Grey skies swiftly rolled in as the minivan ferried us about on our Wales road trip. Excited we pulled up outside the haunting shell of Weobley Castle, a 14th Century fortified manor house.
One of 641 castles in Wales, it might otherwise appear unremarkable compared with its larger counterparts. Surprisingly, what sets Weobley apart is its hilltop position above the expansive and desolate salt marshes of Llanrhidian Sands.
Adrian, our enthusiastic See Wales guide was mid-story when for the first time that day our small group interrupted him with excited cries of, ‘oh wow look at that!’.
Transpiring behind him on a scene set across flat salty lands, was the fervent galloping of about ten wild horses. All heading towards a lone 4WD which must have meant ‘food’ to the motley band of brothers (pictured below).
The wonders of a Wales road trip
The scene was so darkly enchanting, we could very well have landed back in time Outlander-style. The only giveaway, a vehicle that appeared out of place in such rugged old terrain.
As an Aussie adventurer, I now feel compelled to spread the good word about Wales. This is why you should embark on your own Wales road trip.
On the travel grapevine, I quite often hear of people’s love for England. Their desire to tour Ireland’s Atlantic way and Scotland’s mysterious valleys, lochs and mountains. But rarely do I hear about the drive to visit here.
Yet, I’m captivated.
Visiting Cardiff on your Wales road trip
While our last stop on this lovely day trip was Weobley, we’d begun at 9.30am in Cardiff. A city that – typical of our Wales experience – took us entirely by surprise!
A beautiful and contemporary place. Complete with exquisite buildings, parks, waterways, a fabulous bay and castle, world-class university and sporting areas.
Cardiff is an up-and-coming star of the region. One of the fastest growing capital cities in Europe. Its ‘cool’ factor shines bright. Despite a long history dating back thousands of years.
Over 40 per cent of Cardiff’s population is under 30, which is probably why the place feels so fresh and vibrant.
Some of the Civic Centre and national museum buildings actually remind me of the grand Westminster dwellings situated around Victoria in London.
I was pleased for a bit of early morning sunshine. I eagerly snapped a few digital mementos before meeting up with my tour group to head off on our Gower Peninsula adventure.
The Gower Peninsula in Wales
The Gower is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in South Wales that projects westwards into the Bristol Channel. It’s brimming with mysterious old stone ruins, historical castles and churches, ocean-ways, green valleys, marshes, caves, beaches and soaring cliffs.
The following map shows where in the country we were. I’ve highlighted some of the key stops we visited on the See Wales day trip.
Striking Swansea Bay
During the adventure we visited the charming Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea which celebrates the famous Welsh writer. We then drove through the Mumbles and stopped at Langland Bay where a cliff top walk was in order.
We were happy to brave a rather ferocious wind in order to make our way along the coast towards Caswell Bay. Home to jaw-dropping natural landscapes. One can only hope to experience in a lifetime.
2016 is deemed the ‘year of adventure’ in Wales, and visitors plus locals alike are encouraged to explore the Wales Coast Path.
A walking/hiking route which has been developed to link all of the country’s most wonderful landscapes and points of interest.
Our half hour trek presented a small taste of what is on offer – and it is striking!
I’d spent the better part of this day trip around Wales’ extraordinary Gower Peninsula. Excitedly capturing photos and video, gossiping with fellow travel bloggers and gasping at the dramatic landscapes.
It happened to be a surprisingly sunny Sunday. The day before I was set to go back to work after a lovely break away exploring southern Wales.
When I wasn’t clicking to create digital memorie. My mind was chatting incessantly with ideas on what I wanted to write about. As usual I was anxiously mulling over my to-do list. Concerned about how I was going to get back into the swing of work the next day.
Breathtaking, Rhossili Bay
As our mini touring coach gently bumped along a narrow country road. I finally realised that actually I didn’t need to keep the mental chatter up; in fact, I could simply gaze out the window and be wonderfully mindful about where I was and what I had the opportunity to do and see on this breezy April day.
Just when I decided to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, my eyes widened as we slowly rolled by a spectacular green field sprinkled with sheep and baby lambs skipping around. As the setting opened up further, I spotted a number of horses casually grazing on a hilly piece of land overlooking the sparkling sea. It was incredibly beautiful, and like scenery I’ve only ever seen in films like 2015’s Far From the MaddingCrowd (although I am aware it was filmed in England).
Being from Australia, I’m used to landscapes generally falling into the categories of country (inland), city or coastal, so to have pastoral blend with dramatic ocean views was a novel experience.
We drove into iconic Rhossili Bay (pictured above) for lunch – a genuine treat being that this beach is consistently voted within lists counting the world’s top ten (apparently something that has bothered the odd Australian travel journalist, but I’m happy to accept it as true)!
Rhossili village and Worm’s Head (pictured above) were the first spots to be designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the United Kingdom,.
If you have the chance to visit here I strongly encourage you to.
A number of nice pubs sit atop the cliffs so you can experience the true meaning of ‘meal with a view’, but do leave plenty of time for exploring. And obviously, don’t forget your camera.
Here’s a video snapshot of our fabulous day…
Wales road trip travel tips
Stay
Loved the location of the Holiday Inn in Cardiff – we had a nice room overlooking the castle and Bute park and I can’t wait to book a city break back here.
Play
Up the road from the Holiday Inn is a very cool bar and nightclub called Revolution. We had a chance to enjoy post-conference drinks here and liked the music playlist and spacious layout.
Adventure
See Wales is a great option if you’re wanting to explore without the hassle of hiring a car. Our day trip began and ended in Cardiff and took us to Swansea, the Mumbles, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Parc Le Breos ancient woodland and ruins, Rhossili and Worm’s Head on the west coast of the Gower Peninsula, then to Weobley Castle positioned above Llanrhidian Sands.
City Sightseeing red bus tours is a good idea for getting your bearings in Cardiff. If you buy your day pass on the ground it is usually valid for 48 hours so will double as your transport ticket around the city. The hop-on-hop-off coach begins its route outside Cardiff Castle every half hour, and ticks off the city’s must-see attractions including:
Cardiff Castle
National Museum
Doctor Who Experience
Cardiff Bay and Mermaid Quay
Techniquest
Craft in the Bay
Millennium stadium
Have you been to Wales? We plan on returning so if you have travel tips please leave them in the comments below.
I enjoyed some time off from my day-job yesterday and remembered the merits of working for myself. That is, the freedom to wander and work from wherever I please. On this particular day, that took me on one of the best of London secret walks, along the Thames path around Bermondsey. Lovely!
Not that I didn’t miss my work friends, on the contrary, they don’t realize how much I value them. As any independent contractor or remote worker will verify, working on your own all the time can be a lonely business.
I’ve never had the chance to really indulge in this kind of down-time in London though. Usually, if I had time off it was because I was chasing employment or contracts, and I never allowed myself to chill out and explore!
But with a pay-cheque coming in, this time I was happy to indulge in the surprises of London’s beautiful old back streets without any worries. Speaking of which, as we bid farewell to 2023 — a year of coronation celebrations and Superloop introductions — we’re embracing what 2024 has in store for us in London.
London secret walks – Rotherhithe to Tower Bridge
Yesterday was a crisp winter/spring cross-over day, where the sun was shining brightly.
It was chilly but divine; ideal for taking a stroll along one of the best London secret walks.
Charles Dickens describes such a day perfectly in Great Expectations:
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
Thames Walk: London Secret Walks
What I wanted to share with you, is my favourite thing to do in London when I have a spare bit of sunlight – the Thames path walk around Bermondsey.
London secret walks – the Thames path
This section of the Thames path walk weaves its way around the back streets of zone one (the city), along the water and into central London where Tower Bridge dominates the landscape, as it has done for around 130 years.
Our friends Barry and Paulo introduced us to this vibrant area and secret London walk. Many of the great London secret walks can be had around Bermondsey, Southwark, from London Bridge, around Southbank, and across Tower Bridge to the extraordinary Tower of London or lovely St Katharine Docks.
I recently worked out that my favourite wander of them all is accessible via the London Overground (train) from where I jump on at Dalston Junction. It’s just a 12-minute ride up the line to Rotherhithe. From here, you are only a fifteen to twenty-minute walk away from Tower Bridge, but a world of magical experience from the tourist grind.
Thames Walk London Tower Bridge Shard Sunset
London Secret Walks, my route along the Thames path, begin at Rotherhithe. Head to the Overground (orange line) station of Rotherhithe in East London.
No, I still can’t pronounce it, but it’s now one of my free-time go-to destinations.
Turn left out of the station, and then left again immediately at the first street, Railway Avenue (next to the station). It’s just a short walk to the end of this street, where you’ll end up right on the Thames, and on the doorstep of the fascinating Brunel Museum.
Last summer when we passed by here, the tunnel was open underground, and we crawled down a man-hole to below the street where there was a fab light-show art installation being exhibited!
Walk along the riverside – just head towards the bridge! My Google map above might help you out (start at the blue star and follow the red markers into the city). Essentially you can explore what is called ‘The Thames Path’ which travels past some terrific old buildings. This includes what I understand is the oldest pub on the Thames, the Mayflower.
Apparently, to avoid paying mooring taxes, Captain Christopher Jones tied his ship up alongside this pub, and people boarded here before the Mayflower sailed to Plymouth to pick up the remaining passengers and then continued on its historic voyage to America in 1620.
There’s always been surprisingly few people down this part of the world when we’ve dropped by. We’ve taken many visiting friends on this walk because it’s historical and pretty.
Serenity in Central London
Who would have thought you could experience such nostalgia in a peaceful setting in central London? This was the first chance I had to walk it on my own, and as haunting church bells rang out from St Mary’s, I couldn’t help but think about all the lives that had passed here before me.
Perhaps if I close my eyes, I could be transported to any space in time when this place was bustling with trade, markets, sailors, religious folk mingling on the church’s steps, and kids in newsboy caps and scruffy neck-scarfs running barefoot in the street. Just imagine what it might have been like…
Water laps against the old buildings, crows cry out, and seagulls squawk, but the sound of tourist chatter is nil. Every now and then the warehouse conversions open up to vast and amazing viewing spaces, like the spot just past a pub by the name of Angel, which is opposite ruins of King Edward’s manor.
Here you can gaze up and down the Thames, with all of London’s famous landmarks in sight. It’s breath-taking whether the sun is out or not (though it can be windy and a bit chilly on a cloudy day).
Thames Walk London City View Cityscape
You can’t really get lost at this point, because while there’s construction going on, you just need to walk adjacent to the water. Follow the Thames Path signs towards Butlers Wharf; there’s an underpass where eventually you will find more people congregating around Tower Bridge.
I like to stop and people-watch from a perch at All Bar One (free WiFi and yummy tapas here too). But you can easily continue meandering along to the bridge and then across towards the Tower of London.
The experience is ‘secret London’ at its best, and I feel so privileged and grateful to have the chance to get to know this energising old city intimately.
Quieter Walk Along the Other Way from Rotherhithe
If you want to take a look at this area but would prefer to hang out in a quieter spot rather than walking towards the city, we discovered a lovely large and comfortable pub that’s about a five-minute walk from Rotherhithe station. Turn left and go directly down Salter Road until you come to the Thameside YHA.
Across the road from there, positioned on a nice patch of land by the water is The Salt Quay, a good place to eat, chat, blog and soak up some atmosphere. We had a good old gossip with Jordan Lea and Rachael at this very place last summer.
2024 Updates: Embracing New London Walks and Challenges
As we step into 2024, it’s exhilarating to see new trends and opportunities for walking enthusiasts in London. Embrace the London secret walks and discover even more about this wonderful city.
Guide Dogs Sculpture Trail in Canary Wharf (March 2024)
This spring, don’t miss the Guide Dogs sculpture trail in Canary Wharf, featuring stunning guide dog sculptures by various artists. It’s a fantastic way to explore London’s art scene while enjoying a leisurely walk.
Walk 2024km Challenge
For those looking for a more ambitious challenge, why not aim to walk 2024km this year? It’s a great way to stay fit, explore new areas, and contribute positively to our environment.
Nature Notes (iOS Only)
Take the time to appreciate and note the beauty of nature on your walks. It’s a wonderful way to enhance your wellbeing and connect with the environment.
Personal Walking Challenges: Embrace London Walks
Customise your walking experience with a challenge that suits your style. Dive into the world of London Walks by choosing a step, distance, or time-based challenge.
This is your opportunity to uncover the diverse array of Hidden London tours. Make 2024 a year to walk more and discover the secret corners and treasures of London. Every step you take is a chance to experience something new and extraordinary in the city’s unique and lesser-known paths.
Exploring London’s Evolving Landscape
In 2024, London continues to evolve, offering an array of experiences that enrich our walks. The city’s dynamic changes not only reflect its history but also its commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future. Each step along these London secret walks is a journey through time and imagination.
Energy Revolution Gallery at the Science Museum (Spring 2024)
For those who intertwine their walks with a touch of educational enrichment, the upcoming Energy Revolution Gallery at the Science Museum is a must-visit. This space, dedicated to the climate crisis, offers insights into how we can pivot towards greener energy sources. It’s an inspiring addition for anyone interested in environmental sustainability and the future of our planet.
The British Science Festival at UEL (September 2024)
Another exciting event in 2024 is the British Science Festival, returning to London after over two decades. This festival, hosted by the University of East London, is an excellent opportunity for science lovers to engage with innovative ideas and discoveries. It’s a perfect blend of education and leisure for those who love to combine their intellectual interests with their walking adventures.
Living in and Loving London: Embracing the Journey
In 2024, let’s walk not just for the sake of exploration but for the stories we will tell, the people we will meet, and the memories we will cherish. London is a city of endless surprises, and each walk is an opportunity to uncover something new.
So, lace up your walking shoes, step out the door, and let’s make 2024 a year of unforgettable walks and discoveries.
Let’s build a community of walkers who not only seek the beauty of London secret walks but also engage actively with the city’s evolving narrative. Your stories and insights are what make this journey so enriching for all of us.
Do you have a favourite walk in London? Please do share in the comments so we and other readers can check it out! Your insights always add such richness to our community’s experience.
Flavia Munn is a London-based health journalist and yoga teacher, and friend of travellivelearn.com. Last year she sought affordable Yoga retreats and found her self on an adventure to Turkey.
If you’ve ever thought of combining international travel with the chance to further your creative or spiritual interests, then read on for Flavia’s best tips and details on why you need to do a yoga retreat in Turkey…
When did you travel?
During May (2015) for seven days.
Affordable Yoga retreats: why Turkey?
Life had been really busy and I knew from past experience that this kind of break away was exactly what I needed to reset and relax.
Most people probably decide on a holiday based on destinations they want to visit, but with yoga retreats I think it’s fair to say many students base the destination decision on what kind of yoga they want to practice and with which teacher.
I booked my trip through Free Spirit Yoga because I had heard many good things about the company. I made my final decision based on the description of the teachers who I carefully cyber-stalked (‘researched’) beforehand.
The teachers were Zoe Martin and Gary Ward, of Yoga Leicester who are inspired by the teachings of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya and his son T.K.V Desikachar.
They also brought their very sweet baby daughter along, who entertained everyone at mealtimes! I liked the description of Gary and Zoe’s yoga on the Free Spirit and their own website, particularly their emphasis on yoga’s therapeutic qualities and working with movement, breath and sound. I thought they looked like kind, friendly people – a warm smile can be a deal-clincher when deciding who to spend a retreat with, particularly when travelling alone. I also liked the idea of having two different but complementary teachers.
Where exactly did you go?
The retreat was based at Grenadine in Dalyan, about an hour or so drive from Dalaman airport (about a four-hour flight from London Stansted).
Grenadine Lodge is situated on the outskirts of the small town of Dalyan and within a conservation area. Photos simply do not do the location justice. It really is peace and paradise on earth! Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature (OK, sometimes the birds were interspersed with a dog barking but not an aggressive one). Then you wander across the dewy lawn to one of the two yoga shalas (or huts) for an hour and a half’s yoga – a more energetic style taught by Gary in the morning – before a traditional sweet and savoury Turkish breakfast, eaten beside the pool which is the focal point of the garden.
Next up is the highly stressful decision of what to do with the rest of the day – a lounge beside the pool ordering fresh salads, ice creams and juices; or a 15 to 20 minute walk into town to the shops and market and where you can catch a river boat to the Iztutu turtle beach. Or you could have a hamman, a traditional Turkish bath, which includes a good scrubbing.
For those who have never been to a yoga retreat before, what’s on the itinerary?
How much yoga you do on a retreat is entirely up to you. Don’t feel you can’t come as you don’t think you’ll be able to do two classes a day (which can mean three or four hours of yoga a day).
The yoga is at both ends of the day – before breakfast and before dinner. Gary’s morning class was energetic while Zoe’s evening one was soulful. They both were on the same theme of that day, based on the chakra system. The body’s seven chakras – or energy centres – is a common and effective theme for retreats.
How you spend the time in between is entirely up to you. There are many options for group trips, be that to a hamman bath or the twelve island boat trip, or a massage or other holistic treatments in the solitude of Grenadine Lodge (all very reasonably priced).
The location was divine and the entire group was friendly and funny. In fact, I spent many times laughing to tears! More seriously, it was an incredibly supportive environment and while Zoe and Gary were also on hand for anyone who needed to talk, the amazing staff at Grenadine would literally sort out anything you desired.
The yoga, of course too. It was a different approach for me and I loved it.
The twelve islands boat trip was stunning. We had a boat to ourselves and we could jump into the sea for a cooling swim, and had delicious barbecued food on board.
One big lesson you came away with from this particular trip?
Suspend your judgement. I was a bit uncertain when I saw most of the group were of quite different ages to me and many knew each other from Leicester, but I put that aside and I was right to do so as they were so much fun and incredibly welcoming, warm people.
How many retreats have you been on?
This was my third yoga retreat. Previously, I’ve booked through Yogatraveller and have been to Morocco and Gozo (Malta) with them. I chose the first trip to Gozo based on their website and emails I’d exchanged with Michael Moroney, who runs the business with his yoga teacher wife Michelle. He was very helpful and put at rest any apprehension about travelling alone.
What tips do you have for people who are interested in seeking creative, yoga and/or meditative experiences around the world?
Do your research and ask questions – this gives you an idea of the kind of people who run the retreat and whether it’s for you or not.
I’ve recently booked two retreat centres in India based solely on Tripadvisor and other review sites, and my email exchanges with the teachers who run them.
As a yoga teacher, why do you think retreats are a good idea?
They give you a chance to try something different. I never go on a retreat with a teacher I already practice at home with – no offence to them but I like to use retreats to try a different teacher and approach.
Retreats give you the time and space to explore your practice, learn and develop in a supportive, relaxed environment. I’d attend a retreat three or four times a year if I could (work and finances permitting).
Top three essential items required for a trip to Turkey?
Mosquito repellent, sun cream and a good camera.
What’s next on the travel bucket-list for Flavia Munn?
At the end of March I’m off to southern India for six weeks. I’m very excited about this! It will include two yoga retreats – one in Goa and another in Kerala. In between these, I’ll be cycling around the region including stopping a couple of days in Mysore, which is the yoga capital of India and the home of ashtanga which was taught by Sri Pattabhis Jois until his death in 2009.
I’ll be writing about my experiences on my websiteflaviamunn.com – do check it out and let me know what you think!
Your advice for a first-timer who is keen to try a yoga retreat but tentative because they feel inexperienced?
Just go for it! You won’t regret it. You will only wish you had done it sooner. I’ve only ever met lovely, friendly people on retreats and had truly amazing life-changing experiences.
Would you recommend this experience in Turkey, and why?
Definitely! The yoga was suitable for all – those with no experience, plenty still for the more experienced and a safe and supportive environment for people looking personal development or healing.
…11 top tips on how to travel the world, and all you need to know about tech, travel and clean underwear on the road! Discover more with world-explorers, Ryan and Dee
This past Christmas, Sarah and I decided to visit the coolest city on the Nordic block, Copenhagen. The Danish capital is a clean and dynamic metropolitan city infused with modern architecture, stunning palaces, narrow streets, canals and beautiful homes.
To make our Christmas experience in Copenhagen even more exciting and homely, we were joined by my young cousin, Ryan and his fiancée, Dee, who for the better part of 11 months have been travelling the world, bouncing from one country to the next, across South East Asia, America, Canada, Europe and the UK.
The last time Sarah and I were experimenting on how to travel the world in a similar capacity, we didn’t have the luxury of staying in an Airbnb, or utilising the over-abundance of apps and devices available to locate economical accommodation and flights, compare currencies, and more importantly, make the overall organisation of travel less stressful.
Over a few festive drinks, (at an Airbnb, of course), we had a chat to Ryan and Dee about all they had learned on the road, since packing up in Australia last January (2015).
Here’s the cream of what we learned from our pair of innovative, adventuring millennials.
How to travel the world – 11 top tips with Ryan and Dee
Underwear
The magic number of underwear to carry is 10! Yep, while this is an amusing piece of advice (which was passed onto them on Facebook by another world-explorer before they travelled), they’ve tried, tested and found it to be true. You can live in one pair of jeans for a week but this rule doesn’t apply to underwear, and this number keeps you going for a few days, even when it’s a challenge to get your washing done.
Accommodation
Over 90 per cent of their travels (and when friends have not been able to host), they’ve chosen to stay in an Airbnb – an accommodation brand name that, as travellers know well, has really come to the forefront of the industry over the past year or so. They say the quality, variety, location and price of accommodation Airbnb offers is incomparable. Two of their favourite Airbnb accommodations were in Iceland, and both offered experience as well as a roof over their heads.
One was an old van converted into a room with a double bed and a very warm heater. The scenery was exquisite, and they were positioned uniquely in front of snow-capped mountains with stunning views of the Icelandic wilderness. The other, a barn converted into comfortable accommodation set right in the middle of an Iceland horse farm. The host openly welcomed guests to feed and play with the beautiful animals, all included in the standard price of the listing.
Airbnb is based on trust and reviews. Guests and hosts are both reviewed by one another. Treat the host’s home with the utmost respect, leave it clean (like you hopefully would your own space) and communicate openly and honestly. A bad review could prevent you being invited to stay with an Airbnb in the future.
Getting around
For booking the cheapest mode of transportation with the best rates they like Skyscanner, Google Flights and Rome 2 Rio.
Skyscanner – an airline comparison site featuring plenty of airlines around the world, some you probably have never heard of. Skyscanner brings them all together on one convenient space and allows you to compare based on the most important factor, price.
Google Flights – another airline comparison site with a very helpful, unique feature which allows you to view the prices of nearby cities of the region you are flying to. A slight variation in your journey can help you save hundreds, or maybe thousands of dollars off the cost of your next trip.
Rome2Rio – used to search for all types of transport; buses, trains, car rental and flights. Rome2Rio makes suggestions like flying from Dublin to Bristol then catching a bus to Cardiff which was three times cheaper than flying direct Dublin to Cardiff!
Communication and Technology
Before heading off on their grand adventure, Ryan and Dee chose to arm themselves with two different top-end smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S5 and LG G3). They decided on this route so that, for example, they could get a better response in situations where one phone’s WiFi works and the other doesn’t; the cameras work in different ways in varying situations.
Also, sometimes one phone will attract a better SIM card deal around the world than the other, or provide technical compatibility that another device cannot. All in all, this choice has helped with cost-efficiency, security, communication and image/video capture.
Cloud backup
Ryan and Dee will not live (or travel!) without access to cloud storage. At around $10 a month, they have unlimited Dropbox storage to safely backup everything – documents, photos, video – to the cloud. Their advice is to plan for all of your belongings to be stolen e.g. passports, visas, personal documents and photos – that’s worst case scenario. If you’re fine to access it via any computer in the world, then your worries are greatly alleviated.
Online security
Don’t get complacent about password-protecting your devices and software. They’ve had personal experience at being surprised about what thieves can gather out of the smallest bit of information that can be garnered from anything from your text messages to emails and logins. If it has the ability to be secured, lock it up!
On the other side of this, Dee and Ryan have found that it’s really easy to ping locations back to family using functions on apps like Google Hangouts, Viber and Whatsapp. This is a terrific idea, we think, because when you’re travelling around a country indefinitely and with no set plans, it’s important that someone at a home base has a good idea where you have been and where you are. This goes beyond just checking-in on Facebook!
Making friends on the road
Their top tip? Join a local pub crawl everywhere you go! This surprised me at first, but I realised it makes total sense, because mostly people joining in are fellow travellers and soon-to-be international friends. Also, don’t be afraid to go and talk to people when you are out, because let’s face it, most people are lovely once you get chatting. They have made a lot of friends joking about aeroplane legroom, suggesting ride-shares, and even asking locals on the streets for recommendations on what to do in their hometown.
Networking
It’s not just for business people! Start and maintain WhatsApp groups as you travel, and share photos with your new friends (but do this privately, out of courtesy).
Because Ryan and Dee have cleverly stayed in touch on Whatsapp (and also Facebook), they’ve been invited to stay in exotic places around the globe. Their new friends love seeing them again, and are proud to showcase their homeland to this friendly pair of Aussies.
They have actually based travel destinations solely on catching up with new friends they have met on the road. One thing they are looking forward to most on returning home to Australia is having their international mates come and visit.
Packing
They reminded us to prioritise what you need, and organise important belongings into one bag; that is, toiletries, clothes for the day or week. Keep your most-needed belongings at the top. Also, they split their belongings so that if a bag was to go missing, they both still have some clothes and essentials to share. Pack light, you do not need to travel with five pairs of jeans.
Over the past year, the contents of their bags has completely changed – from singlets and shorts in South East Asia, to warm coats and jeans in Europe. Remember, it’s better to pack light than regretfully over-pack it. If you desperately need something in particular, never fear, if you can purchase it during your travels.
Staying in touch
Dee and Ryan use Facebook to search for people who live in places they are planning to visit, and have found it to be a really easy way to find friends who are either there when they’re visiting, or friends who have just been and who can share travel tips.
Favourite apps
After all this talk about tech, what are their must-have apps (aside from Airbnb, Whatsapp and Dropbox, as mentioned above) for on the road?
1. Google Maps – Ryan and Dee use this app religiously as it provides detailed information about an area, as well as specific directions from one location to another. Important when trying to find an Airbnb in an unfamiliar city. Thankfully the app also offers aerial and street views of properties. How many arguments do you think this prevents!
2. Maps.Me – the offline equivalent of Google Maps. Although nowhere near as many features, it will still get you back to your accommodation in a pinch. Country maps are downloaded while on a WiFi connection, to be used later while offline.
3. XE Currency – allows comparison and conversion of currencies on-the-go. They found this helpful particularly when purchasing groceries, souvenirs and the odd beverage, and is critical when you’re sticking to a budget.
4. Uber – connects drivers with passengers directly, unlike hailing a taxi or booking through a centralised service. The pair find Uber to be significantly more economical than a taxi. Also, the app tells you how many cars are in your area, and the cheapest, fastest route to a destination.
5. Tripomatic – allows users to choose attractions they want to see and creates a day-by-day itinerary for any journey. Travel books are too heavy to carry, this app is the perfect replacement.
Sarah and I collected magnets of our favourite destinations around the world. Ryan and Dee’s tradition is a little more physical – they take photos of themselves doing handstands in front of iconic landmarks and buildings!
If you’ve found this helpful, have a tip or story to share, please let us know in the comments below.
I’ve always been attracted to this place. I think as a child I spotted a romantic photo of the city drenched in snow and have wanted to visit for Christmas in Copenhagen ever since!
Christmas in Copenhagen: getting there
When some cheap airfares from London on Norwegian Air popped up on my radar, I booked it without too much of a second thought. You should keep an eye out as there are often inexpensive airfares to this part of the world, which means you too can make it for Christmas in Copenhagen!
I also love that Aussie, Princess Mary lives in Copenhagen, although ironically she was visiting our home city, the Gold Coast, when we dropped by her home country, Denmark on this visit.
Things to do for Christmas in Copenhagen
We only had a few days in the city, Christmas eve to December 27.
This wasn’t long enough because what I failed to discover pre-flight booking is that a LOT of Copenhagen is closed over the Christmas period. Sadly most of our time was also rain-soaked (alas, not snow-soaked).
We caught up with fellow world-travellers and family, Ryan and Denyka, in the city though, so that did make for a special Christmas in Copenhagen experience!
We feasted by the water at the chic Marriott in the city centre, and while definitely not the cheapest option, we decided to splash out for the special occasion.
Christmas in Copenhagen: all you need to know
Copenhagen is beautiful and clean, but much is closed across the Christmas period. The Christmas markets are very famous, however they are mostly wrapped-up (closed) by December 23.
The City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses do run across the festive period, and offer an easy way to get your bearings across the different parts of town.That way, you can choose where you want to go back to and explore. Some tickets are good for 48 hours too. Many of these tours offer a Carlsberg Brewery experience but sadly this is not on offer all the time (boo hoo) so check the website or with a tour adviser in the city for options. Carlsberg is mostly known as a premium and tasty beer range, and the brewery was founded in Copenhagen in 1847, so plays a cool role in this colourful city’s history.
I’ll be honest, the city is expensive. More expensive than London and Sydney! So, plan your trip accordingly and my lesson is that cheap airfares do not necessarily equal an economical holiday (we found it was quite the opposite, in fact).That said, there are some excellent accommodation deals to be found on Airbnb.
Public transport is easy and efficient enough, but we discovered Uber offers competitive deals for getting around, so sign up on the app before you leave home.If you are staying in the city’s heart however, Copenhagen is pretty easy to navigate on foot.
‘Hygge’ and a cosy Christmas in Copenhagen
Before heading over to Denmark from the UK and as winter approached in the northern hemisphere, we began to read a lot about a heart-warming Danish concept called ‘hygge’.
Recorded as being one of the happiest places in the world despite long, cold, dark winters, it seems some of us have a lot to learn about taking good, cosy care of ourselves and loved-ones in the colder months.
We did indeed feel the warmth, despite the chill.
Sitting by the fire on a cold night, wearing a woolly jumper, while drinking mulled wine and stroking a dog – probably surrounded by candles. That’s definitely ‘hygge’.
Christmas in Copenhagen – Tivoli is the highlight!
The Copenhagen treasure that was open – in a dazzling display of lights, cheer and romanticism, was Tivoli Gardens.
This is my new favourite international Christmas experience, scraping by my other fairy-light-showered fave, Capilano Canyon Lights in Vancouver.
Tivoli is situated right in the middle of the city, opposite Copenhagen Central train station, and it’s the second-oldest amusement park in the world (after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg), opened in August 1843.
Perhaps the term ‘Tivoli’ sounds familiar to you, and it does have historical roots. According to Wikipedia:
The amusement park was first called ‘Tivoli & Vauxhall’; ‘Tivoli’ alluding to the Jardin de Tivoli in Paris (which in turn had been named from Tivoli near Rome, Italy),’Vauxhall’ alluding to the Vauxhall Gardens in London. It is also mentioned in various books, like Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
The park was just the right size to wander around, and features fun, contemporary rides, but hasn’t lost any of its old-world fairground charm.
In fact, here you’ll find one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world (1914), and one of only seven remaining on Earth that is still operated by a brake man.
With spectacular light shows, markets, every building and structure lit up in festive glory, eateries, rides and parades, this is an experience everyone in our little travel group now highly recommends.
If you can’t be at ‘home’ for Christmas, then this is the way to do it!
Returning for Christmas in Copenhagen…
There’s so much we didn’t get to do on our short visit to this part of the world, and the city itself is brimming with extraordinary spaces, quaint buildings steeped in history, lovely parks and waterways.
I was struck by the interesting statues and sculptures too, some of my favourites being the glorious angel statue on the World War 1 maritime monument, and not too far from this but on the water (waiting by the shore for her prince), the very famous Little Mermaid, who celebrated her 100th birthday in 2013.
There’s plenty to go back to in this clean and inviting city, but the one thing I wish I had known about sooner so I could have planned the train trip (around 45 minutes from Copenhagen central), is Kronborg Castle, home of Hamlet!
This is Denmark’s most famous and striking castle, and it was immortalised by Shakespeare in the 1600s. Add it to your list if you’re interested in this kind of history too.
Have you been? We’d love to know your tips and experience – drop us a line in the comments below.
Bath is the epitome of Georgian elegance and is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. It’s a pleasurable day trip from London (take Great Western Rail from Paddington); or stay a night or two and truly indulge in all the romantic things to do in Bath!
Personally, I love Bath because it’s easy to get around but has all the perks of a city like shopping, coffee, plenty to see and do. Bath is rich in history – the buildings tell many lifetimes worth of tales, dating back to the Romans right through to Jane Austen, and even the birth of Royal Mail. And, aside from anything else, the city is strikingly beautiful.
It’s one for the romantics, for sure – a very special place, like York (which you also must visit). Here are seven of our sweetest ideas for you to explore…
7 romantic things to do in Bath, England
Bath Abbey Tower Tour
Bath Abbey is the divine structure that makes for a perfect meeting spot in the town centre. It is an utterly surprising find as you’re wandering the old streets, and you’ll have your phone in hand snapping pictures before you even realise what you’re doing!
Indulge in some people watching in the square, and when you’ve gathered your breath, climb to the top for a bird’s eye view of the area.
If this idea takes your fancy, you can book exclusive personalised tours which take place out of hours. Watch the sun set over this uniquely lovely place, away from the tourist crowds. More at bathabbey.org/towertours.
Stroll along the Gravel Walk
This is fine for all, but Austen fans will especially rejoice because it is the setting of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth’s proposal in Persuasion.
Continue your wander through to Royal Victoria Park for a picnic, and wind up your exploration in the lovely woodland of the Botanical Gardens.
Be mindful after dark though, for although it might seem pretty at dusk it is said that a number of Bath’s former residents often also wander here. Particularly notable is a white haired man who will appear before you on the Gravel Walk, only to vanish back into the night. Spooky, although perhaps a romantic pursuit for the ghost-hunters (like me) among you…
Boo!
Take to nature – canal ride, row boat or horse drawn carriage ride
As you step off the train into the city of Bath, you’ll spot signs for visitor information centres. Drop in and enquire about one of the unique opportunities to interact with nature.
Back in town, we suggest skipping the cab line and instead take a horse drawn carriage ride around the city, just like in Austen’s romantic age. Be enchanted as you pass by grand spaces like the Royal Crescent, Royal Victoria Park and The Circus. Courtyard Carriages will make it happen.
Stay overnight in a romantic hotel!
Bath is brimming with excellent accommodation options for all budgets. If you’re willing to splash out for a special occasion and take full advantage of this city’s status as a centre for romance, this one looks nice – the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. It’s centrally located with sublime views of the city! We’ve not stayed here, but sure would like to. Seems so very Austen-esque.
Another decadent property I spotted on our travels was Bath Spa Hotel, a five star stay overlooking the breathtaking Bath landscape.
Jane Austen festival in September
Yes, yes and yes!
Indulge in regal splendour – performances, balls, workshops, promenades, fairs, lunches, breakfasts (and the odd Mr Darcy sprinkled around town for good measure)…
There are even short tours of the surrounding area on offer so you can get your entire literary and adventure fix with the least amount of effort. If you’re a fan of the author, don’t miss visiting in September. More at janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk.
Note: there’s a plethora of Austen experiences open all year round too if you can’t make it in spring.
Thermae Bath Spa
Bath is of course famed for its ancient baths and healing waters, and now thanks to Thermae, we can all take a dip.
After you’ve explored the interesting old ruins, step it up to contemporary times in an utterly indulgent and romantic manner. Thermae now boasts a sensational rooftop pool with sweeping city views. There’s plenty of other treatments you can enjoy too – the best of modern pleasures and old world lush blended into a sublime chance to unwind and feel the love.
Country walks and quaint villages
When we visited Bath recently, we actually took the Hop on Hop off bus tour, which features two routes through Bath. One travels around the city and explains the local history, and the other highlights the outskirts upon the hilltops overlooking the city’s skyline. This is an excellent way to get your bearings in the city. Helpful too, because Bath is very hilly so it’s easy to get tired making your way around. An option like this makes it simpler to identify the places you might like to go back to, and the skyline journey in particular showcases some lovely walks.
Suggested places to visit include the ‘prettiest village in England’, Castle Combe (accessible from Bath), Kennet and Avon canals which are some of the loveliest waterways working their way through England. The tour guide also pointed out walks you can try nearby to stops on the tour’s itinerary such as around Middle Hill Lodge.
Words can’t describe how lovely it is here, although many writers have attempted to do so throughout history. Why not visit and see for yourself? You may find the Visit Bath website useful, and book your train tickets in advance for the best deal, Trainline.
If you’ve found this helpful or have a tip to add, please let us know in the comments.
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