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 

Well hello to you my reader chums! Being in your twenties is one of the biggest learning curves ever and although it can be the best time of your life, it's also a decade for some hard truths and learning who you really are and what you want in life. My twenties so far like many have been like a rollercoaster for many reasons, I've experienced some of the best moments of my life but also learned a lot about friendship - who is my friend and who is not, and the friends I thought would be in my life forever, leave.

Navigating friendships in my twenties has been a challenging concept as it's the first decade of my life not in education, and I have to make my own way in keeping existing friendships and making new friendships. It's definitely been a massive change and helped me learn a few lessons along the way. If you're in your twenties and struggling with friendships, here is how friendships change in your twenties.  

Everyone has different priorities

Your twenties are a decade of change where everyone will be on different paths, from travelling and making their way into the career world to starting a family and getting married. Every person has a different priority on what they want their life to be in their twenties and it's okay not to be on the same path as your friends. However, as you may not be on the same path, continuing and prioritising friendships can be challenging as they don't align with what you want out of life. These different priorities will either show how much you mean to each other or draw you apart and whatever the outcome, it'll be the right choice for you and your life.

 The dynamics are completely different

With a change in priority and different life paths, the dynamic of your friendships may look different. This could be seeing your friends less, having to put in more work to organise when to see each other or the easiness of your friendship may become more challenging. For example, some friends I only see twice a year in person and text the rest of the time, whilst others I call regularly and see in person all the time. It doesn't mean the friend I don't see that often I don't love as much, it's just our dynamic is a lot different. 

   Some friendships are toxic, and some are healthy  

One of the things that really came to head with friendships new and old in my twenties is which ones are good for me and which ones are not. I realised which friends were toxic and which friends were healthy and always had my best interest at heart. Learning which friends are toxic is incredibly painful but removing them from your life can be the best choice you make. This leaves you more time to focus on the healthier friendships which enrich your life.

You learn who has got your back

Your twenties can be challenging, whether you lose your job, break up with your partner or struggle with the first proper decade of adulthood. Whatever the situation, we all struggle with the up and down waves and who stays with you in the low moments will show you who will always have your back. Stick with those friends and replicate their energy.

You'll realise what you want and need from friends  

 Learning about friendship expectations has been such a tricky thing for me and it's made me lose friendships or stay in situations where I didn't know the right way out. Not every friendship is the same; not everyone can be your best friend and your first priority. You'll have some friends for a deep, family-like connection, others for a fun casual relationship and some you work with and enjoy their company. As their dynamics are different, you'll realise what your expectations are of each friendship - and how you can navigate that.

Friendship circles get a lot smaller  

This isn't everyone, but I've definitely found the older I get, the smaller my circle becomes. I started to do things with smaller groups of people and sometimes friends one on one, which to be honest, I've loved and preferred. Hanging out with people individually and in small groups has allowed me to grow deeper friendships and have that dedicated quality time.

You may lose friends or see people's true colours    

Red flags come alive in our twenties as life changes occur and you see people's true colours. If they really care for you and want what's best for you, they'll stick around no matter what.

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

 Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I love a European city break any time of year, especially in the autumn. There's something about a cooler breeze in the air, autumn sunshine and a quieter atmosphere that makes many European cities even more charming. I always recommend visiting European cities during shoulder seasons, especially in autumn as it's my favourite time of year.

If you're planning a European city break, here are the best European cities to visit in the autumn.

Autumn is my favourite time to visit Italian cities and Bologna will always remain one of my top European cities. Located in northern Italy, Bologna is a city of incredible food, such as ragu, tortellini, cured meats, fresh pasta and endless gelato. Surrounded by mountains, the city has plenty to see, such as the Torre Degli Asinelli, Piazza Maggiore and Cathedral di San Pietro. It's such a charming place with quaint walkways, food markets and a rustic look, plus for a popular city, it's not too touristy. The weather in autumn is mild with a mountainous breeze in the air.

Porto, Portugal 

 For that dose of autumnal sunshine, Portugal should be at the top of your list. Porto has a charm about it like no other and it's a city of gorgeous sights, good food, endless things to do and the perfect location for day trips. I loved everything about Porto, from Clerigos Tower, Porto Cathedral, and bookshops to local markets and authentic Portuguese cuisine. From Porto, you can easily travel to the Douro Valley and experience port tasting and beautiful scenery. The best thing is, that you can still rock your summer dresses and hats.

Florence, Italy

Florence is in the heart of Tuscany and a region that deserves its level of admiration. As a focal point in the region, Florence boasts everything for lovers of art, history and architecture, with a delicious food scene too. Florence features the famous Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Strozzi Palace. As a characteristic city, you can explore many stunning piazzas, visit Pitti Palace or take a train to nearby towns and cities, such as Lucca and Pisa. 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands      

Everyone loves Amsterdam and for good reason. A city famous for its quaint canals, there's more to the city than first meets the eye, including gorgeous museums, significant history and cute brunch spots. With pretty parks and endless opportunities to cycle around, you'll have plenty of things to do for a weekend in Amsterdam. 

  Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a city I absolutely adore as there's something about its charm and character that makes it so special - and one of those cities you can enjoy, whatever the weather. This city has many incredible sights, such as The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat and many cobbled streets to wander and explore. The food scene is everything as you can enjoy whatever you desire, including Makars Mash Bar.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

I'm in love with Croatia and really want to explore more of the country, including its beach scene. Dubrovnik should still be warm around autumn which means you can soak up the coastline without endless crowds and people, and make the most of the historic centre. Visit the city walls, explore the old town and eat your way around the city.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a perfect destination to explore all year round, especially autumn with a rich history, colourful architecture and great nightlife. As a must-visit destination to see the harrowing Auschwitz, explore the salt mines and the old town and eat as many dumplings as possible, prepare for an insightful experience.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Where are you planning to visit?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you, my reader chums! I admit, summer is my season. I adore everything about the sunshine, longer days, spending every weekend by the beach, and eating all the ice cream possible. I'm forever in love with summer days, picnics in the park, swimming in the sea, and morning strolls to grab a pastry in the sunshine. There's something about that that fills my heart with joy.

Despite my love for summer, I love autumn time. The cosy activities and winding down into winter, are the ideal time for introverts. Autumn is a fabulous season because of the gorgeous colours, cute fashion and cosy activities, such as film evenings, baking and forest walks. 

If you're not a fan of waving bye to summer, here is my guide on how to embrace the joys of summer in autumn.

Make the most of the daylight

Vitamin D is essential for our mental and physical wellbeing. Even though in England, we aren't guaranteed sunshine, especially in the autumn and winter weather, embracing the daylight is crucial. Whether it's getting out for a morning stroll, running errands at lunchtime or enjoying a cup of coffee in the park, make the most of the daylight. It can be hard, especially if you work a 9-5, but that's why it's even more important to make that time, such as getting outside in your lunch break or before you begin work in the morning. 

Eat ice cream every day 

I'm an ice cream girl and I love the hot weather, it's an excuse to eat as much ice cream as I wish. And, just because it starts to get cooler, doesn't mean the ice cream needs to stop. Eat it as you would in the summer and enjoy the small joy it can bring to your day.

Continue your outside hobbies

I'm terrible for this but as soon as the weather gets cooler or it rains more, I stop doing outdoor activities, such as running, reading at the beach or heading out on a hike. Don't let the weather stop you from doing this. All you need to consider is preparing more, such as wearing a rain jacket and layers, ensuring you're warm enough to partake in the activity. 

Book a holiday

My favourite time of year to go away is the in-between seasons because it's quieter, cheaper and generally in many destinations out of the UK, the weather can still be lovely. Book a holiday in this time can help you embrace the joys of summer as that's usually a time when many have that holiday feeling. Whether it's a city break or a beach holiday, enjoying a holiday in the sunshine feels like summer will never end.

Wrap up and go on a walk

I love a walk, whether it's first thing in the morning or an afternoon stroll. Walking is a fab way to embrace nature and the world around you. Granted, in autumn, it's not as sunny and warm in the summer, but that shouldn't take away the fun of a walk. Put on a warm fleece or jumper, your best walking shoes and bring a raincoat for good measure and enjoy the autumn colours.

Watch the sunrise/sunset

I adore watching the sunrise and sunset, both are some of my favourite activities and in the autumn, they hit differently because sunny days aren't as promised. If you're heading out in the morning or evening, embrace it like the summertime but with an extra few layers and a hot drink.

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travelling regularly on a budget is my thing; I've been doing it for years and tried to go away and see new places as much as possible. Yes, travel can be expensive, but it's still possible to travel regularly even if you're on a small budget - it just takes more planning and restrictions. 

If you want to travel more regularly and are unsure how to begin, here are my best tips on how to travel regularly. 

Go on shorter breaks away

Going on holiday doesn't mean you need to travel for two weeks or more. The beauty of living in the UK is the accessibility to nearby locations and how you can visit them for a few days, and still enjoy the wonder of travelling, seeing somewhere new and having a break from work. To travel more regularly, book shorter trips away. This could be a long weekend, between 3-4 nights rather than a week-long trip. You'll be surprised about how much you can do in 3/4 days when away, such as exploring a new city or having a new experience. Most of my trips, especially city breaks have been for that period, ensuring I can visit more places. 

Limit the luxuries

There's always that saying 'well I'm on holiday', but to travel more regularly you'll need to make sacrifices when away. For example, you can book cheaper accommodations, eat out less when away, choose local restaurants and avoid drinking alcohol as much as possible. I'm not saying you need to restrict the entire trip, but be smart with your money and how you spend it, whilst away and when you're booking the trip.

Use comparison websites for flights

I've spoken about comparison websites for years now, such as Skyscanner but honestly, they're a game changer when looking for various flights and airlines. Google Flights also does the same thing, comparing and can make it easy to find a flight that suits you. Comparison websites link you to different sites, including the airline itself, which I generally book from. Always clear your cookies when looking for flights as this can help reduce prices slightly.

Have a travel savings account     

If you want to travel regularly, you need to consider booking trips regularly and how you're going to do just that. A dedicated travel savings account will help you move money every month into that savings account and know all the money in there is going directly towards your trips. It's down to you and your monthly wage how much you put into it, however, I'd suggest at least £100 a month or more if you can so you can book trips in advance and save as much as possible. 

Prioritise travel over other luxuries    

After your bills and expenses every month, you're left with disposable income and what you do with it can change how often you can travel. We all have luxuries we like to spend disposable income on, such as going out for dinner, concerts, theatre shows or drinking with friends. However, prioritise and almost sacrifice some of these things and put your disposable income towards your travels. This will give you a dedicated amount of money to spend on travels and put in that savings account.  

 Sign up to travel deal websites

If you're travelling regularly, travel deals are gold dust. Sign up for many travel website newsletters, such as your favourite airlines, accommodations providers and package deal sites as you'll be the first to see their offers when they appear in your inbox. Ryan Air for example, always have cheap flight deals where you can save plenty of cash.

Pack lightly 

Luggage these days with airlines costs a lot of money, especially if you want to check in a bag. Pack as light as possible only bringing hand luggage if you can as it can save you a lot of money and make you realise that you won't need as much luggage as you think. 

Lower your expectations    

We all have massive expectations of holidays and travel, such as staying in aesthetically pleasing accommodations, eating at fancy restaurants and constantly having out-of-this-world experiences. However, the beauty of travel is roaming around new places for free, trying cheap street food and only using accommodation for rest as you're too busy exploring and having fun. Lower your expectations about how 'perfect' your trip should look and instead focus on how amazing it is that you're travelling in the first place.      

                                Travel off-peak                                        

This may sound obvious but when you travel off-peak, it's significantly cheaper to peak season. If you want to travel more regularly, choose the quieter and less popular periods because you'll save a lot of money, and you can travel more often.    

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. How often do you travel?  

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Folkestone is a gorgeous seaside town in Kent which in recent years has revolutionised and become a place for endless things to do, cute cafes, beautiful beach walks and regular art and musical events. As someone who loves Folkestone a lot, especially its independent cafe, restaurant and shopping scene, I wanted to share my personal experiences of how to spend the perfect day in the pebbly beach town.

If you're new to Folkestone or looking for fun and exciting things to fill your day, here's my guide on how to have the perfect day in Folkestone.     

Start your morning with a stroll along the Leas

The Leas is a gorgeous place to begin appreciating the wonders of Folkestone because it overlooks the entire coastline and makes for a lovely nature stroll. As the Leas is pretty long, stretching your legs, chatting, and appreciating the natural beauty around you is fab. The Leas is also home to the bandstand which often has live music and hosts many fun community events. If you come along on the weekend, especially in the summer, you can expect to see bands playing, food stalls, vendors and ice cream trucks.

                                 Have breakfast in the town or harbour                               

After a stroll, the next thing on your list is to enjoy a delicious breakfast. In Folkestone, you're almost spoiled for choice of incredible food places across the town and harbour. For a quick pastry, you can head to Harbour Coffee and Steep Street and for a more indulgent breakfast, try out Marley's for a quality fry-up and delicious pancakes, Sailbox, Mocka, Brew, and Yoke. You can also walk over to Sandgate and enjoy Swedish buns at Orchard Lane or a more filling breakfast at Loaf.

Wander along the Creative Quarter's independent shop scene

After breakfast wherever you choose, it's time to appreciate the wonderful independent shop scene in the Creative Quarter. This road includes vinyl shops, an Etsy store featuring all small business items, art shops, an organic food shop, a sewing shop and clothing stores. It's a hub for independent artists to shine and purchase gorgeous independent goods. Tontine Street is next to the Creative Quarter which features the Folkestone Bookshop.  

Play mini golf 

If you head towards the harbour, you'll find the mini golf along the beach which only costs £6 each. You can enjoy a game or two and appreciate the wonderful view of the surrounding beach views.

Grab a bite of lunch at the Goods Yards

You may have worked up an appetite when you've explored the town's shopping scene and played some golf. Head over to the Goods Yard which offers an array of food vendors, from pizzas, Greek food, fish and chips, and Bao buns to burgers and mac and cheese, there's plenty to choose from, suiting every person. The Goods Yard also features many places to grab coffee, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. 

Spend a few hours relaxing on the beach

You can't visit Folkestone without spending some time on the beach. From the Goods Yard, make your way down to the beach where you can enjoy a stroll along it or if the weather is nice, sit and appreciate the views. The Folkestone coastline goes on forever, towards Mermaid Beach and Sandgate. You can experience a beach swim, sunbathe, read your book or even grab a drink at Mermaid's Cafe. If you've got children, you can walk up the steps to the Leas Cliff Coastal Park and let them loose to enjoy the endless slides and climbing frames. 

Experience dinner at a range of independent restaurants

In the evening, you have many restaurants in Folkestone for a splendid dinner, whether you love pub grub, pizza or Vietnamese cuisine. Some of my favourite restaurants include Marley's, El Cortator, Viet Street, Lubens, Burrito Buoy, Sotirios Bar & Restaurant, The Radnor Arms, Brewing Brothers, Annapurna and The Harbour Inn.

Enjoy the pub/bar scene 

Many of those restaurants, you can also enjoy a drink at too, such as Brewing Brothers and The Radnor Arms. Other fab pubs and bars include The Beer Shop, The Pullman, Cabron, The Pilor Beach Bar, and The Potting Shed. The Docker Bar and The Ship Inn in Sandgate are also brilliant additions.

Go to the Board Room for darts and shuffleboard

To end your night, head back to the Harbour Arm to the Board Room to continue your drinks and enjoy a round of darts or shuffleboard with your friends. You may even catch the sunset on the Arm!

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Ever since I've implemented a morning routine, my days have changed for the better. I love feeling productive before I begin work, starting the day on a high, rather than rolling out of bed feeling tired and starting work straight away.

Whether you're a morning or evening person, a morning routine can benefit your mental health, productivity levels and mood for the day.

Decide on a time to wake up that suits you

Everyone wakes up at different times, whether you're a 6am person or like to start your day a little later. Having a time that you get up every morning will give you a regular routine of when you wake up and help you fit everything else into the routine. Likewise, it's good to have a similar time each night when you wind down, ensuring you have a solid amount of sleep each night.

Choose an activity to start your day

Starting an activity when you wake up, can help alert your mind and wake you up. For example, I love to read when I first get up as it helps me concentrate on a novel and still experience the cosy feel of bed. You can start your day with any activity, such as journalling to get your thoughts out for the day and write down your affirmations. This is a great way to start your day with a positive mindset. 

Do some form of exercise

After some quiet time with reading, I love to get my body moving. My type of exercise varies on my energy levels, ranging from pilates and yoga to dumbbell workouts, dance routines, and even a run. For me, it's important to listen to my body in the morning to choose the type of exercise I do.

Avoid going on your phone when you get up

It's so easy to grab your phone as soon as you wake up and scroll but I find this a slippery slope. The night before, put it on 'Do Not Disturb' and try to avoid changing that until you're finished with your activity and exercise. This can help you focus on your exercise and activity, instead of distracting you with notifications. 

Make delicious and wholesome breakfast

A delicious breakfast will kickstart your day in the right way and spending time making it is part of the nourishing process. I love to have yoghurt and granola with fruit and nuts most days, and sometimes smoothie bowls, pancakes or eggs.

Shower and get ready for the day

Finish a normal routine by showering, skincare and putting an outfit on that makes you feel fab for the day. Even though you're working remotely, it doesn't mean you have to live in joggers and baggy jumpers.

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I'm a self-confessed people pleaser and spend way too much of my existence trying to help and please other people, rather than focus on my own needs, wants and goals. However, as I've grown older, I've gotten better at putting my needs first, and prioritising myself and what I'm doing with my life.

If you're a people pleaser and trying to focus on yourself more, here are my 5 tips on how to put yourself first.

Boundaries are essential to protect your peace and your mental health and wellbeing. Setting boundaries can have anything to do with how people make you feel, removing yourself from certain situations, not overbooking your calendar or asking for more reciprocal energy from someone. Boundaries work differently for everyone and can be challenging to implement, depending on who you're asking to set a boundary with. Find the boundaries important to you and try to communicate them to your loved ones, either when a situation arises or to prevent future circumstances. 

Learn to say no

Saying no is having love and respect for yourself as it shows you're not doing something to please someone else, but following your own heart. Nothing is easy in life but people-pleasing and following paths that aren't right for you won't make you any happier. By saying no, you can move away from circumstances that don't align or serve you, helping you put yourself first instead of plastering on a fake smile.

Stop yourself from unnecessarily apologising

I have to admit I unnecessarily apologise all of the time and that's an effect of people pleasing that honestly, I hate. There's no need for it and I'm ever so slowly getting better at not apologising for unnecessary things, however, it's not easy. When you feel about to apologise, catch yourself and remind yourself you don't need to apologise at that moment.

Practice regular affirmations

Regular affirmations are a brilliant way to reassure yourself of how great you are, building your self-esteem which defeats low self-worth and can make you feel better about yourself overall. Affirmations can be practised as often as possible, whether that's every morning or every night.

Practice self-love and reassurance

In the same breath, practising self-love is another way to reaffirm your self-worth and hyping yourself up. By loving yourself and having more respect for yourself, it makes it easier to put yourself first - and prevent yourself people pleasing.

Understand that you're not a bad person for setting boundaries

Setting boundaries doesn't make you harsh or horrible, it means you have respect and love for yourself to set them in the first place. And, when doing that, other people will have more respect and love for you as they can see you're living a life authentic and right for you.

Always stay true to yourself

Your authentic self deserves to be seen and heard and by practising that true energy, you can live a more fulfilling life and beat the woes of people pleasing.

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Being in a relationship is an incredible feeling and experience. I love being in love and how love makes me feel. There's nothing more wonderful than living and doing life with my best friend, knowing I have a safe space to be at home with every day, holiday with, and enjoy life's little moments.

With relationships, life changes positively, but it also means you have a lot less time to yourself than you did when you were single because you want to spend as much time as possible with your other half. However, alone time is always beneficial, especially when you have less time because it helps you pursue your own hobbies and interests and be with your own thoughts.

If you're in a new relationship and keen to prioritise more alone time, here are my tips on how you can have more alone time in a relationship.

Communicate what alone time looks like for you

Every person has different definitions of what alone time means to them, whether that's an hour in the morning or an afternoon. As we can all differ from introverts and extroverts, alone time may be needed more regularly for some than others. Communicate to your partner what alone time looks like for you and how you can map that out in your routine weekly and monthly. This can help you plan in advance and for your partner to understand your expectations and needs. 

Likewise, you'll also want to ask what alone time means for them, as they may have more or less of a need than you. Once you both know where you stand, it can help strengthen your relationship because you'll be helping each other grow individually and together. 

Have a 'you' morning/afternoon or day each week

Communicating how often alone time is needed is the first step to pursuing alone time in your relationship. You can decide which days are suitable for you. For example, if you're a morning person, you may want to go to an early pilates class, sit in a coffee shop and read or take a beach walk. Or, if you're an afternoon person, you could go for a run, do some shopping or an activity that makes your heart soar. Whatever the timing is right for you, book this regularly once a week and spend that alone time however you wish.

Pursue hobbies and interests that are yours

Everyone has hobbies and interests they love, whether it's going to a book club or dance class, cycling, knitting, painting, baking or playing guitar. Whatever your hobbies and interests are, don't give that up when you get into a relationship, in fact, it's more important now than ever to pursue these hobbies and to give yourself time to grow in your own skills and interests. 

Take regular solo walks

I love a walk, in fact, the most time I spend alone is when I'm walking around, whether that's to run errands, walk to coworking, or because I fancied a beach stroll. Regular solo walks allow you to be with your thoughts, reflect on any emotions and feelings you're experiencing and listen to things you like, such as podcasts, audiobooks or music.

Have some friendships separate 

In a relationship, you're bound to have friendships that overlap or make new friends together and that's amazing and something to be celebrated. However, not all of your friends need to be shared. You need to have time alone to spend with your own friends as it gives you that healthy space to develop platonic friendships with others - and enjoy the friendships you had before you were in the relationship. These friendships should still be a priority in your life.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chum! Travel doesn't have to be expensive, as the world is massive and there are 195 countries to see and explore, you have your pick of budget locations. As I've spent all of my twenties so far travelling the world on a budget, I've experienced the cheapest and the most expensive places, where the majority sit in the middle and you can make them cheap.

If you're new to travelling in your twenties, here's my guide on affordable destinations worldwide you can visit.

European countries

I adore everything about Europe and love how many countries I've had the pleasure of experiencing and exploring. Europe has more to it than meets the eye with a diverse range of cultures, monuments, traditions and food to explore. From the UK, Europe is incredibly accessible with cheap flights to various destinations and most locations can cater to a small budget, if you plan effectively.

Krakow, Poland

Poland is the only country I've come home to with lots of money left over, I couldn't believe how cheap it was. Krakow is Poland's most known destination, making it easy for new travellers to explore with ease and find their way around. Krakow is a gorgeous city with a quaint old town, wholesome food experiences and plenty of sights, including the salt mines, Wawel Castle and Auschwitz. Krakow also features brilliant nightlife and cute places to shop, roam and admire.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has gained a reputation as a cheap European destination and a very young appeal, great for travellers in their twenties. It's home to the famous Szechenyi thermal baths, one of the reasons you'll find many hen-dos here. Despite the electric nightlife, Budapest is more than a booze city with plenty of sights to see and activities to fill your days, such as Gellért Hill and Buda Castle. As a backpacker-friendly place, you can find cheap accommodation, free sights and affordable eats.

Sicily, Italy

I adore Sicily, I wish I had more time there to explore as it is so incredibly gorgeous in every way, from the friendly people to delicious cuisine and endless beaches. Located in southern Italy, Sicily is very affordable overall, but specifically Palermo for a city break. Palermio is a dreamy destination because it's packed with historic sights, amazing food markets and plenty to do on a budget. It's also nearby to other destinations, such as Mondello beach which costs 1-2 euros to arrive on the bus.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is an amazing alternative to Portugal's capital, Lisbon and in my opinion is a more exciting city, and slightly less touristy. I found Porto exceptionally cheaper than Lisbon with endless gorgeous sights to keep you busy, such as Clerigos Tower, Porto Cathedral, Riberia and the Gardens of Crystal Palace. 

Bologna, Italy

I adore everywhere in Italy I've visited and had to mention another city and a favourite of mine, Bologna. As my favourite city up north, Bologna isn't as touristy as many other popular cities and has a more authentic Italian appeal. The food here is insanely delicious, from the classic ragu, tortellini, cured meats, and lasagne to gelato. Honestly, you can just eat around the city and enjoy some of the main sights, such as Piazza Maggiore, Torre Degli Asinelli and the San Luca sanctuary.

Asian countries 

Sri Lanka

I could rave about Sri Lanka all day long, the country is everything to me and one I have many amazing memories of. As I backpacked through for two weeks I fell in love with the nature, the people, the new cuisine and the endless sights. It offered me a diverse range of experiences, from an elephant safari,  UNESCO World Heritage sites, hiking opportunities and beautiful temples. Favoruite budget spots include Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Kandy. 

Vietnam

Vietnam will always be one of my favourite countries for many reasons, there's something about it that makes my heart soar. And for budget travellers, Vietnam is gold dust. The food, experiences and accommodations are exceptionally cheap, even though it's such a popular destination with backpackers. Vietnam is incredibly diverse, from the mountainous landscape, amazing food markets, beautiful pagodas, wild traffic and nature scene. Some of the best spots to visit include Hanoi, Hue, Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An.

Indonesia

Indonesia is more than only Bali and as much as I adore Bali, it's not the cheapest spot to visit in Indonesia but in many ways is worth it (and can still be done cheaply). Indonesia also includes the  Gili Islands, Komodo Island (although a tour here is on the pricier side), Malang and Yogyakarta. In Yogyakarta, you can visit some out-of-this-world temples and Malang does tours to Mount Bromo, an experience like no other.

Malaysia 

Malaysia is a country that surprised me in many ways, including its diverse culture and how cheap it was. I expected Malaysia to be more expensive as it's rather modern, compared to other south-east Asian countries. Some incredible locations include the Cameron Highlands (the best hiking experiences), Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Where would you like to visit next?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! As I've gotten older, one thing I've gotten better at is not caring what people think and setting boundaries, protecting my peace and mental health. I will admit I am a people pleaser and it has been a difficult thing to start implementing those boundaries. However, the more I began setting boundaries and making my stand, the easier it became and the better I felt overall.

If you're struggling with setting boundaries or tending to people please, here is my advice on protecting your piece and setting boundaries.

Understand what you want first

Before you can set any boundaries, you need to realise exactly what you want. Do you want people to stop treating you like a doormat? Do you want people to communicate more effectively? Are you tired of being let down and making excuses for people? Whatever the 'peace' you're creating, you should be certain of exactly what it is and what you need to achieve to fully experience that level of peace in your life.

Consider how to share that information and what works with you

Communication works differently with everyone in your life, whether that's text, call, facetime or in person. You should consider how and when you want to explain your boundaries. Will you wait till you have a disagreement? Or will you explain a certain situation and how it made you feel - and how you want things to happen going forward. The more decisive you are in how you want to communicate can help you share that message in a digestable way.

Learn to say no - and be okay with it

No is a full sentence and learning how to say it and being confident in that choice can be difficult, especially if you're a people pleaser or care too much about what people think. But when you start learning how to say no and being okay with things you turn down or don't agree to, you'll begin to learn what you're okay with and what you're not okay with. And, in the future, saying no will become easier and you won't second guess it.

Learn to miss out and deal with FOMO (as you don't want to go anyway)

I think many of us say yes to social occasions or circumstances even when we're not comfortable going or don't want to go because we're scared to miss out or worried people will view us differently. However, part of setting boundaries and protecting your peace is saying no to those occasions and learning to miss out. Remember, you don't want to go anyway - instead, you can use that time to do something you really want to do or plan an occasion that suits you better with the same friends.

Take the space when you need it

Space and taking a breather are everything when protecting your peace. Whether you're in a social situation, someone has upset you or you need time to collect your thoughts, reflection moments can help you figure out the best boundaries for you - and how to continue implementing them. It can take multiple times to implement boundaries with others and that space can help you process your feelings about situations.

Be prepared for backlash

Not everyone will accept your boundaries easily, especially if they're manipulative or abusive. It's important to be prepared for this backlash and figure out what you want to do in that situation. Do you still want that person in your life? The preparation may be hard because you can't predict how someone will react to your boundaries.

Create consequences 

Consequences may sound like a serious word but if someone is disrespecting your boundaries, do you want to continue putting up with that behaviour? These consequences can vary from taking a break to ending that relationship, whatever is a good fit for you.

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travelling is my world and I love planning and packing for my trips. Travelling doesn't need to be complex as long as you're prepared, such as planning your itinerary and what you're bringing. 

If you're planning your next trip away, I've shared my must-have travel essentials, to create a more enjoyable and stress-free trip.

My must-have travel essentials

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are a holiday lifesaver when packing for your trip, whether it's a short or longer trip. Packing cubes help organise all of your belongings, from your tops and trousers to your toiletries. I love how I know which packing cube has which item and that I can easily place all the packing cubes in a suitcase or backpacking like a game of Tetris. I also love to keep a spare packing cube for my dirty belongings, easy to organise washing when I get home.

A reusable water bottle

Keeping hydrated is key to caring for yourself when travelling around. A reusable water bottle means you can fill it up wherever you go and if it's a Chilly's bottle, it helps keep the water cool, especially in hotter climates.

Extension cable

I'm pretty sure many people have jumped onto this tip now, but bringing an extension cable has been my biggest packing win since I started travelling to new places when I was 18. Having an extension lead means you won't need to bring multiple adapters but have multiple plugs to help you plug in multiple electrical items.

Book wallet

This has been a new must-have travel item for me - a book wallet. I saw many of these online and eventually bought myself one; a gorgeous lilac embroidered wallet with daisies on it. It's a great little gadget to carry my book around with me, protecting it in some way.

Light jumper/jacket

Plane rides can always be chilly. Honestly, I always want to be as comfortable as possible. Bringing a light jumper or jacket can help warm you up when the air gets a little chilly - and be a lovely home comfort to you.

Spare pair of clothes in hand luggage

I always have the biggest fear that when I check in my luggage, the airline will lose it and I'll have no clothes for my holiday. Due to that, I always pack my most important things in my hand luggage, including a spare outfit or two and any must-have essentials that I can't rebuy when I'm there.

Travel journal

This isn't necessarily a must-have for everyone but it's a great souvenir to look back at when you're older. Depending on how much room you have, determines the size of the journal. I love bringing one with me to document my journey along the way.

Document wallet

Keeping all your documents together is key to staying organised and knowing where all your important items are. I always have a document wallet on me to store my passport and any other documentation, such as any tickets, travel insurance or boarding passes.

Portable charger

Your phone is everything when you're travelling to use Google Maps, find out info about your accommodation or take photos of your tip. A portable charger can be useful, ensuring your phone doesn't run out of battery.

Tote bag

You never know when a tote bag will come in handy, whether for the beach, to carry any items you buy along the way or as a day bag for days in the trip. Tote bags are multi-functional and lightweight to pack. They can even be your dirty laundry bag, helping you separate your clean and dirty clothes at the end of your trip.

Hand gel

Travelling can be germy with all the public transport and new places, and hand gel is a must-have to feel a little bit cleaner. 

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I'm not a money expert in any way, however, I am someone in my twenties who has always been very money-conscious. Being good with money can sometimes seem impossible, especially if you're on a low income or have big monthly expenses to consider. But with small changes and routines, implementing sensible money techniques can benefit you immensely.

If you're trying to be better with money, here are my money-saving tips and how to be financially responsible in your twenties.

Break down your income every month

Spreadsheets are a winner when planning out finances and saving money. Start a spreadsheet and list out your monthly expenses, including bills, subscriptions, the food shop, a 'fun' budget, savings and whatever else you spend your money on. When you lay out how much everything costs per month, you'll see what's left of your income to put in the savings pot and what's disposable income, adding to your 'fun' budget.

Live under your means

With today's society and everyone living this 'perfect' and over-consumption life online, it can almost seem like we constantly need to buy new things, go to expensive places and be busy 24/7. However, that's not the case, underconsumption is most people's reality and saving up for things they really want. With that in mind, always live under your means - don't aim to spend all of your money each month. Instead, aim to have money left over that you can put towards something you want, save or invest. You won't get any richer or more financially secure if you're always spending all of your income. I can assure you that sacrificing material items and putting that money in other places, will do you the world of good in the long run.

Avoid buying anything on finance 

This may be a controversial one as many people opt for finance options, especially for cars, furniture and even online shopping. But I've always grown up with the mentality, that if it's not in my bank account, I can't have it. That mindset has made it easier for me to avoid debt and save, save, save until I can buy items outright. This often meant when it came to cars, for example, I'd always buy a cheap second-hand one, rather than a flashy new one. Second-hand buying is a great way to buy quality items for a discount on the price and can avoid any potential debts.

Only buy a 'want' item if you have the money

This next point links to my previous one - if you don't have the money in your bank account for a 'want' item, avoid buying it. You don't need it, it's not a necessity - and instead, save until you can afford it.

Put savings away as soon as you're paid

This links to the monthly spreadsheet point. When you get paid, put a set amount in your savings, ensuring you put something in it. Your savings amount can differ, even if it's as little as £50, it'll add up eventually. Then, at the end of the month, if you have any money left, add that into the pot too.

Create savings goals

Goals are key to saving as much as you like. I'm not saying your goals need to be massive, they can start small at first, but having a set amount will give you something to aim for - and if they're for reasons too. For example, if you're planning a holiday or looking to buy a car, having a set monthly amount and an overall goal, will give you actionable steps to meet it.

Create an emergency fund

An emergency fund is so crucial as you never know when you'll need it, whether replacing an appliance in your house or fixing your car. I'd recommend having at least 3 months' worth of expenses in your savings, in case you lose your job or something unexpected happens. It can be difficult to save for an emergency fund and again, add this as part of your savings goals.

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! As a newbie to travelling Switzerland in June, I learned a fair few things I wasn't aware of and wanted to share them with you. The countryside in Switzerland was out-of-this-world and I can't believe the scenery of the lakes and mountainous backdrops - it's like a fairytale dream. Between adventuring around the lake towns in Switzerland, I adored learning more about the country.

If you're new to visiting Switzerland or considering a trip there, here are all the things to know before you plan a trip to Switzerland.

Switzerland is expensive

Probably the number one tip to be aware of is how expensive Switzerland is. I was pretty aware of this before I got there but many prices did blow my mind when we arrived. Our accommodation was a lot more than we paid in other European countries, dinners out were pricey and overall everything costs a little extra, including attractions. For example, a funicular up Mount Niesen cost us around £50 each (completely worth it though). My advice is to keep eating out to a minimum, for example, go to the local supermarkets for lunch bits and snacks throughout the day if you're on a budget. We mainly ate out for dinner and bought our breakfasts from local bakeries.

You'll probably want to set your daily budget a little higher than you would the rest of Europe. We budgeted £350 each for 5 days in Switzerland and ended up spending around £400 each by being very careful when it came to food options, getting around and the attractions we did. For example, the beauty of staying in the lake towns is many things can be free, such as walks around the lake and hiking trails.

Different regions in Switzerland speak language variations

Something I wish I was more prepared for was the different languages in each region. The four languages across Switzerland include French, Italian, German and Romansh. In Spiez, Brienz and Zurich, those regions were mainly German-speaking, yet especially in Zurich many spoke in English or would use common Italian/French greeting words when addressing you. Depending on where you travel in Switzerland, be wary of which language they speak so you can learn some common phrases.

Switzerland uses Swiss Francs

The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Francs. We found you could use cash or a card for most places, there weren't any limitations on that. I always use my Post Office travel card when abroad as I can load the specific currency onto the card.

You have to pay for tap water in restaurants

This came as a bit of a shock to me. But sitting down in the first restaurant and realising it'll cost us £10 for bottled water, we asked for tap because it's safe to drink across the country. Each restaurant decides how much they charge for tap water, some charge the equivalent of £2-3 each, whilst some don't charge at all. Make the most of the free water filling stations you see or fill your bottle up in your accommodation. Alternatively, bottled water isn't too expensive in supermarkets and if we couldn't fill our bottle up anywhere, we'd buy water there.

Pack for all weathers

We visited Switzerland in early June and I expected beautiful and warm sunny weather, however, that isn't too accurate. I found Switzerland was colder than expected in early summer but wasn't too cold. We had warm and sunny days, but there was the occasional rain shower, thunderstorm and even hailstorm during our 5-day stay. That was also in the mountainous locations and in Zurich, overall the weather is slightly sunnier but we visited on an overcast and slightly colder day. Due to all of this, prepare for all weather by packing a raincoat and appropriate footwear.

Consider a Swiss Pass

We didn't buy one of these passes as they are pretty expensive and we were only in the country for 5 days. However, if you are planning to stay in Switzerland for a few weeks or a month, exploring a lot of the country, the Swiss Pass can help you receive discounts on attractions, unlimited public transport on trains, buses and boats, and free access to many museums. It can also include certain mountain excursion admissions. As an example, the Swiss Pass costs 244 Swiss Francs for 3 days. Also in terms of discounts, sometimes, depending on your hotel, they may give you vouchers to receive a certain amount of some attractions.

Eat as much chocolate and cheese as possible

As the home for delicious Swiss chocolate and cheese, it's just a reminder to make sure you eat as much as possible. Zurich especially has plenty of Swiss chocolate shops, hot chocolate to try, and cheese-themed cafes to enjoy during your stay, such as Raclette Factory.

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

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Cambridge is a gorgeous city and a place that fascinates me immensely. I've wanted to visit Cambridge for a while and go punting and for my birthday, my partner surprised me with a glamping trip there and I couldn't be happier. We stayed in a glamping cabin about 40 minutes from the city and spent the day time seeing all the sights.

If you're planning a quick weekend trip to Cambridge, here is my guide on how to spend a weekend in Cambridge.

What to see and do in Cambridge

Go punting on the River Cam

Cambridge is renowned for punting and wherever you see the river in the city, you can watch fellow residents and tourists bobbing along on the river. As punting can be quite expensive to do, you have options from self-hire punts and shared group tours to private tours. We decided to choose the self-hire tour to save money and have our own punt and honestly, it was one of my favourite experiences. My partner did amazing as a first-time punter punting me along the river and I loved every moment. The sights were just 'wow' and we were blessed with the weather too.

Visit St Mary's Church

Cambridge isn't a large city which surprised me as I expected it to be much bigger than it was. However, there are some beautiful sights to see along the way, such as St Mary's Church. This church is in the most popular part of Cambridge and is phenomenal to wander around.

Visit King's College

Another one of the reasons I wanted to see Cambridge is to witness the renowned university and the beautiful buildings. Due to public closures of Trinity College and St John's on the day we visited, we only visited King's College, however, the campus blew me away. I couldn't believe students studied there as every building was incredibly grand - and the land around it was just peaceful. The college sits on the bank of the river and you can see the college from a punt and vice versa, watching the punters from the college. The grounds here are stunning and I loved learning more about the college and secretly envied the students that attend here. I wish I had the opportunity to visit the other colleges, but walking past the building's exterior allowed me to witness some of its beauty.

Wander around the bookshops 

I adore roaming around bookshops and a city as studious as Cambridge, so I had to explore the bookshop scene. There are many bookshops dotted around the city but my favourite two had to be The Haunted Bookshop and Heffers. The Haunted Bookshop was rather small, however, filled with vintage and second-hand books. Heffers was a book paradise; a giant bookstore with endless types of books to choose from.

Bridge of Sighs

The beauty of Cambridge is the long river that runs through it with endless bridges dotted along to get that iconic photo and watch punters pass in their groups. The Bridge of Sighs is a lovely spot to watch the punters and a famous bridge, named after the bridge in Venice.

Mooch around the city

The best way to see a new city is mooching around and Cambridge is no different. Although the city isn't large, there is plenty to see from independent shops, and high street stores to cute cafes, quaint streets and green spaces. I loved roaming around and discovering characteristic streets and seeing how the students spent their afternoons.

Where to eat in Cambridge 

Aromi

If I could eat at a lunch place every day, it would be Aromi. Aromi is an Italian cafe/restaurant with freshly made (giant) sandwiches, arancini and an abundance of other Italian desserts and delicacies, including pizzas. The restaurant also had a gelateria in another location in the city. The sandwiches here were honestly insane and wish I had this cafe on my doorstep.

Jack's Gelato

I'm a massive gelato fan and this ice cream place was raved about by everyone and I can assure you, they're right for many reasons. Jack's Gelato has an endless range of flavours, such as dark chocolate, honeycomb, blueberry and strawberry. I like how they're always introducing new flavours and there's a chance to try something new.

Fitzbillies Bakery

The Chelsea buns at Fitzbillies are renowned in Cambridge and it's a must to try a bun here, whether you choose a classic fruit one or a chocolate flavour. The buns are delicious and the perfect size! The bakery also offers brunch and many other cake items to enjoy.

The Ivy

Cambridge has many big-name restaurants, however, I didn't see too many independents and we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at The Ivy. You can never go wrong with a celebratory meal here as the quality is fab and the food is superb.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you heading to the city?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! As many of you know, my favourite type of books are crime thrillers, especially murder mysteries or 'who-done-its'. One of my favourite crime thriller authors is Lucy Foley; I absolutely love her books, The Hunting Party, The Guest List and The Paris Apartment. Since reading all of those books, I've been eager for her to bring out a new novel - and couldn't wait to read The Midnight Feast.

Lucy Foley has an incredible writing style; I love how she builds up a story, develops the characters and structures her book - and how all the big pieces of the puzzle come together in the end. If you're looking for a new murder mystery book, here is my book review of The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley.

Synopsis

Set in the middle of the Dorset coastline in midsummer, it's the opening weekend of The Manor, a new countryside retreat, attracting only the richest guests. Although under the midsummer sunshine and a massive heatwave, old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. The evening just about begins when a body is found and the mystery of who was killed and who did it begins. The story starts with a secret fifteen years ago, one that has crashed into a party, ending in murder. 

Characters and relationships

One of my favourite things about Lucy Foley's books is how she crafts the characters so beautifully with great depth. This book is split into several main characters, Francesca, Bella, Eddie, Owen and DI Walker. 

Francesca is the rich and pretentious main character, opening this new countryside retreat on the site of what used to be her family home. I didn't like her at all as a character; she was mean, harsh to people around us and thought she was better than everyone else. I could gather that she's in this spiritual phase of her life, trying to promote that type of lifestyle, yet really, isn't that wonderful of a person and it's all a cascade. 

The character Bella, I didn't originally understand her purpose in the story as she sounded like an average woman, not similar to the rich and upper-class crowd at this countryside retreat. She's a mum with revenge in her path for something that has happened to her. The longer the book goes on, the more layers are unveiled as to why Bella returns and the past she brought back with her.

Eddie is sweet and a little bit of a lost character, growing up on his parent's farm next to the glorified Manor which is now being turned into the countryside retreat. He's only young and secretly working at the new retreat, keeping the secret from his parents, who are locals of the area. The locals have a big issue with the new estate and Eddie doesn't seem to mind too much as he wants to make money to start a new life, outside of his tiny village. Eddie had a cute and innocent persona like a young man, completely out of his depth. 

DI Walker, I thought initially was just the detective of the book, yet the more the book went on, his role became more prominent.

Overall thoughts

Overall, like any Lucy Foley book, this book didn't disappoint in any way. The fast-paced nature and short chapters added to the book's suspense and speed. I wasn't sure how this book would pan out but every page somehow got better and also darker and deeper. The layers of the story are GENIUS and I love how the book maps out beautifully from the past to the present, and how the two link so well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the character development in this novel and how it added to the overall plotline and its heavy secrets. I would 100% recommend this novel to everyone because of the perfectly crafted murder mystery, the intense level of revenge and hatred and the wonderfully paced book, which reveals information exactly at the right moment.

Ending

The ending was just as I wanted it to be, yet there were still plenty of surprises in it to enjoy! A great way to end a book that built up so much suspense.

I hope you enjoyed this book! What are you currently reading?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I'm still in awe of the lakeside towns in Switzerland and can't believe the scenery I witnessed on my trip there. From picture-perfect postcard views of mountains and the bluest lake waters, you're in for a treat in Switzerland. Whether you're planning to go swimming in the lake or love lakeside strolls, you'll fall in love with these towns.

If you're planning a trip to explore the lakes in Switzerland, here is my guide on the places to go on your trip.

Spiez

I fell in love with Spiez from the minute I arrived on the train from Lake Maggiore in Italy. The views from on top of the hill were beautiful: mountainous landscapes in a cloudy, blue sky. Spiez is located on the side of Lake Thun and is the ideal location to enjoy lakeside activities and embrace the residential vibe of a lakeside town. Spiez isn't a large town, however, is the perfect place to spend a couple of days and experience the local activities and sights.

Spiez is renowned for the nearby Mount Niesen and many hikers make the brave hike up it or like me and my partner, you can take the iconic funicular. I have to say this was one of my favourite experiences of my time in Switzerland. We were blessed that the weather was clear and we had a picturesque view of the mountain and surrounding lakes. The funicular ride in itself was an experience as we saw the panoramic views unwind. 

The town of Spiez also has beautiful lakeside strolls, kayaking and swimming opportunities on the lake, vineyard strolls, Spiez castle and other water activities. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied whilst enjoying the wonderful views. I loved roaming around Lake Thun towards the town of Faulensee and the vineyard. Swimming in the lake was also incredibly memorable (especially as it was freezing). I couldn't believe how cold it was, considering it was the start of summer.

Brienz

Brienz is around an hour from Spiez by train and is smaller than Spiez, located on Lake Brienz. Lake Brienz is known to be cold year-round so you may not want to swim, but it's great for water activities and mountainous views. Brienz is a beautiful destination for visiting the Giessbach waterfall by bus, roaming around the gorgeous, fairytale roads, walking along the country paths and kayaking on the lake.

The village is picturesque in every way and what you see on Instagram is what you get: it's just that perfect. There are many opportunities to have a boat ride across Lake Brienz, kayak, paddleboard and even swim.

Interlaken

Interlaken isn't a lakeside town per se, however, it's in the middle of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and an opportunity to explore the local shops and restaurants. It's a lot busier than the lake towns of Spiez and Brienz and allows you to appreciate the scenery in a busier environment. I know for many this is a base to stay in as Spiez and Briez are reachable from here and it's cheaper to stay at. 

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

Thank you for reading <3