Goa - Not Just A Beach Holiday

I don't know quite why, but whenever I think of my perfect beach destination, somewhere perfect with pink sunsets and unspoiled beaches, my thoughts always turn to Goa; despite never having (yet) visited.  

After doing extensive research for my Summer holiday, one of the destinations I looked at was Goa and it turns out, Goa has so much more to offer as a destination than just perfect beaches.  Whether you want a lazy beach holiday, something action packed with sports, a party time or want to check out the culture, there is something for everyone.

If you are looking to get a great tan and have a relaxing time, check out the beautiful beaches, particularly Mandrem, Baga and Cavelossem.

For something more action packed, why not check out the Devil's Canyon or Goan Caves?  You could also check out the spice plantation and say hello to the elephants or perhaps visit the butterfly conservatory in Ponda.

If you are looking to see some wildlife as well as checking out the beautiful scenery of Goa, why not go to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary or the Mollem National Park which are home to sloths, panthers, fairy bluebirds, barking deer and many other species.

If you are looking for some fun times, the nightlife in Goa is amazing.  Check out Tito's Road in Baga Beach for big name DJs and commercial style music or perhaps Anjuna Beach if you are looking for partying right on the beach and the Psy Trance experience.  Don't forget about the not to be missed Arpora which has the infamous nightclub in the sky.

There is so much more to Goa than meets the eye.  

Holiday Gems is a brilliant budget holiday website that offers fantastic deals, whatever time of year.  The best time to visit Goa is between November to March so have a look on the site for a great deal and get booking!

This post is in collaboration with Holiday Gems.

Top 5 Tips For Planning a Long Haul Holiday

As I mentioned in my previous post, How To Do The Grand Prix In Style, next year I turn 40.  Although not particularly bothered about the number myself, I am bracing myself for the inevitable teasing and middle age jokes.

For me though, 40 is a number and is more an excuse to celebrate and do something really fun.  Especially as my best friend turns 40 in the same year so a holiday together is something we are really considering.

Me being me, I have been doing a lot of research.  Now whether you are planning vacation rentals in Los Cabos, an action packed holiday around Australia or a sight sighting tour in Japan, planning your long haul holiday pulls up a few more things to consider.

So here are my top 5 tips for planning a long haul holiday.

Where do you want to go?

If you are planning a long haul holiday, you are going to spending serious money which you need to ensure that you spend wisely.  What type of holiday are you looking for?  Do you want to lie on a beach in paradise?  See as many sights as you can and absorb the culture?  Do you want somewhere hot or cold? Do you want a holiday with a bit of everything?

The world is very large and there is the opportunity to get everything that you want.  You just need to decide what you are looking for and thereby, narrow your options down.  If you are going to be spending a lot of money it is so important that you choose the location that will be perfect for you, for the right price.

With that in mind...

Research, research and research again

So you have chosen your destination.  Now to choose what you are going to be doing when you get there.  Where you have chosen to go on a bespoke route or a package holiday, if you choose to arrange trips or places to go whilst already on holiday; the chances are that you are going to pay over the odds.

Even if you are just planning a beach holiday, which beaches are the best?  Where the best and most recommended bars and restaurants to go to?  What is the best way to get to that perfect beach that you found online but have no clue how to get to?

Perhaps you have booked the perfect place to stay but want to take day trips and investigate some of the culture and see the sights.  How do you get there?  What are the recommended things to do by people who have visited the country before?  What trip looks amazing, but would turn out to be a boat ride to hell or the most boring 8 hours you have ever wasted?

I think we all have fallen for a well promoted but ultimately terrible trip on holiday.  I still have nightmares about a 6 hour boat trip that promised dolphins and fine food but ultimately was terrible seas and even worse food.

Tripadvisor and travel blogs are your friends.

Respect the culture

Chances are that if you are planning a long haul holiday, you are going to be visiting a place that has a different culture to your own.  A simple gesture in a different culture can mean something totally different.

For example, in places like Japan South Korea, tipping is classed as an insult.  They take pride in the job that they do and do not want or need an incentive to do it well.  In Russia, the Middle East and Western Africa a thumbs up has the same meaning as giving someone "the finger" in the UK and the US.

Your timing also works differently depending on the country you visit.  In Germany, turning up late, as it is in most of Europe is considered rude; whilst in places like Latin America, turning up about an hour late is deemed the most appropriate time to attend an event.

So you have chosen your destination, planned what you are going to do; what else do you need to think about?

Plan for the plane journey

A long haul holiday means a long haul flight.  6, 8, 12 hours being on a plane.  The best tip I can give you is to invest in a travel pillow.  Sleep on a flight can be nay on impossible, but a travel pillow, practically one that wraps around your neck or enables you to rest your head to one side is a God send.

Don't over indulge on the bar.  Chances are with a long haul flight is that a few free alcohol drinks are going to be included.  There is nothing worse than having a few too many drinks, falling asleep and then waking with a hangover with a few more hours still left on the plane or worse; that you now have to navigate an unknown airport in a foreign country with your head pounding.

Remember, this is part of your holiday too!  So have a glass of wine to celebrate but entertain yourself as well.  Take advantage of the wifi and watch that TV series that you keep meaning to watch on Netflix.  Read that book you have been meaning to read for ages but haven't had the time.

Pack Intelligently

This applies to all holidays.   Do you really need those 14 dresses for a 10 day holiday?   Do you need that extra swimsuit that you love but feel uncomfortable in?  If you don't feel comfortable wearing it at home, you are not going to feel comfortable wearing it on holiday.

During the day you need minimal clothing.  A couple of swimsuits or bikinis, a fabulous pair of shorts or a skirt that you can team with different tops.  A comfortable pair of sandals for the day and a couple of heeled and non heeded options at night that you can wear with everything.

Remember, when it comes down to it, everything you need (apart from passport, tickets and money) can be purchased there.  Buy local shampoo and conditioner that you can leave in your room when you leave.  

Take mini products where you can and leave space in your suitcase for the flight home for those gifts and purchases that you bought to remind you of the trip.

What tips would you give for a long haul holiday?

*Post in collaboration with Luxury Retreats.  All images from Pixabay.

Top 5 Things To Do In Gran Canaria

I have finally made the decision, I am going on holiday next year!!  I haven't been away on holiday for seven years now so think that I am definately due some sunshine.

As always when I decide to do something, I research!  This is especially important when you are going away on holiday, not least for the amount you are spending.  You want to go somewhere that has everything that you want, for the best price.

This week I have been looking at Gran Canaria with Holiday Gems and thought I would share some of the research I have been doing, to help you with your holiday destination planning too.

Gran Canaria is in the Canary Islands, just off north western Africa.  The flight time is 4.5 hours, something to consider for those of you who don't like flying.  Personally, I love flying and enjoy it as part of my holiday.

Gran Canaria has both white sandy and black lava beaches.  Depending on whether you are looking for a busy, active holiday you might choose to go to Puerto Rico or for something quieter, somewhere like San Agustin.

Here are 5 things to do in Gran Canaria depending on what type of activity you like.

Drink Rum!

Let's face it, when we go on holiday we are allowed to have a tipple (or 5).  Gran Canaria is famous for its Arucas rum.  Gran Canaria has been producing sugar cane for 5 centuries now and during that time, has perfected its rum making which is now exported all over the world.  

There is a distillery that you can visit which is 15 minutes outside of the capital which gives you an afternoon experience of showing you how the rum is made and of course, allowing you to sample some of the many flavours of the rum!

Look to the Stars

For a night time activity, what is better, and more relaxing, than looking at the stars?  Gran Canaria is one of the best places in Europe to see the stars at night and there are two different observatories on the island that offer night walks.  Not something perhaps for a family holiday, but perfect for a romantic holiday away.

Go Swim with the Fishes!

Gran Canaria is great place to go scuba diving over various parts of the island.  If you are looking for a relaxed dive, looking at the fishes and maybe coming across a sea turtle or two.  For the more experienced, you could check out the El Cabron Marine Reserve, there is submerged wreck at Puerto Mogan or a cave dive in Las Palmas.

Take in some history

For me, it is important for me to take in some culture of the place that I am visiting.  To see the history of the country and what is important to those that live there.  

To achieve that, you can do no better than visit Teror which is a place of pilgrimage for the residents of Gran Canaria as it holds the state of the Virgen del Pino which is the patron saint of the Canary Islands.  There are also weekly Sunday markets where you can pick up handcrafted local items.  To check out some authentic and typical architecture of the island, go to the Plaza de Teror.

See the whole Island!

One of the best things about visiting an island is being able to see the whole of it in one day.  This is something that you can do in Gran Canaria.  There is a day tour available which enables you to see all four coasts of the island in a trip that takes around 8 hours and costs around £32.

You get to see everything from the pictureque fishing villages to the mountains, the banana plantations and also the famous Canteras beach.  

So what do you think?  Is Gran Canaria somewhere that you would think about visiting for your summer holiday?  Let me know!

Images all from Pixabay

Post in collaboration with Holiday Gems

The City Break Checklist

Whether it’s Barcelona, Prague or London, packing for a summer city break can be tough. Unlike beach escapes where you can throw a few bikinis and a pair of flip flops in a case, city holidays need a carefully considered wardrobe.

City breaks are naturally more active than beach holidays, as you explore all that the city has to offer. With the wrong clothing, this can be a disaster — blisters and sunburn anyone? Thought not! Daniel Footwear is here to help with their our essential city break packing checklist.  Check it out below!

Shoes

Whether it’s ancient cobbled streets or long days spent sight-seeing, there’s only one thing for it: trainers. Thankfully, we’re in the midst of a 90s revival, meaning our trainers are bang on trend, as well as super comfortable. For a glam edge to your everyday style, we love our range of Michael Kors trainers.

When day turns to night, and the clock strikes cocktail o’clock, those cobbled streets and lengthy treks still remain. However, we fully understand that you might want to add a touch of glamour to your evening outfit. Depending on what you have planned, you may want to take some heels with you — you can always take a taxi if it’s a long way away. Wedges are a popular choice, and they look great with both jeans and dresses.

We recommend packing a pair of comfortable flats, such as sliders or Fitflop ballerina shoes, and a pair of embellished sandals too. Embellished sandals are a stylish alternative to heels, perfect for channeling that beach-to-bar look, while their added glitz adds a dash of glamour that every summer night needs.

Accessories

Sunglasses are a must – especially in those typical hot climates. They help you look stylish whilst protecting your eyes from the sun rays. Who doesn’t love a big pair of sunglasses? It can get extremely hot when you are out exploring a new city, partner your sunglasses with a sunhat for an instantly glamorous look. A sunhat is a timeless accessory that will shield your face from the mid-day sun, whilst making you look very chic.

For an evening, don’t forget to pack some statement jewellery to finish your look. Bold jewellery will mirror the glitz and sparkle of your embellished sandals.

Clothing

Maxi dresses are fabulous for the summer. They are a great city break staple that are cool and stylish by day, and totally glamourous by night when partnered with a pair of wedges and a chunky necklace – very boho.

When you are out exploring the city’s history, something light and floaty is ideal to keep you cool throughout the day. Cami tops, kaftans, floral playsuits and tea dresses are perfect, and totally on trend. They’ll even look great with your trainers. Fashion that’s comfortable, who would have thought it?

We also recommend packing some t-shirts to pair with some frayed denim shorts just in case you burn your shoulders. They cover up those sore burnt bits, whilst keeping you cool when you explore rest of the city.

Sun cream

Whatever you do, don’t forget your sun cream. It can get very hot when you are out and about during the day doing activities, and you might not realise the strength of the sun’s rays. You don’t want to ruin your strip with sore sunburn, or even sunstroke. Be safe and apply plenty before you head out into the sun.

*Collaborative post

Get The Most of Your Vacations

Pexels

I realised last month after my best friend's anniversary that I had not been abroad for six years. The last time was her wedding in Cyprus. This has been due to a lack of planning as much as a lack of funds.

The thing about travel is that it can be pretty expensive, so it’s best to get as much as you can out of it as you can. In one of my previous posts I talked about wanting to go on a holiday alone next year. This has now progressed into possibly visiting a few different areas (or countries!) during a couple of weeks time period. This is something that I really, really want to go and as such, I have been doing a lot of research.

The thought of travelling alone is both terrifying and exhilarating to me and I want to ensure that I am have the best time possible. Here are some of the tips that I have been picking up to plan a travelling trip in the best way - ensuring that you get the most possible out of it.

Do your research

When people talk about doing research before travelling, they’re usually thinking of the sort of research you do when you’re building an itinerary. Going on Yelp to find local businesses, looking at Google Maps to find the routes you need, et cetera. But the sort of research that really helps you get to know a place on a deeper level can involve reading more about the history of the destination, or even reading fiction from its writers. Visit travel blogs that have odd anecdotes about vacations in the area are worth a read! These things help you get a feel for the culture before you arrive, which can increase your empathy and sensitivity once you’re at the destination.

Pexels

Don’t build a hectic schedule

One of the most common mistakes with any sort of vacation is the building of a really busy itinerary. People think of all the attractions they’d possible want to see then create a day-by-day, even hour-by-hour schedule to make sure they can fit it all in. But not only are these itineraries pretty hard to stick to most of the time, but it also puts you in a bit of a rush when you’re there. This, of course, is a mistake. To get to know a place much more, you should really slow things down. Less is more when it comes to itineraries; spend more time at your chosen destinations, and allow for some leeway so that you don't see just the touristy things, but nothing about the area or its people.

Interact with the locals more

If you really want to get to know a place as much as possible, then is there really a better way of doing it than by spending more time with the locals. If you’re visiting a foreign country, then this may mean that you have to learn a bit of the local language. (Don’t just assume they’re going to know how to speak English, even if you’re going somewhere like Germany or France!) If you have the time, then see if they’re willing to share interesting stories about their lives in this place. At the very least, you should be able to get recommendations for places to visit that the guidebook doesn’t even mention. Speaking of which…

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Don’t rely on the net for all your info

One of the reasons why speaking to the locals is such a good practice is that you’ll get more suggestions of places to visit, or a better feel of where the locals like to eat and drink. A lot of people rely too heavily on the Internet for this sort of information. That five-star review on Yelp tells you a lot less about a given place than you might think - and the same goes for a one-star review! Another reason that the Internet can be a little unreliable is that most people end up going directly to a business’s website to find out more about it. This doesn’t always give you the most balanced and fair view of the place.

Personally I never rely on sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp because every single person has different wants, needs and preferences. Someone's version of a perfect place might be another's version of hell!

Get yourself a guide

A lot of people are put off of the idea of getting a guide, or going on tours, because it seems to impose some sort of strict schedule on them. But if you’re going somewhere fairly exotic or adventurous, or even if you’re simply going to a city where you don’t know the language all that well, then hiring a guide might help you see much more of your destination. Don’t assume that guides all work on commission for nearby tourist spots - many of them will be multilingual locals who are pretty much willing to aid you in whatever you fancy doing. There are a lot of other reasons to hire a guide on vacation, but the potential to learn much more about your destination is definitely one of the most important.

For myself, I think that this would be better if there are a few of you travelling together. On a solo holiday you might feel like you had hired a friend for the day!

Go solo

I am told (and I hope) that people really do underestimate how good solo travelling can be. Whether it’s because of a lack of independence, fear of safety, or even financial constrictions, most people simply don’t consider the idea of going to a new destination without a trusted friend or family member.

But a solo adventure actually forces you to come out of your shell and interact more with the place around you. This is what I want. It helps you feel a lot more familiar with the location much faster, because you’re simulating the experience of simply wandering around just like you might do at home.

There are businesses like Just You - Solo Travel that provide packages and plans for those who don’t quite know how to go about it and need a little help. In general, solo adventuring is one of the best ways to get the most out of your vacation - so don’t dismiss it!

Pixabay

Keep the camera in your pocket

Don’t see most of your vacation through a camera lens, or through the screen of your smartphone. I’m not saying don’t take pictures - because you absolutely should - but your first instinct when you see something astonishing shouldn’t be to reach into your pocket. This actually alienates you from the experience somewhat; it forces you out of that immediacy and turns you into a different type of observer. Really take the time to look at things with your naked eyes; this is where the priceless moments of any vacation are found.

As an example of this, last year I saw someone say that they had missed the experience of their child seeing Disneyland for the first time, because she was so concentrated on getting the right photograph to capture the image. In doing that, she missed the moment.

Look first, take photograph later!



*Collaborative piece

Do I Dare?

Confidence is a multi layered thing.  Body confidence, confidence in who you are, what you believe in, confidence to do what you want, when you want.

I have come a long way in terms of confidence.  Thanks to the plus size blogging community I found the confidence to dress as I always wanted, and in time, confidence to be more myself.  Specifically, to be able to say what I think, share opinions on here, on social media and in general life about what I believe and am passionate about.

I have gone from the person who said nothing in a conversation to someone who has emerged as a feminist, political and outspoken.  Some may say I have emerged out too much the other way, but I can only be who I am.

There are still things about my confidence and comfort level that I want to work on; one of which is something that I think a lot of people struggle with.  I want to be able to eat out, in public, in a restaurant or cafe, alone.

As a fat woman, you seem to attractive the gaze of people when you are eating anyway, as they not so subtly check out what you are eating.  A fat women eating alone will no doubt attract twice the stares and I am not sure I can deal with that.

But, I have a dream.   I want to go to Barcelona on my own for a few days.  Some time just for me, to be on my own, to explore a new place and do whatever I wish.

I am fine with flying on my own. I think that I would be OK spending a few days on my own in a new city if I planned everything so I knew what I was doing and where I was going; but it is the small matter of eating that is bothering me, and holding me back.

I want to be able to go into a cafe or restaurant and sit at a table alone, without feeling like all eyes are on the single fat woman.  Although I have more confidence now, I am still not and probably never will be the kind of person who makes friends in a instant and ends up joining people's tables.  So it will just be me.

Do I dare?  

In my head I know what I would say to someone else who was airing these fears.  To not let your fears rule your life.  To take a book or a tablet with you for something to play with if you are getting nervous.  To ignore any stares and not to imagine any.  That people have better things to do in their life than stare at me.

I think that I could deal with breakfast and lunch, but going for dinner on my own?  That is something I have never done before and to be really honest, the thought of it terrifies me.  But I want to do this so badly.  

Then the other thought enters my head.  Am I strange for wanting to go away on my own?  I have friends that I could of course invite but something in me just wants to do this on my own.  I have no idea why.  It is an odd thing to do?  I have thought about it so much, I don't even know any more.

Any advice on eating alone in restaurants would be greatly appreciated.

A Break For Christmas

I cannot believe how quickly Christmas has crept up upon on us this year.  It does not seem two seconds since I was bemoaning the fact that I had just seen my first Christmas tree on the 1st November and yet suddenly here we are already on Christmas Eve.

This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster for me to say the least.

I am very happy that my blog has continued in the same path, forever moving forwards.  I am still constantly surprised when I receive a nice comment on something I have written and when someone tells me that they read my blog, I still get a little warm fuzz in my heart.

This year also saw the start of my writing for the Huffington Post.  After seeing a couple of other bloggers submitting pieces, I decided to work up the courage to submit my own piece and now I happily am able to write on my own little "Huff Post" blog whenever I feel the urge to discuss, ponder or rant (which is quite often).

This year has had many highs, but unfortunately, with the high points, you also get the lows.  The first of these came when my step dad fractured his spine back in September.  Writing this today finds him still in hospital, having physiotherapy with a hope that he will walk again.  That journey has been a long and arduous one, not least for my mum who has made so many trips to the hospital that she jokes that she knows every blade of grass on the way.

I remain optimistic for his eventual recovery but am not making any predictions.  All you can do in these situations is take each day as it comes and hope.  To borrow a line from "A Knights Tale" which I find especially true:

Hope guides me. It is what gets me through the day and especially the night.

The second low came when my mum had a fall in the kitchen and split her head open.  Seeing her fall, seemingly in slow motion yet I was unable to get to her in time, hearing the loud crack as she hit her head on the corner of the wall and the masses of blood that followed is something that will not fade in my mind for a long time. 

I always look at my mum and think that she will live forever.  She is the youngest 74 year old I have ever met, but lying on that kitchen floor she looked so incredibly small and thinking that I might have lost her that night does nasty things to my insides.

This year has certainly been eventful in many ways and at this point, I am just wanting to see the end of it.  I have hope that the New Year will bring better things and as they say, onwards and upwards!

I finish work today and won't be back in until the 5th January.  In order to give myself a break I don't plan to be doing anything on the blog until after this time either.  I think I need a bit of time to myself for a while just to relax and have a stress free (crosses fingers) Christmas break.

I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.  See you on the flip side xx

Holiday!

Hello all!

Well it is Friday night and we have finally reached the end of the working week.  For me, this is also the start of a long anticipated week off. 

Where am I going?  What am I doing?   The answer is nowhere and nothing and I CANNOT WAIT.   I have been itching for some complete relaxation time for a while now and now it is here!

I have John Grimshaw, Agatha Christie and Patricia Cornwell to entertain me as well as (hopefully) lots of sunshine, sitting on the patio drinking cold beer and soaking up the rays.   I have jokingly said that even if it showers, I will just cover my book in a clear plastic bag and carry on regardless.

I am hoping that by the end of the week, my body will be relaxed, my mind will be calm and I will feel rejuvenated and ready to face the world anew.

Although I will no doubt be thinking about my little blog I have no plans to write (we’ll see on that one!) but I have scheduled a couple of posts while I am away, a new outfit post and also a competition where you can win some gorgeous suspender tights from Pamela Mann.

I will also be having a post from the fantastic Fashion Worked I cannot wait to read it.

So I will say todaloo for now and see you on the other side!

Lake District Holidays

One thing that I love to do is go on holiday with a good group of friends. 

Something that is important when arranging these types of getaways is that you choose a great location that has something to cater for everyone’s different tastes and needs.

When holidaying in the UK, one of my favourite places to go is the Lake District.  There are many options available for both relaxing with friends and having an action packed time with the family; you really can design your holiday to perfectly suit your needs.

Whether you want to explore the shops, have a look around a historic house or go walking and see some of the spectacular scenery, there is something available for everyone with activities to suit every taste.   Even if you are not much of an explorer but still want to take in the picturesque views of the Lake District, there are lake cruises available where you get the best of both worlds.

Last time I visited the Lake District with my friends we arranged a day per person so that everyone could do something they wanted.  My day involved pitch and putt followed by a cool glass of wine at a local pub!

There is a fantastic competition being run at the moment by Ullswater Steamers where you can win a seven night holiday in the Lake District.  The prize includes staying in an exclusive Pullman Camping Coach, a private ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway and also a trip on one of the famous Ullswater Steamers!

source

You can find the link to the competition here

Even if you don’t win the main prize there are also some runners up prizes up for grabs such as days out at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Ullswater Steamers, Muncaster Castle, Lowther Castle & Daleman Historic House & Gardens; shopping vouchers for Rabbit Rabbit Gifts and vouchers against breaks at Waterfoot Park, Woodclose Park & Hill of Oaks!

When the sun is shining there really is nowhere better than England for a holiday so why not try your luck?

* Sponsored post