracelets on you for money. This is quite off putting but as long as you say no they generally go away but it is quite annoying.

Visiting this beautiful place has to be on your list when visiting this stunning city.  If I’ve not convinced you enough with my words then I shall let my pictures do the talking…

Globetrotters- Introducing Desi 👋

Our first Globetrotters interview is with the lovely Desi. I’ve got to know Desi on Instagram and let me tell you her Instagram feed is INSANE! Not only has she been to so many beautiful places but her shots cause some serious travel envy whoops I’m mean inspo! 😂 The gal has a way with her camera that seriously just transports you so you feel like you are there seeing it for yourself. Links will be below for you to follow/tweet/like but please don’t hold me responsible if you find yourself booking up a trip after seeing her accounts. 

So without further ado let me introduce you to Desi … 


My name is Desi, a Bulgarian Social Media Manager who has been living in London for the past 7 years. I first started traveling when I was 16 visiting neighbouring countries like Greece and Turkey. But it wasn’t until I spent 6 months in Poland (as part of the Erasmus exchange program) that really got me into traveling and exploring new places. Nowadays, if I’m not on the road I would be on the streets of London, visiting new exhibitions, trying new restaurants and best of all meeting new people. 

What is your favourite type of trip/holiday?
I was born in a mountain city surrounded by beautiful nature so I grew up loving and respecting the mountain, but at the same time I love exploring big cities. I love the energy of a buzzing city, observing the people, trying different food and yes, I’m a sucker for museums. It is important for me to learn more about the culture and the country where I’m traveling. 

My favourite type of trip is the one I can plan myself and would preferably combine both city exploring with a few days of adventure in the nature. 

Where is the best place you’ve been? And why? 
Iceland, for its jaw-dropping landscapes, towering mountains and black sand beaches. Also Reykjavik blew me away with its nightlife and music scene. Seriously, this country is stunning! 

Tell us the funniest story from one of your adventures?

You see, in Bulgaria we do things quite differently 🙂 We nod to say ’NO’ and shake head to say ‘YES’. I know it’s crazy! Of course, that led to some pretty funny and sometimes uncomfortable situations when I started traveling in my student years. For example, I was partying in a Polish club when someone offered me a drink, I politely refused by nodding, completely forgetting it was the other way around outside Bulgaria so the guy came up with drinks I didn’t even want. I have learned my lesson now and I tend to adapt to the situation so I switch to the ‘Bulgarian’ way when I go back instantly. 

What is your favourite photograph from your travels? 
Gosh they are so many, but the one that really brings me great memories is the photo my friend Karen took of me 3 months ago and now is also my Instagram profile picture too. The photo is from the Sahara Desert in Morocco. We did yoga in the desert that morning and watched the sun rise. Morocco treated us very well and I really love this country. 


If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be? And why
That would be New Zealand. I have been wanting to go this country in a very long time. There are some of the most diverse environments on earth, from beaches and rainforest to mountains, lakes glaciers and even volcanoes. I am also a huge Lord of the Rings fan so that would be my dream trip. 
What is the best piece of travel advice you could give?
1. Take a spare battery for your gear and a portable battery for your phone. When you are on the go you want to have your devices ready to use so its best if you invest in spare batteries.
2. Choose the people you travel with wisely: it’s all too easy to get swept up in a “we should totally do this” moment – only to despair once you realize your travelling tastes aren’t compatible.

For more from Desi check her out here

IG: @thecuriousdesi

Twitter: @DesiKadyova

Snapchat: desi.ka

What to do before you leave..for when you get back 

Yes I’m being serious.

So the Internet is filled with posts and advice on what to do before you go on a trip, what to pack and how to plan but what you don’t see a lot of is what to do before you leave for when you get home.

Now bear with me I know when you’re getting ready for adventures the last thing you are thinking about is the dark days when you return from said trip.But trust me.
A little preplanning for your return can do wonders for the holiday blues. These are some of things we do to make our return a little easier

Fresh sheets
You’ve probably had terrible, broken, uncomfortable sleep on one or maybe two planes. You’ve had the same clothes on for several different time zones and the hair is probs a big ball of grease. Once you’ve had your first shower in several days slipping into fresh sheets is ALL kinds of bliss. I will actually forgo packing time to ensure we have fresh sheets for when we get back.

Washing done and put away
Unless you’ve been lucky enough to do some washing while away your suitcase or backpack is likely to be filled with a whole lota dirty clothes. If you’ve done all your washing before you go it means the holiday clothes can go straight in the machine and you have a whole fresh new wardrobe to start your migration back into reality with.

Organise someone to check in on your house 

This is obviously for security as with social media people are bound to know your away. Someone checking in turning the lights on and off shows that your place isn’t open for Harry and Marv to break in. The other key part of having someone check in is you can ask them to pop some milk and bread in on the day of your return (I mean is there anything better than a cup of tea after long transit home) and if you’re lucky they may even stick the heating on so you don’t come back to a cold house.

Clean the house
I usually do this panicked at midnight the night before we leave but coming back into a house which has been hoovered, dishes done and tidy up is soo much better than coming home to a messy house. I’ve done both and like I tell myself in my midnight cleaning rage it really is soooo worth it.

These make our return a little sweeter but I’m sure there is lots of other things people do. I can’t be the only weirdo one who not only plans a trip but also plans for the return? If you’ve got and tips share them below! I’d love to hear them

X

6 Places to visit in Somerset  

Somerset is a lovely county in the South West of the UK. If you go by the common misconception you would think everyone is country bumpkins, who speak funny and drink too much cider. Actually that is kinda right but it just adds to the charm of this stunning area. 

I’ve lived in this beautiful area of the UK for almost a third of my life and still haven’t even been everywhere yet.

However I have chosen 6 of my favourite places that if you should definitely visit if you find yourself down this way. All within less than an hour drive of each other so you could do all of these in one weekend. 
Glastonbury Abbey
I have been to this place so many times as I just love it. Anyone in the south west knows there is much more to Glastonbury than the festival. It’s a very spiritual town and the abbey is said to be the final resting place of King Arthur. It’s a serene place clocked in history, from the Saxons to the Normans. It truly is beautiful even in its ruined state I can only imagine how beautiful it was in the past. 


Cheddar 
Cheddar cheese, cheddar village and Cheddar Gorge. All great and all need to be enjoyed on your visit. The gorge has lots of walks for all levels of fitness with spectacular views of the mendips. There is caves to be explored and lots of lovely tea shops to stop at and refuel.You can also rock climb if you want something more adventurous than hiking. 


Clevedon Pier
This Victorian Pier is stunning both in looks and that it’s still standing after so many years. It was opened in 1869. Pier’s are a key part of the Great British Seaside and the museum that is attached to the pier shows just how much this pier shaped the history of Clevedon and Somerset. Also if you’re a 1D fan they filmed one of their video clips here a couple of years ago. 



Middle Hope and Sand Point- Kewstoke
Another recent find. This is a National Trust area and perfect for a picnic or walk along the coast line. This area is in British history as weapons were tested here in the Second World War. There is stunning views out over the Estuary and is just as lovely in winter as it is in summer.  


Burnham on Sea Lighthouse

I discovered this gem only last year and you can find some more pictures here. I went in Autumn so the beach wasn’t as busy as it would be in the height of summer and it was beautiful even then. Bit of an odd one but I do love a beach walk in Autumn and winter. This lighthouse is super photogenic and also really interesting to see as it sits low on the beach. 


Wells 
Wells is the UK’s smallest city and has a stunning Cathedral that has to be seen. Closely located to the Cathedral is The Bishop’s Palace and the extremely photogenic Vicars Close. The Cathedral is in Gothic Style and is open to all to explore. The Bishop’ Palace has been the home of the Bishop for over 800 years. The Garden and Moat are beautiful and although there is always others walking it’s always quiet and peaceful. The Vicars Close is thought to be the only complete medieval street left in the UK. Whenever I am there I always feel like I’m in a scene from Harry Potter!

So these are 6 of my favourite places in Somerset. To be honest I could have done a list of 20 but this is more of a taster for you to get you down to our gorgeous county. 

Have you been to Somerset? Where was your favourite place? I’d love to hear them so please do share below in the comments