Month: January 2016

7 Money Management Tips For Travel

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Travelling and money go hand in hand – if you want to see the world, it’s gonna cost you (although I have some tricks to cut costs HERE). Preparing for my own backpacking trip forced me to check my own bad spending habits and, frankly nonexistent, budgeting skills – so in the spirit of friendship I extend these tips to you. 1. Set a Budget No matter how much money you have saved, or how little you need to know exactly how much money you have to spend each day. Have this amount seared into your mind. If you go over one day, then pull it back the next and if you are underspending either save that cash for a treat or to extend your trip. 2. Open a New Account A savings account that you don’t have easy access to is a great thing. I used to have a savings account but as soon as I logged into my internet banking I was able to quickly siphon any funds into my current account. So …

Sweden in The Summer by Jamie Jonathan Ball

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Jamie Jonathan Ball an artist and children’s book illustrator found a novel way to document his move from the UK to Scandinavia. Using photographs he’s taken as a starting point Jamie has created a series of beautiful illustrations that capture the summer in Stockholm and in various spots on the Aegean coastline. Jamie Jonathan Ball’s website Little Kingdoms chronicles his twin loves of illustration and travel.

11 Ways To Make Travel Dirt Cheap

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Going backpacking or travelling is very costly, no matter how you do it, but you can do things to be thrifty. I know people who have made £1000 last 6 months or a couple of weeks, it all depends on your travel style. So here are a few top tips to save mucho dinero (my Spanish lessons kicking in there, lol) on your trip… GO EAST The cheapest places to travel to are in the East (for us Brits at least), that means backpacker favourites Thailand, Cambodia and Laos as well as India. Europe is pretty expensive but Eastern Europe can be cheap – try Serbia, Hungary and Croatia. Places to avoid: Australia, New Zealand and America. How to save for a RTW trip >>> COUCHSURFING This is a website that connects hosts and travellers from all over the world. You get a free bed or couch for the night – all you have to do is create a profile and pay a subscription fee. Just be sure that your host has good reviews and …

The 7 Emotional Stages of Packing

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Packing was invented by Satan to provide him with much entertainment from confused backpackers and holidaymakers – like why does everything fit in when you first pack, then once you’ve taken it out and try to re-pack it doesn’t? Anyway it’s a necessary evil so let’s go though the 7 emotional steps we all experience: 1. Totally Nonchalant I have months and months to pack. I’m not even going to think about it – I mean as long as I have some cash and a sexy bikini I’m golden, right!? 2. Lets Do Some Research *Spends 11 hours straight on travel blogs* Okayyyy, so I might need more than a bikini… what’s a microfibre towel? I need an adapter or 10 as well… 3. Sh*t!!!!!!!! I have nothing! Nothing. Nothinggggggggg… Why have I been so stupid? I need a torch, a headscarf, a sleeping bag, a 10 week supply of malaria tablets and a crochet dress. 4. Shopping is Fun *Amazon basket full of everything from penknifes to pop up tents* 5. Sh*t!!!!!! I’m spending …

The Perfect Carry-On Packing List

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Your carry-on luggage is super important and it should be treated as such. Your bag needs to be organised and contain all your desert island items. I know everyone has different needs and priorities, so pack to reflect that. This is my carry-on but I hope it helps you to pack yours… Laptop, case (customised with SkinnyDip stickers) & charger Kindle, USB lead & cover Headphones iPhone & charger Travel adaptor Selfie stick Highlighter compact Glasses & case Sunglasses & Frame Chain Business cards Diary Notebook Pens Book (Shantaram) Large scarf Highlighter compact (Clinique) Makeup Bag (READ: WHAT MAKEUP TO PACK) Travel mirror Facial mist Cosmetic bag with sunscreen, tissues, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, bobbles & tissues Camera & memory cards Fan Tote bag PASSPORT!!!!!!!! Tickets & travel documents Money (take USD for emergencies) Earplugs Eyemask     So there you have it, all this fits into my Herschel backpack comfortably and I have tried to organise small bits into pouches and a tote bag to separate. Carry a travel pillow and you’re all set. Happy …

6 Alternatives to a ‘Beach Body’

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The term ‘beach body’ has had a lot of bad press recently. It all started last summer with Protein World’s bikini-clad campaign and culminated in Women’s Health banning the phrase. Now, I don’t know why that particular ad started the backlash, because it’s something anyone who has ever bought any women’s magazine ever will have seen a million times before. In and of itself, the saying ‘beach body’ is not offensive at all, but the expectation that all us mere mortals should be 5’10”, beach blonde, long-legged, big-titted, with an ass like Kim Kardashian, abs like Jessica Alba and Jennifer Aniston arms is so overwhelmingly unachievable. Not to mention we all need to have completely hairless bodies, with no excess fat (except on the aforementioned ass and tits) the colour of molten gold that don’t sweat… enough already. Lets’s look our bests, yes, but in an inclusive, mentally healthy way. With that in mind, here are my six alternatives to that impossible ‘beach body’. 1. A HUGE F*CKING SMILE This is so cliché and I …

Backpacker Beauty: The Ultimate Edit

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We must first discard any wild notions of looking like Kim Kardashian on the beach. This is impractical and will not happen. You will look more like Helena Bonham Carter in Harry Potter (or indeed Helena Bonham Carter in anything). And that’s okay, come to terms with that. While accepting a more low-key look is important, obviously there are a few beauty tips and tricks to ensure you make the most of your natural beauty while travelling… MY FAILSAFE KIT You only need a small, teeny makeup kit I have detailed every single product right HERE. As for the rest take multitasking products and lots of sunscreen. Other amazing products are: Eucerin Sun Creme SPF 50 Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Glossier Balm Dotcom Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Le Labo Santal 33 Solid Perfume THINK SKINCARE NOT MAKEUP Again, makeup in 40 degree heat is as much use as an ashtray on a speedboat. That shiz is gonna slide off your face like oil so focus of healthy glowing skin. You get good skin by …

Almost Time to Go? Get Your Affairs in Order

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So you’ve booked your flights, paid them off, saved some cash and waited what seems like a lifetime. Suddenly the time is almost upon you and you’ve got a couple of weeks to get your shit in order. This can be pretty overwhelming, realising you actually have quite a few things to sort out before your trip, so here is a list of things you need to do so you can chill once you’re at your destination. PACK This might sound obvy but pack EVERYTHING in good time, you can always unpack if there are things you’ll need to use but pack up everything you plan to take in your backpack or suitcase to see if it fits. Also to see if you can carry it. If you can’t then at least you have time to edit. Also launder any clothes that need to laundered and purchase anything on your list that you don’t have yet. Read my packing list>>> GROOM Give yourself an epic grooming session before you leave so you can chill out …

Want to Get Away? Here’s Your Inspiration

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I bloody love a mood board, be it cut outs from magazines in my notebook, a file on the ole’ laptop or a highly curated Pinterest collection – they can sometimes help get me through the week. Since it’s hump day I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite travel-centric images. Maybe you’re planning a RTW trip of your own and want some inspiration, you’re counting down to a holiday or you just a break from looking at the grey UK skies. Anyway enjoy… Check out my Pinterest >>>

Makeup to Put in Your Backpack

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This article has been a long time in the making as I have edited and whittled down all my makeup leaving only the most essential products. Everything on this list has earned its place and the final edit won’t take up much space at all!   Makeup bag Choose a small one to prevent shoving too much slap in there! Also select a plastic or wipe-down style rather than fabric as it’ll be much easier to clean. Mine is the size of a pencil case for reference. ASOS have a great range>>> Convertible Colour This is a product that can be used on lips or cheeks and as its a cream, it’ll work well in hot climates. Mine is a natural pink shade from Lipstick Queen which gives my cheeks a healthy glow, but I also like Stila’s colours.  Foundation/Concealer Not a thick flaky one, but just something you can use to cover any blemishes. I like Illamasqua Skin Base because it’s quite light. I have it a couple of shades darker than my skin (SB 13) …