Well hello to you my reader chums! Banff National Park is everything I dreamed it would be and I miss it so much already. It was one of those locations which wowed me wherever I went and I could have easily spent longer than 3 days, simply to just exist and admire the 360 views. Whether you're a mountain lover or new to wilderness exploring, Banff, Canada is a destination with low-key activities and more intense hikes.

If you're planning a trip to Banff National Park, here is my guide to everything you can see and do.

What to see and do in Banff National Park

Banff Town

Banff Town has a gorgeous and wholesome ambience with its fairytale setting, wooden buildings and mountainous surroundings. Whether you're staying in Banff or Canmore, it's worth spending some time in the actual town to mooch around the independent shops, buy some souvenirs, enjoy the restaurant scene and wander along the nature trails.

Banff Gondola

Wherever there's an opportunity for a viewpoint, always take it! The Banff Gondola is a gorgeous experience to see Banff Town and the entirety of Banff National Park from up high. The gondola is incredibly fun to ride but also allows you to experience amazing views, especially if you're only in Banff for a short amount of time, without doing many of the hikes. You can purchase tickets to the gondola in the tourist centre, however, I'd recommend buying a PursuitPass online, as it can cover several of the other attractions in the Canadian Rockies national parks.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Next to the entrance of the Banff Gondola is the Banff Upper Hot Springs. These are heated pools, which overlook the mountains and make for a fab time to relax. It can get pretty busy here and the pools aren't massive, so I'd recommend going towards the end of the day.

Bow River and Falls hike 

Within Banff Town, you can explore some of the nature scenes and one of the favourite and easy walks is the stroll to Bow River and Falls. You can reach the falls in under 30 minutes from the town centre and the stroll is mainly a woodland walk along the river.

Canoeing on Bow River

Canoeing in Banff was a dream-worthy experience because the scenery was unreal and I'm so grateful we were able to do it. You can canoe in various places in Banff, however, along the Bow River was one of the cheapest locations we found, rather than destinations like Moraine Lake.

Lake Louise

Prepare to be wowed at Lake Louise. You can reach Lake Louise in a few ways, such as by booking a shuttle and driving yourself or by a tour bus. It's one of those lakes I still can't believe is real. The beauty is something I can only describe as WOW. The colour of the lake was crystal clear and the weather was perfect on our visit. From the lake, you can also hike up to Lake Agnes and enjoy some lunch at the Lake Agnes Tea House, passing Mirror Lake along the way.

Moraine Lake

From Lake Louise, you can visit Moraine Lake by catching a shuttle. Moraine Lake has its own unique beauty and is a completely different setting from Lake Louise. With its mountainous terrain and rocky hills, it's a tranquil spot to relax.

Vermillion Lakes

One of my favourite things about travelling around Banff and the Canadian Rockies was how there were many places you could stop along the road to enjoy lake views. Vermillion Lakes is one of those lakes you can admire from the roadside at whatever time of the day.

Lake Minnewanka

Another lake to add to your agenda is Lake Minnewanka which is surreal, just like Vermillion Lakes and a lovely stop-off. To explore more of this lake, you can also go on a Lake Minnewanka cruise (which can be included in the PursuitPass).

Johnston Canyon

Another amazing hike in Banff is the Johnston Canyon as it's a picturesque place to admire gorgeous waterfalls and rugged cliffs. It's one of those places where you can appreciate the endless trees and nature - I just loved it.

Bow Lake and Peyto Lake

If you're visiting Jasper National Park on your trip as well, on the way there (by car), you can stop off at some gorgeous lakes, including Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Bow Lake, you can park along the roadside and witness, whilst Peyto Lake takes a small hike (around 20-30 minutes). Bow Lake is beautiful and Peyto Lake looks surreal with its bright blue water.

Drive to Canmore and Grassi Lakes 

Canmore is a nearby town to Banff that many tourists stay at because it's a lot cheaper and honestly, deserves time on its own to enjoy. Drive to Canmore and have a mooch around the town and restaurant scene, and then make your way to Grassi Lakes. Grassi Lakes is a hike which surprises me about how amazing it was. There were two different routes you could take, one that was pretty steep or a slightly tamer version. The end goal is beautiful with bright green lakes that look like magic.

Where to eat in and near Banff National Park

Good Earth Coffeehouse

I loved it in here as it had an independent coffee shop vibe, with homemade goods and local produce, offering everything from sandwiches, cakes, warm dishes and various drinks. Plus, they have a sweet outdoor area with a mountainous backdrop.

Farm and Fire Restaurant

Next door to the Good Earth Coffeehouse was the Farm and Fire Restaurant which was highly rated for many reasons. The dishes are all designed to be shared; me and my partner could choose a few dishes to enjoy together. The portions were also massive and the food - amazing quality.

Three Bears Restaurant

Considering you are in Banff, going to a restaurant named after bears is a necessity. Three Bears is very popular in the heart of the town. You can enjoy various dishes, from burgers, and mac and cheese to curries and banana splits.

Lake Agnes Tea House

If you go on the hike from Lake Lousie to Lake Agnes, you'll see the charming tea house located at the top. This place does daily specials of sandwiches and cakes, various teas and snack bits. It's a great stopping-off point after a hike but can get very busy.

Wild Flour Cafe & Bakery

Another gorgeous coffee shop with homemade goods, you can enjoy various sandwiches, cakes and desserts and plenty of fresh drink options. 

Take a Hike Market

In the heart of Canmore, this has got to be one of my favourite eating spots and I wish I could have gone here more. It has a deli set up to it but also offers hot breakfasts and lunches, such as pancakes and egg dishes.

Bridgette Bar

Another Canmore spot is Bridgette Bar, a meal me and my partner have been raving about since. With homemade pizzas and an array of other dishes such as pasta and meat options, you can enjoy loads of delicacies.

The Bro'kinYolk

Probably the biggest portion ever but I'm still thinking about the eggs benedict I had here with pesto on waffles - it was just insane. The perfect place to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Canmore.

Where to stay in Banff National Park

Staying in the heart of Banff Town and across the National Park can be pretty expensive and choosing where to stay can depend on your budget. Many people choose Canmore as it's cheaper and only a 20-minute drive to the national park. If you're driving on your trip, Canmore is an easy option, especially if you're on a budget too. You can also stay in Calgary and do a day trip to Banff as it's 1.5 hours away by car. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning a trip to Banff?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! The Canadian Rockies is a dream-worthy destination with phenomenal views you're guaranteed to fall in love with. I did plenty of research before venturing to the Rockies, but there were many things I learned along the way on my travels - and I'd love to share that wisdom with you.

If you're planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, here is everything to note before you jet off to the mountains.

Hire a car

I found our trip to the Canadian Rockies a dream come true and it made it easier and more cost effective by having our own car. The majority of the sights you'll see when exploring the national parks are easily accessible by car and without a vehicle, you'll need to pay for a tour which often can be rather expensive. The roads in Canada are really easy to navigate as they don't have roundabouts, are rather straight and very large. 

The Rockies are incredibly sparse

One of the things which surprised me about venturing around the Rockies is how sparse everything is. It's completely different to England, where you can find a corner shop or petrol station everywhere. With the roads through the Rockies, you can go 20 miles or more without seeing anywhere to stop, apart from a portable toilet on the road. One thing which excited me was how there were stop-off points on many roads to rest and take pictures of the views - and you're likely to see many cars pull over to do just that. Because of the sparseness though, ensure you're prepped with food, water and enough gas to get you from A to B.

Download your maps

Due to the vastness of the Rockies, a phone signal isn't always guaranteed and when we travelled between Banff and Jasper, I'll never forget the sign which said 'No cell service for 150km' which blew my mind. And, it wasn't the only time I lost signal on my phone, it would just disappear at random moments because, well, you're in the mountains. I would highly recommend downloading maps, ensuring you won't get lost along the way.

Bring a refillable water bottle

There were always refillable water stations at many of the hiking places we visited across the Canadian Rockies. Bring a water bottle wherever you go because it can save you a lot of money and you can enjoy fresh, cold whatever along the way. 

Buy bear spray

Bears were one of the biggest worries when visiting the Canadian Rockies and luckily we didn't see any during our hikes or visits to the lakes, but many tourists do see sightings of them on the trails and even in the towns. As a precaution, buy bear spray and read up on bears and how best to keep yourself safe. You never know when you may see one.

Be aware of wildlife

Be considerate of the wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. It's a wild and open place and you're exploring the animals' home so be respectful of that. In the Canadian Rockies, there may be bears, elks and many other wild animals and you don't want to cause them or yourself any harm.

Bring layers and wear appropriate clothing

In the mountains, the weather can change in a tick and bringing layers is so important to prepare yourself for the cold, rain or snow. I would recommend bringing thermals, a raincoat or waterproof layer, fleeces and coats. It all depends on the time of year you visit, but at night, the temperature can drop if you're visiting in warmer seasons. I visited in the autumn and it was mild in the day, but thermals were needed sometimes and my raincoat too.

Always stick to the trail

You'll see signs for this on every trail but it's so important as you never know what's beyond the trail, such as uneven terrain and wildlife. Keep your wits about you and always be aware, you are in the wilderness.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Are you excited to visit?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I fell in love with the Canadian Rockies and genuinely cannot believe I got to spend a week lapping up the mountainous scenery, hiking in some of the most beautiful places in Canada (and Earth) and visiting the dreamiest lakes. It almost didn't feel like real life because everything looked like a postcard. 

I could easily have spent much longer than 7 days in the Rockies because it's a place of such awe and beauty. However, if you've only got 1 week to explore the best of the Canadian Rockies like me, here's my itinerary of a 7-day road trip through the mountains. 

3-4 days in Banff National Park

Banff is the most popular national park in the Rockies for good reason as there's an incredible amount of sights you can see, especially if you're a beginner hiker or new to a mountainous destination. Banff National Park has plenty of things you can see and do to fill 3-4 days, or simply spend your time enjoying mountainous life. 

Day 1

• Explore Banff Town- shops and restaurants
• Hike along Bow River to Bow Falls
• Banff Gondola
• Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Dinner in Banff Town

Day 2 

• Lake Louise - roam around
• Hike from Lake Louise to Lake Agness Tea House
• Shuttle to Moraine Lake and explore the lake
• Visit Vermillion Lakes and Lake Minnewanka 

Day 3

• Johnston Canyon - hike to lower and upper falls
• Canoeing in Banff - along Bow River
• Explore Canmore - and have dinner there

2 days in Jasper National Park

Day 4 

• Drive from Banff to Jasper National Park
• Stop off along the way to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake (with a hike to the top)
• Enjoy the views as you drive along Icefields Parkway
• Columbia Icefields - a tour of Athabasca Glacier
• Skybridge

Day 5

• Jasper Town
• Pyramid Island and lake
• Relax in Miette Hot Springs
• Wander along Beaver boardwalk in Hinton (if you're staying out of Jasper)

2 days in Golden/Yoho National Park

Day 6 

• Drive to Golden (around 4 hours) and stop off at Athabasca Falls
• Visit the Golden Skybridge
• Explore Downtown Golden

Day 7

• Explore Yoho National Park
• Visit Emerald Lake - hike around the lake
• Visit Takakkaw Falls and Natural Bridge 

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning the visit?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travelling to Canada has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience as I'm honestly still in shock at the mountainous landscapes. I always knew Canada was a country I wanted to visit but because it was a pricey trip, I didn't think it would be a possibility any time soon. However, my partner and I made it our mission this year to visit Canada and explore as much as possible in a two-week window.

Canada is a sparse country which initially blew my mind, with how spaced out everything is. It surprised me that you could drive for 20 miles and only see a gorgeous landscape of mountains with no other amenities in sight. The peacefulness of life in the Canadian Rockies was something else.

My trip to Canada began on the east side of the country in Toronto. Toronto was a city that had the essence of Manhattan but without the loudness and chaotic energy. I've told many people, to me it was like a low-key New York. There were magnificent skyscrapers, endless shops and restaurants, and things to do but the heart of the city wasn't as bold and extra as the Big Apple. Toronto had a slight residential and homely feel to the city, with a bustling tourist trail of people and serene locations, such as the Toronto Islands.

The first few days in Canada were about exploring the sights in Toronto and I love the feel of mooching around a new city, grasping the vibe and energy it brings. Some favourite sights and areas included St Lawrence Market, CN Tower (watching the sun go down), and wandering around Old Toronto, the Distillery District and Downtown Toronto. I loved taking in all the views of these sights, especially Yonge-Dundas Square as it reminded me of Manhattan and the quaint shops in the Distillery District. 

However, the top thing I did in Toronto was the Toronto Islands. I love the peace nature brings and taking a 10-minute boat trip away from the city itself; being on the islands was joyous. My partner and I hired one of the quadricycles which reminded me of the Chuckle Brothers and we cycled across the islands, taking in the gorgeous views and sunshine. The islands are such a juxtaposition to the city itself; incredibly serene with endless trees, green spaces, flower gardens and water features, including ponds and lakes.

As Toronto is incredibly close to Niagara, on my trip there, I took a day trip to the town to see the famous Niagara Falls. Niagara surprised me in many ways, one, seeing the falls for the first time was a 'WOW' moment and secondly, the juxtaposition of Clifton Hill in the town, compared to the peaceful falls themselves. Niagara itself isn't massive, however, I spent a lot of time roaming around the falls (and getting absolutely drenched). The highlight had to be the boat tour into the falls where I wore the iconic red poncho. This experience was nothing less than pure joy! I cannot even explain how hilarious it was to be soaked by the falls but also marvel at the incredible beauty at the same time.

After enjoying the wonders of Toronto and witnessing Niagara Falls, the rest of our time in the city was spent with my partner's family. My partner and I then flew to the west side of the country to Calgary, starting our journey across the Canadian Rockies. We stayed the night in a hotel near the airport, picked up a hired car the next morning and started our road trip to the Canadian Rockies.

I don't think I'll ever get over the first moment I saw the mountains on the way to Banff National Park from Calgary. It was such a 'WOW' moment of the mountains, and the closer we got to Banff, the larger and more magnificent they became. It wasn't only this drive that amazed me but the drive throughout Banff, to Jasper National Park and to Golden and Yoho National Park.

Banff National Park has to be one my favourite ever places I've visited and having three days there was EVERYTHING. The first day arriving in Banff was all about enjoying the quaint town, grabbing some food and going up the Banff Gondola. We also took a lovely mooch around the town and a small hike along Bow River to Bow Falls. Travelling up the gondola was special as the higher we went, the views were even better of the surrounding mountains and lakes in the national park. Up the top, we could see the panoramic views of all levels, with various pathways. There was something magical about being in that landscape for the first time. The gondola was also near the Banff hot springs and we ended our first day relaxing, surrounded by mountains. 

During our time in Banff, we stayed in Canmore which honestly is such a gorgeous mountain town and I'll never forget waking up to the sunrise over the mountains. Canmore had many great places to eat and surrounding hikes to enjoy. On the second day in Banff we saw the most famous sights: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This day I can only describe as magic. 

The early start driving to Lake Lousie was worth it. As soon as we arrived, my jaw dropped at the colour of the water and mountains, and the picturesque setting. Lake Louise was as beautiful in real life (if not better) as everything I've seen previously online. We were lucky it wasn't too busy and got to experience the pure beauty of this glistening lake. From Lake Lousie, there's a great hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House. It was a lovely and slightly steep hike, yet along the way, there were gorgeous sites such as Lake Louise from another viewpoint and Mirror Lake. Arriving at the top was a great feeling, enjoying some lunch at the tea house and soaking in the scene. The next stop that day was Moraine Lake; another breathtaking lake which blew my mind. The surroundings here were a lot rockier, yet stunning and the water reflecting from the sun is an image I'll never forget. Another highlight that day was stopping by Vermillion Lakes on the way home - that's the best thing about Canada, you can stop off at mountainous viewpoints along the car journey.

Banff National Park was somewhere I could have spent longer than three days as the beauty never stopped. On our last day in the park, we visited Johnston Canyon, which was a tamer yet stunning walk that featured rugged cliffs, waterfalls and quaint paths. I loved the peaceful energy around the canyon and how easy it was to reach the waterfalls. The rest of the day in Banff was about exploring the independent stores in Banff and having a bite to eat. As we were incredibly lucky with the weather, this day was the hottest in the Rockies and we took advantage by going canoeing on Bow River. The sun was beginning to go down and the river was calm. An experience I'll never forget!

From Banff National Park, we made our way to Jasper National Park. On the way, we spotted two wonderful lakes, Bow Lake, along the road and Peyto Lake, which required a small hike to reach - and the vivid, bright blue lake. We also had the opportunity to drive along Icefields Parkway which is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It certainly lived up to that name as I fell in love with endless mountainous scenery, from rugged cliffs to endless rows of autumnal trees. I thought the views were good one minute, and then they got better and better. The first stop in Jasper National Park was the Columbia Icefield. Canada was a trip with mind-blowing experiences and visiting a glacier was just that. I'm not over how we got to walk on a glacier and experience the freezing weather and gorgeous views.

Our time in Jasper was quieter than in Banff as we were only there for 2 days, and driving took a lot of that time, and due to the unfortunate forest fires, most of the park wasn't open. My heart went out to all the people the fires affected. Some sights were open, including Pyramid Island and Lake and Miette Hot Springs. We also visited the Beaver Walk and explored the local town.

From Jasper, our next day, we headed to Golden, which was around a 4-hour drive. This drive was just as gorgeous as the one on the way to Jasper. We stopped off along the way to take in the views, including the Athabasca Falls. Arriving in Golden, our first stop was the famous Golden Bridge. I have to admit, that bridge was terrifying to walk along, but the views were amazing. We spent our time in Golden, staying in a beautiful cabin in the middle of the wilderness - a serene setting with a fire and mountain views.

Golden was nearby to Yoho National Park and we spent our full day there exploring the highlights of the park, including Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. I adored Emerald Lake as we took a stunning walk around the glistening emerald-coloured lake. The scenes around this were glorious and I love that half of the walk was pretty flat and the other half was slightly steep and muddy which was great fun. Takkakaw Falls was an incredible highlight as the falls were just something special and when we arrived, the snow fell one minute and the next, the sun came out and a rainbow formed over the waterfall. On the way back to Calgary from Golden, we stopped off at Banff and Canmore and enjoyed our last hike to the Grassi Lakes - which had the brightest green lake ever. 

Saying goodbye to the Rockies was incredibly bittersweet as I had the time of my life, hiking around the mountains, witnessing dream-worthy sights and living my best mountain life. 

Canada was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I'm forever grateful to take this trip with my partner. If you're considering the Canadian Rockies, plan and book that trip - you'll never regret it.

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Maintaining female friendships can be challenging, especially as you grow older and life paths change. I love my friends and nothing can match the richness and depth of those friendships. Years of watching each other grow, celebrating the big moments, dealing with heartbreak and making memories together that'll last a lifetime.

If you've got some amazing female friendships or have started a new one recently, here are my tips on how to maintain female friendships.    

     Have check-in points 

 Life is busy, especially as you get older and everyone is on different paths, whether they move countries, have a baby or get married. Weeks and months can go by fast and before you know it a year has gone and you haven't seen any of your friends in person. To tackle this and due to the power of technology, have check-in points. This could be a weekly phone call or Facetime, a daily voice note or texting memes whenever you feel the need. Each friendship differs from one to the next.  

    Communicate expectations with each other  

   We have friendships for different reasons, some we run into with every issue, some we catch up with every few months and some who are like family. Not every friendship can be the same and you shouldn't put the same expectation on each friend nor expect them to act in a certain way. Naturally, your expectations will come clear for each other and if they don't, communicate how you're feeling and how you can both show up for each other in the way that suits you mutually.

 Always enter with an open heart

Living with an open mind and heart is the way to enjoy every part of life, including friendships. One of my favourite things about female friendship is the pure love and connection we all have for each other and why an open heart is the best thing you can have. This allows you to appreciate every moment, love hard and enjoy life with each other to the fullest.

 Celebrate each other

     Life is all about boosting each other up and celebrating each other. I always feel so incredibly empowered by female friendships as they're the biggest cheerleaders. One of the best ways to maintain friendships is to always cheer each other on, even if you don't see them regularly. Whether it's sending them a text, complimenting them on their Instagram post or sending a celebratory card in the post.

 Set dates to see each other regularly           

                     It can be hard to stay in touch with female friends, especially if you both have demanding personal lives or you don't live near each other. However, putting dates in the diary regularly can mean seeing each other as much as possible and catching up on each other's life, keeping a meaningful connection alive between you both.         

  Avoid holding a grudge  

        I think as women, it's so easy to hold a grudge over the little things or get resentful if you're left out, and your friend doesn't reply or lets you down. But, grudges are not healthy at all and can only turn your friendship toxic. If you are feeling hurt or doubtful about anything, always talk it out with each other as this can prevent grudges or resentment.

 Try and be understanding of their thoughts and feelings

Being open to your friend's thoughts and feelings is the best way to create and develop a safe space and talk everything out with each other. Going into any conversation with an understanding mindset can help you deal with any situation or minor argument you've had.

Cherish every memory with your friends

Life is busy and can move so fast that sometimes we forget to cherish the moment when it's there. Whatever you're doing, whether it's a sleepover or going out for brunch, make sure you're present and put your phones away.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What would you add?

  Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I love to be busy; I always have a planned weekend, holiday on the horizon or enough things to do that I struggle to relax. However, as I've gotten into my late twenties, I've started to appreciate the quieter way of life, slow weekends and learning to relax and it has benefitted my mental health.                   

If you're struggling to relax, here's my guide on learning to slow down and how it has done wonders for me and my mental health. 

 Life doesn't always have to be busy to be fun

This took me a long time to learn, however, life isn't always about being constantly busy, it's about enjoying the fun in all the smaller moments. I always thought I needed to have plans every weekend, ensuring I was doing something big and exciting, such as going to a concert, dinner out or on holiday. Yet, by slowing down and embracing quieter activities, I've realised that fun can be found in whatever you're doing and each activity. 

The little things bring so much joy

Life isn't about the big things, it's about the little moments, from watching the sunset on the beach, reading a book in the sunshine, baking a cake, shopping at the farmer's market to mooching around in your local town. The little things are everything and can make each moment special, especially with people you love. I spend quality time with those who are important to me, it doesn't matter what we're doing as long as we're together. 

Appreciating what slowing down is

I thought slowing down meant doing everything at a slower pace but it can mean whatever you want it to be. For me, slowing down is having evenings with no plans, not overbooking my calendar and embracing life and the little things that fill it. It's about appreciating the joy of a slower way of life and enjoying what life throws at me. I love seeing where the day can take me with no plans whatsoever.

Relaxing helps regulate my nervous system

Being constantly on the go isn't good for anyone, especially me. I always thought staying on the go would help keep my mind distracted from anxiety and depression, however, it can make me stressed and burnt out, dysregulating my nervous system. By relaxing and taking things at a slower pace, leaving space for spontaneity can help regulate my nervous system and calm my mind. 

Resting is productive 

My whole life, I've struggled to relax or didn't know how to relax and enjoy it, always feeling as if I needed to work or be productive. Though, when slowing down, I've realised, resting is productive. With rest, comes energy, a clear mind and more fulfilment every day. Taking things slow and enjoying little things can help you appreciate the bigger things even more.

Connection to people and nature is everything

Life is about what you connect with, especially your loved ones and nature around you. The world is beautiful and when you take the time to relax and slow down, you can appreciate the beauty of nature, from going on a beach walk or a picnic in the countryside. Being connected to people you adore and the nature of the world can make life a million times better and relieve your mind. 

Creativity grows in relaxation 

With relaxation and learning to slow down, my brain can thrive as I start to feel more creative, noticing what's going on in the world around me, instead of constantly being on the go.  I love how my brain finds inspiration in the quiet moments and how it can help benefit my mental health.

Learning to care less what people think

Caring less about what people think is a must we should all learn. We only get one life and we should do with it as we will. The world of social media constantly makes us compare and think we're not good enough or we should be doing more, and that's not the case. Learning to slow down can also help you learn to care less what people think and follow your heart, and mind, preventing yourself from comparing to others. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. What else would you add?

 Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I miss the backpacking way of life; I would give anything to roam around the world again with my backpack in tow. I can't believe I've had the pleasure of backpacking twice, once for two months and once for three months. There's something incredibly freeing about backpacking and how the world is at your fingertips - and every day is a new adventure. Whether you're moving across Southeast Asia, interrailing in Europe or exploring South America, there's plenty to see and fall in love with.            

 If you're planning your first-ever backpacking trip and feeling anxious, here is everything I wish I knew before I went backpacking.     

You don't need to bring as much as you think   

The first time I went backpacking, I packed way too many things and my backpack weighed a tonne which made it a challenge taking it from place to place. Bringing too many things made the actual backpacking part of backpacking annoying and didn't leave much room to buy souvenirs and new things on my journey. Pack as light as you can, especially when it comes to clothes as honestly, you won't care about looking 'perfect' or glam up every day, you'll mould into backpack life and be happy wearing the same loose trousers and sandals most days (and you can wash things along the way). When packing your backpack, what you think you need, half it and leave as much room as possible.

Embrace the spontaneity

The beauty of backpacking is the spontaneous adventures and random moments which become the best memories you'll ever have. You may have an itinerary as detailed as mine with an activity planned each day, but the off-the-road adventures you take can wow you and the people you meet along the way. You never know what tomorrow brings when you're backpacking and that's the fun of it.

 Learn common phrases in the countries you're visiting

 Not everyone will know English wherever you're travelling and to navigate things a little easier, learning some common phrases can help you along the way, such as 'How much does this cost', 'Where's the nearest bus station?', 'please' and 'thank you'. It may be tricky to memorise so you can always have it written down to refer to on your phone.  

  Insect repellent is essential       

If you're visiting anywhere with a hot climate, such as Southeast Asia, you may be bitten a lot and some insects can carry diseases, which you can get ill from. Buying a quality insect repellant or bracelets can be a great way to prevent being bitten. 

Not everything can run on time

 As I love an itinerary and schedule, I'm used to things running on time or more likely, want things running on time. However, backpacking in countries that don't have a punctual public transport schedule or a high tourist population, may not run smoothly. It's important to be aware that buses can run an hour or two late and tours may not start when they say they do.

 The weather won't always be perfect

  I always think or dream that the weather will always be perfect when I leave the UK, however, that's not the case. Other countries do get rain, storms, cloudy days and cold weather. Do your research and prepare for all climates, such as tropical storms.

 It's okay to have 'nothing' days

Backpacking can be exhausting as you can be constantly on the move, exploring as many places as possible in the time you have. Due to this, embrace 'nothing' days and make sure you have a few days in your schedule where you can have time to relax and reflect on your journey.

Always bring layers with you   

   I say this for two reasons: one the weather can fluctuate, but two if you're going to certain religious monuments, you may need to cover up to visit them.    

I hope you enjoyed this post. What else would you add?        

Thank you for reading <3