advice – the wandering darlings

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?

I am an over-packer. Fact!

So when I think about the question ‘What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?’ it makes me shiver. Only one thing surely there is at least 10 things that you have to have, like 5 pairs of jeans for a three-day trip just in case you need them all. Seriously!

Planning for a trip usually consists of the logistics and not always what your taking and I guess more importantly why are you taking it. There has been many a trip when I ‘ve looked in my bag and just thought why on earth did I bring that but then there are other items which I know I always need and they are the first things I pack.

Imagine turning up at the airport with no luggage and just one thing (i shudder at the thought) but what would that one thing be?

It’s a question we ask as part of our Globetrotters Series and I have been thinking about this question and what my own answer would be. Obviously passport, toothbrush and wallet are a given and it would be a pretty boring post if that’s what all the answers were so we’ve collated some of the previous answers and also added in some other bloggers who had other great suggestions. And as for me what would be the one thing I wouldn’t travel without, well you’ll just have to read on…

Camera- The Pamplemousse Papers

I would have a really hard time not having my camera with me, however, sometimes I think I should force myself to go without it here and there! I often worry I’m not as present in the moment as I could be if I were less focused on gathering a collection of images.

Go Pro– The Wander of Two

We invested in one of these last year and now we honestly don’t know what we would do without it. It comes on every trip with us and is so easy to use.

Headphones-Her Favourite Food

Travelling can inevitably involve long waits, long journey and essentially a lot of time to fill. That’s why I always need my headphones on me and easily accessible too (remember not to pack them away in the check-in luggage!). Whether it’s on the plane, bus, terminal or even just in a cafe waiting for my next mode of transport, headphones are the ideal accessory to ensure that you can never get too bored! I use them to relax to my favourite music, watch a movie or box set I’ve recently downloaded or caught up with loved ones – headphones make this all possible!

Book-Wanderlusting Hippie

There is a book that I always try to have 2 copies of at any given time. It’s called, “Many Lives, Many Masters” and it’s a book that is very meaningful to me. I love to give away my extra copy when I inevitably run into the person who needs to read it.

A Person-Its All Bee

I have grown rather fond of not wanting to experience places without my fiancé. So…I guess it’s not a thing but rather a someone I wouldn’t want to travel without.

Kindle – Adventures In Middle Aged Travel

I read a lot. A. Lot.

And I read fast, so I generally end up reading several books a week. This can be expensive, but it’s an expense I choose to live with. Problem is if I have several books on the go, and I’m going away for a week, am I going to use up valuable packing space with bulky books? Nope.

I bought my first e-reader (a Kindle) back in 2012 and I don’t think I’ve read a paper book since, even though I never thought I would be an e-reader aficionado. A lot of the time I use the Kindle app on my iPad, but for travelling, I use the actual e-reader. Compact, able to hold thousands of books, and with a battery life of weeks, it’s the perfect travel companion for a book lover.

The only drawback is that I can’t read in the bath.

Phone/Google Maps –Sarah + Laura

My phone, but more for camera and map purposes (I appreciate that Google Maps allows you to see where you are on a map without using WIFi or data – super useful when trying to find which direction you need to go.

Power Bank – German Backpacker

The one thing I never travel without is my power bank – mostly, I have at least two with me! The worst thing that can happen to me is running out of battery on my phone when solo traveling, I’d feel completely lost without google maps, whatsapp and emails. Additionally, I can also use it to charge my camera or my action cam if needed. Especially when backpacking in off-the-path countries, there might not always be (working) plugs available in restaurants or even in hostels and since I’m traveling a lot by myself, I need to be organized and have my devices available. I have one smaller power bank which conveniently fits into my pocket, and also a bigger one (with more charging capability) which is great for e.g. multiple day treks and camping without electricity.

I highly recommend getting one for your next trip!

Eye mask & Earplugs – Well Traveled Nebraskan

Whether I’m staying at hostel or a 5 star hotel or regardless of if I have a long haul flight or just a short domestic hop, I never go on a trip without my eye mask and earplugs.

It doesn’t matter if it’s my husband’s snoring or the very thin walls of the hotel that weren’t in the reviews, it seems as though you just can’t go wrong with having a cheap pair of earplugs tucked into your bag. They take up NO room and can save you an entire night’s worth of sleep.

Likewise on an eye mask Especially when traveling internationally your internal clock can be all sorts of out of whack. I love having an eye mask in my bag to help me get to sleep at oddball times to help me get into the right time zone.

I’m all about traveling light and efficient while still having all the “necessities.” Whether I’m staying across town or the world, two things I don’t travel without are my earplugs and eye mask!

Scarf- The Wandering Darlings

I love a scarf. I have over 300 (hoarder) and even if I am travelling to a hot country I will always take a scarf with me. It can literally be used for everything. Pillow, sarong, covering up when visiting temples and churches, blanket, shawl, privacy if changing on the beach, a fashion accessory to change up that tired outfit you’ve been wearing for the whole trip, picnic blanket to sit on and then most importantly it can keep your neck warm.

After reading these answers, we are curious and would love for you to share below … what is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?

If you would like to read more from our Globetrotter series then click here and even better if you’d like to be involved then send us an email at thewanderingdarlings@gmail.com

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Globetrotters- The Pamplemousse Papers

This week we are welcoming the delightful Caity from The Pamplemousse Papers to our Globetrotters series. I have long been a fan of Caity’s both on Instagram and her blog so I’m so excited to have her involved.

She’s an upstate New Yorker who has travelled to so many places, lived in France and even got to call my homeland ‘home’ for a period. Travelling is certainly in her bones and the passion she has for it is evident in her writing, her stunning photography and how she has put her blog together. Her answers below are so insightful and such a joy to read especially with a freshly made brew. I love that she just wants to share and pass along her tips and tricks. I can sooo relate to the surprise at the Turkish Hammam!

Caity’s blog (links will be below) it’s so beautifully laid out and so stylish. Easy to navigate, written with a friendly tone and packed to the brim with great content from all around the globe there is so much to love. From packing advice, storytelling and guides for a wide range of destinations you are sure to find something that will help or inspire your next adventure. She just comes so authentic and real. It’s like she’s a friend you’ve known for years sharing her experiences to help you have an even better time. It’s hard to find genuine and real bloggers these days and Caity is certainly one you want to have experienced.

I’ve really got into photo tours these days and this one Beacon Hill in Boston is so picturesque. I’ve never heard of this area of Boston and after reading this post I felt as those I had walked the streets myself. The pictures are so inviting and capture the area brilliantly. Another post I’ve read over and over is Your Mini-Guide to Tulum. More and more people that I know are venturing here and I’m so desperate to get there. This post is only increasing my wanderlust further.

Once you’ve read the below I know you’re going to be desperate to see more from Caity so as usual, we’ve included all links to Caity’s blog and social channels below.

It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce Caity- you’re going to love her! And wait till you read where her blog name came from! I wasn’t expecting that.

Hi there! My name is Caity and I’m a native of Upstate New York. I’ve spent time living, working and wandering in France and Australia. I love to explore new places and then share my adventures: the beautiful successes, the challenging missteps, and everything in between. I’m currently pursuing my goal of visiting 30 countries before my 30th birthday, as well as exploring more of my home country, the United States. I hope you’ll stop by my blog and social media channels and say hi!

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

It’s the little things that end up being the most exciting for me. Exploring a local grocery store, stumbling upon a piece of beautiful street art, soaking up the atmosphere at a café, people watching in a park, and appreciating the local architecture are all things I love to do in any new place.

Why do you think travelling is important?

For me, travel is an exercise in perspective. Everyone has beliefs and impressions that they’ve gained through their life experiences, and these differ so widely throughout the world. I think it’s healthy and important to shake these notions free on a regular basis.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?

I’ve had a whirlwind first few months of 2018 visiting friends and family in some of my favourite American cities: New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. My next international trip is to Portugal at the end of May and I couldn’t be more excited!

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?

This photograph was taken in 2010 while I was teaching English at a summer camp in the tiny French village of Azé. Some of my fellow friends and counsellors took a nighttime walk through the surrounding farm fields. I’m sure my yoga posture isn’t perfect and the image quality isn’t great, but it’s a very fond memory of the small but beautiful moments I’ve been lucky enough to have while travelling.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?

As challenging as packing can be, I love the ritual of preparing my carry-on bag. I make sure I have nothing superfluous by paring down my wallet, purse contents and anything else that may have extra items floating around in it. When it’s all ready to go, it’s such a nice feeling knowing my essentials are all in one place and helps me clear my head before I hit the road.

Who do you usually travel with?

I’ve been lucky to travel with a variety of people, from childhood best friends to my boyfriend to family members. Some of my fondest travel memories are with friends I’ve made while travelling that I’ve continued on to new places with. And while I don’t mind travelling solo, it’s definitely not my preference! I love to have someone to share both the good and bad with.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?

Don’t be too hard on yourself! There are bound to be aspects of your trip that don’t go perfectly. Maybe you get ripped off. Maybe you get lost. Maybe you don’t have enough time to do everything you were hoping to do. It’s so easy to dwell on the negative, but try not to beat yourself up. Not to mention, it’s often the mishaps that turn into great stories and opportunities for advice later on!

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?

It’s so hard to choose just one, but I love thinking back on the things that now seem so funny and outlandish: Sleeping on the beach in Nice with friends while trying to save money – something we pictured being relaxing and fun but was actually a very cold, rocky and uncomfortable night! Visiting a traditional Turkish hammam with friends from college and not realizing we were going to have to strip down to nothing but bathing suit bottoms. Having to do the same – sans bathing suit bottoms – at a public bath in Iceland. Last but not least, WWOOFing for the first time, which I wrote about here . It remains one of my most cherished travel memories.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?

Another hard question! I think ultimately I’d have to say France and Australia. Those are the two countries where I’ve spent an extended period of time living, working, and studying as opposed to just visiting. The emotional connections I forged with both of them are hard to top. But more often than not, I love the places I visit and am hoping to get back to most of them: the UK, Scandinavia, Mexico, Asia… the list goes on!

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?

My only visit to Spain was a long weekend in Barcelona. One of my friends was mugged, one was pickpocketed, and it rained all weekend, making sightseeing challenging. It was not the most carefree trip, as you can imagine! I would love to get back to Spain (as I realize none of those things are the fault of the place!) and rectify that experience.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?

I’ve visited Italy, but largely cities. I would love to rent a car and explore the beautiful countryside, stopping whenever and wherever I feel like! Dining at Massimo Bottura’s renowned Osteria Francescana in Modena would be pretty great, too!

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?

Your go to or favourite book/film/tv series that always makes you want to travel?

Ensemble, C’est Tout is one of my favourite movies of all time. It’s set in Paris and whenever I watch it, I long to be in France! For books, Peter Mayle’s series about Provence (A Year In Provence, Toujours Provence, and Encore Provence) is so lovely. I also love Bill Bryson’s In A Sunburned Country, which he wrote about Australia.

What can readers find on your blog?

I love to share tips and recommendations from places I’ve visited, as well as general travel advice, reflections and photos. I’ve been lucky enough to be inspired in the past by so many writers, bloggers, photographers and more – I’d love to repay that favour in any way that I can by helping to inspire others.

Where does your blog name come from?

After much brainstorming, I landed on The Pamplemousse Papers. Pamplemousse is the French word for grapefruit and one of my favourite words in the French language. Pairing it with papers captures my love for France, citrus fruit, writing, language, and alliteration all in one!

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?

I don’t think I have a favourite post, but it’s always exciting when something I share seems to be especially helpful for readers. After sharing my “Three Days in Pittsburgh” post, I was so happy to see comments from individuals who would never have considered visiting Pittsburgh and were adding it to their bucket list. I love the idea of offering new trip ideas that might never have occurred to someone. Plus, underrated and less-visited destinations are often cheaper and a lot less busy! It’s a win-win.

To see more from Caity check out the following links

Blog

Instagram

Facebook

To see more of our Globetrotters Series click here

The beauty of Glastonbury Abbey in pictures

Glastonbury Abbey has long been one of my favourite places in the UK. As soon as you walk into the abbey grounds you just get the feeling you are in very serene and special place. Maybe its the connections to King Arthur and the legend that he’s buried here, maybe it’s the many stories the ruins hold or maybe it’s just that its a place of worship.

Located in the town of Glastonbury, Somerset (more popularly known for its ties with Glastonbury Festival) the Abbey is a popular visitor attraction. The Abbey buildings date back to 688 and whilst they are now ruins, they are still just as beautiful as what you would imagine they were back in their heyday.

The buildings are Grade 1 Listed and set in within 36 acres of parkland which is all immaculately preserved so that history lives on and that visitors can learn about the history and myths of this tranquil area. Whilst visiting you can see what is believed to be King Arthur and Queen Guinevere’s final resting place, Lady Chapel, St Patrick’s Chapel, the Holy Thorn, Cider Orchard and Abbot’s Kitchen. The museum helps answer any questions that you may have about the area and in the summer months, there are even costumed guides walking around sharing information about the ruins.

There are so many stories both historic, legendary and mythical within these ruins and parklands. Including that it is considered the earliest Christian Foundation in England and linked to Joseph of Arimathea and the Holy Thorn, ties to the Saxons, Romans and Normans, it’s been raged by fire and rebuilt and has considerable connections to the legend of King Arthur.

To visit the Abbey the admission price is £7.34 per adult if bought online (slightly higher if paying at the gate) and there are student, over 60 and family tickets also available. For less than a tenner it is well worth the entry price and with so much to see and do its a great (and educational) day out for all the family.

You can also visit the Abbey for plays, gigs, workshops and other events so do check out the events page of their website here for what is coming up.

It’s a mystical and mythical place that I have visited several times and is one place that I could visit a thousand times more. Take in the beauty for yourself with these serene pictures of the majestic Glastonbury Abbey.

Globetrotters- Seeking the Spanish Sun

This week our Globetrotter is the lovely Perri from Seeking the Spanish Sun. A fellow expat, however, she swapped rainy Britain for the Spanish sun and I swapped sunny Australia for rainy Britain (think I may have done it the wrong way round). Her goal is to discover and blog about every inch of her new home, Spain. And what an awesome goal to have!

I love a travel blog but my ultimate favourite is discovering new expat bloggers. Seeing a country outside of a week or two on holiday and really absorbing and embracing the lifestyle is a truly awesome way to travel. I enjoy hearing how people adjust and explore a new country is really fascinating and in a selfish way, it makes some of the challenges I face seem a little less challenging knowing that someone else is or has been through the same thing. Spain is such a gorgeous country with some many different areas and Perris’ style of writing really draws you in and it’s like you can imagine being there so much so you find yourself on Skyscanner looking for fights.

One of my favourite posts was a recent one about my favourite Spanish city Barcelona. It’s such an amazing city that has the best of both worlds glorious beaches and winding old city streets. This two-day city guide is a great guide on what to do if you are only in the city for s a short time. I have read this over and over as long to be back exploring Barcelona and have even discovered some places I hadn’t yet seen.

If you are planning a trip, want to move or just need some travel inspiration then you need to check out Perri’s blog. There is an abundance of city guides, local tips, advice on Spanish life and stacks of inspiration to explore all parts of beautiful Spain. I’ve included all links to Peris’s blog and social channels so you keep up to date with where she discovers next…

Let me hand you over to Perri from Seeking the Spanish Sun

Hi, I’m Perri, a 34-year-old Brit living in Spain. I moved from London to Madrid last year seeking the Spanish sun. I am exploring Spain in search of a place to call home and settle down. During my travels, I share everything I see and learn at Seeking the Spanish Sun .

Check out my blog and social media sites for information, tips, guides, and advice on visiting and living in Spain. Spain is truly a wonderful country and it has so much to offer.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

I love the excitement of going somewhere I’ve never been before and just exploring. I love trying local foods, seeing how other people live and learning about other countries and cultures. In the past, I always travelled as far as possible and to as many random places as I could. Nowadays I live in Spain and I have dedicated my current travels to exploring locally and see everything that Spain has to offer.

Why do you think travelling is important?

I think traveling is important because it broadens your mind and teaches you things that you would never learn if you stayed at home. Traveling is exciting, confidence building and eye-opening. Whether it’s a city-break, beach holiday or year’s backpacking trip, I believe that everyone should travel.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?

I just came back from a relaxing winter sun break in Fuerteventura .It’s an Island in the Spanish Canaries, West of Africa. My next trip is to Barcelona, I have been there many times. This will be a few days catching up with friends, drinking, and eating.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels.

This is a photo from my road trip in New Zealand. We drove from Auckland to Queenstown and it was an awesome trip. The scenery in New Zealand is just stunning and every night we stopped at beautiful roadside spots with views like this.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?

I write a list of what I still need to pack and what I need to do before leaving. Then I meticulously go through that list and cross everything off. That way I feel organised and know I haven’t forgotten anything.

Who do you usually travel with?

My boyfriend Brad, we met in Mykonos almost 12 years ago and have been traveling the world together and living in different countries ever since.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?

Make a plan, think about where you want to visit and work towards getting there. Try not to get caught up, in big, expensive bucket list destinations. Even if you start small with a few places you want to travel to that are not so far away. Work, save, research, then go.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?

Christmas dinner in Goa, India is one that comes straight to mind. It was my first backpacking trip and the first time I had travelled outside of Europe. I went with Brad and group of friends and we had the best time! We had no plans, no idea what we were doing or where we were going. We just explored and loved every minute.

The restaurant on the beach nearest our huts, where we had dinner every night, ordered in lobster especially for us and we had one each. We felt like Kings, I had never tried lobster before and the staff thought it was so funny when we all wore our Christmas hats.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?

Caye Caulker off the coast of Belize was an impromptu stop during my travels in Central America and I was so wowed by it I had to extend my stay. It’s a gorgeous place, untouched by commercial tourism where the locals serve rum punch in plastic cups and bbq whatever fish was caught that day.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?

Hawaii, unfortunately, is somewhere that I felt very underwhelmed by. Maybe it was because I had just seen the un-spoilt beauty of The Cook Islands and New Zealand but I just felt it was too commercial. All of the shops and restaurants were catering to the tourists from the USA.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?

The Maldives is somewhere that I have to go. I put that top of the bucket list category because it’s quite expensive and such a dream destination. Another experience I would love is to go on a safari in Africa. The next few places I need to visit next are Seville, Asturias, and Mallorca.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?

I would never travel without a book. A book is the best thing to keep me occupied while I’m waiting for a delayed flight, while I’m on a long train journey or while I’m just relaxing by the sea. I love to swap my book for another lovingly read, slightly battered, second-hand one as soon as I finish. Passing a good book onto someone else is such a lovely way of sharing.

Your go to or favourite book/film/tv series that always makes you want to travel?

The BBC tv series Planet Earth always makes we want to travel. They cover so many fantastic and unique destinations in their documenting of animals and nature. Series II, in particular, got me thinking about travel to exotic jungles and islands. The amazing high definition camera work reminds me how big and beautiful the world is.

What can readers find on your blog?

I started my blog to share all the things I see while exploring Spain and all the things I learned while living here. You can find information on the towns, cities, parks, and beaches that I visit in Spain. Tips and guides on how to get the most out of your holiday or travels in Spain. Plus, some insight on what life is like living here and general travel advice from my experiences.

Where does your blog name come from?

When I left London and moved to Madrid I was literally seeking the Spanish sun. I was tired of the mostly grey and miserable weather in the UK and was really hoping to find that Spanish sunshine and all the wonderful things that come with it… sangria, secluded beaches, siestas and a slower pace of life.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?

I think my favourite blog post is the slightly controversial How to be a good tourist. It’s addressing the issue we have in Spain currently with negative tourism. It includes some very simple ways that we can all enjoy a more conscious and sustainable holiday. It is different to my usual type of post (and I try not to be too negative or bossy) but this is something that I feel we really should all work to improve.

Links to find more from Perri below. Do check them out!

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Globetrotters- Travel with Me 24 x 7

Travel with Me 24 x 7 is exactly what their goal is to do. I love it when a blog name is exactly what it says on the tin.

You should see just how many places are covered on their blog. If you need travel inspiration on advice then this is certainly a one-stop place for resources, The design and headings mean navigating their site so much easier and also allows for you to find so much more than you would have initially expected.

Sri Lanka is somewhere I’ve been reading more and more about and it fast becoming a bucket list destination. This post with suggested itinerary shows just what I I need to see once I eventually get there. It looks so beautiful and so diverse. I’m a little ashamed to admit but I’ve never really known much about Georgia or even read much about what to do and see. There are many posts covered on Travel with Me 24 x 7 and they show it off in all its glory. This post about Georgia in the winter really encompasses the charm of this destination.

As I’ve mentioned many times (and will probably do so again and again) I really thrive on reading the answers from the Globetrotters involved. We’ve covered so many people from different countries, races, nationalities and walks of life that everyone has such an interesting mind set on the same questions. Travel with Me 24 x 7’s answers on Why travelling is important and why do you enjoy it really match my own viewpoints and its reassuring to know that there are people in the world who see the same benefits you do.

I so happy to introduce Travel with Me 24 x 7 to you all.

Hi, I studied computer engineering but have always had a wandering soul. I love to paint/draw my favourite travel scenes on canvas. Travel, Photography, painting, arts and craft, cooking are all my passions. I am a family oriented person and vegetarian. I’ve travelled to many places but still much more left on my bucket list. For me whatever might be the destination, enjoy the journey or path because paths are more beautiful and adventurous than destinations. Blue skies, countryside towns, narrow local streets, colourful houses, green grassy slopes with grazing animals are all my weaknesses.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Meeting new people, indulging in new cultures, travelling around to see how people live in different geographies. Travel widens my horizon and I really believe on this great quote “The best stories are found between the pages of passport”.
Traveling enhances practical knowledge about history, political status, geography, commuting options, living with odds and even, socializing, enjoying and discovering the truth.

Why do you think travelling is important?
Travel clears the misconceptions or misunderstandings of a particular place or region. While travelling we find certain truths which are not even mentioned in books. After returning from a travel, you are not the same person as before. Travel is the biggest adventure a person can have.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?
I just came from China. A very eye-opening place for me as language, culture and cuisine all were so new. It was exciting trip.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?
Just praying to god, packing clothes within a day even though travel has been planned months before. I don’t make any plans for my itineraries.

Who do you usually travel with?
My husband and my children. And of course my camera with loads of memory.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?
Travel and just travel, don’t make many plans on paper, take a leap and jump into this pond which is then followed by superb ideas and an addiction to travel. Every place has some tourist attractions which are worthy of experience but do enjoy every moment of travel whether it is the snowy, rainy or bad weather.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?
Once in Italy, we were stuck in the heavy snow with small children. As it was night, there was no help and being new to a place, we were helpless too. We were freezing literally but all of a sudden 4 youths emerged from somewhere and took our luggage and dropped it at our hotel. There were many thoughts running through our minds about the authentication of those unknown youths, but humanity wins all doubts. They didn’t even ask for money. We felt like as if they were sent by God.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?
Mykonos- I loved those narrow streets, the sound of waves, turquoise blue water and silent nature. Everything looked unrealistic and as if it was a different land or planet. Another favorite is Caucasus mountain town – Kazbegi in Eurasia. The real untouched countryside that heals our soul.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?
Bangkok

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?
A trip to Russia or being in the quaint streets of Cuba.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?
Family and my camera. I can travel without my phone but my camera is a must. Once while travelling my camera stopped working properly and very soon at that new tourist place I bought a new one.

Your favourite book/film/tv series that always makes you want to travel?
Tv series and Bollywood movies at exotic locales always tempt me to visit that place.

What can readers find on your blog?
How exciting travel is. Also how to travel by blending with that place. Every place has some positive vibes which we have to feel there. There is no exact formula of what to see, but just feel the place as it is. My blog reflects that. I simply choose destinations in random order and visit them according to my moods and emotions.

Where does your blog name come from?
I want to travel 24 X 7 means all day and night. This feeling changed and gave birth to my website name.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?
I love Familyearthtrek blog by Dada K S, as it also deals with family travelling and also they are nature lovers. The way they explore non-famous paths or offbeat destinations resonates me.

To find more from Travel with Me 24 x 7

Blog
Instagram

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Globetrotters-Lyf&Spice

Travelling and food go hand in hand and this week’s Globetrotter Lyf&Spice have a brilliant blog focusing on their love of both of these elements.

One of the things I enjoy most about reading their blog (apart from drooling over some of the food they’ve been eating) is that it focuses a lot around South East Asia and India. Two places I’ve not really spent any time in at all. India has been on my list for AGES so its great to get inspiration and get tips and advice on what to see and do in this part of the world.

There are so many travel bloggers and Instagrammers that have images and stories that look like they have come straight out of a magazine but this quote on Lyf&Spice’s about me page makes me love reading their tales even more. I have a lot of time for bloggers who are authentic and relatable and you can certainly find that here.

‘ Lyf&Spice is a space where you will find simple, off-beat, fuss-free travel, with no frills attached, no make-up (well, almost) and no fancy outfits. In an attempt to keep it relatable and simple, I document my travel stories as they happen. Explore off-beat paths and try the local food with me as I embark on a new journey every now and then…’

I’ve got a couple of favourite posts that you should check out these include
https://lyfandspice.com/2017/07/21/halong-bay-cruise-vietnam/– So many epic photos and a great cruise. https://lyfandspice.com/2017/10/06/malioboro-street-yogyakarta-indonesia/ as I mentioned above authentic speaks volumes and being able to post about a place that includes not just the good bits but also the bad and the ugly.

So you are for a travel and culinary treat, let me hand you over to Lyf&Spice

A wanderopath with a munchlust!! (Wow! New words just got invented). I’m a dreamer, explorer, and soul-searcher; a crazy, wandering soul documenting my travel and food tales around Asia and the world in my blog Lyf&Spice. My mission is to eat (in every country), try every adventurous activity (at least once) and immerse in the local culture of places I travel to (as much as I can)!

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Walking into my dream with my eyes open! That’s the best feeling ever. Travelling takes me to a different zone altogether. I feel alive.

Why do you think travelling is important?
To keep your spirits up! It helps you open up, breathe, de-stress, connect and most importantly LEARN and GROW.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?
I’m most likely off to a small Malaysian city or India (not decided yet). I have just come back from the most gorgeous islands – Perhentian Islands, Malaysia from our annual Scuba Diving break.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?

This picture was clicked at the riverside of Hoi An, Vietnam. It’s my favourite photograph as it captures the very essence of travelling – human interaction and observing the simple ways of life.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?
Yes, to charge all my electronic devices, especially power banks. Plus, to finish up all my pending assignments and sketch rough drafts of due submissions before my travels. Needless to say, to-do lists, reminder alarms, and vacations alerts go/ring off the hook!

Who do you usually travel with?
I usually travel with my fave travel buddy, aka Amit, who also happens to be married to me 😉 On and off, I travel alone or with my girl gang too.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?
Don’t think too much – Just go! Most of our travel plans are marred by over-thinking, both before and during the travel.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?
Too many to mention, so I’ll pick 2:
1. When we slept under the stars at Rishikesh (India) after a delicious barbecue and bonfire post our white-water rafting. Our arms were aching and our muscles were sore, but we still danced around the campfire and gazed at the twinkling sky above us.
2. When we rushed to Candy Ijo peak at Jogja (Indonesia) to catch a glimpse of the setting sun (supposed to be the best sunset spot). Although we saw nothing spectacular, I got up to click some pictures of the surrounding temples and when I got back, I just couldn’t disturb the uninterrupted conversations between my Hubz and Sis. To me, moments like these define beauty on earth.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?
Yikes! That’s a tough one. Yogyakarta or Jogja, Indonesia where we witnessed the best hiking trails, the most insane gondola ride across cliffs, amazing volcanic tours and heart-thumping high rope activities.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?
Not a city, but a place as such would be Kalibiru National Park of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. We expected the views to be better than they were and the rides to be more fierce than they seemed online.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?
Going on a Merapi Lava Jeep Tour in Java, Indonesia. The best part was getting to dust the volcanic ash off our hands and checking it off our bucket lists.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?
My boarding pass (Lol)… Well, it’s actually my fanny pack with my phone, some money and knick-knacks to keep my hands free as I like to walk around when I travel.

Your go to or favourite book/film/tv series that always makes you want to travel?
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. It means ‘you won’t get this life again’ or simply ‘YOLO’ – a Bollywood movie where 3 friends travel and indulge in adventurous activities of their choice.

What can readers find on your blog?
Travel and Food stories on Southeast Asia (primarily) and India – travel tips, guides, street food tales, food stories.

Where does your blog name come from?
Lyf&Spice comes from the 2 main elements: Travel and Food. Each of these adds spice to Lyf (a twisted term for life). After all, it’s all about enjoying life with some flavour and spice, isn’t it?

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?
Yes… the one I wrote in my book release. My book is called Kota Bharu Kelantan Malaysia: 50 Travel Tips From A Local and it is very dear to me. It’s based on my stint at my current hometown – Kota Bharu, Malaysia.. and I’d like to consider it a bit of an achievement (there goes my modesty out of the window) in terms of putting Kota Bharu out there – in the global map for travellers.

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Does your passport really need 6 months validity?

Yes, yes you do! Especially if travelling to Fiji

I’ve been fortunate enough to not really have too many travel horror stories. Sure, I’ve ran for a train (never a plane Dad taught us early how you should always be 6 hours early for a flight!) , lost a boarding pass, misplaced a passport, cut it fine for boarding even with the 6 hour wait time, had a few dodgy character try to take us the wrong way in Marrakech but really nothing too bad or anything too serious that has thrown my travel plans into jeopardy.

Well, that was until recently and spoiler alert it all turned out ok and probably isn’t as dramatic as you might expect but when I was googling for advice nothing came up so I wanted to share my story in case it helps anyone else.

As regular readers will be aware we’ve recently been to Fiji. Oh, beautiful Fiji -The holiday blues are still sooo raw. Fun fact about Fiji- you don’t need a visa (for Australian or British Passports) but you definitely need 6 months validity on your passport from the date of departure from your home/departing country.

This is where the problem lay.

If you are like was stressed, cranky and googling everything combination of- passport, Fiji, validity and looking for quick information scroll to the bottom and the answer lies there!

Months ago when we booked our flights my other half said his passport will have less than 6 months validity and asked will it be ok? I (stupidly) was like yeah, of course, they just say 6 months to be careful. Point to note here I hadn’t even checked as genuinely believed that as long as your passport is valid you can enter any country. Of all the places and all the trips, I’d been on I’d never had any issues with this or really never checked about passport validity only about visas. It’s Travel 101 and my error number 1.

We were moving house during this time and were stressed and minds elsewhere so it wasn’t till the night before we were to fly that I checked again and noticed that my other half’s passport expired exactly 6 months to the day that we left London. I text my parents, my sisters, I put a message up in a Travel Facebook group, I googled to page 20 and no one could help or had a definite answer if we were going to be able to fly. Some websites said 3 months, some said 6 months but from the date of when you leave Fiji, and then other says 6 months from when you enter Fiji. No one knew and even when I checked the Fiji website it didn’t specify if it was exiting or entering. I was so confused. It probably also didn’t help that night I hadn’t slept for almost 24 hours so I was pretty highly strung.

I spent the whole 2-hour bus trip to Heathrow on edge. Do we fly all that way and then they say no, do they say no at Heathrow, what’s plan a/plan b/plan c.

Queuing at Heathrow check-in and looking at the desk clerks praying we weren’t going to get the grumpy one that looked a bit of a computer says no jobsworth. Thankfully we got a friendly one. Handed over the passports holding my breath. Then I saw the fingers come out. I could see her counting. 1,2,3,4,5,6. And then the words I didn’t want to hear.

‘We aren’t sure if you can fly today as the entry requirements for Fiji is 6 months passport validity’.

Noooooo. She said to not worry but she had to go check with a supervisor. Longest 3 minutes EVER! She then came back saying as today was the 1st of October and the passport expired on the 1st April we were very lucky with dates as it was 6 months to the day and we can fly.

As much as I was pleased I still was worried he’d get turned away in Fiji. Not the feeling you want to have before you get on a 30 flight. I text my family to relay the good news as they were also on tender hooks about if we’d both be joking for the wedding or just me. My sister then gave us information that I swear should be more accessible as I didn’t find any of it in my googling session. If an airline allows you to board but you are aren’t allowed to enter a country it’s their responsibility to pay for your return flight and they will be fined in excess of £/$10k so they will always be careful when allowing you to board.

So you’d think we’d be on cloud 9 and no worries but I still wouldn’t relax until we were actually there and on the beach.

We flew Heathrow to Dubai then to Melbourne and due to board a connecting flight to Nadi. We’d had no issues up to Melbourne until we got called to the check-in desk over the tannoy. Initially, it was just to get new boarding passes but then they wanted to check Passports. My heart sank. We’d made it so far!! Again the fingers came out. 1,2,3,4,5,6 and then the ‘I need to check with my supervisor and Fiji immigration’. Cue more freaking out and me trying to explain London said it would be ok like that would do anything but thankfully she came back and said it was ok.

My nerves couldn’t take it anymore. I needed a very large glass of wine!

Stepping off the plane in Fiji and I had everything crossed, praying, hoping it would be fine and you know what, no one even batted an eyelid when we went through immigration. Nothing AT ALL!! Just a Bula and have a nice day. There was probably notes on the system but still NOTHING!!

I almost felt cheated and then I remembered we were here and to hurry up and get out of the airport just in case they changed their mind.

Every day is a school day so..

Lessons learned

Always check not just visa but passport validity when going somewhere new. I’ve since learned there are all sorts of these validity rules for lots of countries!
Make sure partners passport is up to date.
Yes, you need 6 months validity on your passport(defo Australian or British) if trying to enter Fiji. Based on the day of your date of departure eg when you start your journey
No, you don’t need a visa to enter Fiji (if you have a British or an Australian passport) Please check if you have another passport.
If an airline allows you to board they are generally 100% sure it’s going to be ok as if not they need to pay for your return flight and will be charged in excess if £/$10k
If British you can get an emergency passport both at home or abroad but you still need a few days before flying to get it sorted and you’ll need to do it as a high commission

Have you had any passport dramas?? Drop them in the comments would love to hear and to also to reassure myself that others can be just as clueless and that I just didn’t miss the travel memo on this.

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Globetrotters – Beyond My Border

This week we have a real treat with the amazing Daisy from Beyond my Border. By her own admission her site documents tips, advice and bizarre experiences and who doesn’t love reading about a bizarre experience!

One thing I truly admire about Daisy is the fact she is a solo backpacker. The guts and free-spiritedness it takes to wander the world is something I have so much respect for. As tough as it must be and I’m sure it’s not all Instagram worthy updates it would be amazing to go when and where you want and all the amazing people you must meet along the way.

Daisy has had some hella amazing experiences on her travels – watching the balloons in Cappadocia (100% on my bucket list), staying in Abandoned Hospitals and cave rooms, exploring Iceland, Living with bikers in Turkey, making friends with an air traffic controller and watching him land the planes. Reading through her blog you can find so much information about all of these as well as advice on travelling on a budget and so much travel inspo that you just want to book up a flight straight away. This I just one example of her awesome budget travel guides on the diverse California , shes even got one about travelling in Delhi for $3 a day!! Yes, $3 a day.

Here is the inspiring Daisy from Beyond My Border

I am Daisy, a solo backpacker that travels the world budget style. I grew up in 5 cities in China and Canada and have traveled over 20 countries. I’ve slept in teepees, bungalows, beach houses, and cave rooms, hosted by lawyers, professors, hippies, bikers and much more. I’ve cracked my head in France, twisted my foot in Hungry and got chikungunya in India. Yet I’ve witnessed hot air balloons in Cappadocia during sunrise, rode a motorcycle up into the Himalayas, slurped fresh oysters by the harbor of Santa Barbara and would not change my experiences for the world.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Traveling has taught me so much. From history to culture, I have come to fill my heart with stories of people from places so different from my own. It might be a common traveler’s syndrome, but I love to meet people and hear their experiences, understand their perspective and explore the unknown.

Why do you think travelling is important?
Traveling is important because it truly helps us understand how similar people are. It will stimulate acceptance, understanding and create a more open-minded society. This will play into sociopolitical conducts and minimalize discrimination and diminish prejudice.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?

My favorite photo was taken atop the Himalayas. It took me a 9-hour night bus to get to my host’s city, 3 days for us to bike into the mountains and 5 hours of hiking to reach the peak. But we caught the sunset and it was glorious.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?
No ritual is my ritual 😊 A little out of the norm, but I like to travel without much, or any planning at all. It can be a huge headache when I’m lost in a place that speaks a different tongue, but I’ve come out with some amazing experiences.

Who do you usually travel with? I’ve traveled with friends and family but to be honest, my favorite travel companions are strangers I meet on the road. I guess the most suitable answer would be no one, but everyone.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be? Be fearless & have fun

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to? I spent two months in Turkey. While in Cappadocia, I witnessed hot air balloons mid sunrise by myself in the middle of some rocky hills. As cliché as it was, I felt the experience eye-opening. Of course, being the clumsy traveler that I am, I ended up being abandoned by the tour bus and had to hitchhike into the city at 7 am. But it was definitely worth it.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype? After living in Paris for 4 months, I concluded that the city was just not for me. Then again, my memory of Paris was far from romantic. During my stay, I managed to lose my phone and crack my head open, which resulted in a $7000 hospital bill. (Amen insurance). My friend who came to visit me was also robbed.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list? I would love to attend the International Highline Meeting in Monte Piana, Italy. I may be horrified of heights, but what’s better than stinging a hammock on the webbing between a couple rocks and chill out?

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without? My camera!

What can readers find on your blog? Lots of budget travel advice and quirky experiences. I travel on a tight budget and tend to get into bizarre situations.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why? My favorite is Surviving in Delhi on $3 a Day. While in India, I spent a month living on the bare minimum. My shared apartment had broken windows, doors that didn’t lock and an outside kitchen. Nonetheless, it was such a memorable time since I truly became appreciative of the things I had. Not to mention that I ended up being adopted by a modeling agency and spent two months living with international models!

Find more from Daisy here

Globetrotters- Always on the Way

Another Sunday and another fabulous globetrotter to introduce you to. This week we have Julie from Always on the Way.

Always on the Way is a huge resource of travel and expat information. There is soooo much for you to discover. Wonderful words, gorgeous pictures, insightful advice and honest reviews, it is a fabulous blog to follow.

As a fellow expat, it’s lovely to read on Julie’s about me page that we share a common feeling that living in a new country allows you to really experience it and see more than if you were just cruising through on a holiday. I’ve been dreaming about visit Canada FOREVER and as Julie has lived there I’ve been reading and rereading all of her Canada posts to just entice further wanderlust for me to get there. It seems every Globetrotter we have had recently has been to Canada. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.

One of my favourite posts is this one about Nazca Lines. I had never heard of these or where to see them but OMG they look amazing. It was so fascinating to not only read about it but also to see the pictures and that you can see them without flying. What a fabulous place to see and explore.

Julie regularly travels solo and I found it interesting about her thoughts on how some places are safer than what the media makes out that they are. You usually read so much about how being a solo female traveler can be very dangerous in certain destinations so its eye-opening to hear a different take on it. I know nowhere is now completely safe and you still need to be smart and have your wits about you but maybe some places are not as scary as we think it might be at first and by giving them a chance you get to experience something different. Check out her thoughts about this in her answers below.

Here is Julie from Alway on the way….

I am Julie, a travel blogger based in Toronto. I have lived in the USA (Hawaii) and Canada for eight years. When I am not traveling and writing, I am learning a new language, reading a book, and staring at the horizon to figure out my next adventure.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?

I love waking up alone in a new place and embracing the excitement of being surrounded by adventure. It feels surreal to visit destinations completely different from home, with people speaking a different language, sharing a different culture, and eating different food.

Why do you think traveling is important?

I believe travel is important for us to get out of our fears and see how things really are. We live in a society where negative news reports and fear are prevalent, and many afraid of traveling to certain countries because of safety concerns.

During my years of travel, I’ve learned that the world is generally a safe place and not every destination is as dangerous as the news media makes it out to be. The countries people are usually scared to travel to are the ones that give the best experience.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?

I am currently traveling in Peru and then all the way south to Patagonia.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?

This picture was taken when I walked to the top of Mt. Royal in Montreal. I was amazed by the changing color of foliage in the middle of October. A lady I met at a bus station ended up walking up Mt. Royal with me. She knew I was a traveler and told me to take as many pictures as possible because this was possibly my only chance of seeing such colorful landscapes on Mt. Royal. She was right – I returned to Montreal but never again did I experience such colorful scenery.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?

I always write down the address and number of local contacts (embassy, police station, the owner of the accommodation) to be safe.

Who do you usually travel with?

I travel solo. I love the feeling of freedom that comes along, and taking time to explore a place, going where I want to go.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?

Trust your instincts. The world is generally a safe place and people are there to help, but if you feel something is wrong, please listen to it. It is always the best to be aware of your surroundings and be smart on the road.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?

Watching the northern lights on Christmas Eve. My friend and I went to the Chena Hot Spring resort in Fairbanks Alaska to celebrate Christmas holidays. We waited for the northern lights in the waiting room near a café where it was surrounded by the snowy mountains. At 12:30 am, the northern lights showed up and were dancing around the sky for over two hours. It was freezing cold but we did not care. We stood outside on the snowy and icy ground and watched the northern lights illuminating the northern sky. It was the best Christmas gift I have ever received, and it was magical.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?

USA – Alaska. I am a natural addict and Alaska offers the most beautiful landscapes in the USA. Postcard quality pictures are everywhere and any road trip in Alaska is not disappointing.

Canada – Prince Edward Island. It is the birthplace of Canada and it has a stunning coastline with gorgeous beaches. People there bend their back to help you should you need any assistance. The seafood on the island is freshly made and cheap. I could just eat lobster all day every day.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?

Grand Palace in Bangkok. It is expensive to visit and is filled with crowds. I was wondering why a place every guidebook recommends for a visit looked like a tourist trap. When I shared my experience with my Thai friends and hostel workers, they told me they have never visited Grand Palace because they know the experience would likely be the same. I wish I could have asked my Thai friends earlier, so I would spend my time and budget elsewhere.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?

I would love to take the VIA Rail to visit Churchill Manitoba (Canada). It is the polar bear capital of the world and has the Aurora Borealis show up 300 days each year. Churchill is in the subarctic region, has only 3,000 residents, and is a remote place that is inaccessible by road, which makes the travel experience unlike that of any other place in the world.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?

Books. I don’t feel my suitcase is packed up unless I fill it with some books on history, memoir or travel guides I love spending afternoons in cafés, on the beach, and the local park, and sticking my nose in the books.

What can readers find on your blog?

Always On The Way focuses on destination features, personal travel experience, and travel guide and tips from locals’ perspective, and the content on the tourist attractions is minimum. I have lived in the USA and Canada for eight years and had return visits to many places; so many blog posts are geared towards the places most travelers are not aware of unless they live there. I wish my blog will inspire you to explore new destinations beyond tourist attractions and connect deeper with the culture, history, and its people.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?

“8 Things I Have Learned After Living in Hawaii” is one of my earliest blog posts I wrote it back in 2012 revealing the thoughts and reality of living in Hawaii. That time, I just started blogging as a hobby. The post got published on another online blog and magazine Bucket List Publications and went viral in just a few hours with Facebook shares and comments. I love this post the most because not only has it received the most engagement and many a-hah moments from residents of Hawaii even to this day, it also inspires me to write more about Hawaii from my own experience and that is how my blog officially started.

For more from Always on the Way check out the below links
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Globetrotters- A Mindful Traveller

This weeks Globetrotter is the ever lovely Lorelle from A Mindful Traveller.

First, off she is one of my favourite bloggers as she has always been so supportive of my blog and I love having her a not only a reader but also a blogging friend. Secondly, she lives in my favourite city in the world and that always gets a huge thumbs up from me.

You can find so much on A Mindful Traveller from travel tips, destinations, road trips to food inspired by said travels. Food and travel what a match made in heaven!

A couple of my favourite posts from Lorelle include the two-part series of a road trip to Melbourne to Sydney. Reading these transported me back to doing sections of this journey so many times. I grew up smack bang in the middle of Sydney and Melbourne so we often stopped in Holbrook or Albury when going to Melbourne and then also would stop in Gundagai (although usually Maccas not the dog on the tuckerbox) and the Big Merino in Goulbourne when traveling to our grandparents a few hours out of Sydney. So many hours of my life have been spent going up and down that highway that it was a treat to read about. I also like these posts as they highlight just how humungous Australia is and show the rural landscape of southern NSW and Victoria which many tourists and travelers don’t always get to see.

https://amindfultravellerblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/11/a-road-trip-from-melbourne-to-sydney-part-1/
https://amindfultravellerblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/17/a-road-trip-from-melbourne-to-sydney-part-2-why-is-it-always-quicker-coming-home/

Another post which has added yet another destination to my bucket list is this one about Cinque Terre. How gorgeous are those houses in the cover picture!! #instafabulous!

Lorelle’s blog is written in such a lovely style that makes you feel like you are having a cuppa with a friend and chatting about exciting travels and the experiences that you find along the way. Her tone of voice draws you in and it’s just a treat to take a moment and read her posts.

I love that I can introduce you to Lorelle from a Mindful Traveller.

Hi, my name is Lorelle. Wife, mother of two wonderful teenage children, beauty therapist and a passionate traveller, who lives in Melbourne, Australia.
My very first trip overseas was for my honeymoon in 1999 when I was 25 years old. From that holiday, my obsession with exploring and discovering different countries and cultures grew immensely. Travelling as a couple at first and then as a family was quite a contrast, and I learned to embrace these experiences. I treasure these lifelong memories created, as they are the essence of me and my life story.
I am grateful and truly blessed to be able to offer my children a different type of education and life experience through travel. Teaching them about the world beyond and to be accepting of others and diverse cultures is extremely important and I hope one day, they too, will be able to pass these valuable lessons on to others.
I have created this blog to share with you a little piece of my journey, through my life, my explorations and my love of food. These are my unforgettable mindful travels.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Travelling gives me the opportunity to discover and explore new and wonderful places in this world.
The one thing I enjoy the most about travelling is having the opportunity to share these lifelong memories with my wonderful family and expose them to our incredible world.

Why do you think travelling is important?
To travel is to open your mind! It’s so important to accept and educate yourself about different cultures and cuisines. While not only broadening our knowledge intellectually, travel also connects us emotionally and spiritually; a whole mindful journey.

Where are you off to next? Or where have you just come back from?
We have just returned from a road trip to Sydney for my cousin’s wedding. A short weekend break, however always a great time when visiting family.
Our next holiday is to Singapore.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?

Hmmm, this is a hard one, I have so many!
I do love this one though, taken in Dolceaqua, Northern Italy.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?
All those who know me well will tell you I am quite an organised person. So in regards to pre-travel, I have many to do lists that I have scattered everywhere throughout the house!
Packing is also organised the week of travel. I can never leave things for the last minute!

Who do you usually travel with?
Always my family. I never travelled alone or with girlfriends when I was younger. I have always travelled with my husband and now with our children as well…. who may not want to be travelling with us in the near future as they are getting older and will soon want to venture out on their own or with their friends!! That’s a whole new chapter right there!

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be?
I would advise taking all documentation, we actually take copies as well and keep another set at home with my parents.
Also, be sure to have multiple outlets of credit. A diverse range of cash, credit cards, and cash passport cards are important, and we always split this between the both of us. Never does one person carry all the cash or cards on their own.

Tell us the most memorable moment you’ve had whilst travelling?
I have a few of these memorable moments, but the one moment that will always stand out is exploring Rome. We were on foot discovering the city labyrinth when we happened to turn the corner and the most amazing sight of the Colosseum greeted us. Truly amazing moment and one I will never forget.

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to?
Paris is by far my favourite city in the world. We have been privileged to visit this glorious city quite a few times. I love immersing myself in everyday Parisian life. The beauty and charm of Paris captivates me every time!

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype?
For me, Barcelona did not live up to its expectations. I found the city to be very European, quite similar to Italy. I remember talking to locals and they had advised travelling further south to experience the “real Spain”. Unfortunately, Barcelona was our only stop in Spain, so our next adventure there will be to explore the rest of the country and maybe Portugal too.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list?
Sri Lanka. My parents were both born in Sri Lanka and some of my family are still there, so being able to visit this beautiful country is definitely on my bucket list. Hopefully one I can tick off sooner than later.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without?
Well, we never travel without my daughters’ teddy bear named “Vodka”. You have probably seen him around on my blog! He has become part of our travelling family essentials! He is a well-traveled teddy bear.

Your go-to/or favourite book/film/tv series that always makes you want to travel?
Definitely reading and then watching “Eat, Pray, Love” always makes me want to plan another holiday…especially to Italy!

What can readers find on your blog?
Readers can find a variety of travel stories experienced through my eyes. I love sharing my knowledge and accounts of my families travels together. In addition to a travel post, I try to incorporate a recipe, which I cook, that links to that previous particular travel post. I love cooking and sharing my recipes as well.
https://amindfultravellerblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/03/easy-4-ingredient-scones/

Where does your blog name come from?
It didn’t take me too long to come up with this name. Being mindful is quite important and being able to embrace these experiences wholeheartedly really opens up your mind, puts life into perspective and demonstrates what the important things in life really are!

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why?
My favourite post would have to be on Lourdes, France. Words cannot explain this Christian Holy Site. It was a very spiritual day for us there and one I will always remember forever.

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