Our Two Step Start

Category: Travel Guides

  • Stockholm Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide to Sweden’s Capital

    Stockholm Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide to Sweden’s Capital

    Sweden (or just Stockholm) hasn’t always been a place we both wanted to visit. Some people have recommended the capital Stockholm as a great short week trip, and one we should explore if we could find the time. But it’s never been on our radar and one we almost stumbled upon when booking. This is how we spent our trip, we hope we can inspire your own Stockholm trip!

    The story goes…

    Aimee has been a long-term fan of a quirky American singer called Melanie Martinez…

    After much deliberation, we decided to take time out of our schedule to visit Stockholm…

    We have finally made it to Sweden. Me and Aimee have been excited to visit for months!

    *this post includes affiliate links, which means we can earn a commission- however, this doesn’t cost you any extra, and all opinions are genuine and our own 🙂

    Day 1 in Stockholm:

    After a long wait in the airport and a horrible flight (Jack with a flight migraine), we landed in the early hours and made our way to our hostel Generator Hostel.

    We were both so tired so the only thing we could do was sleep.

    Day 2 in Stockholm:

    There’s no better feeling than crashing after a tiring day and getting a good night sleep in a totally new country… Let’s explore Stockholm!

    We headed out to find a breakfast and stumbled across a quaint brunch place called STHLM Brunch Club. We shared a huuuge Cinnamon milkshake (with a cinnamon bun on top) after ordering a smoothie bowl with lots of fruit, and an avocado brekkie with poached eggs… and loads more! The best part by far was the homemade chilli jam. OH MYYY! Check it out below!

    Off we went to explore city, wandering towards busy areas and stopping for a quick drink (coffee and smoothie) before setting off again.

    The city has beautiful, big buildings- which light up the streets. It certainly is a place you can just stumble upon some really cool places. We found one of the best food halls and it has so much variety, that we couldn’t help but to wander!

    After looking for lunch, and taking some time to people watch in the city, we settled at a really cool burger spot! We had smash-style Swedish burgers which didn’t disappoint, the crinkled fries are a must try at Bastard Burger (what an unusual name)!

    Louis Vuitton Building in Stockholm.
    Vegetable stall in Ostermalm Market
    Smash burgers in Stockholm
    Street photography on Stockholm
    Yellow brightly lit Tunnel Views

    After filling our bellies, and satisfying our appetites, we headed back to chill and get ready for the quiz night! The quiz night was awful if we are honest. It lasted 10 minutes and was hard to hear, be we didn’t let that stop us for the rest of the night.

    We met up with someone from Milan who was lovely, and we have a few drinks (they were soooo expensive!!). One double cost £15… that’s more than London prices!! After things started to become quiet, we decided to venture out and see if there was any exciting events on.

    We came across a seemingly boring pub which had no real attraction but once we entered there was a karaoke room which kept us entertained! Some song choices were questionable, but some allowed us to sing our heart out into the night before we decided to end the night around 1:45 am and trot back to the hostel before hitting the pillow.. HARD!

    Day 3 in Stockholm:

    After a longer than anticipated night, we woke up rather late and quickly got ready before leaving for midday. We made our way to the southern part of the city, but made sure to stop off at 7eleven on the way to grab much needed snacks for the day (this must be a key traveller shop).

    It was then time to grab a proper meal as we stopped off at a Swedish cafe called Brön and Salt. Jack made his own salad of assortments while Aimee grabbed a colourful yogurt bowl.

    We then wandered further before taking the subway further south to a photography museum. But before we got there, we did an ‘Aimee’ stop and took some photos of the artworks in the subway (something you should see)! All the subways are decorated differently, which is so unique!

    Underground photography from T Centralen Station in Stockholm
    Blue Travel photography of Travel couple Ourtwostepstart
    T-Centralen Underground Photography
    Couple walking up the stairs of T-Centralen Station in Stockholm
    Couple's photography inside T-Centralen station in Stockholm, as part of one of Europes largest art galleries.

    The photography museum was a fun activity which we both enjoyed. We then headed to the top floor for a picturesque view and to share a charcuterie board and some really really strong (and expensive) spirits. The views of the archipelago was worth it, but the food was also so amazing! Find tickets to the photography museum here.

    Photo of Jack from Ourtwostepstart at the Fotografiska Museum.
    Photo of Aimee of Ourtwostepstart at the Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm
    Fotografiska Photobook souvenir
    View from the water-view restaurant of Fotografiska Museum, with two drinks to share
    Charcuterie board in Stockholm at the Fotografiska Museum

    We then found a banksy museum and nipped in to write and etch our name into the scribble wall. I mean why not!

    Our @ at the Banksy Exhibition in Stockholm

    We wandered back across the water front to find a place for dinner and came across a small Indian shop where we ate till our hearts were content. We both had a Tikka Masala with Aimee’s being a mango flavour and mine garlic. The food was so amazing!

    After spending some good time together at dinner, we headed back via the subway and grabbed some more much needed snacks on the way to our hostel. We were so tired, we decided to stay in the room, snacks in hand, and played quizzes, joked about and listened to music until midnight. Luckily we didn’t have any neighbours in our dorm so we were free to do as we like. We even made a fort… haha!

    Photo of Jack of Ourtwostepstart in a fort in Generator Hostel in Stockholm.

    Day 4:

    Today, Jack had a secret breakfast planned! We quickly left the hostel; barely finishing getting dressed and headed about a 15 minute walk into the centre. From the outside, it was full of construction works, but inside was like walking into a little girl’s fairy tale dream.

    The walls were soaked in petals, a soft but standout pink colour that lit up the whole room. This place wasn’t small either, it had a long straight walkway with an L-like curve and seating all up one side.

    There was literally no visible wall, it was all petals!

    Floral backdrop at Dirty Coco Cafe in Stockholm
    Kinder Bueno Crepes at Dirty Coco
    Floral backdrop in Swedish Cafe Dirty Coco

    The design so was different and the food was perfect for our sweet tooth. It was filled with pancakes, waffles and more pancakes.. which were smothered in toppings, sauces- basically anything you could think of! You could make your own little slice of heaven.

    We decided to share our meals so we could experience most of their food. We ate so much that our stomachs were full, and we couldn’t even look at another sugary delight.

    We headed then out and found some local markets which we wandered through. Each market had different offerings.. some meat only, but some with beautiful colours of autumn with pumpkins and flowers! The area in which we found had many surrounding market. There were markets location inside buildings which spanned multiple floors, perfect for us to spend a few hours wandering and deciding where we could eat for lunch!

    After leaving the markets we found Ahlens which was similar to UK Selfridges. Basically an expensive large shop full of luxury brands. This isn’t normally our way of spending our time but was nice to see the brands they had and to just generally wander around the centre of Stockholm!

    As we walked, we started to get hungry so we were on the hunt for a perfect lunchtime spot. The weather wasn’t too enjoyable with odd spats of rain and gusts of wind but we came across a quaint Mexican restaurant in the heart of Stockholm called Tres! It was a beautiful stop for us to get food and was well priced compared to other local places.

    As we entered we were taken to our table and were delighted to see that they were a pet friendly restaurant! One thing in Sweden to note is a lot of shops, public areas and restaurants in Sweden are dog friendly which is always a bonus! Aimee decided she wanted to enjoy some cocktails but they had such a good deal on it made sense to get 3… so she says!

    We both opted for tacos, with Jack getting mixed meat tacos and Aimee getting Chicken Birria. As always we would try each others foods and they were both lovely, filled with sauces and gave a lovely authentic flavour of tacos! As we began to finish and get ready to pay the bill, we were welcomed by a couple who brought their young puppy with them who was trying to cause chaos but was super adorable! They sat in the booth next to us and we couldn’t help but watch the cute puppy.

    We soon headed out and decided that we would wander further into the markets once more to see if we can find anything we haven’t already before heading back to the hostel and giving our feet a well deserved rest. For the evening, we once again visited the local Sushi place opposite our hostel as the food was AMAZING earlier in the week! We treated ourselves to their lovely food once more and we can’t recommend this place enough!

    It is ran by a sweet lady who makes all the food in house! The restaurant/takeaway is called Bang Sushi so if you are ever in the area we would definitely say to check it out! The Sushi there was beautiful!!

    Day 5:

    We woke up bright and early to start the day as we had a lot planned! However, there was no plan for breakfast and as we usually do, we look for a new place to try! After searching online and seeing what’s local, we found Cafe Pascal which was a hotspot for their croissants!

    The Cafe was full of people, so full it we had to wait for a seat. The food was lovely and it’s a great place to relax with a hot beverage. We swiftly moved on and headed to Gamla Stan which is the Old Town in Stockholm. We took the train as it was located roughly a 60 minute walk south of our hostel. Upon arriving at our final stop on the train, we had a 10 minute walk into Gamla Stan and it was totally different to the rest of Stockholm!

    The Old Town was tight, dark streets which had vintage shops full of various offerings. The buildings either side where tall and made the streets seem even more narrow. Walking around the Old Town really made you feel like you went back in time 100s of years ago! The streets were beautiful and we decided to head to a busy spot in Gamla Stan which had the Nobel Prize Museum.

    Street photography in Stockholm
    Gamla Stan street photography
    Couples Photography in Galma Stan, Stockholm
    Photo of Ourtwostepstart in Gamla Stan, Sweden

    This was recommended to visit while in the Old Town but for us, it was underwhelming. It was cool learning about some of the amazing historical figures who really impacted us with their work, but in general was a very small building, which was very crowded inside and didn’t offer too much explanation with some works. For the price of roughly £15 each we wouldn’t recommend it and believe there are better ways to spend elsewhere in the city.

    Outside the Nobel Prize Museum was a popular row of colourful houses which was a located on a market square. We took in the beauty of these buildings before heading off to explore more.

    One thing we did do in Gamla Stan would be witnessing the change-over of the King’s Guard! This is something we stumbled upon as we were wandering around the streets and came across a large government building which had Guards standing outside. We spend a few minutes here admiring the building as it had some beautiful historical architecture but we then heard music coming from the distance.

    As the clock was striking the hour, a marching band was announcing through fine rhythm and music that the king’s guards were changing over. It included an announcement from one of the guards before the new guards went on duty. This lasted roughly 30 minutes and created a crowd on onlookers.

    Changing of Guards in Stockholm, Swedish.

    Once we left we headed to look for some much needed lunch. There was an all you can eat Asian buffet which we found a few days prior and decided to head there! The buffet was awesome- it had a range of Asian foods to eat. As expected, Jack focussed on the Sushi as it’s his favourite, whilst Aimee enjoyed won tons and noodles! The food was so nice and it was reasonable for the quality of food and options available. Unfortunately, due to time constraints for a concert we had booked in the evening, we have to scurry out of there and head back to the train station towards the venue!

    If you know anything about Aimee it’s that she LOVES Melanie Martinez! We had tickets to see her perform live in Stockholm and it was really the catalyst to why we decided to visit here in the first place.

    It’s not really Jack’s type of music but in the end it was a decent concert. Aimee of course loved the experience and it was well worth seeing! The music was good, the professional dancers and performance was really good and the venue was amazing! A real experience going to a concert abroad and definitely one we would recommend for others to do!

    Photography of Melanie Martinez on the Portals Tour
    Photo of Melanie Martinez in Stockholm as part of the Portals tour
    Melanie Martinez Portals tour concert photography
    Concert photography of Melanie Martinez at the Portals tour in Stockholm

    The concert finished at 11pm which left us hungry and a 20 minute train ride from our stay! We hopped on the train and looked for a great place to stop for food to fill us up for our walk back to the hostel. We managed to find a burger joint which is seemingly popular in Sweden… Max Burger! The small burgers were really cheap and we decided to almost order the whole menu to fill our appitites. We gave our legs a rest and sat down to pig out with our meals, and the burgers were really good!

    If you are looking for a good burger place in Sweden we would go here over the usual Burger King or McDonalds! We the waltzed back to our accommodation and went straight sleep as we seemed to be on our feet all day. We were definitely tired!

    Day 6 in Stockholm:

    This was our final day and we were gutted to be leaving Sweden! Went spent the morning back at the shopping centre looking to pick up some novelty souvenirs for family members, and stopped for breakfast. As we were still tired from the day before and knew we were travelling home today, we stayed local. Jack was still looking for his Swedish meatballs as it’s definitely a top dish for him!

    We’d managed to find a canteen at the top floor of one of the shopping centres called Nordiska Kompaniet where Jack got his meatballs which he was so excited for! They did not disappoint!! The food was lovely and it was really a fitting way to end the holiday. Aimee try a fish stew which was rather rogue for Aimee but enjoyed it all the same and we just reminisced on the best parts of the trip.

    Dinner at Nordiska Kompaniet shopping centre
    Christmas decorations in Nordiska Kompaniet, Stockholm.
    Traditional Swedish meatballs at Nordiska Kompaniet

    We find that when we are towards the end of a holiday it’s always nice to look back at the experiences and activities that made it unforgettable! After an hour or so it was time to head off from the centre, and back to the airport for our evening flight ready to come back home. We had a safe flight and had such an amazing time in Stockholm!

    Want to live this experience? Watch our Stockholm YouTube Vlog from our trip below!

    Visiting Stockholm

    We hope you enjoyed our personal experiences from Stockholm and would recommend visiting here if you like European cities and cool museums! There’s a lot of places to shop too so would be great as a friends getaway if you LOVE shopping! Are you planning on exploring Europe? Check out the best areas to stay in Crete, or a full guide to visiting Paris!

    Thank you for checking out our blog and be sure to see other blogs that we have made talking all things travel about Europe, Asia, Central America and everything in-between!

    If you enjoyed then make sure to subscribe for more blogs as we plan to post fresh content every other day and provide top quality travel tips!

    Check out our latest YouTube Video!

    Our favourite must-needed travel resources

    Where to Fly

    Trip.com – Find amazing flight deals, with over 2 million flight routes, and being one of the world’s leading online travel agencies.

    Kiwi – Use Kiwi’s amazing service that is pioneering in the flight space! They use virtual interlining, which means they can provide seamless connecting flights into one single itinerary!

    CheapOair – Being one of the fastest growing online travel companies in the US, CheapOair offers great flight deals, hotel rooms, rental cars and more!

    Where to Stay

    Booking.com – Offering over 28 million accommodations to book, we will always use booking.com! Having a rewards system built in, the more you book, the more perks you get!

    HostelWorld – You cannot budget travel without hostel world! Having over 17,000 hostels, boasting over 13 million reviews, hostel world is one our of top websites for budget travel! They are now offering more ways to meet people abroad, with meet ups, group chats and more available!

    Vrbo – Find stunning vacation rentals with Vrbo! Offering over 2 million paid listings in 190 countries, find memorable experiences with this accommodation service!

    Where to Explore

    Viator – A trip advisor company, viator offers over 300,000 experiences over 200 countries, including water sports, walking tours, boat trips, food tastes tours and more! Including activities for many budgets, check out Viator!

    Eat With – Experience authentic travel experiences with locals worldwide! Use eat with to book unique and intimate dining experiences, such as dinner parties in big restaurants, big feasts with a local family, cooking classes with a local and more!

    Get Your Guide – Book unique (and common too!) experiences and activities worldwide, including skip the line tickets to big attractions worldwide!

    Where to get Connected

    Airalo – With over one million people using Airalo, it is our go to eSIM provider for our worldwide trips! Having data packs from over 200 countries, find combined area packages and deals to suit your travel style and data needs!

    Where to be Protected

    ETKA – Every age from 3 to 85 can buy ETKA’s travel insurance, offering multilingual 24/7 chat support, and your insurance policy within 2-3 minutes!

    Our Top Traveller’s Essentials

    Backpack – Osprey Farpoint 40 – This backpack is a staple amongst many travellers! Being a lot cheaper than the luxury brands, this is a quality backpack from a well known brand. It boasts quality durability, is lightweight with a great framework and is a great option for most people! This backpack has a hip strap to help carry the bag, a breathable harness strap, and comes in multiple colours!

    Compression Packing Cubes – Compression cubes are our favourite packing accessory! These cubes are similar to the normal packing cubes, but feature a compression zip, meaning you can compress your clothes down… this makes packing easier, limits the space you are using, and means more room for souvenirs etc!

    Powerbank – Don’t lose power when travelling! It isn’t always guaranteed to find charging ports, so we would always suggest carrying a spare power bank, just incase you do run low on power when you need it!

    Universal Travel Plug Adapter – Most backpackers/travellers visit multiple countries during one trip. And that means it isn’t guaranteed you will be using the same plug head during each place. A universal plug is great as it lets you switch between each plug head style all in one item! We love ours, it has USB slots meaning multiple items can be charged at once.

    Find our full packing list guide here.

    You can also follow our travelling journey on our Social Media’s below!

    Finally, share this post with your friends! Let’s build those travel plans!

    3 responses to “Stockholm Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide to Sweden’s Capital”

    1. The 5 Best Areas to See & Stay in Crete, Greece

      […] Looking for your next European adventure destination? Check out this ultimate guide to exploring Sweden's capital. […]

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    2. pathlesspair avatar
      pathlesspair

      What neighborhood would you recommend staying in for easy walking to the sites and cool cafes? We’re headed there in a couple of months. Thanks!

      pathlesspair.com

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      1. ourtwostepstart avatar
        ourtwostepstart

        We would recommend Norrmalm area. Really anywhere just north of Gamla Stan as a central place. Most things should be a 30/45 minute walk max and we would totally recommend using their metro which is cheap and quick! Also they have cool patterns which are different at each station!😍 we stayed at Generator Hostel which was nice and we would recommend! You can find it here https://hostelworld.tp.st/YFFgFoC0 😊

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  • Discover London for Less: A Thrifty Traveler’s Guide to Exploring the Capital on a Budget

    Discover London for Less: A Thrifty Traveler’s Guide to Exploring the Capital on a Budget

    London is one of the most visited cities in the world! People from all over the globe dream to see London’s bright lights and witness the busy life that the city exuberates. Over 20 million (pre-covid) visit London each year internationally, and it’s flooded with tourists daily!

    When visiting London it really is difficult to pinpoint the best things to do and places to see. We know people who have lived there for 5-10 years and still have so much they haven’t discovered yet. So, someone who is visiting on holiday, or for a long break often feel overwhelmed with activities, places to eat and sights to see.

    This is also coupled with the prices of London being exceptionally high and trying to make the most of your visit and not spend all your savings.

    Just for reference, we live an hours train from London and when we visit you can easily find yourself spending £150 on food for 2, £100 on a stay for 2 and £100 for two activities in 1 day! This is not sustainable and when we go London we make sure to find the best budget options so we can maximise our experience whilst not breaking the bank each time!

    *affiliate links are included in this post. It does not cost you anything extra, but means we can earn a small commission to help us continue this journey 🙂

    Best Times to Visit London

    As expected, the best times to visit would usually be nearing Christmas/New Year or during the summer months.

    On the lead up to Christmas, there will be decorations lining each street, festive activities including winter wonderland and markets that will definitely get you in the festive spirit! However, during these events prices are likely higher as it is an annual event that a lot of people go to.

    The summer is more so for the beautiful parks and walks you can do and also enjoy some of the activities like the London eye or visiting Buckingham Palace with lovely weather. During the summer, it’s common to rent bikes and go for cycle rides in local London parks or settle for a picnic and enjoy your surroundings which you definitely cannot enjoy all year round.

    Best Activities to do in London on a Budget

    All the mainstream activities in London do come at a premium price. Everyone comes to London to see the main sights like the London Eye and Tower of London Tours but are these the best things to do in London?

    Local Markets

    There’s 2 reasons why we would visit London markets! Firstly, the food is really high quality, fresh and more budget friendly compared to local restaurants in the areas. In London there are so many markets you may just stumble across some! It’s the perfect place to look for your lunch/dinner while not using all your savings! The markets below are the ones we would recommend but there are so many more!!

    • Borough Market
    • Spitalfields
    • Portobello Road Market
    • Covent Garden
    • Camden Market

    These markets are great to wander around and see some amazing and abstract things you may not otherwise see! You may not be hungry but you can marvel at all the stalls and potentially pick up something like local honey or jams that you can enjoy later in the day. Each market is full of character and have many different options of food for all to try. The main problem is usually deciding where to eat!

    Our favourite market of choice would be borough market. It has some great lunch options including a generous portion of mussels, Thai street food bakeries and more! With perfect and take homes like homemade jams, rich cheeses and some desserts like Ice Cream and dedicated dessert stalls like humble crumble! Even if you aren’t looking for food, its a great place to wander and experience a true local market in the heart of London.

    Hire a bike!

    Many people may not know this but London is HUGE! You simply cannot see everything as all the main sights are dotted across the Capital. Most use the Underground which is a cheap and convenient way of moving across the city but can be tough to navigate unless you are a local. Even we struggle sometimes.

    An alternative would be to hire a bike and ride across London. This will limit your time going to the underground and moving from point to point without experiencing the whole of London. Some of the best parts of the city is truly wandering and stumbling across some unique and cool places. Whether it’s quirky shops, street artists or performers, food stalls… anything really!

    There is nothing better than a gentle bike ride across the riverbank admiring the views and seeing the sights the city has to offer. There are many locations where e-bikes are available for renting. All you need to do is download the app and scan the bike and you on are on your way! When finishing with the bike, you will need to drop it off at a bike stop and they are really cheap to rent out!

    Walking tour

    Walking tours are dotted throughout the city and is a great way to learn more on the history or sights throughout London.

    If you aren’t familiar with the history, and are interested then it may be worth while to get a walking tour in your specific interest to learn more! An example would be the London Dungeons or a Jack the Ripper tour where you can learn more about what life was like in London centuries ago and how people lived. On these tours you would be taken to locations with significant importance and told facts about the topic at hand. Find our top pick of the Jack the Ripper tour here.

    They usually last for an hour or two and you are able to ask questions and learn more about the topic. Included in the tour may be breaks which will allow you to grab food and drink or nip to the toilet when required. It’s a really good way to learn more about the rich history of the city as not all historic locations will include further details like a tour.

    These would be aimed towards people who are maybe less familiar with the history and are visiting London as a holiday.

    China Town

    China Town is a beautiful part of the city. When you enter, you feel like you have teleported to busy Chinese streets with many food vendors and luscious smells. The streets are decorated with traditional Chinese markings and the food there is cheaper than most of London and has the authentic taste! The area will host events including the Chinese New Year there which would be great to witness.

    All the surrounding streets are small local food stops which have traditional Chinese foods which is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. When visiting London is it usually a place we visit as we love the flavours and authentic taste and it’s just a beautiful area to walk through and soak up the atmosphere!

    Museums

    There are many museums across London, so many in fact that you can’t realistically see all of them.. even if you lived there! As it’s a city, there is museums for all kinds of things and no matter your interest, there will be one tailored to what you like! As you may not know, most museums in London are free to enter – this includes all public displays. However, each museum does provide private viewings, usually temporary and seasonal, which you would be required to pay for.

    These are normally worth while being around £10 – £20 and usually around a famous person or time in history. We have visited many of the museums in London and it is definitely a great way to spend some time to learn about topics you are interested in and a great way to keep costs down while in London.

    We would recommend these Museums as these are the ones we have visited and enjoyed the most:

    • Natural History Museum
    • Science Museum
    • National Portrait Gallery
    • Victoria & Albert Museum

    These museums offer a lot of variety of interests and a lot of cool viewings that could keep you busy for a few hours in London.

    For us personally, our favourite in the National History Museum and is something we would recommend for all travellers to London to experience!!

    Festivals throughout the year

    London is well-known for the festivals and events they have throughout the year. Some are so large that people visit from around the world to experience them like new years or the London marathon which is a great time to visit. The atmosphere is very different with a lot of visitors either cheering on runners and enjoying the weekend or celebrating the turn of a new year. It definitely adds a new aspect to visiting London that many people don’t experience.

    However, there are many festivals throughout the year that people are almost unaware of and stumble across. These can be music festivals or food festivals. For example, in June this year there is a Taste of London festival in Regent’s Park. This will include top restaurants showcasing their top dishes to onlooking and offer free samples to taste. This would be great to have a wander through and experience some top quality food. You could maybe even use this to find the best place to eat dinner later. It’s perfect as you can decide how much you want to spend or spend nothing at all, it’s totally up to you!!

    Across London, no matter the time of year you visit there will be events occurring you just have to be in the right place. Sometimes it can be a simple google search away or you may just stumble upon one! As it’s such a large, vibrant city, we would always recommend to look out for any events, even if it’s just something to experience and walk through as you never know what you might see!

    We really could talk about so much London and all that it’s offer but these would be our top picks when visiting London and keeping to a budget!

    Accommodation recommendations

    We have also provided our best recommendations on the different accommodation in London. Some budget friendly, medium priced and luxury hotels as well as a hostel option for your trip!

    Hostel Option

    This hostel is a great option for backpackers who want award winning accommodation for a fraction of the price. The reviews on this hostel are generally SO positive, with some stating this hostel is ‘perfect’. Located near Tower Bridge, you need to check this spot out! Find it here.

    Budget Option

    London can be an extremely expensive place to visit, especially for accommodation reasons- these rooms are a great budget friendly option! Working out at about £34 (based on two people sharing a room) each, these rooms have communal area kitchens, however these do have community bathrooms rather than private – this isn’t a problem for many, and we think this is a great option! Find it here.

    Mid-Range Option

    This modern hotel is only a 2 minute walk from Tate modern in the heart of London, and is a beautiful option for your trip to London! This hotel has its own app system, so you can control your room’s lighting and ambiance, amongst access to Disney, Netflix and more, this hotel boasts many impressive features ready for your stay! It will cost roughly £78 per person (based on a room for 2), and is such a great find! Find it here.

    Luxury Option

    Want the luxury life in London? This hotel serves world class treatment, with an onsite spa and health club (including a roman-style swimming pool), and is only a short 15 minute walk to Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Costing roughly £133 per person (based on 2 people sharing), this hotel is the best option for your celebrity style London adventure. Find it here.

    Want to see more?

    We post regular blog content related to all things travel so if you want to keep up with us, please consider subscribing to the blog as it does go a long way for us!

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  • 7 Must-Try Foods in Southeast Asia: A Culinary Adventure for Every Foodie!

    7 Must-Try Foods in Southeast Asia: A Culinary Adventure for Every Foodie!

    South East Asia is a remarkable place that is at the top of most people’s bucket list! It’s known for its beaches, people, culture, activities and the topic today… food!

    There’s so much to do here and you can never run out of things to see! But for a lot of people, food is so important. Having good meals can really change your experience and view about a country.

    If you have ever been Italy for the pasta, Japan for the sushi, or Mexico for it’s tacos, then you will understand how important food is when visiting a country! Food from these places really improves your view on the country, but can also leave a sour taste in your mouth if you don’t enjoy it!

    We would always recommend trying the local cuisine wherever you go. It’s the best way to meet locals, learn new cultures and really understand the country more. Even if the food isn’t necessarily one you would normally eat, it’s always worth a try as trying new things is the best way to grow and learn new things about yourself.

    Trying a new food could lead to it being your favourite dish you have EVER tried! So what’s the harm?

    You need to make sure you are eating at the right spots and also the local foods to get the best experience.

    Turning up to a country and flicking through the menu is one way of trying new foods but sometimes its good to do your research and see what’s recommended so you can make the most out of your trip abroad!

    So South East Asia… What are the best foods to try? Is it spicy? Where do I eat?

    There’s a lot of questions people ask and it’s pretty difficult to figure this out when you have never been before.

    As you may already guess, each country would provide different dishes, tastes and ingredients so knowing the most recommended dishes and what ingredients they are typically cooked with will give you a good indication whether you are likely to order them when out there!

    Below, we have compiled the BEST FOODS we tried when visiting South East Asia! It is important to note that we we only travelled to 5 countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam & Singapore) so any country we didn’t visit may not be included due to us not trying the food.

    The first dish is one of Jack’s FAVOURITE dish and should be first as it’s the perfect way to start your day!

    Top foods to try in Southeast Asia

    Thai Omelette!

      The Thai omelette can be eaten throughout the day but is usually consumed as a breakfast meal and the omelette typically consists of vegetables, chicken or pork. Jack’s choice would mostly be a vegetable Thai Omelette which comes standard with sticky rice and a side salad.

      A Thai Omelette is totally different to what a usual omelette is in Europe. It is fried in oil and includes ingredients such as fish sauce and spring onions.

      It’s served with crispy edges and a soft centre which goes perfectly with the rice and is filling so you won’t be left hungry.

      This meal was my choice of breakfast throughout our 3 weeks in Thailand with some days it being ordered for lunch also. It’s quite a safe order as people are used to ordering Omelette’s at home but has a lovely twist which really enhances flavour for you!

      It is also one of the cheapest dishes on any menu as it’s simple. This makes it a great budget option if you are looking to lower your costs but you can still get some amazing flavour! The lowest cost we say a Thai Omelette for was 50 Baht (roughly £1.40) and we know it’s cheaper at markets!!

      We would rate this dish a 10/10 and one we cannot wait to try when going back to Thailand!

      It would only cost around £1 ($1.25) which is a total bargain!

      Halo Halo

        This is a dish that we hadn’t heard of when visiting the Philippines, but after speaking with some locals, found it to be a traditional dessert that we had to try!

        Even after eating it, it’s still hard to understand all the flavours or ingredients as it is full of colour and different foods!

        A traditional Halo Halo is shaved ice with condensed and coconut milk with an ice-cream array of toppings. These usually include fruits (like jackfruit, banana and maybe mango!), beans, jelly and even sometimes crushed rice.

        There is so much going on with this dish that it’s hard to know what it’s going to taste like… You just have to try it! Be mindful that with so many ingredients, the dessert will be full of different textures, both crunchy and soft, but also chewy. It’s such a weird mixture of textures and flavours, but is beautifully rich and refreshing with a lovely scoop of ice-cream on top!

        When we enjoyed our first Halo Halo, it was after a long day at the beach and we were looking for something sweet to enjoy while relaxing and watching the waves.

        It’s a very traditional dish, and one that we would recommend trying; but if we were to have it again, we would likely share this as it’s very filling and probably is best split between 2 people. If you have a major sweet tooth and still feeling hungry then you can definitely have one to yourself!

        The Halo Halo is a decently priced dessert around £1 – £2 ($1.25 – $2.50)

        Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls

          Now these were our absolute FAVOURITE! Again, this is not a dish I thought was overly popular in Vietnam nor is a must try for travellers. It’s funny as we stumbled upon the food when embarking on the Ha Giang loop.

          Upon starting the Ha Giang loop we set off into the mountains and had our days planned by our guides. After a long and tiring day of riding on the back of a motorbike we came to our place of stay for the night and were welcomed with a buffet for all. This buffet was extraordinary as there was unlimited food! Here, deep in the mountains of Ha Giang, in some small town we tasted the immense vegetable spring rolls!

          They were super crispy and full of soft veggie’s when you crunched into them! But the flavour was something else. I spend most of my time posting these veggie spring rolls down one by one until I was completely full. We had to get extra plates as they were being finished so frequently.

          That was the only time we had vegetable spring rolls but it’s the one thing I am most looking forward to when visiting back to Vietnam!!

          We liked it so much that we have attempted (a few times) to recreate the spring rolls at home but it’s never reached the level of the one’s in Vietnam. This is the one thing we would recommend to try above all in Vietnam!

          These were enjoyed as part of a buffet but would be a side costing between £1 – £3 ($1.50 – $4).

          Pork Sisig

            Pork Sisig was our favourite dish in the Philippines! It’s basically a pork belly dish served with vegetables on a hot plate with a side of rice. It’s served most places and each serving it a little different. Usually, the dish is served with a raw (yes a raw) egg on top which you will mix into the pork and it will sizzle on the hot plate.

            The egg is somewhat a strange addition, especially being raw but it really does go with the rest of the dish.

            It’s a dish packed with flavour and perfect for either lunch or dinner to fill you up. It’s got a salty taste from the pork with a sweetness from the vegetables and is a dish you will certainly look to order again!

            This meal would cost anywhere between £2-£5 dependant on if you are eating at a local/traditional restaurant or not.

            Panang Curry

              The Panang Curry is a rich, coconutty curry usually served with a with a choice of meat or fish and rice. Although it is a coconut based curry, it is not heavily coconutty as we both don’t like coconut but do love this curry!

              It does also usually includes peanut so anyone who is allergic, be sure to double check the ingredients before eating! The curry is usually rich in flavour and spices with a sweet taste.

              We usually eat this with chicken as it soaks up the flavour of the sauce and goes really well with the spices.

              As you may already know, there are a lot of different curries available in South East Asia that is worth trying.. most notably the Massaman Curry, Thai Red Curry and the Thai Green Curry. These all have a burst of flavour and well worth trying as people will have their preferences.

              For us, this was the better of the curries but would definitely change between them depending on our preferences each night!

              The Panang Curry is also known for working well with shrimp! The spices match perfectly with fresh shrimp leaving a beautiful taste.

              As it’s eaten as a dinner it is more expensive than the other dishes on this list but still would only cost between £2-£4 ($3-$5).

              Pad Thai

              Pad Thai is a MUST TRY in Thailand! It’s such a staple in Thailand and something you can’t miss when visiting the country. The dish is so simple in making but surprisingly so flavourful and rich in spices. It’s so cleverly cooked and presented as usually you are provided with a small mountain of peanuts and a separate mountain of chilli on the side of your plate which you can choose to add if you wish with a squeeze of lemon when served.

                The spices give good kick of heat and the peanuts help enhance the overall flavours of the dish and provide a slight nutty flavour which is very much welcomed. This is a dish that was ordered on many occasions due to the flavours and moreish nature of the dish.

                It is definitely one of the cheaper items on the menu but definitely don’t look over it if you think it won’t come with good flavour! You can find local restaurants selling Pad Thai for as cheap as £1 ($1.25) and it’s always served with a generous portion.

                Bahn Mi

                  This is quite popular dish and very different to the rest on this list. It’s pretty much a simple sandwich on first glance but Vietnam have added their own flavours and spices to enhance and change the flavours! Usually, it is served with thinly sliced pork or chicken as the main meat with a host of veggies and unusual ingredients.

                  The Bahn Mi includes a generous spread of Pate and includes coriander, green onion, chilli, carrot, cucumber, sometimes pickles and a strong drizzle of mayonnaise and Maggi sauce to finish.

                  A perfect lunchtime meal that you can grab on the go! In Thailand, you are able to get Bahn Mi for as cheap as £0.80 ($1) which is super cheap and affordable!

                  What are your thoughts?

                  There are many other dishes that we missed off this list which we wish we could include but these would be the main ones we would want to go back and try and could never get bored of! We would like to give a special mention to Pho as that is a beautiful dish that is versatile with flavours, meats and more!

                  When visiting South East Asia we would recommend you trying all these and would love to know your thoughts on our list of best foods to try in South East Asia!

                  If you have any further meals we missed do let us know and if you enjoyed this blog post, please consider liking and subscribing for further South East Asia content and world travel content. We have South East Asia top tips, best ways to travel, itineraries and more on our blog so be sure to check them out!!

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                1. Ultimate 2-Day Fez Itinerary: Unveiling the Best of Morocco’s Cultural Gem

                  Ultimate 2-Day Fez Itinerary: Unveiling the Best of Morocco’s Cultural Gem

                  Morocco is a vibrant, scenic country which is full of rich histories! There is so much to love about and it is surprising with the amount of places you must visit in the country!

                  Ideally, to get the most out of the country you probably would need 1 month worth of travelling to visit all of the must see places. These include seaside towns/cities like Tangier or Agadir with beaches that you need to see. But also they have many beautiful locations inland like Chefchaouen which is a completely blue town or Mergouza which is on the cusp of the Sahara desert which is perfect for a range of activities!!

                  It’s definitely a location we will be revisiting but for now, 7 days is all we have so lets make the most of it!

                  We have filmed a Vlog for Fes which is up on our YouTube which you can find here or below.

                  *There are affiliate links in this post – they do not come at any extra cost to you, but just means we can earn commission to help us pursue this further 🙂

                  How to spend 2/3 days in Fes!

                  If we are honest, we looked at the cheapest flight across Europe and countries just outside and this jumped out as one of the cheapest! We initially were looking to fly to Ouarzazate for £30 return but we didn’t book them tickets in time- but rather saw a cheap flight to Fes for £50 which we couldn’t pass up!

                  So it’s not as if we chose to visit Fes.. more-so it was meant to be. The city really didn’t disappoint!!

                  As we booked the flights 36 or so hours before departure, we didn’t know a whole lot about the city. What activities to do, where to stay, what and where to eat etc! We pretty much spent the day before brushing up on the best things to do.

                  For Fes, we kept an open mind on whether to travel around Morocco, or to just take it easy and explore the city more! We didn’t have many plans, but rather we would make decisions on a day-to-day basis depending how we were feeling, and if we wanted to venture to different places.

                  As we landed in Fes first thing on a Monday morning, we navigated the city into the marina and wandered through the favela-like streets to our stay. We were very lucky, we outreached to hostels and AirBnB’s in Fes to see if we could get any gifted stays to keep costs down on our trip, and we spoke with a lovely hostel who were very happy to support our trip with content in return!

                  If you have the tools, this is a great way to keep costs down but don’t be discouraged if you can’t get gifted stays, not everywhere does them!! Let us know if you would like us to talk more about how we have gotten gifted stays!

                  So we had this hostel for 2 nights and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!!

                  A traditional Riad building located in the heart of the Medina, and only a stones throw from local Souks that you can wander for hours on end! Find the link to this amazing Riad here.

                  Our stay was magical! On arrival we were taken to the rooftop which had stunning views over the medina and the whole city, with old ruins standing tall like they once did centuries ago. At the rooftop, they offered sweet tea which is a family recipe.. one they were reluctant to spill the beans on!

                  After settling in and dropping off our luggage at the Riad, we ventured out in the rough direction of the Souks, and took in the scenery around our new home for the next 7 days or so.

                  We winded through the tight streets, passing children playing football in makeshift goals, and family members wheeling foods to and from their shop. The atmosphere was happy and subtly busy. The narrow streets creates a somewhat chaotic atmosphere as the buildings overhang to make the medina streets smaller.

                  Once we hit the Souks, we started from (somewhat) the top and wandered down admiring the vast shops, activities and products on offer. Each shop was totally different and had it’s own stamp of traditional creativity. From local spices, to handmade leather bags and soft silky dresses, the Souk was full of product diversity- a place you can revisit later, and see completely different products on the same stalls as before.

                  After wandering down the hill and the shops either side, we were looking to find a place to settle down to have our first proper meal in Morocco. Of course, we visited the country during the awkward period of Ramadan so all Muslims were fasting from dusk till dawn.

                  If you are to visit during this time, we would recommend to be respectful to the locals and avoid eating or drinking in public/busy places if it can be helped.

                  We found a highly recommended restaurant in the heart of the Medina called The Ruined Garden, which was only a 5 minute or so stroll from our hostel. As we arrived, we had a short 20 minute wait for the restaurant to open and we were actually the first people to enter for lunch. The aesthetic was amazing!

                  The front doors were huge, almost castle-like, with a small staircase leading up to the seating area. It was pretty enclosed up until this point but once you turned the corner onto the top step, the room opened up and in the centre was a fountain with beautiful gardens surrounding. Vines were strung from above to create a beautiful ambience and we were gratefully seated amongst it.

                  As we sat down, we were greeted by 2 adorable cats who clearly are pets to the owners of the restaurants. We ordered traditional dishes – the B’stilla – being an oddly sounding sweet and savoury, pastry-like filled pie. Yeah this was typed right.. Once we received this, we were pleasantly surprised with the taste as it was dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar. This was a very enjoyable meal, and one we decided to recreate once we arrived back home. Wasn’t quite the same but one we did enjoy for sure!

                  At the restaurant, we both shared the meal and the portion was super filling that we couldn’t finish it between us! It’s one that we would definitely recommend for any visitor to try. It’s really got everything, from traditional flavours to strange flavour mixes. If anyone has tried this dish we would love to know your views and know your thoughts as we both loved it!!

                  Towards the end of the meal we were delight to have the visitors of tortoises who suddenly woke up from the back of the gardens and wandered around the courtyard. There were 2 large tortoises who decided to wander around and visit some of the lunch-goers. It was a surprising but welcomed introduction as it’s not one you expect in the centre of the old medina!

                  Just as we were to pick up the bill and leave the restaurant, we looked back to see a tiny, baby tortoise who was slowly munching on a rather large piece of watermelon (for his size!). It was so small that the garden area it was in prohibited him from escaping due to a small 2-inch wall which he couldn’t master no matter how hard he tried!

                  Upon leaving, we decided to wander back to our hostel and relax for a few hours, after travelling since 1 in the morning. We spent time on the rooftop and enjoyed the chilled atmosphere, while being served endless cups of traditional sweet Moroccan tea.

                  As the sky darkened and the mood changed, we were informed that the hostel were hosting dinner as part of the stay! We ended up breaking the fast with the local Moroccans as they served a buffet fit for a king! A sea of plates filled the table, full of colourful traditional Moroccan foods with a soup perfectly placed in front of each guest and a freshly squeezed orange juice to wash it all down with. Here, we conversated with other travellers and ate till our hearts content!

                  After finishing our meals and thoroughly thanking our hosts for the lovely spread, we headed back to the rooftop to carry on socialising and enjoy our first night!

                  If you thought the hostel hadn’t done enough, we were also given free popcorn (salted of course) and provided a Shisha for all guests. We spent time eating the popcorn, playing card games and practicing our newly learnt skill… smoke rings!!

                  We soon headed off to bed and called it a night so we could get ready for a fun and adventurous day tomorrow.

                  Day 2

                  The next day started with a little lay-in. We would always recommend that if you are travelling, or even on a holiday, to make sure to take time to rest when needed as no one can be on the go 100% of the time! So Aimee slept in to 9:30 am so she felt energised for the day!

                  During this time, Jack went upstairs and ended up socialising with some travellers whilst enjoying a complementary breakfast. Once Jack finished, Aimee joined and had her fruit breakfast before we got showered, changed and ready for our busy day!

                  By this point we didn’t have a plan beyond Fes; but just planned each day the night before and kinda just winged it! If you have travelled before, it’s probably the best way to do it (if you don’t mind the odd panic and stress that comes with it!).

                  So today we headed outside the medina to a local shopping mall called Borj Fes which is recommended to visit while in Fes! It’s 4 stories tall and filled with a variety of shops! We initially wandered around some of the clothing shops just having a wander, and comparing it to home shopping malls. After a while, we stumbled upon a supermarket on the lower floor which we looked for snacks!

                  We found a bakery full of cakes, pastries and many quirky looking sweet treats! We took about 10 minutes, but finally decided on grabbing a few of each, a drink and headed out! If you are looking for snacks or looking to make your own food in Fes, we would recommend visiting this supermarket! It’s a lot cheaper than most other shops as mostly locals shop here! It’s so cheap- we got a 2l bottle of water for 3.50 Dirhams which is roughly 30p which is a bargain! We spent £2 on 6 pastry/cakes, which we found a table outside and enjoyed! The snacks were lovely and it perked our appetite ready for heading to Burger King!

                  Burger king was a lot cheaper in Morocco and we bought some cool items which we have never seen before! All in all, this mall was a great place to spend a few hours eating lunch, venturing shops and taking a break from the hot sun!

                  In the afternoon we left the mall to head back to the medina. We decided to wander the local souk and embrace the beauty of the old medina. Here we found ourselves wandering for an hour or so before finding a quaint, local restaurant which we chose to be where we ate our dinner.

                  Luckily, we ordered and received our meal before the sun went down. As we received our meal, the Ramadan fasting ended as spoken through loud speakers informing everyone and the restaurant closed to any further customers. The owners and staff all sat down with their freshly prepared meal and broke their fast!

                  If you are ever to go to a Muslim dominant country during Ramadan, it is important to find out when the sun sets and the fasting stops as all restaurants will close. The last thing you want to do is go out for your dinner but be stuck wandering looking for a place that is open (like we did…). Once we finished our meal we headed back to the hostel to relax in the evening, look at the beautiful nightly view and social with some travellers.

                  We soon played cards into the evening before deciding to go sleep!

                  Once the morning came and we woke up, we came to the conclusion that we wanted to explore more of Morocco, and decided on moving to Meknes which is a small city, 40 minutes west of Fes on the train. We got our breakfast, picked up our snacks and headed to the train station!!

                  We really enjoyed Fes and it is a beautiful place which we couldn’t recommend it enough. We would say that 2/3 days is enough time there and there are so many places to visit in Morocco so we wouldn’t stay much longer!

                  Did you like Fes?

                  This blog is the 1st of a 3-part blog. Next up is our experiences and activities in the small city of Meknes!

                  We post regular blog content related to all things travel so if you want to keep up with us, please consider subscribing to the blog as it does go a long way for us!

                  You can also follow our journey on the Social Media’s below!

                  Finally, share this post with your friends! Let’s build those travel plans!

                2. Discover the Best of North Thailand: Your Ultimate 2-Week Backpacking Itinerary!

                  Discover the Best of North Thailand: Your Ultimate 2-Week Backpacking Itinerary!

                  Thailand is a beautiful country that full of adventure, activities and amazing culture and food! It is a popular travel destination for most and one that hardly any would avoid.

                  The north is definitely different compared to the south. If you have never been to the south, it’s more renowned for its perfect beaches compared to its other half and a popular destination for luxurious holidays.

                  You can check out the best 2 week itinerary for Southern Thailand here.

                  The North however is more delicate. The atmosphere is fast paced in cities like Bangkok but places like Chang Mai and Pai, it’s relaxed.

                  You have the perfect balance of lifestyle which is really important. Sometimes you are exhausted and want a quieter setting away from the bustling city. Or maybe you are wanting to be apart of the busy life in the city, and see what there is to offer.

                  Either way, there is option for both!

                  Here, we have compiled the 2 week itinerary for those who are looking to make the most of north Thailand!

                  Bangkok (3 days)

                  This is a likely place to start. Bangkok is the capital and is a really large city to navigate and can often feel overwhelming. Most people will land in Bangkok when flying internationally so it just makes sense to explore here first! Therefore, you need an itinerary to make the most of your time there, and to be an efficient traveller.

                  It’s a place with many beautiful cultural temples which are worth visiting and learning more about the history of the country. The city is broken up with a large river through the heart which allows for boat tours to see the best parts of the city. As a fun fact, the City is actually called Krung Thep (this is the sorter version) and has the meaning of “the city of angels”.

                  We personally would recommend to avoid these as they are quite highly priced and doesn’t show you the up close and personal part of the area. If you visit the sights in person you can learn a lot about the history and culture! However, we do know that people are limited in time so if you are restricted, this is a viable option to see the city in a shorter timeframe.

                  Please note, that if you are looking to learn more about the city – or any city for that matter – the best way is on foot for most cases!

                  We would recommend visiting the following temples:

                  • Wat Pho
                  • Wat Arun
                  • Wat Phra Kaew

                  All of these offer offer a similar viewing but very different stories/meanings. It’s all really dependant on how much you are interested in the rich history of the country. We would recommend visiting at least 2 grounds to really learn more of the Thai culture. The grounds are mostly filled with temples, sacred sculptures, paintings, pagodas and carvings!

                  These temples are historical places that monks use to practice their religion through prayer and living here. The temples we have mentioned were founded in the 17th and 18th century and were created by kings. These sites will usually take 2/3 hours depending on your interest and is definitely an activity we would recommend. As these temples are so rich in culture and history, we would recommend visiting at least 2 sites while in Bangkok to make the most of what they have to offer. 

                  It is important to note that you are required to wear certain attire to visit these temples. You need to cover both your shoulders and knees at all times.. this includes men as well. We would recommend to wear light trousers and a long sleeved shirt for men and maybe a long sleeve dress (flowy not fitted or a jumpsuit with a long sleeve shirt. Both will need to wear shoes. 

                  Alternatively, you can purchase traditional clothing outside in markets or near the temples for roughly 100 Baht per item which is perfect to cover you up with.

                  The ones provided above are some of the more popular/stand-out temples which we have either visited or have been recommended by fellow travellers. 

                  The capital is also showered in local shops, food markets and Thai activities that you MUST try!

                  If you have embarked on this journey to travel Thailand, or even if you have decided to go for a holiday, you are really going here to venture out and push your horizons.. and there’s not many better places to do this than in Thailand & Bangkok!

                  It seems like Bangkok markets spring up on every corner, with each stall offering something completely different. There’s so much to choose from! From traditional clothes vs perfect knock-offs, to traditional foods like Pad Thai, crocodile tail or scorpion, to novelty souvenirs and totally random items you would think would never be sold at a market. It literally has it all.

                  The markets can stretch as far as a couple miles long, making it a perfect evening stroll if you don’t mind people trying to draw you in to their miscellaneous stalls. It’s a great way to just see what there is to offer and pick up a few bargains if you are short of any items along the way.

                  Some markets are themed so if you are hungry and looking for food, a street food market would be the perfect way to try foods, stick to your budget and enjoy your evening!

                  Bangkok also has opportunities including Muay Thai classes, Thai cooking classes, Thai Massages and more. Activities like these are a great way to learn more about different parts of their culture. So we would recommend to align some of your interests with these types of activities to make the most of your time.

                  We took part in Muay Thai and relaxed with a Thai massage but unfortunately missed out on the Thai cooking experience which is top of our list once we go back.

                  Chiang Mai (3 days)

                  Chiang Mai is known to be a must see city… and it does not disappoint! It was one of our favourite cities as it really had it all!

                  Some of the activities do overlap with Bangkok (including cooking classes, Muay Thai and Cooking Classes) so we would recommend to spread the activities over the two cities so you can experience all that the country has to offer.

                  You could explore the city through busy shopping malls and international food courts, perfect to grab souvenirs or top up on some budget clothing. But it also has the busy markets and local food spots which is perfect to learn the culture and indulge in that tasty Thai cuisine!

                  The activities in the area are plentiful! You have so many options that you could potentially enjoy the city and it’s surroundings for a week but you don’t have that long!

                  If you didn’t do the elephant sanctuary in Phuket (highly recommend), then the elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai is a must do. You are able to spend a half day/full day with the elephants doing various activities such as feeding them, having a mud bath with them and scrubbing them clean.

                  You don’t really need to do them both as they are one of the most expensive activities to do in Thailand. However, I know that people loved the experience so much that they had to do it again! And trust me, we want to do it again and we can’t wait to experience it as it truly is amazing!

                  We would always recommend to do this activity and it should be towards the top of ALL people’s bucket list. But please take note that these are wild animals and you should firstly research the place you are looking to do this and see the ethical side before booking. Not all sanctuaries are ethical so please do thorough research before booking. We don’t condone any animal suffering and understand that these sanctuaries that offer this experience do so to earn money to help the elephants from lives of torture, human imprinting and neglect.

                  The elephants that are at these sanctuaries have been badly treated and are here as a safe haven so they can live their lives as normal as possible. They are given many hectares to roam free and live their life how any elephant should. They are few natural foods such as bananas and routinely looked after by medical staff and cleaned.

                  Some of the elephants have picked up bad habits such as pulling their teats or swaying as stress mechanisms from previous experiences. We learnt a story of an elephant that was older (in her 70s), and was a circus animal who would never stop swaying even after being in the sanctuary for decades. We were told that she would be whipped when she stopped and therefore it has become a part of her personality and something she would not stop.

                  As we are writing this, we have noticed it would be beneficial to highlight the most ethical elephant sanctuaries across Thailand or maybe the most ethical sanctuaries for animals across South East Asia. So stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.

                  Chiang Mai also has activities such as a water park which we would totally recommend! Only being 15 or so minutes from the centre, you can visit a natural lake which has inflatables, cliff jumping, slides, ziplines and more! It’s a great place to take a day out to have fun and embrace your inner child as you bumble over some total wipe out replicas. There is also a water catapult which is a great experience for people who are more daring. Just know that you do go surprisingly high (speaking from first-hand experience).

                  The water park also has food spots and paces you can chill out and relax after burning all your energy. It’s a great way for friends to escape the city and take a day to have a good bit of fun.

                  A gym we would recommend to visit for Muay Thai would be Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym. It is located Wiang Kaew Road and is a great place for people who have never tried Muay Thai before! They are patient and teach you the techniques well. The class is very inclusive and you are given a 1 on 1 coach that will be on pads, and teaches you what you need to know. For any regulars, they do more intense classes which you can learn more advanced moves to really test your skills.

                  The training is fun and you are allowed to go at your pace, but they are happy to push you which is fun! Trust me, you will be shattered by doing this so be prepared! Luckily, in the gym they have fans and an open room so air can flow to help you when recovering! Once you have finished, we would recommend to turn left up the road once leaving and visit a smoothie place on your left roughly 100 or so yards up the road. This is a great place to get a well-earned refreshment before heading back to your stay for a wash!

                  The markets in Chiang Mai are full and constantly popular among locals and travellers. They have a weekend market which is a perfect spot to wander and soak up the atmosphere while shopping for any food or novelty gifts! The people are welcome and don’t usually try to drag you over which is refreshing as this can be an issue and off-putting for some travellers.

                  For the more daring visitors, you can try exotic foods including insects, scorpions and even crocodile! So get stuck in and let us know how nice (or not nice) these foods are…

                  Pai (2 days)

                  Pai is a tiny village located in the north mountains beyond Chiang Mai. The travel to the Village is enough to make anyone car sick as you twist and turn through mountains to arrive there! It’s a 4 hour trip one way and is definitely not for the faint hearted. Even monks were requiring stops to throw up during the drive and these are likely take this trip regularly!

                  It is so worth it though! It’s a small fishing village that has no more than a dozen crossed streets with individual shops to wander around.

                  Around Pai is where the activities and the natural beauty of the countryside is for you! Firstly, there are Bamboo Bridges that are sprinkled throughout fields that you can wander on to see the locals harvest their crops. Throughout the walk, there are viewpoints, activities and cafe’s making the walk all the more exciting!

                  Local dogs wander up and down and are super friendly. Don’t be surprised that if you sit down, you will be accompanied by one! It’s a great place to explore the fields, relax on bamboo swings, and grab lunch while enjoying countryside views. There is also a local spot providing crossbow shooting just off the bridge. It’s an old fashioned crossbow entirely made out of wood & bamboo. You are taught how to shoot it and provided a target over the stream to test your accuracy!

                  Close to the bamboo bridge is a local waterfall that you can stop at and indulge in. When we visited, it was later in the day and we were the only ones there. We had to crossed a small bridge and then descend down a few rocks before entering the tranquil waters. It’s the absolute perfect place to get photos and just be one with nature. It’s completely silent except the sounds of the waters and a great place to take in your surroundings. There are also some conveniently placed rocks so you can sit and marvel at the large waterfall.

                  We would recommend to also visit a place that is completely unheard of for many travellers. It’s not a known place at all and is located just south of Ban Rong Yaeng on the 1095. There will be a few food trucks on a layby with a dirt track leading off.. this is the place. You may not think of much but there will be other onlookers waiting for the sun to set and you will not be disappointed. To get to the viewpoints, you would need to navigate uneven terrain which look similar to dirt bike tracks. But it would be totally worth it!

                  The views are surreal as the sun will set behind distant mountains – you can relax up here and it is a great place to take some photos of a beautiful view!

                  Now you are back in Pai, it’s definitely recommended to visit the local markets that happens in the evening where you can eat some of the best fruit we have ever had! The fresh mango, pineapple, pear and strawberry in Pai is crazy! They also offer a lot of personal gifts like a passport holder which can be engraved, or a bracelet you can personalise for yourself, friends or family back home! There are rows of stalls and makeshift shops that offer clothing and local delicacies so you can immerse yourself in the local culture!

                  Visiting Pai is a great addition to anyone’s North Thailand trip and one I would not miss out on!

                  Chiang Rai (2 days)

                  Chiang Rai is a beautiful city located north of Chiang Mai. This is in the high mountains close to the north border where Myanmar and Laos meet. Usually, people would take an early morning bus trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai which would take 3h 45m. The stay is only one night with travellers getting a bus back the following day.

                  This truly limits the time spend here and only give you time to see 2, maybe 3 of the main sites at most.

                  However, you aren’t able to see the full beauty of what Chiang Rai has to offer. There is more to see than the main attractions and we would recommend an extra day so you can witness these.

                  To maximise your stay, we would get the first bus in the morning which is at 7:00 am with the arrival time being 10:45 am. This will give you most of the day to get settled, drop off your gear at the hostel and move onto the the best part – exploration.

                  The most popular things to do in Chiang Rai are the temples. These temples are some of the most unique in the world!

                  Wat Rong Khun is stunning piece of architecture, covered entirely in white; and is a must visit in the city. It would be best to visit the temple first thing in the morning when the queues will be small and tourists won’t there. This would maximise the experience and allow you to immerse yourself to get the most from the temple.

                  It is likely that you will spend 2/3 hours here which is enough time to walk around the gardens, see the paintings and marvel at the temple.

                  Wat Rong Suea Ten temple is a newly established temple that is completely blue with gold trimmings which stands out in all it’s beauty. It opens at 7:00 am and would be the quietest time to visit the temple.

                  The local gardens are perfect to explore and is a great place to learn more about the Buddha and what the temple represents. The blue colour is meant to represent tranquillity and healing for the buddha.

                  Inside, you are welcomed by a large white Buddha which is used by locals to pray. You are able to take photos in this temple (not many allow this) so please be respectful when you do.

                  As with most cities in South East Asia, Chiang Rai has many Bazaars markets/markets which you can venture through and explore. In Chiang Rai, they have a walking street which housed many stalls and provides attractions for visitors. Again, these are like usual Thai markets but they also have bars and sometimes bands playing so you can definitely spend the evening there, eat dinner, soak up the atmosphere and search for any cheap souvenirs.

                  Chiang Rai isn’t known necessarily for it’s hiking but it is definitely worth exploring. The city is located in between many waterfalls which you could easily take 1 whole day driving between and marvelling at there natural beauty. Around these waterfalls, are hikes where you can explore the mountains and you can also visit some small towns which are on the rivers edge.

                  The river actually has a beach.. We mean it isn’t exactly a beach as it’s along the river but is a beautiful place to visit. It’s not quite the place to go for a swim and bring a book and sunglasses the catch some sun. But it’s definitely a place you can relax and enjoy the mountainous views.

                  Mauy Hung Son (3 days)

                  This is totally different to anywhere else in Thailand and should definitely be more popular! It is seriously close to the Chinese border and is inhabited by many Chinese locals which has affected the aesthetic of the town.

                  It is mostly small huts on a hillside with fields surrounding. A perfect place to unwind and understand a new way of life.

                  There is an option to do a loop which will entail some insane views of the north of Thailand. This includes the highest point in Thailand, and views as far as the eye can see. There are also pagodas that are perfectly placed on the edge of mountain tops for the must luscious pictures and viewpoints. On this loop, you will motorbike around for a few days stopping in local stays and being off the grid.

                  Like we say, if you are looking for a place very different to the rest of Thailand and would like some downtime, this is definitely the place for you.

                  The perfect Northern Thailand Itinerary

                  As the North is vast and the locations are far away, there is 1 day solely allowed for travelling between places. Please take into consideration that from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you will likely grab a overnight 10 – 12 hour train ride. This is a much cheaper alternative to flying.

                  We really hope you like are 2 week itinerary for the North of Thailand which has completed the full month itinerary we have for Thailand (2 week South Thailand itinerary here).

                  We are recently back from a trip to Morocco which we are looking to create some awesome blog content for in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out!

                  Also, we have some amazing travel plans in the coming months which you will not want to miss out on.

                  Our plan is to provide our whole experience with travel for you so you are the best equipped when going away on your own travels.

                  If you enjoyed, please subscribe to be notified for some awesome content planned, and make sure you like this blog if you found it useful for your travels.

                  You can also follow our travel ups and downs on our Social Medias below! Any support would be greatly appreciated.

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                3. The best ways to TRAVEL across South East Asia

                  The best ways to TRAVEL across South East Asia

                  It’s so exciting knowing you are going to South East Asia! Having the locations and itineraries all organised is the tough part of planning and can be really stressful, but once this is done it really does dawn on you what you are doing. Even if you are only travelling one country, you still need to take into consideration where you are going, and how long you have there.

                  Within the planning, you need to have a rough idea of how you are moving from place to place, and need to set time aside so you can minimise the time in transit. As it is so different to the rest of the world, it can be difficult to plan ahead with this. We are so used to using the underground in major cities, maybe have public bikes to rent or even taxis that are waiting to be waved down. As most may already know, Asia isn’t like this.

                  It’s really difficult to plan ahead on how to travel between places without visiting the countries before. So how can we plan for South East Asia without knowing how to move from place to place?

                  There are many websites that provide different transportation recommendations depending on the location you are in. So it’s easy to get caught up and overwhelmed with the different options available. We feel that it’s important to have a good understanding of the options you have in each area for transport so you can many decisive decisions once you arrive. Let’s be honest, no one wants the stress of having to last minute plan or book their transport as it may be more expensive and will certainly slow you down!

                  We have detailed the best ways to travel around a lot of popular places in South East Asia which is provided through our experience and what we found easiest and the most affordable!

                  Philippines

                  The Philippines is not like any country…not because of their natural beauty, paradisal islands or picturesque beaches.. I mean this is all true! But also with the layout of the country, it is made up of thousands, and I mean thousands of islands – 7,641 to be exact! So how do you get about?

                  The most convenient and obvious transport would be to fly from island to island. This is definitely many options, especially for the larger islands like Palawan, Cebu, and to places like Manila (the capital)! But what happens when you are looking to move within islands or you aren’t looking to spend £100s on a few flights across the country?

                  I mean there are quite a few options, you just have to do your research. Flying from island to island will rack up high expenses for your transportation and as a budget travel couple, this isn’t a luxury we or many people have! The usual transport within the country is a flight, as you are normally flying from another country which is the normal route. However, when you are in the country, you need to find better alternatives.

                  From our experience, the best way to move from island to island (providing you are not moving from west Philippines to East Philippines) is by ferry! For example, when we were in El Nido and moving to our next location Coron – which is the east side of Busuanga Island – we had to get a ferry! The cost is rather pricey, roughly being £35 (2,500 Phillipine Peso) per person, but is one of the only ways of getting to the island.

                  It roughly would take 4/5 hours to make this trip and you are required to get to the ferry roughly 30 minutes before so there are no delays. This mode of transport isn’t the most glamorous as it consists of a plane like seating without seatbelts on a more than likely choppy sea for what seems like an eternity. The ferry also only departs on certain days in the week so it’s important to take note of this before making your itinerary plans otherwise you may be stuck waiting for the ferry a few days and fall behind!

                  It is important to do your research as you can easily get flights into Coron from major cities in the area, but if you are looking to move from Coron to the rest of Palawan, there are no direct flights. So if you make the mistake of visiting Coron before moving onto the rest of Palawan, you might find a shock of no flights available!

                  The ferry may not be the fastest way or sometimes not even the most convenient, but is a popular transport in the country and may be available when other options aren’t!

                  When you are moving within an island, especially when it’s a smaller island, you have the great convenience of Tuk-tuks! These are motorbikes that have an car-like attachment on the side which allows for passengers to enjoy the ride. These are normally much cheaper than normal transport but they are limited to speeds of only 20/30 mph. This makes it perfect for short trips probably no more than 20-30 minutes but over long distances, might not be the best option.

                  The best way to envisage a Tuk-tuk is that a private mode of transport that you are able to bartar the price of the ride with the driver. This is a great way to get a good price and also see the natural beauty of the country as there are no windows like other modes of transport!

                  If you are looking to do longer trips, moreso a 3/4 hour trip across an island, it probably would be best to opt for a private minibus to take you. This is a great way to move larger distances and minimise the amount of time travelling. It is best to either do this with fellow travellers to keep the price down as doing this as an individual or in small number can make it pricey! If you are staying at hostels or just arriving off an airport, this is a great way to get to your next location and meet fellow travellers along the way!

                  Thailand

                  Thailand is such a diverse country, the north and south are so different and have opposing activities and sights. They are almost like different countries!

                  The south is filled with perfect beaches, tranquil waters and beautiful islands, really is paradise! However, it usually attracts travellers who are drinkers and party-goers. Therefore, the south is more tailored towards these people with the locals making the most of the tourists interests!

                  There are a few places in the south that is different, like Khao Sok National Park. Which is a totally remote location that looks straight out of Avatar.

                  The north is completely different though.

                  The north is busier. There’s a lot more going on and doing have the islands that the south has. To pair with this, Thailand is a vast country which is very spread out. So moving for location to location isn’t as easy as it can be in other countries.

                  You really forget how large it really is! It’s crazy as one of the best ways to travel in the North of Thailand (and sometimes even the south) is through a sleeper train. It does exactly what it says on the tin.. it’s a train that is normal until in the night where the seats and tables fold out into bunk beds. Perfect for the passengers who have sore backs and are ready to get some much need rest. These trains – dependant on where you are getting off – can span over 12 hours, some of them almost a day!

                  So make sure to get comfortable and ready for the long journey ahead!

                  An example of this would be if you are looking to go from Bangkok to Chang Mai. On the map it seems a long journey.. but not 10 hours! With the longest journey potentially being 13 and a half hours depending where you board in Bangkok!

                  The cost?

                  It’s more than reasonable! For a ticket it can be as low as £6!! How crazy!?

                  However, we would recommend spending and getting the more expensive tickets. It can get very warm on the journey and the £6 tickets are seat only with no AC. It’s best to have some comfort and secure the bed on the train (especially if its an overnight trip!) and the AC. The price for this upgrade is only £18 which is still a reasonable price for what you get!

                  Alternatively, you are able to get a sleeper bus but even if you can secure 1st class tickets, it’s very much like trying to sleep/rest on the plane. Yeah you might have a charging port, but you can’t even toss or turn to find a comfortable position.

                  The sleeper bus is likely to stop often to stretch legs if it’s a long trip and bathroom breaks with be wherever you stop.

                  Also, you may not see the same type of views that you see if you ride the train, as the train will be going through the Thai countryside whereas the bus is stuck to mostly main roads.

                  As we have tried both, it’s quite clear which we would always choose if we had the option.

                  Vietnam is not one we would touch upon a lot in this blog but is similar to Thailand with both the option for a sleeper bus and train. We opted for the sleeper bus which is cheaper than the alternative but had some disturbing stories. The sleeper bus was pleasantly surprising but can be scarring if you have never taken one before. The MAIN recommendation is to take the top bunk wherever you can.

                  Trust us… Jack managed to grab the top bunk and watched as the bus overfilled with passengers laying across the floors making them tuck up like sardines for 8/10 hours. Other than this, it was no different than sleeping in a slightly smaller single bed at home on a top bunk. But yeah, you must secure a top bunk! Also, the back seats is one huge bed so if you have a group of friends and don’t mind to share this is also a great option!

                  Bali

                  We can’t talk for the whole of Indonesia, but as Bali is a popular spot, it’s important to know how to get around. There is so much to do across Bali and it’s islands that you need to be efficient if you don’t have a long time there. We went from Canggu/Ubud (Central) to Lovina (North) to Uluwatu (South) and then the islands in the east (Gili Islands). So how did we travel around the area?

                  I mean there are a few options really, all similar priced. We opted to go for getting grabs (like Uber) or private taxi-like transport as there were 4 of us and it made the most sense to all travel together to keep the cost down.

                  The Uber trips are pretty reasonable but if you are looking to move about alot, you will start to spend a large amount of your budget on transport. I would recommend sticking to shorter trips using grab – whether it’s visiting a temple or a 15 minute grab to the beach (if you don’t want to make the long walk).

                  Getting private transport can be very tricky. You need to know the going rates in the location as a lot of the drivers will offer ridiculous prices to try and get the most out of this. An example would be on Nusa Penida when you arrive off the boat. You will be bombarded by drivers offering a taxi which we had only a 5/10 minute drive up the road. They were offering roughly 500,000/600,000 Indonesian Rupiah for this which is £30/£36. For a short drive??

                  If you walk down the road for a few minutes you will pass the expensive offers and come across some more friendly drivers with reasonable prices. The main technique is to pressure you into saying yes and intimidating you so make sure to stand your ground!

                  For comparison, we met a driver who offered to be our driver for the WHOLE day, taking us to the east of the island (45 minute drive) as well as a trip to the west side of the island (1 hour 30 minute drive) and then back to our hotel in the centre for roughly 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£60). As there was 4 of us it made it dirt cheap and the driver would wait in each location until we were happy to move onto the next.

                  Another example would be a trip from the south east side of Bali to Lovina (the northern tip). We managed to find someone who was willing to take us there AND back the next day, and also included us all to swim/watch wild dolphins. This only cost us roughly 650,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£39) across 3 of us so SUPER cheap!

                  If you are more independent or are travelling on your own, the best option would be to hire a motorbike (if you are confident in riding). Now, we’ve never ridden a motorbike so we wasn’t confident enough to do this but it is a great option as renting them is super cheap, fuel is cheap and you have the freedom to go wherever you want across the island!

                  A lot of places are aware of motorbikes being a popular transport and they have places where you can park your bike when visiting places or staying at your accommodation. When we travel back, we plan on using a motorbike to move about when were are in towns or cities as any easy mode of transport.. Just need to learn how to drive one first!!

                  There’s many options when it comes to travelling around South East Asia. It seems a lot of the countries have their own niche way of travelling, with a lot of options at a travellers disposal. But it is integral to be smart when choosing your transport as it can really make things a whole lot more expensive if you don’t do your research.

                  You almost need a combination of prior research and on the go research to learn what transport is best in each situation. Some of the transport is part of the experience of being a travelling. So sometimes it’s worth going for the 12 hour sleeper train with friends you know and make those memories. These are memories you will remember forever unlike if you were to grab a cosy flight to your chosen location.

                  We would always recommend that if you are going to a popular destination and travelling alone or in a small party, you should speak to fellow travellers and share the journey to keep costs down and get to know more people.

                  We can’t wait to go back to South East Asia and experience the infamous 12 hour trains again! If you would like to follow our journey, please like and subscribe to our blog for some cool upcoming blogs!

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                4. 5 Last Minute Holidays in Europe YOU can book tomorrow!

                  5 Last Minute Holidays in Europe YOU can book tomorrow!

                  Being at home can be stressful – even when there is nothing stressing you out. Whether it’s the thought of going back to work, seeing family and friends- or just wanting a change. A lot of people really live for the weekends and take that time to destress. You might just have 2 duvet days watching films and eating takeout.. and we don’t blame you! Some may do local city breaks, or a trip towards a simple weekend away from the cities. We all have different preferences when it comes to getting away. For instance, Jack likes to be active, whether it’s swimming, hiking, exploring etc, but Aimee would be more than happy with a 2 day spa break with a massage ,and maybe a museum break or two. We all are different in what we enjoy but one common thing is we like to travel!

                  Life is so busy that we struggle to find the time to dedicate to travelling. We are limited to weekends and that really isn’t enough time to get on a plane or train to a new country. We even tried it and it is so crazy busy that it isn’t a time to relax. Put it this way, you are more tired than when you were before you left! Our Trip to Aarhus is here – it’s something we would totally recommend but it isn’t for the faint of hearts. You allocate such little time to a major city so you have to choose a location that has only 1/2 days worth of activities otherwise you will miss out on some of the best things to do there.

                  So you need to make the most of your time off and maximise your trip time. Give yourself long weekends (3/4 days) at new locations. As we are in England, we have done short trips to Paris, Aarhus, Stockholm and Budapest! Jack books off time from work to give us enough days to do short city breaks to explore somewhere new.

                  It’s a common feeling for young adults to feel stuck and lost in the busy life they become accustom to. To make things worse, we never really allow ourselves to stop as we book up our evenings and weekends with the things we want to do leaving us with no time to relax our bodies. That’s why you NEED to give yourself something to look forward to – even if it is a local break for a few days every few months to regenerate.

                  Here, we have highlighted some budget last minute holidays in Europe that are the perfect getaway to destress and recoup your energy. We recommend these places as they are some of the best for activities but you can also just enjoy the city and spend time not doing a whole lot!

                  *This post contains affiliate links, where we can earn a commission. This comes at no extra expense for you, and all views are genuine.

                  Poznan

                  A central location, this Polish City is a great place to visit! The streets are clean and colourful, with some beautiful spots to try out their local foods! Some popular polish foods include bigos and pierogi, and being a budget location means you can try even more! The city isn’t too popular for tourists, so it is a great place to explore and local cultures and learn more about the city, without the usual crowds.

                  A flight from England to Poznan starts from £40 which is affordable, and it is a cheap place to drink alcohol- roughly £2 for a pint! There is a lot to do and is a place we would recommend for that short trip you are really needing!

                  There is a local market square which includes a multicoloured stretch of houses. This is a perfect place to find a local café and soak up surrounding views. Also, there is a croissant museum… YES you read it right! At certain times, bakers will make fresh croissants in front of you, and you learn the history of the croissant. At the end of the session, you are given a taster of the freshly made croissant which is the perfect way to end the activity.

                  The city is also littered with castles, cathedrals and churches. The architecture and sculpture work is incredible and intricate, which can be seen across the Poznan skyline. We would recommend seeing the Imperial Castle, the Town Hall and The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help! For any history lovers out there, there is also an Archaeological museum and History Land.

                  History land is a cool unique experience where you the exhibits are depicted through Lego creations, whether it’s battles, buildings or more!! This is an experience that doesn’t exist in many other places so would definitely be worth checking out!

                  Accommodation Options

                  Luxury option : A hotel and wine bar, with the opportunity to have an in-room jacuzzi or hot tub, with being extremely spacious and clean. Find it here

                  Budget Hotel : Being in a close location, this hotel starts from around £34 a night which is SO good! It’s known to be a quieter hotel, boasting friendly staff and 24 hour facilities. Find it here

                  Hostel option : This cinema themed hostel is great for the budget traveler! This hostel offers private rooms starting from £22, in the centre of Poznan. Friendly hostel, with great facilities and location! Find it here

                  Bratislava

                  Another central European city that is full of life, this city boasts many impressive castles and historic buildings, and is an amazing place to just wander. A popular activity in the city is to rent a bike and cycle around to explore the whole city. The city is perfectly sized to travel around on a bike, and can be a cheaper alternative than other modes of transport!

                  Across the city are quirky statues, including a depiction of a man climbing out of the sewers. It is a city where you can wander; find local shops, activities and indulge in the culture of the city. The local foods include a selection of meats and layered cake (Prekmurska Gibanica).

                  One of the attractions to the area is wine tasting! This is a country known for it’s wine and there are many tours – one including wine tasting at a castle – which would be awesome to check out! This is located at Devin Castle, which is perfectly located on the bank of the well known river, The Danube. This is a great break to enjoy the suburban views, have a drink with your fellow holiday-goers and soak up the castles history!

                  This location would be great for a long weekend break to see new sights and escape reality for a short period before coming back to reality.

                  Accommodation Options

                  Luxury option : Stay in a 5 star luxury hotel along the river, with rooms offering panoramic views of the Danube River or Castle Hill. It has free gym access, the opportunity to book into their spa (some options do include this), breakfast, lunch and dinner facilities and more! Prices start from around £160+, and you can find it here

                  Budget Hotel : This hotel is such a great find, with one night (inclusive of breakfast), only costing roughly £60 a night! You can use their salt cave and fitness facilities free of charge, and the hotel boasts a good location, being in the old town. The interior is really pretty and is a very highly rated place right now! Find it here

                  Hostel option : This hostel is such a unique one! Being the first NFT hostel, full of NFT styles and artwork! With an unforgettable industrial style, it has capsule style dorms of 6-10 bunks, starting from around £22 a night! There is an option for private accommodation within the hostel for those who don’t like dorm style rooms. Find it here

                  Cologne

                  Cologne is a beautiful city in Germany that isn’t a massive hotspot for tourism. The city offers all types of reasons to visit: there are many castles to visit, popular brewhouse tours, and even an old town to visit! It is also a great spot to use as a ‘middle ground’ for travelling to other spots in Germany, such as Dusseldorf.

                  Many people may not know this, but Cologne have a chocolate museum! And you know we love food museums!! This is a great place to learn the history of Lindt… well let’s be honest. Everyone is there to eat as much chocolate as possible. But it is interesting to learn how the chocolate is made.

                  Also in Cologne, there is an Ice Bar. Now, if you haven’t experienced this before, then it is a rather strange but cool experience! Basically, you are in a typical bar but instead of being in normal decor.. The decor is all Ice. You are in an Ice room! You are provided with a snow coat to keep you from getting frostbite and can enjoy cocktails. Even the seats and tables are made from Ice. Legit everything is! This is a great place to enjoy with friends and family that is different!

                  This city offers some picturesque places for photos and is a perfect location to explore as a short break! Germany is always a great winter option, especially with the infamous Christmas markets yearly- this is a great travel option for anyone’s bucket list! As it’s known for it’s beer, there are opportunities to do a beer tour and during certain times of the year, you could enjoy some beer festivals!

                  Accommodation Options

                  Luxury option : This hotel is a beautiful option for visiting Cologne! Local to many attractions, this hotels offer breakfast, and focuses heavily on sustainable options! Find it here

                  Budget Hotel : This modern option is a great hotel for a lesser price! It’s part of the ibis chain, and offers buffet breakfast as part of their packages. The hotel can be found here.

                  Hostel option : We had to include this one! This hostel has rooms each decorated with their own unique theme! Choose themes such as Bollywood cinema, cabin in the woods, and a 60’s theme pod. It’s so cool and is a great budget option at roughly £24 a night! Find it here

                  Cordoba

                  A beautiful Spanish city that is full of culture. The sun is always shining here and has a beautiful old quarter to explore- it was an important Roman city, and a major Islamic centre during the Middle Ages, meaning it is full of culture and history to learn! The city is full of tight streets with quaint restaurants, cobble streets and traditional Spanish houses.

                  You are only going for a short break so you need to make the most of relaxing.. with an Arabian bath. This is with a traditional setting of pillars and an enclosed large bath perfect for sinking your toes in or relaxing by the baths. The rooms are lit up by candles and create an aroma that can cure the mind of any stress you are feeling.

                  As a Spanish City Cordoba is rich in architecture with many castles, Catherdral’s and Churches to explore. It is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Europe so it’s one of the best places to get lost in the history, learn about the people and culture, and immerse yourself in it’s beauty.

                  May is a month full of traditional fiestas, with the beautiful smell of jasmine and orange blossoms filling the spring air! You can go out for yummy tapas, enjoy a flamenco show and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

                  Accommodation Options

                  Luxury option : Stay in a converted 18th century mansion in the city centre, showcasing traditional and original structure! You can get breakfast included, with options to explore the two courtyards… it really is a beautiful option. Prices seem to start from roughly £170, but it is such an amazing luxury find! Find it here

                  Budget Hotel : Right in front of the Cordoba Mosque, this hotel is a great budget option! You can include breakfast at an additional cost, with great reviews praising the staff and customer service. Check it out here

                  Hostel option : This hostel is a vibrant option to stay within Cordoba! There is a pool, common areas, no curfew and online check in! They have dorms with 4, 8 or 10 bunks, starting from roughly £22 a night! There is also an option for private rooms within this hostel from £90. Check it out here

                  Riga

                  The capital of Latvia is a beautiful, historic and architectural city that is traditional in its setting. The city has many museums and sculptures to see- which are great to capture some memorable pictures! This city also boasts nice parks and scenic places to relax yourself and watch the world go by!

                  The city of Riga has a good spread of food markets throughout the city. A local dish to try is the Karbonade- this dish is pork that is pounded thin and fried for a crispy finish. This is usually served with flavours on top to maximise flavours. For the locals, this is washed down with a traditional Rye Bread pudding. Who would of thought that the Latvians are so big on Rye Bread? It is very popular in Riga and is a must try when in the city.

                  A perfect place to unwind is visiting the Art Nouveau district. This area is spread with museums showing off famous pieces for this time. We would recommend to take a stroll to the area as it is dotted with vibrant and structurally brilliant buildings which are elegantly designed. This is a great place to take a detour – wander – and see where the road ahead takes you.

                  Latvia isn’t necessarily a mainstream European location to visit, however we know many who LOVE this location. There is a pedestrian only old town, where you can find plenty of shops and restaurants, alongside the well known Livu Square, with a range of bars and nightclubs

                  Accommodation Options

                  Luxury option : Find a four star spa hotel from only £65! This is an amazing deal for a luxury hotel, which is also riverside with amazing views, and great spa facilities. It is so close to some major attractions that you can see them from the hotel. You can include spa access within your booking which seems very worth it! Find it here

                  Budget Hotel : This hotel is only from £25… with full private facilities. Rooms are somewhat basic, but some offer inner courtyard views. But for £25 who can complain! Find it here

                  Hostel option : An authentic hostel offering self catering cooking facilities, in a great location in the middle of the old town. They offer dorms of up to 14 beds, with the option of female only rooms too. Dorms start from £15 a night… what an amazing price! Find it here

                  These short breaks are the perfect way to regenerate the body and experience a little dose of some smaller/lesser known areas of Europe. A lot of these picks are cheap places to travel and stay in, making it realistic for people who are looking to travel on a budget.

                  These places are definitely on the top of our list for places to visit in Europe and would love to know more about people who have visited!

                  We hope you liked our picks and if you have any other suggestions, do let us know in the comments.

                  Also, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future blog posts… we post budget travel content to showcase some of the best places to visit and hidden gems you might otherwise miss out on!

                  Also, Check us out on our Social Media’s below and let us know how your travels are going.

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                5. The BEST Foods to Eat in Thailand!

                  The BEST Foods to Eat in Thailand!

                  Thailand is renowned for it’s all round experience and beauty. It’s a country full of endless possibilities- and therefore is one of the most popular travel spots across the globe.

                  When speaking to people who have previously visited, the food is one topic no one forgets to mention! The vibrant flavours are not to be missed.

                  Here we have compiled a list of the best foods you MUST try in Thailand! There are so many to choose from so be sure to try them all…

                  Thai Omelette

                  This is one we had to start on! When travelling Thailand, it was by far Jack’s favourite dish. So much so it was his breakfast EVERYDAY (this is no exaggeration).

                  The best part about this dish is the pure simplicity it has. We mean there’s not much to the dish, it’s fried rice with an omelette on top. You can choose to have a veggie, chicken, pork omelette etc, but Jack’s choice was always vegetable.

                  It’s just a great way to start a day; and is perfect for breakfast. The crazy part is that the dish is always one of the cheapest items on the menu so you don’t have to spend a lot (so always budget friendly)!

                  Pad Thai

                  This is known to be one of the most popular dishes people in eat when visiting Thailand. This dish is the perfect balance between salty, sweet and sour, and one we would never get bored of.

                  Again, this is one of the cheaper options to eat in Thailand. There are so many varieties on the dish, with most meat and vegetables alternatives available.

                  Please be aware that this dish is usually served with a side of chillis and crushed peanuts- so if you do have an allergy, please take precaution.

                  Mango Sticky Rice

                  Now this is a combination that to many people is weird, including us! And that’s why we never tried it. Seems like a combination of food that would never go!

                  However, we have spoken with many people who have dared to try the dish, and say that it is one you should not miss! The sweetness of the mango, with the coconut covered sticky rice is supposed to be a perfect mix.

                  Even though we haven’t tried it (yet), it will be top of the list once we go travelling! And I’m sure it will be a meal we revisit regularly.

                  Pad See Ew

                  This traditional Thai dish commonly consists flat rice noodles, cooked in an array of spices and flavours.

                  This is not a dish that either of us have tried, but is a popular dish to have when visiting Asia. It’s a soy-based dish, and one that we have been recommended many times.

                  This is definitely added to our to-try list once we go back!

                  Panang Curry

                  The Panang curry is one of the most popular Thai curries. It’s perfectly spiced, and usually on the hotter side when it comes to heat. It’s infused with red chillies, and is a saucy curry- which is always perfect to mop up with a side of bread.

                  Like most of Thai food, it comes with most meats, and can come with veggie alternatives, but our favourite would be chicken or tempeh!

                  It’s definitely one of those meals that you need to eat at a traditional restaurant to make the most of the rich flavours that the dish has!

                  Massaman Curry

                  This is another Thai curry dish you can’t miss out on. The massaman curry is heavily rich in flavour, and is usually accompanied by tender meats like a lamb shank or chicken. It is typically less spicy than some others leaving it good for even the more sensitive pallets!

                  The dish for us is best served with beef, and with soft and soaked potatoes in the massaman broth-like sauce (it’s making our mouths water already)! As the same as a lot of dishes in Thailand, it is cooked with coconut milk giving it a sweet taste and fish sauce giving it a sour tinge.

                  This dish really does encapsulate the rich flavours of traditional Thai food and one we couldn’t recommend enough.

                  We honestly could of kept naming Thai dishes as there is so many to choose from. They are so rich in flavour and spices.

                  There is no wonder Thai food is named one of the best cuisines in the world for taste, and something you can only fully experience when visiting Thailand.

                  We would always give any Thai food a try, as it’s all freshly made and have never disappointed!

                  We cannot wait to visit again and eat their luscious foods (and we will 100% be trying the mango sticky rice this time)!

                  Please let us know your favourite Thai foods and inform us if we missed any off of the list that are a must-try!

                  Like this post? We have also made a South of Thailand travel guide which you can find here.

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                  Also, you can follow our travel journey on the social Media’s we have designed below.. We would love to you see over there!

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                6. How to spend 4 perfect days in Paris – Full Paris Travel Guide.

                  How to spend 4 perfect days in Paris – Full Paris Travel Guide.

                  Known as the city of love, this French capital is bursting with amazing things to do and see. Perfect for last minute vacations, or to find amazing luxury hotels of world, or even to just see lots of tourist attractions, Paris has it all.

                  We visited in February 2023, and it was such a beautiful trip! We visited over Valentine’s Day, and we did have such an amazing time. We were spoilt for choice with activities, and things to do, so we still couldn’t fit in everything we wanted in a 4 day period!

                  We couldn’t find many blog posts that shared a variety of activities, and things to do, so we have decided to make our full comprehensive guide, to help others in the same situation! We will share the best places to visit in Paris, the best tourist places in Paris, what to eat here and more!

                  *This post includes affiliate links, where we might earn a small commission, however all opinions are genuine and our own.

                  How long should I stay in Paris?

                  This is such a tricky question, because there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. Due to being such a famous capital, along with the location, the prices are not cheap… This definitely isn’t a fully budget friendly spot!

                  We would suggest if you have a flexible budget, to aim for roughly 4/5 days, including room to go to Disneyland Paris (if this is of interest to you). With this you can focus on a lot more sightseeing, alongside seeing some more unique places to visit!

                  However, if you are on a tighter budget, we would recommend a 2 day break (maybe just a weekend getaway), so you can still see your most important highlights, but you aren’t having to worry as much about the costs around you! Sadly, money doesn’t stretch far in Paris.

                  When to visit Paris?

                  This again is very much down to preference. We would mostly suggest the spring and autumn months, due to the crowds being slightly smaller, but the weather being a lot more pleasant! Prices always increase around holidays so this would help with keeping a lower budget!

                  Quick facts about Paris

                  Currency : Euro €. We found card usage extremely easy here, and didn’t once handle cash!

                  Data while abroad : We used international roaming, which was part of our sim-contracts in the UK (most providers offer this so check with your contract).

                  SIM card : If you do not have roaming opportunities, you can buy an e-sim from as little as $4.50! We usually use Airalo which you can find here. They also offer a Europe-wide sim starting from $5, so we will link this here for those backpacking around Europe!

                  Closures : Paris is known to have some different opening hours/days. Most shops are open Monday – Saturday from 9am to 7pm, however some smaller shops have limited (or none) opening hours on Mondays. Most museums are also closed on Tuesdays. In the lesser touristic areas, a lot more places (including restaurants) are closed on Sundays.

                  Transport : There is some great transport options, with the metro being something we used heavily. Just make sure you are getting the right tickets, as we thought we’d found a great discount, which turned out to be the wrong ticket (and we got charged)

                  Where should I stay in Paris?

                  This trip we were lucky enough to stay with a friend of Jacks, however Paris is full of options for accommodation!

                  We are huge advocates of hostels, due to the lower costs, the access to social areas, and generally have found the experience a lot more enjoyable!

                  We will share 3 hostels below, for those who like a budget-option, those who like some privacy, and those who want to be in the centre of the city!

                  Hostels:

                  The budget traveler – Jo&Joe. This hostel is honestly such a great value for money, with dorms starting from only £19. They do offer all-female dorms also if this is something you would be interested in! There is an option for a ‘private space’ from only £24. There is lockers and USB ports within your accommodation, and you can get breakfast included as an option whilst booking! This hostel is on the outskirts of Paris, and the centre can be easily accessed by a train. Find this hostel here!

                  The Private Room – We chose this accommodation for it’s great location, the Plug Inn Montmartre by Hiphophostels is a great private option! These private rooms have private bathrooms (which isn’t always a guarantee when visiting regular hostels), and has an impressive location, being only 3 minutes away from the Sacré Coeur, and 2 minutes from the Moulin Rouge. This option is more pricey, being around £90 a night, with the addition of a damage deposit being required. You can find this hostel here.

                  The Central Option – Being only a rough 20 minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower, this hostel is great for being central, whilst not breaking the bank! The 3 Ducks offers dorm rooms from only around £33, and fun fact- this hostel is the oldest in the whole of France! You can pay additionally for breakfast whilst booking, alongside offering free wifi, maps of Paris, safety boxes and aircon. They offer live music, due to being attached to a bar, so is great for social travellers! Find this central hostel here.

                  Best places to visit in Paris

                  Museums

                  The Louvre – Home to the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a world-renowned museum that is a must visit for Paris trips. With entry from €22, there is some budget options here! For the first Friday of the month, after 6pm, visitors can have free entry! There is also free admission for under 18’s, under 25 year old residents of the European Economic Area, and Disabled visitors, Art teachers, journalists etc, with valid proof. This museum is very big, so we suggest leaving a lot of free time to explore! Also be ready to walk a lot! We suggest this museum towards the start of your trip, when you have more energy!

                  The Centre Pompidou – Being home to the largest modern art collection in Europe, the Centre Pompidou is a cool museum to explore. The architecture is unique, and is known to be a massively revolutionary museum of it’s kind. Tickets start from roughly €15, and they offer reduced tickets €12. On the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection, and the Galerie des enfants is free for all visitors. This museum is a great for modern art lovers, however it might not be everyones cup of tea.

                  Musée D’Orsay – Sadly, we never found time for this amazing museum, but we still had to include it! Housed in a train station, this museum hosts an impressive collection of artwork, from artists such as Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and Toulous-Lautrec. It also holds sculptures and a range of arts from the art nouveau era. Admission is €16, with a reduced fee of €12 on Thursdays from 6pm. The first Sunday monthly is free admissions for all visitors, however booking is necessary. There is also free tickets for those with disabilities (with a carer), those under 18, and EU Citizens under 25.

                  Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Housing a large textile collection, for fashion-lovers keep an eye on this spot! We recommend checking their exhibition collection for your trip dates, as some of their guest exhibitions have been impressive! Aimee was lucky enough to see the Christian Dior exhibition here a few years ago, alongside some others such as : Barbie, Harpers Bazaar, Thierry Mugler and more, with a current exhibition being for Iris Van Herpen. We would suggest going for the exhibitions, which tickets are roughly €15, which is inclusive of the permanent collections admissions too.

                  Galerie de paléontologie et d’anatomie comparée – Who said museums had to be just art? We visited this museum for the first time last year, and it was a great surprise! We haven’t seen this museum on many recommended lists, so we wanted to shout it out! Part of the French National Museum of Natural History, this museum is a unique one, showing the bones of many animals, and explaining the science! We saw the bones of a giant sloth which was cool, alongside dinosaur bones- how cool! Tickets are from €12, with reduced and free fares offered, similar to those mentioned above.

                  Tourist Attractions

                  The Eiffel Tower – Let’s start this list with arguably one of the most famous landmarks worldwide. The Eiffel Tower is a distinct monument, and one to tick off your list! We must say, our unpopular opinion is that we weren’t overly fussed with the Eiffel Tower, however, if you have never seen it we would suggest still making that a highly on your itinerary. There is options to go up the tower, alongside restaurants, if your budget permits this!

                  The Arc de Triomphe – Would you believe we found this by mistake last trip! We were walking along some of the designer shops ‘window shopping’, and ended up coming across this! It was stunning! This is a monument for those who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. We saw it at nighttime, and being all lit-up was really pretty. It a great sight to see and take a photo of, and you can also go into it! Entrance is €13 (or free for certain groups), and is great to see the skyline of Paris!

                  The Catacombs – Not for all, but the underground catacombs of Paris is something on our to do list! Containing the remains of over 6 million people, the catacombs is an underground maze under this famous city. Only a small amount has been explored and is open to the public. It is believed it was made due to relocation of the Parisian cemeteries. Admission is from €29, and audio guide purchase is recommended. Reduced and free rates are available for certain groups.

                  The Notre Dame Cathédrale – Due to the tragedy of the fire, not all of the Notre Dame has yet been rebuilt. It is due to be reopened in December 2024, but we still recommend going by if you can. We saw some amazing street performances nearby, and it is still something great to see.

                  The Palais Garnier – This opera house is beautiful. This historic opera house is a sight to see, with intricate architecture and stunning interiors. Entry is not free, however there is a chance to still see shows here, which if within your budget would be amazing! Even just to view outside is great.

                  The Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Being one of Aimee’s favourite Parisian spots, the basilica is such a sight. A roman Catholic Church at the summit of Montmarte, this building is an impressive 83m and is beautiful inside and out. We aren’t religious, but anyone can appreciate this for sure! Entry is free, however due to being up the hill, it is a little tricky to get to! So keep this in mind.

                  Other highlights of Paris

                  Food

                  Let’s be honest, we all know there is many foods to try in France! From sweet treats, to famous dinner dishes, there is a lot to try!

                  We would always suggest visiting a bakery, and trying fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes- it’s a favourite of ours! We once brought a fresh baguette and ate it while on the metro (maybe we did get some odd looks but SO worth it)!

                  For lunches we suggest trying a croque monsieur, which is one of Aimee’s favourites! If not, just a nice fresh baguette sandwich is always so nice. Be sure to try some meats and cheeses- it is Paris!

                  For dinner if you feel up to it, escargot is a well known food from France. Alongside cuisses de grenouille… which we would know as frogs legs. Would you be willing to try these? If not, maybe opt for something like coq au vin, or a French onion soup!

                  Shopping / fashion

                  This isn’t one of the fashion capitals for no reason! Paris is the best excuse to shop till you drop, with so many different places to browse! You will find so many shops, from big scale designers, to small brands you’ve never heard of (but will surely fall in love with)!

                  Maybe you would be lucky enough to visit over fashion week and get a ticket to a show! Some big designers do offer off-calendar tickets during Fashion week for others to see (who wouldn’t usually be invited), so if this is your type of thing definitely keep an eye out!

                  One other little thing to note is walking along the river, and browsing through artist’s prints and postcards. There is some major talent, and walking here is beautiful and interesting. Maybe you can get a tote bag of a beautiful French painted scenery!

                  Souvenirs

                  We wanted to add this fun little addition. Some great souvenirs of course include a little Eiffel Tower (usually a keyring), a beret (so iconic!), little music boxes, and snow globes! We also love postcards to collect, and since Paris is full of so many monuments there is such a massive variety of postcards to choose from!

                  Day trip from Paris

                  Disneyland Paris

                  We wanted to add this as an addition, since we don’t think many people think of doing it this way!

                  Within the centre, there is an option to train it straight into Disneyland itself! You can from there then purchase a day ticket to explore one, or both parks! Make sure you leave early to make the most of the day!

                  You can also book into the themed restaurants, which we did for a buffet dinner!

                  Let’s be honest Disney isn’t a cheap trip, but this option of doing it as a day trip does help a bit with that. Disneyland is a magical place, and definitely did enhance our trip even more. You can embrace your inner child for a day! The magic of seeing your favourite characters never dies.

                  What do you think?

                  Paris is a beautiful city filled with amazing things to do, just remember to budget well, and keep costs in mind!

                  We hope this guide helps to build your perfect Paris itinerary for your cheeky trip to the city of love! Let us know your thoughts below, and if you would add anything else!

                  Like this post? Share it with friends to plan your next trip!

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                  Check our social media’s below, in which we share our stories, tips and tricks, insider information and more!

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                7. Paris Travel Guide – How to explore the City of Love

                  Paris Travel Guide – How to explore the City of Love

                  Known as the city of love, this French capital is bursting with amazing things to do and see. Perfect for last minute vacations, or to find amazing luxury hotels of world, or even to just see lots of tourist attractions, Paris has it all.

                  We visited in February 2023, and it was such a beautiful trip! After visiting over Valentine’s Day, we had such an amazing time. Being spoilt for choice with activities, and things to do, we still couldn’t fit in everything we wanted in a 4 day period!

                  We couldn’t find many blog posts that shared a variety of activities, and things to do, so we have decided to make our full comprehensive guide, to help others in the same situation! We will share the best places to visit in Paris, the best tourist places in Paris, what to eat here and more!

                  *This post includes affiliate links, where we might earn a small commission, however all opinions are genuine and our own.

                  Photo collage of our trip to Paris, including the Palais Garnier, the Palaeontology Museum and the Pantheon
                  1. How long should I stay in Paris?
                  2. When to visit Paris?
                  3. Quick facts about Paris
                  4. Where should I stay in Paris?
                  5. Hostels:
                  6. Best places to visit in Paris
                    1. Museums
                    2. Tourist Attractions
                  7. Other highlights of Paris
                    1. Food
                    2. Shopping / fashion
                    3. Souvenirs
                  8. Day trip from Paris
                    1. Disneyland Paris
                  9. What do you think of Paris?

                  How long should I stay in Paris?

                  This is such a tricky question, because there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. Due to being such a famous capital, along with the location, the prices are not cheap… This definitely isn’t a fully budget friendly spot!

                  We would suggest if you have a flexible budget, to aim for roughly 4/5 days, including room to go to Disneyland Paris (if this is of interest to you). With this you can focus on a lot more sightseeing, alongside seeing some more unique places to visit!

                  However, if you are on a tighter budget, we would recommend a 2 day break (maybe just a weekend getaway), so you can still see your most important highlights, but you aren’t having to worry as much about the costs around you! Sadly, money doesn’t stretch far in Paris.

                  When to visit Paris?

                  This again is very much down to preference. We would mostly suggest the spring and autumn months, due to the crowds being slightly smaller, but the weather being a lot more pleasant! Prices always increase around holidays so this would help with keeping a lower budget!

                  Quick facts about Paris

                  Currency : Euro €. We found card usage extremely easy here, and didn’t once handle cash!

                  Data while abroad : We used international roaming, which was part of our sim-contracts in the UK (most providers offer this so check with your contract).

                  SIM card : If you do not have roaming opportunities, you can buy an e-sim from as little as $4.50! We usually use Airalo which you can find here. They also offer a Europe-wide sim starting from $5, so we will link this here for those backpacking around Europe!

                  Closures : Paris is known to have some different opening hours/days. Most shops are open Monday – Saturday from 9am to 7pm, however some smaller shops have limited (or none) opening hours on Mondays. Most museums are also closed on Tuesdays. In the lesser touristic areas, a lot more places (including restaurants) are closed on Sundays.

                  Transport : There is some great transport options, with the metro being something we used heavily. Just make sure you are getting the right tickets, as we thought we’d found a great discount, which turned out to be the wrong ticket (and we got charged)! Trainline offer a variety of train routes in France, so definitely check them out here!

                  Where should I stay in Paris?

                  This trip we were lucky enough to stay with a friend of Jacks, however Paris is full of options for accommodation!

                  We are huge advocates of hostels, due to the lower costs, the access to social areas, and generally have found the experience a lot more enjoyable!

                  We will share 3 hostels below, for those who like a budget-option, those who like some privacy, and those who want to be in the centre of the city!

                  Hostels:

                  The budget traveler – Jo&Joe. This hostel is honestly such a great value for money, with dorms starting from only £19. They do offer all-female dorms also if this is something you would be interested in! There is an option for a ‘private space’ from only £24. There are lockers and USB ports within your accommodation, and you can get breakfast included as an option whilst booking! This hostel is on the outskirts of Paris, and the centre can be easily accessed by a train. Find this hostel here!

                  The Private Room – We chose this accommodation for it’s great location, the Plug Inn Montmartre by Hiphophostels is a great private option! These private rooms have private bathrooms (which isn’t always a guarantee when visiting regular hostels), and has an impressive location, being only 3 minutes away from the Sacré Coeur, and 2 minutes from the Moulin Rouge. This option is more pricey, being around £90 a night, with the addition of a damage deposit being required. You can find this hostel here.

                  The Central Option – Being only a rough 20 minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower, this hostel is great for being central, whilst not breaking the bank! The 3 Ducks offers dorm rooms from only around £33, and fun fact- this hostel is the oldest in the whole of France! You can pay additionally for breakfast whilst booking, alongside offering free wifi, maps of Paris, safety boxes and aircon. They offer live music, due to being attached to a bar, so is great for social travellers! Find this central hostel here.

                  Best places to visit in Paris

                  Museums

                  The Louvre – Home to the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is a world-renowned museum that is a must visit for Paris trips. With entry from €22, there is some budget options here! For the first Friday of the month, after 6pm, visitors can have free entry! There is also free admission for under 18’s, under 25 year old residents of the European Economic Area, and Disabled visitors, Art teachers, journalists etc, with valid proof. This museum is very big, so we suggest leaving a lot of free time to explore! Also be ready to walk a lot! We suggest this museum towards the start of your trip, when you have more energy! Find tickets here.

                  The Centre Pompidou – Being home to the largest modern art collection in Europe, the Centre Pompidou is a cool museum to explore. The architecture is unique, and is known to be a massively revolutionary museum of it’s kind. Tickets start from roughly €15, and they offer reduced tickets €12. On the first Sunday of the month, admission to the permanent collection, and the Galerie des enfants is free for all visitors. This museum is a great for modern art lovers, however it might not be everyones cup of tea. Find self-guided audio tickets here.

                  Musée D’Orsay – Sadly, we never found time for this amazing museum, but we still had to include it! Housed in a train station, this museum hosts an impressive collection of artwork, from artists such as Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and Toulous-Lautrec. It also holds sculptures and a range of arts from the art nouveau era. Admission is €16, with a reduced fee of €12 on Thursdays from 6pm. The first Sunday monthly is free admissions for all visitors, however booking is necessary. There is also free tickets for those with disabilities (with a carer), those under 18, and EU Citizens under 25. Find tickets here.

                  Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Housing a large textile collection, for fashion-lovers keep an eye on this spot! We recommend checking their exhibition collection for your trip dates, as some of their guest exhibitions have been impressive! Aimee was lucky enough to see the Christian Dior exhibition here a few years ago, alongside some others such as : Barbie, Harpers Bazaar, Thierry Mugler and more, with a current exhibition being for Iris Van Herpen. We would suggest going for the exhibitions, which tickets are roughly €15, which is inclusive of the permanent collections admissions too.

                  Galerie de paléontologie et d’anatomie comparée – Who said museums had to be just art? We visited this museum for the first time last year, and it was a great surprise! We haven’t seen this museum on many recommended lists, so we wanted to shout it out! Part of the French National Museum of Natural History, this museum is a unique one, showing the bones of many animals, and explaining the science! We saw the bones of a giant sloth which was cool, alongside dinosaur bones- how cool! Tickets are from €12, with reduced and free fares offered, similar to those mentioned above.

                  Tourist Attractions

                  The Eiffel Tower – Let’s start this list with arguably one of the most famous landmarks worldwide. The Eiffel Tower is a distinct monument, and one to tick off your list! We must say, our unpopular opinion is that we weren’t overly fussed with the Eiffel Tower, however, if you have never seen it we would suggest still making that a highly on your itinerary. There is options to go up the tower, alongside restaurants, if your budget permits this! Find tickets here, that allow access to the summit if you want to visit!

                  The Arc de Triomphe – Would you believe we found this by mistake last trip! We were walking along some of the designer shops ‘window shopping’, and ended up coming across this! It was stunning! This is a monument for those who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. We saw it at nighttime, and being all lit-up was really pretty. It a great sight to see and take a photo of, and you can also go into it! Entrance is €13 (or free for certain groups), and is great to see the skyline of Paris! Find rooftop access tickets here.

                  The Catacombs – Not for all, but the underground catacombs of Paris is something on our to do list! Containing the remains of over 6 million people, the catacombs is an underground maze under this famous city. Only a small amount has been explored and is open to the public. It is believed it was made due to relocation of the Parisian cemeteries. Admission is from €29, and audio guide purchase is recommended. Reduced and free rates are available for certain groups. See this combined tour of the Catacombs, and a river cruise, with audio guide here!

                  The Notre Dame Cathédrale – Due to the tragedy of the fire, not all of the Notre Dame has yet been rebuilt. It is due to be reopened in December 2024, but we still recommend going by if you can. We saw some amazing street performances nearby, and it is still something great to see.

                  The Palais Garnier – This opera house is beautiful. This historic opera house is a sight to see, with intricate architecture and stunning interiors. Entry is not free, however there is a chance to still see shows here, which if within your budget would be amazing! Even just to view outside is great. Enjoy a full tour and sightseeing river cruise here.

                  The Sacré-Cœur Basilica – Being one of Aimee’s favourite Parisian spots, the basilica is such a sight. A roman Catholic Church at the summit of Montmarte, this building is an impressive 83m and is beautiful inside and out. We aren’t religious, but anyone can appreciate this for sure! Entry is free, however due to being up the hill, it is a little tricky to get to! So keep this in mind. This full guided walking tour around Montemarte explores areas around the Sacré-Cœur, visiting sights like the Moulin Rouge and the Place du Tertre. Find tickets here.

                  Other highlights of Paris

                  Food

                  Let’s be honest, we all know there is many foods to try in France! From sweet treats, to famous dinner dishes, there is a lot to try!

                  We would always suggest visiting a bakery, and trying fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes- it’s a favourite of ours! We once brought a fresh baguette and ate it while on the metro (maybe we did get some odd looks but SO worth it)!

                  For lunches we suggest trying a croque monsieur, which is one of Aimee’s favourites! If not, just a nice fresh baguette sandwich is always so nice. Be sure to try some meats and cheeses- it is Paris!

                  For dinner if you feel up to it, escargot is a well known food from France. Alongside cuisses de grenouille… which we would know as frogs legs. Would you be willing to try these? If not, maybe opt for something like coq au vin, or a French onion soup!

                  This food tour will take you around the 16th Arrondissement with a local, allowing you to try different French pastries and chocolates, all whilst learning about famous French literature from Ernest Hemingway to Victor Hugo. Find tickets here.

                  Shopping / fashion

                  This isn’t one of the fashion capitals for no reason! Paris is the best excuse to shop till you drop, with so many different places to browse! You will find so many shops, from big scale designers, to small brands you’ve never heard of (but will surely fall in love with)!

                  Maybe you would be lucky enough to visit over fashion week and get a ticket to a show! Some big designers do offer off-calendar tickets during Fashion week for others to see (who wouldn’t usually be invited), so if this is your type of thing definitely keep an eye out!

                  One other little thing to note is walking along the river, and browsing through artist’s prints and postcards. There is some major talent, and walking here is beautiful and interesting. Maybe you can get a tote bag of a beautiful French painted scenery!

                  Paris is always world renowned for amazing fashion and designers, so experience luxury and create an unforgettable souvenir with Lady Gaga’s hat maker, in a truly unique workshop experience! Learn about hat making craftsmanship skills, discover pieces for by Lady Gaga, and choose your colours, shape and accoutrements ready fro your made-to measure hat! Find this experience here.

                  Souvenirs

                  We wanted to add this fun little addition. Some great souvenirs of course include a little Eiffel Tower (usually a keyring), a beret (so iconic!), little music boxes, and snow globes! We also love postcards to collect, and since Paris is full of so many monuments there is such a massive variety of postcards to choose from!

                  Day trip from Paris

                  Disneyland Paris

                  We wanted to add this as an addition, since we don’t think many people think of doing it this way!

                  Within the centre, there is an option to train it straight into Disneyland itself! You can from there then purchase a day ticket to explore one, or both parks! Make sure you leave early to make the most of the day!

                  You can also book into the themed restaurants, which we did for a buffet dinner!

                  Let’s be honest Disney isn’t a cheap trip, but this option of doing it as a day trip does help a bit with that. Disneyland is a magical place, and definitely did enhance our trip even more. You can embrace your inner child for a day! The magic of seeing your favourite characters never dies.

                  What do you think of Paris?

                  Paris is a beautiful city filled with amazing things to do, just remember to budget well, and keep costs in mind!

                  We hope this guide helps to build your perfect Paris itinerary for your cheeky trip to the city of love! Let us know your thoughts below, and if you would add anything else!

                  We really recommend exploring Europe further to see all the diverse beauty it has to offer! So, check out this 7 day itinerary for Croatia, our full guide to visiting Stockholm, or a full guide to Aarhus in Denmark!

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