travel – 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.

Two Bare Feet- Waihi Beach, New Zealand

Two Bare Feet the perfect accommodation in Waihi Beach, New Zealand.

Located in the Bay of Plenty and roughly 2 hours from Auckland, Two Bare Feet was the perfect place for us to spend a few nights before we headed back to the UK. We wanted somewhere romantic, secluded, relaxing and unique from the hotels we had been previously staying at on our journey around the North Island.

After looking online for the above specifications we found the stunning Two Bare Feet in Waihi Beach. And my word did it live up to photos, reviews and our high expectations.

The wonderful hosts have converted the downstairs of their house to a secluded coastal retreat. Renovated and decorated to the highest spec and teamed with the fact it was literally a stone’s throw from the glorious white sand of the beach it was all we had hoped for. There are 3 accommodation options available – we had the Apartment stay option. There were two other guests in the private room option but we didn’t see or hear them. Which as antisocial as it might sound was just what we wanted. The other option is exclusive stay in which you would have access to the whole area and would be ideal for two couples.

Our apartment was huge! With the dreamlike king bed, large flat screen tv, the comfiest sofas, kitchen/ dining area and a substantial bathroom, we had more than enough space for the two of us to relax comfortably. I could have lived there with pleasure.

There are Bali and Coastal influences all over the apartment and gardens. The outside area was beautiful with a daybed just made for reading in the sun, BBQ and outdoor seating area for alfresco dining listening to the sea, pretty lights and beautifully manicured garden area.

Everything is designed and laid out to be just perfect, and it really is.

Breakfast was left every morning in the kitchen also there is a cooker etc if you really fancy it. We, however, opted for eating out and can recommend The Porch in Waihi Beach. Do speak to the hosts they have lots of recommendations for places to eat throughout the area for all budgets.

For those wanting a little more of an active holiday, there is sporting equipment available to borrow. Including mountain bikes for the Hauraki Rail Trail, tennis racquets for the local tennis court and they can arrange surfboards and paddle boards along with lessons.

If the accommodation wasn’t’ enough to get you to visit then the charming little beachside community of Waihi Beach should do the trick. Located in the Bay of Plenty Waihi Beach is one the of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. A sweet little village with cafes, restaurants and boutique shops with local artists and handmade items paired with the glorious 9km of sweeping white sand we hit the absolute jackpot with coming across this gem of a place.

While you are in the area you should also check out the numerous walking and cycle tracks around Anzac Bay, Karangahake Gorge, Hauraki Rail Trail, the beautiful Owharoa Waterfall and get historic in the gold mine town of Waihi and view the open pit of the Martha Mine.

It really was the perfect beachside retreat and one that I would go back to in a second.

To see more about Two Bare Feet click here

As much as I would have loved for this to have been sponsored post it is not. This accomodation was paid for by myself and all view are my own

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15 Reasons to Visit Paris (like you need them!)

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and is often included in most people’s bucket lists but what is it about that city that makes so many long to explore its beautiful streets. Is it the romance of the city? Or the history? Or the art? Or more importantly the food? Whatever it is this city has a draw to it like some kind of huge magnet. Maybe that is what the Eiffel Tower is made of??

When you think of Paris you think of style, sophistication and class. Just thinking of the city conjures up romantic images in your mind and not the just standard romance it’s the romantic ideals of the city. With its architecture, it’s quaint side streets, the stylish people sitting outside cafes drinking coffee, the hidden and not so hidden love stories that inspired the paintings inside the galleries and the photographs that locals and tourists still capture just transport you into a French dream-like experience.

Audrey Hepburn was so right, Paris is always a good idea.

If you are exploring simply for the weekend or for a longer period there is more than enough to experience and leave you wanting to come back for more. To help you either work out what to see and do or to just fuel even more wanderlust for this stunning city here are our top 15 reasons to visit.

You can see some awesome art

A lot of the worlds best art and artefacts can be found in the museums and galleries of Paris. Some of them even have a day where they are free to visit so do check out if you are travelling on a budget. There will be queues but it is worth the wait to see these artworks with your own eyes. Obviously, the Louvre is a must visit but you should also visit the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, Petit Palais and the grass-covered exterior of Musee du Quai Branly.

You can marvel at the Eiffel Tower

There is nothing more magical than seeing the Eiffel tower lit up glittering at night. This is one landmark that should really have more than one view on your trip. Sunrise, during the day, sunset and then at night. Whatever the angle whatever the weather it’s a magnificent place to be.

A bird’s eye view is the best view

There are several vantage points where you need to get up high and witness the city from a bird’s eye view. Climb the stairs at the Sacre Cour for breathtaking (once you get your breath back from climbing) view of the city with the river and Eiffel tower or climb the Effile tour to see the view of the city streets. If ever there was a city to see from above it has to be Paris.

You can meander along the River Seine

Lazing by the river in the summer sun, or cruising along under the many bridges on a boat tour- Paris is yet another city that should be viewed from the water.

You can eat alfresco

The cafes take up just as much space on the pavement as they do inside. You’ll notice that the chairs are usually all lined up looking out to the street. It’s the perfect place to order a drink and people watch to your heart’s content.

You get all the history

With so many historic buildings and monuments, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to see and do. There is Notre Dame Cathedral that dates back to 1163, The Arc de Triomphe (just don’t try and drive around it! #confusing), the Sacre Coeur Basilica (one of my absolute favourite places in Paris) to the Ile de la Cite where Paris was born in 300B.C Paris has had many different rulers and all of these have their mark on the city which makes it a like a history book that you can step inside and explore.

You can appreciate true style

Fashion and Paris are synonymous with each other. The best shopping and the best style can be found on the streets of Paris. It’s not showy or gaudy it’s all just classic. Maybe keep the credit card locked in your hotel safe if you are out shopping.

You get a whole lotta bridges

Paris is no Venice when it comes to bridges but it does have a staggering 37 bridges spanning the river Seine. All are designed differently and all beautiful a couple of our favourites are Pont-Neuf, Pont Alexandre III and Pont de l’Alma

You can pack a picnic and get the grass between your toes

For all the amazing things to see inside the museums, galleries and historic buildings you’d be forgiven for not even thinking that there are parks to relax and unwind in. There are so many perfectly manicured gardens across the city to enjoy. You should check out Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg and Le Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.

It’s almost wrong not to be a tourist

The age-old debate of being a traveller or tourist. In Paris, it is almost wrong not to be a tourist. Who goes to Paris and doesn’t go to the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and Arc Triomphe? People who don’t really want to see Paris that’s who!

You can explore all the neighbourhoods

There are 20 arrondissements within Paris and sometimes just trying to work out where to say, go out and explore can be a little intimidating. Each has its own charms, vibe and areas to be a little wary of. So your research and try to experience at least 3 of them on your travels. Montmartre in the 18th arrondissements is a firm favourite of ours as the 1st arrondissement due to the picturesque views and of the course, the Keira Knightley Chanel adverts were filmed there.

You can get those steps up on your Fitbit

An abundance of walking tours focusing on different aspects of the Parisian life or do what I do and walk until your lost and then just see what gems you can find along the way. It’s an easy city to walk around and whilst there is public transport it would almost be a sin to use it and miss some of the best street scenes in all of Europe.

You can fall in love

Maybe with a local but more likely, it will be with the city itself. Paris is always referred as one of the most romantic cities in the world and once you are they you will melt to its romantic charms. The art, the history, the music all were fueled by love and lovers in the city. Even the simplest of things just sounds and feels more romantic in Paris. Drinking a coffee in a cafe on a Parisian street, walking the side streets in any weather, lazing in the park or sitting along the banks of the river enjoying a croque-monsieur.

You can eat all the food

French cruise is an art form and where better to indulge than in the capital. From rich meat dishes to simply a warm croissant n the morning from the boulangerie, there are so many dishes you need to devour. Macaroon’s, and crepes are also must for a sweet treat. As with most places try to find some smaller cafes and restaurants and not the usual touristy ones the food will be so much better.

You can escape the city for the day

From feeling like French royalty at Versailles to taking in the water lilies Monet style in Giverny to witness and reflecting at the poignant rows on rows of white crosses at Normandy. There are so many places close to the city to take in more of what France has to offer.

What’s your favourite thing about Paris? Have we left anything off? We’d love to hear your suggestions below in the comments.

Want to see more reasons to visit other great cities, if so be sure to check out our Copenhagen, Marrakech and Venice posts.

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Where in the World Wednesday- Sugar Pine Walk, Australia

Where in the world is this you might say?

Well, it’s not somewhere on the usual tourist trail as its nowhere near the coast or any major Australian cities. If I was to say it the Sugar Pine Walk in Laurel Hill you would probably still look me like you have no idea where that is. However, if you do happen to find yourself in the Snowy Mountains (Southern NSW) or if you are looking for an interesting area to visit within Australia then this could be right up your street.

Located in the small (and I mean VERY small) village of Laurel Hill you will find this beautiful walk amongst the majestic sugar pines. The trees were planted in 1928 and as soon as you walk in you feel like you are completely away from the world.They are within the Bago State Forest and a very popular attraction within the area. When you pull up in the car park it will all look a little unassuming however as soon as you walk into the forest it will captivate you. It’s not a long walk nor is it strenuous however it is incredibly calming. It so quiet and that quietness coupled with the natural beauty makes for a very magical feel. You almost expect to see fairies flying around or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wondering up along the path. Photographers will also love this spot as with the sunlight filtering in, the floor covered in pine needles, a canopy so high it’s almost in the heavens and stumps and fallen branches all through the area it makes for some fantastic images. So many insta worthy shots to be had.In actual fact a lot of weddings I the area will come and have their pictures taken here due to the picturesque backdrop.

As it is a flat walk it is suitable for all ages, you just need to be careful as the grounds is covered in pine needles so could be a little unsteady. It’s free to go and would only set you back the fuel to get there. It is signposted but if you head South of Batlow on the Tumbarumba road and you will be sure to find it.

If you want to continue on your walk you can meet up with the Hume and Hovell Walking Track and follow in the footsteps of two of Australia’s first explorers, There are lots of great walking tracks within this area for all levels of walkers.

The walk is close to some rural charming towns including Batlow, Tumut and Tumbarumba. There are lots of great cafes and pubs which will ensure you don’t leave the area without being fed and watered. If you find yourself in Tumbarumba you should check out the delightful Nest or Dare to Bite and tell them we sent you.

Whenever I visit this area I always make sure I stop by. Trust me you will love it.

For more information please do check out this link

This post was originally posted 1st April 2016 and was one of my first posts (ah bless). It needed updating and has been updated on 4th April 2018.

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Photo Diary – Cheddar in the Snow

The Beast from the East and Storm Emma took the UK back to a cold and chilly winter last week. Almost the whole country braced freezing winds, temperatures that barely broke zero degrees and a thick and lovely blanket of snow.

I’ve experienced a few snow storms whilst living here but this was one of the worst and…. prettiest. Schools and office closed their doors, panic buying ensued, sledging became a local sport, communities banded together to help one another, people were stuck in trains, cars and buses, everyone checked the weather apps over 100 times a day and the country ground to a halt. It was an interesting week and not one we were all expecting as the daffodils had started waking up and spring was supposedly just around the corner.

For some, the snow was a cause for chaos and for others, it was an excuse to not put away the bobble hats and winter coats and have one last wintery hurrah before the temperatures start rising.

The snowy scenes were just too picturesque to miss so I took my trusty camera and headed out and tried to capture the village of Cheddar in all its winter glory.

Cheddar, Somerset is in the South West of the UK and known for its cheese, Gorge and caves. It’s pretty little place even without the snow and is well frequented by adventurers hiking, cycling, climbing and cavers as well as those in search of a country retreat of cute accommodations and welcoming pubs. It’s a beautiful place to visit any time of year.

Welcome to our first photo diary of Cheddar in the snow

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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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Travel, Love and Weddings- Planning a wedding with someone from another country

So what happens when you meet the ‘one’ when you’re on your travels?

Obvs take them home and marry them of course. And that is exactly what my sister did.

My middle sister moved to the UK a few years ago and while here she found her ‘one’. She’s not like me we always knew her time in the U.K. would be for a few years and that she would eventually return. I, on the other hand, have dug my heels in and now drink so much tea and eat copious amounts of Yorkshire puddings that I’m practically British. But she was always going to go back and when they decided to move to Australia my brother in law made the decision to move without him even ever stepping foot on Aussie soil. They were (and still are) crazy in love.

Their love began and grew in Birmingham, they were engaged in Canberra and then the wedding planning began. Where, when, how? Two nationalities and cultures to come together in one place. Would it work? Would people travel wherever they ended up marrying? So many questions and things to consider that normal couples don’t need to think about. My sister, however, is the super organised one of the family so we knew she would have it sorted before anyone could even ask when’s the wedding.

They married in Australia just near our hometown and had their wedding at a family friends property. We all stayed onsite in cabins and the ceremony was on the lawn with a marquee for the wedding breakfast. I wasn’t at all surprised that the wedding was in Australia but what I did like is how the celebration gave a nod to both cultures. The bridal party had both Aussies and Brits included on both sides. The night before the wedding and breakfast after we all had meals together so that everyone could get to know each other. The favours were a milo sachet and a Yorkshire gold tea bag and the games on the lawn while they were off having photos felt like a British afternoon garden party. The bouquets included my sister’s favourite native flowers and the groom and groomsmen’s suits all came from the UK.

It was a wonderful day and I’d always wondered how they decided and planned the wedding across the two countries so my sister kindly answered some questions and shared her wisdom below in case there is anyone else out there planning a wedding for two different nationalities.

How did you decide where to get married?

It was a really easy decision to get married in Australia. I’m not sure I even thought of getting married in the UK! It just made sense for it to be Australia as that’s where we are living. The main difficulty was choosing where in Australia to get married. We looked at venues near my grandparents’ house on the south coast and also my hometown. We ended up getting married in my hometown as it was easier, cheaper and my parents were there to handle some of the tedious bits of planning.

Was it a hard decision?

Nope! Well not for me! Luckily Ben is pretty easy going. I think it was easy for Ben once people said they would travel over (we had 67 adults attend the wedding and almost 20 came from overseas).

Did it affect the type of wedding that you had?

Not overly but it did impact on what we had to consider. We ended up getting married in my hometown in the middle of nowhere. There is no public transport to the town and there is no public transport to get around the town either. So everyone had to drive and to make it easy, we ended up with a venue that had enough accommodation on site for everyone to stay. It made the whole weekend like a massive family reunion/party.

What was the best part of getting married in Australia?

For me, it was having most of my family attend, including grandparents and cousins. On the other hand, Ben only had his mum, dad, step mum and step brother from his family attend. Plus we had the perfect spring day with lovely weather. Not sure we could have guaranteed that in the UK!

What was the hardest part of getting married in Australia?

Having friends and family who couldn’t attend, especially Ben’s sister and her children. However, we did travel to the UK a few months before our wedding to attend Ben’s sister’s wedding and we at least got to see all the family then. We also had a bridesmaid and groomsman who weren’t able to come over which was sad as we would have loved them to share our special day.

If you had married in England how do you think it would have been different?

It wouldn’t have an outside wedding – you just can’t risk it! I’m not sure it would have been so relaxed. We got married on a private property in the middle of nowhere and everyone could stumble to their room when they were done for the night. There was no one to complain about noise so those who wanted to could keep the party going to 2 am. We also had to provide our own alcohol so that kept costs down.

Where did you have your hen party? Stag party?

We had several! While we were in the UK in August, Ben had a week in a caravan in Wales with his best mates and I had a day out with my girlfriends at an inflatable park. Back in Australia, I had high tea and cocktails in Canberra and Ben had a night out. Plus I had a weekend in my hometown with my mum and two bridesmaids for the wedding trials.

How was it planning across the two countries?

It wasn’t too bad, as we didn’t really need to do much planning for the UK. Ben bought his suits (and the groomsmen’s) while in the UK but everything else was pretty much done in Australia. The only extra planning was organising things to do with our visitors. We spent a week before the wedding in Sydney with friends and family from the UK and after the wedding, we went to Jervis Bay and the Gold Coast. I organised the accommodation and travel which added a lot of planning.

Did you have to plan more than you expected to?

I’m often the organiser of a lot of things so I assumed I would end up planning a lot of things (including the travel above) so that wasn’t unexpected. One of the things I didn’t factor in was how to assign cabins to the wedding guests. The cabins had shared bathrooms and kitchens for 8-10 people. It was hard working out the different groups and who would be compatible to share.

How did you include your different heritages in your ceremony?

Luckily, English and Australian cultures are pretty similar (especially as my grandmother was born in England) so there wasn’t much we needed to bridge in that regard. We just worked with our celebrant to plan a ceremony that worked for us and reflected our relationship.

What (if anything) would you do differently?

It was a perfect day – I wouldn’t change a thing….except for the hair drama. Oh, and I maybe I would have finished my master’s thesis before the wedding.

Top tips to any other mixed national couples planning to get married?

I’m not sure how useful any advice I have would be for couples that have vastly different cultural backgrounds. I just think that you and your partner need to remember that it’s your day and so long as the two of you are happy, nothing else matters.

Those that are familiar with this blog or Deb’s World will be aware that our family loves to travel and I love how this has been a factor in both my sister’s weddings. From my middle sister above meeting her husband aboard and planning a cross-national wedding to my baby sister initially planning an elopement to Fiji but then deciding they wanted the immediate family with them so turned into a wedding abroad. We like to keep things interesting. A huge thank you to my middle sister for getting involved in this post and keep your eyes peeled as my baby sister is also getting involved so a post on planning a wedding abroad will be up shortly.

As my dad keeps saying 2 down 1 to go. No pressure then!

Maybe one day you’ll get 3 out of 3 Pappa.

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Do you want to drink in a Gingerbread Pub?

This Christmas it snowed and I got to drink in a gingerbread house and no I didn’t dream it or fall into a children’s book. It actually happened!

Growing up in Australia my Christmases were always a sunny affair spent on the beach. Since moving to the UK I’ve now spent almost 5 Christmases in the UK or Europe and they are just not the same but that’s a post for another day. The main difference is generally the weather so when we woke to snow on the 27th any feelings of jealousy about my family being on the beach quickly washed away. WE HAD SNOW!!

Now, what better way to celebrate the snowy Christmas than to venture to a couple of villages over where the local pub had transformed itself into a gingerbread house for the festive season.

The pub is The Queen Victoria and it’s in the small village of Priddy in deepest darkest Somerset. It’s a lovely pub and a big hit with the walkers and cavers (as well as the locals) due to its relaxed atmosphere, good food, great service and that there is no carpet so muddy boots and dogs are allowed and in most cases encouraged! We usually would visit in the summer but with the snow and the change of look we just had to head up for a cheeky pint.

The landlord raises a lot of money for local charities throughout the year but Christmas is a time when they pull out the big guns and this year was no different.

It became a freaking Ginger Bread house!!

The whole outside was transformed with sweets, gingerbread men, candy canes and they even renamed the pub- The Gingerbread Inn. Apparently, all the decorations were made by a couple of people in the village and had been stored in their living room for the last couple of months ready for when it was all to be revealed. The decorations went on first and then the lights that adorn the pub light it up nice and bright. I would certainly recommend visiting late afternoon you can see it both in the natural light and then with all the lights on against the wintery night sky.

There is also a Christmas tree made completely of old wine bottles like you needed, even more, reasons to visit. It’s a truly magical and extremely clever idea that has gathered lots of attention in the local areas, as well as being, picked up by the Metro and ITV. I’m sure its help raised a lot of money for the Children’s Hospice South West which is the main reason behind all the effort that it takes to put this together. To have the idea itself is amazing but then to actually pull it off and raise alot of money for charity I couldnt applaude the pub landlord any more if I tried.

I don’t how much longer it is staying for so if you want to to keep your holiday festivities going and can get to Somerset then make sure you plan in a little trip to visit the Gingerbread Inn. There won’t be many times in your life that you can say you drank in a Gingerbread house and I promise you won’t end up like Hansel and Gretal unlesss maybe you drink a bit too much scrumpy.

The Queen Victorias facebook page has a lot more pictures and videos if you need further inspiration to come and visit https://www.facebook.com/queenvicpriddy/

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