Wanderlust: The Start Of Collecting Memories Not Things

Wanderlust: The urge to travel and see the world.
Its an incredible thing to travel, to open your eyes and your mind and  to new places, people and experiences.
If you've been reading here a while you'll know I was previously a Travel Agent for many years, and before my children came along, I would often have 3 holidays a year, each to different destinations.

Sometimes as a 'grown up' with all the responsibilities of raising children and seeing the family has everything it needs years will fly past, and within a blink of an eye, you haven't been outside of your country for 7 years..

This year my Husband and I have made a pact: No Christmas presents for each other. We need for nothing material and so have decided to put our funds in to a trip. A trip for the soul.
To do just this:

Trying to live more minimally is never ever easy, especially around Christmas where here in the western world we are constantly bombarded with the need to purchase more and more.
But this year we won't be. This year we shall out choosing a date, a destination and start to plan some memories.

So, the next question of course.. Where shall we choose?
I was hoping you could help.

Here are my top 5 places to to visit in Europe

1. PARIS

Oh pretty Paris, this place sure is spectacular. I've been here 3 or 4 times, and yet never bore of this beautiful city. Even though i've been many times, I've never experienced it with my husband. To hold hands and wander the cobbled streets of the Latin quarter, to view the Mona Lisa and climb the Eiffel Tower with man I love is a definite calling for me. There is something distinctly romantic about this city, like you can just feel it. Have you ever been? Would you agree?
And with great hotels like Citizen M making it easier than ever to stay, Paris could be calling us.

2. ICELAND

To see the Aurora Borealis would be a major tick off the ol' bucket list. This natural beauty is a must see at one point in my life. On the right night at the right time you can see the northen lights from Scotland, Norway, Finland as well as Iceland. 

But if I were to choose, Iceland would be my choice. With the Blue Lagoon and The Golden Circle to also visit, there are plenty of things calling me to this beautiful icy country.

3. DUBROVNIK

Croatia has become the hidden jewel in the Mediterranean. A place ram packed with history and character. With its distinctive old town and baroque buildings, some dating back to 1600's it is a history buffs dream, whilst also offering a plethora of shops, bars restaurants for the modern traveller. I would love to visit here soon as it gains popularity year on year, i would like to see it before it gets too popular which inevitably changes things. Croatia is also still in the Croatian Kunar, making eating out and purchases still very good value for money. It is also a brilliant spot for taking day trips and visiting surrounding areas such as Bosnia, Kolocep and more.

4. SICILY 

Its a sad state of affairs when your husbands family come from a beautiful country but you haven't yet been. I mean i've been with my husband ten years, and hasn't been since he was 13 i believe. So i would very much like to rectify that. His family comes from a small town in the centre of Sicily, with traditional cobbled streets, and houses built in to the hillside.

Sicily is a beautiful country, and a trip to Palermo would be top of my list, as well as the possible venture to Mount Etna! What a spectacular site, to see one of the most active volcanoes.

5. BRUGES

A complete chocolate box of a city. Filled with beautiful canals to stroll along, cobbled streets and fairy-tale-esque houses. With historical and heritage tours there is plenty to see and learn. If you like churches, basilicas and general holy buildings, this has them in abundance, plus the night tours are apparently not to be missed, with floods of lights filling the town showing it off in all its spectacular glory. I've heard the Bruge Christmas Markets are some of the finest, with trinkets and chocolate for all. Also Belgium does the BEST waffles.

I thought this list would help me but I just want to visit them all, I have complete wanderlust and the urge to see new places, share new experiences and collect great memories.

So tell me, where would you if you had the chance, or you are in-fact going somewhere?

Image

Honeymoon Ideas #Justhitched

Ok, so we all know by now that I am an ex travel agent who still loves to help friends and family with their travel needs, yes? I mean I don't book anything any-more, but any advise i can give i will happily help. I will often be having email conversations and DM's from friends with travel questions and i love keeping my foot in the door, as travelling really is a wonderful thing that everyone should experience as much as they can.

It's that time of year when proposals and weddings are in abundance. Whether you're just engaged, thinking about it, or closing in on the deal, i have some honeymoon advice for you, and my favourite destination for a honeymooners paradise too.

First Up

Advice for booking your honeymoon

• When you first start planning your wedding, plan a budget for your honeymoon. Couples will often pour their heart and soul and savings in to their wedding day and then forget about the honeymoon until a couple of months before. Don't do this. Plan it alongside your wedding, as once your big day is through you want to have something to look forward to. Plus its going to be your first time together as husband and wife, you deserve for it to be special.
• Discuss what you both want out of a honeymoon. Do you both want to relax, sightsee, bit of both? Clarify before you start searching, that way you can limit your search down to select areas rather than the whole globe.. trust me on this one, I've been around the world and back planning honeymoons for couples who haven't really thought through what they want.
• Book in advance. Flights come out approx 11 months in advance. The first flight seats that are released for general sale are often the cheapest, the closer you get to the date of departure, the higher the prices will be. So again preparation is key. If you have the time, book in advance. If not seek out some offers through the likes of Flight Centre who have dedicated honeymoon offers
• Indulge.. Chances are this is going to a trip of a lifetime. Don't scrimp on it, indulge in a little luxury if you can. Trust me, you will be talking about this honeymoon for years to come, it will set your married life off to a fabulous start. If it were me (and this is just my frank opinion, because i love to travel) I would forgo a few things on the wedding day, because the marriage to your loved one will be a buzz enough for you on the big day, and put that money towards a fabulous honeymoon. That way you will have the best of both.

My Top Honeymoon Destination for #JustHitched

Bahamas, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort

White sands, crystal turquoise waters and the most glorious palm tree clad surroundings.
The perfect spot for any honeymooners.
If you aren't familiar with Sandals resorts then let me briefly acquaint you.

Pure Luxury
Adult only resort, perfect for honeymooners (no kids dive-bombing in to the pool, I mean I have kids, but man how awesome and peaceful, right?).
All inclusive: eat, drink and be merry.
Multiple facilities: water sports including diving, land sports including tennis, gym for all your fitness bunnies, and much more.
2 beaches
Spa
10 Restaurants.. all included
And if you're really pushing the boat out, some Butler class rooms have butler service.. oh yes, you read correctly, personal butler service.

So why here?
If you want to be treated like a princess, be left in peace or weighted on hand and foot, this is one of those places.
Beautiful luxury oozes from every corner of this resort, ensuring the most perfect honeymoon is their priority from the moment you set foot on this island.

The reasons i chose this as my top honeymoon destination this year are:

• You are just off shore, on Sandals dedicated island. You want peace? You got it, Want to explore? Take a boat across to the mainland and head out for some fun.
• Speaking of outside, try some day trips, including Swim with dolphins, distillery trip, The Queens Staircase and of course the Waterpark at Paradise island... just to name a few... needless to say you won't be bored.
• If you're staying for 10-14 days (which i would say is best for a long haul honeymoon, make the most of every day I say!) then you want a plethora of restaurants available to you. Sandals has 10 here all included, all available. This is crucial as you don't want to have to eat at the same buffet for 10 nights on the trot.
• Evening entertainment included. Sit back, relax with drink in hand and enjoy the varied entertainment program.

So tell me, if you were to book your honeymoon this year, where would you go? Or maybe your planning your wedding and need some inspo?
Why don't you get involved on twitter with the hashtag #JustHitched

Dress with a View

 So i'm back in a cemetery again.. this time we were in the local town of Old Llantrisant and the views are just phenomenal at the church here. It really is a wonderful spot. Crazy really, i often crave holidays to gorgeous European destinations to see views just like this, when in actuality i have some pretty spectacular ones right on my door step!

I guess being back in the travel industry has re-sparked my love for travelling. Each day i work in the travel agents i price up holidays and imagine what it would be like to go. Top of my Travel bucket list are Sorrento, Rome and Venice in Italy and Dubrovnik in Croatia. And even though now my not be the ideal time for us to travel ( cos' of moving house, Paul starting a new job, generally starting afresh) i totally can't wait for the day we can jump on a plane and see the world some more.

But for now these views aren't to bad ....

When i was last in travel 7 years ago, i was quite a lucky girl and got to see some amazing places. I've visited Barcelona and many parts of Spain, Paris and other parts of France, Cuba, New York, Dominican Republic to name just a few, and each and everyone i loved.

The nice thing about going away, i always look forward to coming home, sleeping in your own bed in your own home.. it's still the best place to be :)

 Do you love to travel? 

Where is your most favourite place?

Dress: c/o next (last year)

Cardigan: Tesco

Hat: Next

Scarf: Warehouse

Shoes: Minnetonka

Ps
 Have you entered the amazing Lotta From Stockholm Shoe Giveaway?Have you seen the new Aubergine T-bars?...ahhhhhhh, drrooolll...  Go enter HERE!


Also the Totally Awesome Blog Hop is still live here, join in and meet some fellow lovely bloggers!!
Or click on the button....