All posts filed under: Guides

My Packing List Pt. 1

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There are a million and one packing lists out there for RTW backpacking trips, this is mine, and I hope (fingers crossed) that I’m taking the right things and that I can break it down in an easy fashion so as to help you. Here it goes. Countries visited: India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Bali, Borneo Weather: Mostly hot, some cold nights Length of trip: 3-5 months Type of travel: Budget (hostels, sleeper trains and street food) NOTE: I’ve included some quick-buy links to some products to make them easy to shop. Some, but not all are affiliate links from which I make a tiny commission, this is at no extra charge to you. Please email me with any packing-related questions too.  The Backpack I chose one based on price to be honest, I didn’t want to spend hundreds of pounds and I don’t think you need to. I bought a Karrimor backpack from Amazon for £53 and it had great reviews. Hopefully it will be in a locker most of the time. I chose a 65l …

4 Tips to Make Long-Haul Flights Less Boring

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If you’re going to be travelling, backpacking or just taking a trip to some far an distant land (lucky you) chances are you’ll be going by plane… I dread to think how long it would take to visit somewhere tropical by water, road or train. While long-haul flights ain’t everyone’s cup of tea, (unless you’re travelling in business or first class, in which case let me know how it is) they can be made way more enjoyable with these four fun tips… The Mile High ‘Club’ NOT THAT ONE, you dirty-minded thing you, no! Turn your seat into an oh-so-exclusive club (capacity: one) with a banging playlist of the latest tunes. Whether you use an iPod, a walkman… maybe not, or your phone, just make sure you get some great quality over-ear headphones. The in-ear ones are useless. Big headphones cancel out noise too. I use Spotify, but remember to download your favourite playlists so you can listen to them offline. Shop headphones>>> Check out my Travel Playlist>>> You Better Werk A lot of travellers …

How To Travel in Luxury… On a Backpacker’s Budget

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If you’re looking for spa and five star hotel recommendations here, then sorry, you’re in the wrong place. I may be fashionable, but I’m still a backpacker – and there’s no shame in that. Some of the most beautiful and fun things you can do in this world a free. Even back home in the UK a £5 Nandos was pretty much my favourite activity (Gosh I miss Nandos). I’m very inventive though and I’ve come up with some tips to make your budget trip that little bit chicer – and remember, luxury is a state of mind.* 1. Take a little luxury with you Whether it’s a Bella Freud top, your favourite beauty product or even a mini Diptyque candle – put it in your backpack and take it with you. A little item that won’t take up much space can give you a taste of the creature comforts you’re used to and make you feel that bit more glam. 2. Hunt for online deals Want to visit that hotel, restaurant, spa or gallery? …

fashion and travel blog

How to Start a Travel Blog in 4 Easy Steps

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Everyone and their dog has a blog these day, literally, and I’m no different. While there may be a few naysayers who poke fun at the blogging community, I have made great friends through blogging, made a bit of money and had some amazing experiences – being flown to Denmark and Switzerland, partying with Rihanna, writing for my favourite magazines are just a few. So if you’re going travelling I urge you to start a blog, even if it’s just for you and your friends back home to read, it’s an excellent way to document an exciting time in your life, and it could lead to lots of great opportunities! I do not claim to be the expert at blogging, far from it, but I have been blogging in some form or another since 2010 – both personally and professionally – so I’ve picked up a few tricks (and some awards). If you’re interested, read on, ‘cos I’m sharing them! Get a Head Start If you know you’re going away in a year or 6 …

7 Amazing Tips For Staying in Hostels

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Let’s face it, staying in a hostel is no one’s dream situation. Ideally I’d be staying in 5 Star hotels every night… but until they become free, or I become rich, then it’s not going to happen. So hostels it is. These days there are actually some super cool, chic hostels that combine great design and great prices – admittedly most of these are in western Europe or more westernised places – but hostels can be seriously fun! Plus you’re way more likely to meet fellow young travellers in a hostel than the Four Seasons. Here are 7 golden rules for happy hostelling. 1. Take Earplugs My Dad runs a clubnight with a very loud soundsystem and a lot of people complain it’s to loud when they go, the obvious response would be ‘well, if you can’t stand the heat…’ but the staff dole out earplugs. And they work! Don’t be a moaner, just stick a plug in it. You can buy them mega cheap off eBay. 2. And a sleep mask I’m a great …

Tips For Eating Healthily While Travelling

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Eating healthily is hard enough most of the time, but what if you don’t have a fridge, an oven or *gasp* a Nutribullet to whip up something nutritious? As a backpacker, you’ll probably be eating on-the-go and be at the mercy of whatever the local cuisine is. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to stay true to the #eatclean movement while on the move. Forget Western Food Why anyone would want a Burger King in Thailand is beyond me, fast food chains are now sadly a completely global thing. That means whether you’re in Cambodia, Argentina or Cape Town you’ll be able to grab a McDonalds easily. Chance are that the local version of ‘fast food’ will not only be cheaper but way healthier. If you’re a fussy eater just GET OVER IT, try something new and you won’t regret it. An authentic dish like a Pad Thai in Thailand will taste immeasurably better that any western fast food. Besides, you can grab a pizza back home. The best fast food from around the …