Well hello to you my reader chums! Flying to a new destination is one of my favourite things. There's honestly nothing more exciting than booking a new flight and getting on a plane for a new adventure. Searching for a flight fills my soul with so much joy and most days you'll probably find me going on Skyscanner to see if there are any good deals.

Whether you're like me and obsessed with flights or looking to save some cash when booking flights, here are some tips on finding the cheapest flights.

Look on comparison websites

As I said, Skyscanner is my favourite ever app and I probably spend way too much time checking out the 'everywhere' tab with flights across the globe. When I have a location in mind of the place I'm going to go, I like to spend a while comparing prices before I book. I go on Skyscanner first, then have a search through directly with the airlines and check out other places including Kayak. By spending a little bit of extra time sifting through all the sites, I'm able to find the cheapest rate and go with that.

Change your times and dates

There's a rumour or theory that Tuesdays are the cheapest day to fly, however, I don't think that's the case. I've found cheaper flights on weekends than Tuesday! This is why it's so important to be flexible with your times and dates if you want to find a cheaper deal. What I like to do is view prices by the month and then click on different days and compare a couple before I buy. Or alternatively, you can use the chart on Skyscanner to compare the different days. It can be a bit tedious, but, it'll save you those much-needed pennies.

Fly early morning 

The earliest flights are the ones which will save you the most money as nobody wants to be up at 4am at the airport. But, when it saves you some cash and gives you more time to travel around, then it'll be worthwhile. I always opt for the earliest flight and try and sleep on the journey there to make up for any sleep time I've missed out on. 

Don't always go direct

Probably not the most eco-friendly advice I can give, however, for longer flights whether that's Dubai or Bali, try and do a stopover in the middle. Although getting off a flight and waiting around for another can be tedious, try and see it as an opportunity to explore. Going to new airports is always a fun thing as you can spend the stopover searching out the best eats or shopping.

Time of year

It may sound obvious but the time of year you travel can majorly affect prices in flights. Peak times tend to be when the kids are on school holidays and Christmas, so it's best to book flights out of that so you can find flights on the cheaper side. I find the best months to purchase flights are October, January-March, and May; basically, any month that isn't a busy period.

Opt for cheaper airlines

Budget airlines are a winner and the reason I tend to travel so much. Save on luxuries and book yourself with the cheaper airlines - it may mean less legroom and busier flights but you'll save all the pennies for more travels.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your tips for cheap flights?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! City breaks and jetting off for a few days is one of my favourite things. It gives me the chance to take a couple of days away from my normal routine but also offers an opportunity to see a new location - and immerse myself in a different culture.

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City breaks are quick but can be incredibly wholesome and planning them correctly is key - and that goes hand in hand with what you pack.

I like to be very prepared when it comes to packing and bring items along that will be useful, versatile and are essential - here are my travel staples:

Beauty items 

Garnier's BB cream  - I'm an avid user of BB cream and love it in all seasons, especially during the summer months. I find it's the perfect little gem to bring when going away for a few days as it offers that lighter coverage but will still give you a tint and SPF - and save space in your liquid bag on the flight. I'm currently loving Garnier's BB cream; it gives the loveliest glow and light amount of coverage.

Hand gel and hand cream - I'm a bit of a clean freak and like to have hand sanitizer with me at all times, especially when abroad. My best friend even bought me a keyring with a hand gel holder on it to put all my Bath and Body Works hand gels and I've never looked back. It's one of those very useful accessories. I also have hand creams with me wherever I go and especially love the Body Shop creams.

Solid shampoo/conditioner - I rave about Lush's shampoo and conditioner a lot! Whether you're trying to make an eco-friendly choice or save space in your suitcase, these shampoo bars are a lifesaver. They smell insane, leave your hair looking fresh and shiny and last for a very long time. Completely worth the investment!

Marc Jacob's rollerball perfume - My favourtite ever perfume is Marc Jacob's Daisy (like a lot of people.) It's fresh, easy to wear and the perfect day scent. On my travels, I can't really bring the whole bottle so I carry the rollerball version around - and can top it up whenever I need.

Tangle Teezer -I try to lighten the load as much as possible with weekends away as I don't need to bring my entire beauty routine with me. Tangle Teezers are a perfect size and come in travel size too so I love to bring them along for the ride.

Multi-use palettes - To save space in my makeup bag, I like to pack multi-use products. For instance, Benefit's Hoola bronzer is my go-to and I also love to use it as a natural eye shadow colour, to save packing a heavy eye shadow palette. I also generally pack a lightweight highlighter like the Sleek palettes as it can double up as an eye shadow shade.

Useful travel items

Chillys bottle - I rave about Chillys bottles way too much but I genuinely don't go anywhere without them and that includes abroad. They're refillable, keep water cold for 24 hours and good for the environment so you can't go wrong. It saves buying disposable bottles, drinking warm water when its sunny and knowing the bottle will last for a long period of time.

Extension lead and adapter - This is my favourite travel hack but I like to share it over and over again in case someone missed it. Bring an adapter and an extension lead with you - as it'll save you bringing multiple adapters for different plugs, and you'll have up to four plug sockets for all your electricals.

Tote bags - You never know when you're going to need a tote bag on your travels. I always like to pack one in my handbag as they can come in handy for shopping, for the beach or anything in between. They're versatile, light and save you buying plastic bags along the way.

Travel diary - One of my favorutie things to do is document my travels which you'll see in all my travel content. Something I've begun doing is bringing a travel diary along with me and taking notes as I go, as I'm able to document how I'm feeling on that day rather than looking back and writing on the experience. It's a fresh and exciting way to capture my memories and I have the diary to look back on in years to come.

Travel insurance - Before working in travel insurance, I wasn't clued up on it at all. I've always bought a travel insurance policy to be covered but I never really looked into my policy to see what I'm actually covered for and just went for the cheaper option. Now, I've learned to read my policy wordings and know what I'm paying for - it's worth the investment if things go wrong.

Tripp suitcases - I invested in a pair of Tripp suitcases a few years ago now and honestly they were worth the money. My favoruite black and white cabin size suitcase I take on every single weekend trip - it's a perfect size, lightweight and always fits everything that I need.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your travel staples?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! Spring is nearly here and I'm very excited about it. When spring begins, it obviously means we're closer to summer and that thrills me - I can't wait for beach BBQs and rocking summer dresses again. As the warmer season is approaching, I wanted to share some of my favourite places to visit in Europe on a city break.

Whether you're looking for some inspiration on where to go or planning a last-minute city break, here are a few European cities I'd recommend to see in the spring.

Amsterdam

The canal capital of the Netherlands and one of the coolest cities I've seen, Amsterdam has the most chill vibe about it. I visited in the autumn, however, the spring is the time where it's tulip season and everything is blooming - that you will be in season for the best photos and experiences. Dabble into the quirky cafes, learn all about the Dutch history, ponder along the canals and pick yourself a tulip or two.

Milan 

Home to Italian fashion and designer goods, Milan is everything you'd expect for a shopping lover. It's not the biggest Italian city compared to Rome and Florence, however, there is plenty to see, lots of places to shop (and window shop) and all the Italian food you can think of. The main square with the Duomo is my favourite location as it looks incredible grand and worth the walk around. Visiting in spring will leave you with good weather and a time to beat the crowds.

Paris

One of the most romantic cities but also a fun location to visit with your gal pals, I love everything about Paris. It's got a fast pace about it but there's also a slower vibe away from the main attractions which will leave you in awe of the city. The art scene is huge over there, it's a dream for designer shopping and you can't help feel as if you're in the land of luxury. Spring is a lovely time to go as the weather is sunny and it's before peak season begins in the summer.

Rome 

Heart of Italy and one of my favourite ever cities; a piece of my soul will always be left in Rome. Despite how busy it can get, I love the hustle and bustle of the city and the Italian charm which seeps throughout. Whether you're looking to learn all about Italian history, venture around my favourite spot in Piazza Navona, make a wish at the Trevi Fountain or generally experience the Italian way of life, Rome is the place to be. I tend to stay away from the main sights to find the best food spots but in general, the whole city has that Italian charm. There's never a bad time to visit Rome as you're bound to get stuck with crowds, but in the spring, it'll be warm enough to enjoy it without being too hot - and it's the perfect excuse for more gelato.

Lisbon

Lisbon is hugely underrated for the absolute dream it is. Made up of cobbled streets, yellow trams, hilly roads, and the best tapas bars, it's a great destination for a few days away in the sun - and to drink all the sangria in sight. I went in April time when spring just began and the weather was insanely beautiful, it was quiet to explore and I felt like I got a full authentic view of the city. 

Barcelona 

Barcelona is loved by many travellers including myself for multiple reasons and I'd love to go back. It is one of those cities that is generally always busy when the weather gets warmer, however, I would highly recommend choosing springtime to go and visit. Whether you'd like to explore the famous shopping street of Las Ramblas, have a picnic in Park Guell, explore the tucked-away cobbled paths or eat every tapas dish in sight, there's plenty to do in this city.

Athens 

I have a huge love for Athens; I've visited multiple times since I was little as some of my family live out there and it will always feel like home to me. Spring in Athens, preferably Easter is the best ever time to visit. Their Easter celebrations are very exciting and involve a lot of food that you don't want to miss out - plus Athens is packed with lots of ancient history, has the quaintest city centre and warm weather.

Copenhagen 

I fell in love with Copenhagen when I visited a couple of years ago. It's one of those cities that despite being a tourist hub, didn't feel that way at all. The city has a residential atmosphere to it where you feel like home wherever you go. Copenhagen is a hub for the quirkiest eateries, cleanest streets, pretties canals and plenty of things to sink your teeth into. The city is known for being quite chilly so you'll still need to wrap up in the spring, however, the sights will warm your heart so much that you'll forget about the weather.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Where is your favourite place to visit in the Spring?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to my reader chums! I used to be a huge over-packer, bringing unnecessary items away with me on city breaks or for a week's holiday. Through going away regularly and backpacking, and not wanting to pay for hold luggage, I learned how to limit what I needed to bring - and some tips and tricks for packing lighter. 

Whether you're a huge over-packer or going away soon and looking for some packing tips, here's how to pack lightly for a week's trip (it is possible)...

Check the cabin luggage size

First things first, check the size limit you're able to bring on the plane as a cabin bag. Each airline varies in size but typically you're allowed a small-sized suitcase as cabin luggage. When packed correctly, you can easily fit enough clothing and toiletries into a small suitcase - with room for souvenirs to bring back.

Think about what you're packing

Something I like to do before a long trip is planning my outfits out and bringing along versatile pieces to ensure I pack fewer clothes. Also, it's worth planning out what you wear to the airport - as I always put on my heaviest/most bulkiest clothes to save room in the case. 

Necessary toiletries 

I'm a bit obsessed when it comes to beauty and makeup products like a lot of people so it can be hard limiting them into hand luggage - but it is possible. The best thing is to make a list of the necessary toiletries, decant the rest into smaller bottles, invest in rollerball perfumes and solid beauty products (as you won't need to put them in the liquid see-through bag.) By doing all this, you should be able to save space - and there's always the option of buying more items when you arrive at your destination (people often forget that.)

Share the luggage

If you're going away with a partner or group of friends, you can minimize the weight limit by sharing a suitcase or putting some of your items in somebody else's case. Either share one hold luggage bag and split the costs or put all of your items in the two cabin bags to ensure you both fit everything in.

Roll your clothes up

Probably the oldest trick in the book, but when it comes to packing, the technique is key. Roll up your lighter items, pack your socks in your shoes and use packing cubes to organise your clothes into different sections - basically play a suitcase version of Tetris until you fit it all in.

Forget about the luxuries

When it comes to budget travel, luxuries don't necessarily have to go out the window but they will need to be limited in order to go through with the trip - and keep to packing light. Try and swaps items like chunky heels, excessive accessories, body lotions or perfumes for something smaller or take them out altogether.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Which tips do you have on packing lighter?

Thank you for reading <3

  Well hello to you my reader chums! I've been quite absent from this blog for a while, not because I wanted to but because I needed to take a mental break and wait until I was in the right mindset to write again. 

I've taken a step back in the past few months with a lot of things including my blog, to allow myself the time to heal. 2019 didn't end how I expected it to and I've needed the past few months to process what happened and create a new situation for myself - and find myself once again. Learning to find your feet after a shock to the system can be incredibly hard and it's taken its stages (which I'm still going through) but I've made it through to the other side. 

Now, I can finally say, sitting in my new home that I'm ready, ready to take on the world, grab any opportunity that comes my way and be happy. I've learned over the past few months that everything really does happen for a reason and all the things which come in your way are there to teach you a lesson or lead you on the right path. I'm stronger than I thought I was, proud of how I've dealt with my mental health and excited for my next chapter.

I'm feeling much more positive about what this year is going to pan out to be and can't wait to throw myself back into my passions, including this blog. I've been writing it for a really long time that it feels weird not being my current focus. I want to share more travel tips, lifestyle posts and dabble back into the world of beauty. I want to throw my passion back into my writing and share content that I love and hope my readers will love too. 

To document today, here are the goals I hope to achieve by the end of 2020:

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your goals for the rest of the year?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! One of the types of books I absolutely adore is when they're set in significant periods of history or based on a true story - and that's what The Librarian of Auschwitz is. After finishing the Tattooist of Auschwitz and loving every word, I was intrigued to see how this book would differ and the insight it would give.

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Plotline

Based on the true story of Dita Kraus, the plotline follows Dita's life as she enters the horrors which are Auschwitz. Dita is only 14 when she gets sent with her parents to the camp and soon becomes the camp's secret librarian, taking charge of the small collection of precious books the prisoners managed to sneak past the guards. Books are a dangerous thing in Auschwitz where the slightest hint that the prisoners have them could lead to any horrific punishment. Dita was in Block 31 which was also known as the family block and where lots of the younger children were housed - and had lessons from teachers who were also other prisoners. In camp 31, the adult prisoners did everything they could to make things normal for the children ad Dita's library was one of the most heartwarming things in there - the children could learn and imagine other things whilst the horrors were going on around them.

The plot follows Dita's life over the few years she's imprisoned in the Auschwitz camp and gives a raw perspective of what life is like, the relationships she makes and how she pulls of the mission off, being the librarian. It's that task which inspires so many - and inspired the book itself.

Characters and relationships

I always say the characters are the best part of a novel as they really bring the entire plot to life. As this book is set in such a time of sheer horror and inhumane activities, the characters really are everything and the emotion that pours out is intense. Dita is like any other teenager in this book, and that's how she comes across - she's honest, pushes the boundaries and wants to have fun - even though she's stuck in the camp. Her bond with everyone is a huge part of the book and expresses how she is as a person.

Her relationship with her mother is incredibly powerful and it seems like the pair of them are two of the strongest beings you'll ever come across and they've always got each other back. I particularly love the relationship between Dita and her best friend Margit as it shows what every teenage friendship is about - and reminds me of what I would do for my best friends. Dita is friends with so many people in the camp from her bunkmates to those who look after her block and it's really insightful to read about as you get a feel of what their life was like. The people in the camp only had each other and that's why relationships are so powerful - and make the retelling of the story so real and important.

Thoughts on the book

This book left me feeling inspired, heartbroken, educated, and sad; a whole mixture of emotions - I absolutely loved it. It's one of those books which takes you on a complete journey and is packed with plenty of knowledge that I was left with so much insight into the horrors of Auschwitz. The way it was written was completely honest and gave that first-hand experience to help the reader understand the truth that went on. It also shared so much about humanity - and how people in the camp helped each other. Overall, I'd recommend it to literally everyone, whether you're a reader or not - as it will leave you feeling so moved.

Ending

Considering the book is set in such a tragic time, I didn't know what I'd expect the ending to be, however, it was somewhat of an inspiring and bittersweet ending which left the story the way it should.

I hope you enjoyed this review! Have you read this book?

Thank you for reading <3

Well hello to you my reader chums! Travelling and going to the airport may come naturally to some people, however, a lot of people struggle with that sort of thing, whether that's due to the crowds, the stress of the planning or as it's out of your routine. It's normal to feel anxious in situations that aren't in your regular pattern and if you're going travelling soon and nervous about it, here are 6 tips to help you out.

Map out what's going to happen

When it comes to anxiety, often or not, it can be to do with control and that's why having a plan in place for the day can really help. It doesn't have to be step by step and timings, but it can be a list of things and the order you're going to do them. For instance, say once you get to the airport, you'll head straight to check-in, then to security and then to the food court to get a bite to eat. It may sound like a small thing, but if you have a plan to focus on, you'll be concentrating on that instead of thinking about what's going on around you.

Wear something comfy or 'homely' 

Travelling can be uncomfortable, especially if it's a long-haul journey. To feel a bit more at home and at ease, wear something that you're comfortable in. Airports used to make me really anxious and every time I went to one, I always wore the same jumper and it soon became my 'safety blanket'. I then learned to be more comfortable in that environment as I had a physical thing to hold onto - and it really helped.

Check-in and pay for your seats online

When travelling with a friend or partner, with some airlines you're not always guaranteed to sit next to each other and if you're an anxious flyer, it's not the ideal situation. That's why I would always recommend to pay the extra few pounds there and back to pick your seats as it'll be one less thing to worry about on your travels- as you have someone by your side. Alternatively, on a lot of flights, you can also ask to swap seats with other people so you can sit next to each other.

Get there with plenty of time

There's no point rushing around when you get to the airport; it's meant to be a place of excitement as you jet off to a new location and new adventure. This is why I'd always recommend to give yourself extra time to get there as you never know what traffic delays you'll come across on route. Although there's nothing worse than having time to kill, it's better than having to rush to try and catch your flight! Arrive with plenty of time and find a place where you can zone out before your flight.

Fill yourself with good food

Food is one of the best things in life and something that will give you a massive energy boost at the airport. If you fuel your body with good food then, in theory, it should make you feel a lot better and that could take the edge off your nerves - and how you're feeling. Food is one of the things that makes me really happy, especially when I've eaten a good meal, so scoping out a restaurant can give you a big distraction, and something to look forward to in the airport process.

Keep your mind busy

I always say this but distraction is key when you're feeling anxious - and that's why keeping your mind busy is so important. Whether that's reading a book, listening to a podcast or practicing meditation, there are loads of different things you can be doing to keep busy and zoning out from the airport surroundings.

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

Thank you for reading <3