Travel hacks

I’ve been lucky to travel a fair bit so I thought it might be useful to share some of my travel tips. 

I’ll try and organise them into some logical order but these are things that have just popped up that I thought might be useful to others. 

Pre trip:

• Research properly. Make sure you use tripadvisor.co.uk to view the accommodation. Also the forums are a great place to ask those questions you can’t be bothered to research yourself (like how to get from the airport to your accommodation).
• Use a cashback website to book. I use topcashback.co.uk and I’ve made money simply by spending the money I already planned to spend. They’re simple to use and simply track the purchase through the third parties website. 
• Consider booking directly with the hotel. Sometimes they have perks for booking directly. My recent trip I booked directly and got upgraded to a suite, had access to the lounge for free breakfast, wine and refreshments and received 10% off. Just make sure you compare the costs elsewhere before booking. 
• Always check in online as early as possible. Set a reminder on your phone for when check in opens. That will help you snag the best seat without paying. 
• My only exception to this is if you are flexible with your trip then it might pay to not check in online. I didn’t check in for my return flight home from Dubai with Emirates and because the flight was overbooked I got put on a slightly later flight (one hour later) and I got a free return ticket to Dubai as compensation. 
• Consider using packing bags. I bought some bags from Amazon and it’s so simply to organise so a bag for underwear/bikinis, then day clothes and a separate one for night clothes. It’s a lot easier to find what you need, especially if you’re travelling around and can’t always fully unpack. 
• Consider opening a Monzo bank account. It’s so simple to open and the MasterCard they give you has no fees to use in shops abroad. You can also withdraw up to £200pm in cash abroad. It’s much safer using your card plus you simply put the amount of money you have for spending in it and it’s easy to track your spending on the app. 

Flight:

• Dress appropriately. This seems obvious but planes get cold so I always bring a big scarf with me. Also consider wearing flight socks to reduce your risk of DVT. 
• I do ‘dress up’ to a certain extent to fly but only because I feel better. I love wearing a loose fitting jump suit. It won’t guarantee an upgrade but it certainly looks better than your grubby old leggings and sweater.  
• Don’t use the blankets. I spoke to an air hostesses who explained the blankets are simply repackaged and handed back out. It could be weeks before they’re washed. Can you imagine the amount of germs on them? That’s where your big scarf can double up as a nice clean blanket. 
• For long haul flights, consider bringing your own pillow. Buy a cheap one from Primark and it’s much more comfortable that the tiny ones they give you. 
• I always choose the window seat for long haul flights. That way I can rest my head against the window to sleep plus it’ll be me waking someone up to go to the loo instead of the other way round. 
• Be nice to the check in staff. Nearly all flights I’ve asked if the flight is full, if it’s not then kindly ask if anyone is sat next to you. That extra seat next to you helps so much to stretch out and sleep. 
• Bring a foldable water bottle. I bought some from the pound shop. You can fill it up in the airport and then when you’re on the plane they’re happy to fill it up as it saves you keep asking for a glass of water. 
• Set your watch to the time at your end destination as soon as you board. Try and alternative your sleeping and eating to accommodate the time difference and this should help with jet lag. 

On your trip:

• Try and speak to the locals for the best tips. They know the place much better than any forum. Ask for as many recommendations as possible. 
• Download google maps and download your city map so you can navigate the place without using data. 
• If you’re active, consider going for a jog the first morning you’re in a new place. This is the perfect way to explore the area, work up an appetite for a lovely breakfast and of course be healthy exercising. Plus your google maps offline will help you navigate your way home. 
• Check out groupon to see if there’s any deals where you are. I’ve saved a fortune on day trips and restaurants whilst travelling and using groupon. Just be sure to check availability first. 
• Grab those travel magazines/brochures at the airport. When you arrive and see them, pick them up as they often have a ‘What’s on’ section and lots of money off coupons. 

Travelling is great but it can be exhausting so hopefully some of these tips might help you. 

The Great Ocean Road

For my last full day in Melbourne, I decided to book a day trip to go to the Great Ocean Road. 

I’ve briefly heard about it (not sure where or when though), I was informed it’s the “most beautiful coastal drive in Australia”. I feel like these Aussies like to say everything in ‘their’ city is the biggest/best however it was pretty beautiful. 

I was picked up from my hotel at 7:20am and because I was the only single traveller (there’s a shock lol) I was asked to sit upfront and be co pilot. 

We drove out of the city and within 20 minutes, all the 22 other passengers were fast asleep. That was fine as I was chatting away with Chris, our guide. I got to chat to him about so many cool things. He is a trained snake handler (there was a more technical term but I’ve forgotten), he tried to sell it to me that snakes are more scared of us and he made a valid point that although they are venomous, a human could still easily kill a snake. But he obviously wasn’t trying to encourage that, just simply educate me. 

We stopped along the way at various beautiful spots to stretch our legs and take pictures. I adore being by the water, I find it so soothing and therapeutic. Even the most troubled waters can still be incredibly majestic. 

One of the first stops was at the famous ‘Great Ocean Road’ archway. Chris explained the arch has in fact been rebuilt twice. Once because a lorry driver took it out and another time it was destroyed in a bush fire. He explained to us the process of ‘burn offs’, this is where they do a controlled burn in the area. He explained strangely these processes are needed to allow the environment to thrive. 

My favourite stop was when we stopped to find koalas in the trees. Just driving up we spotted four. We got out of the van and got to walk back down and watch the koalas. I’ve wanted to see them in their natural habitat all of my trip so I was so happy. 

We were informed that they have two thumbs on each paw to allow them to grip the branches better. They also sleep for 20-22 hours a day. They eat so much eucalyptus leafs that it takes days to digest and they don’t get much nutrients from the leafs so they’re constantly tired hence sleeping so much. You’d think they’d switch their diets to something more useful. 

When we got in the van again, someone said there was a spider in the back. I stayed calm thinking it would be little but sadly I was wrong. It turned out to be a Huntsman spider. It was pretty big by my standards however I know they get a lot bigger (I remember seeing a picture of one on a friends honeymoon to the Maldives and it was huge!). After me sinking right down into the footwell of the van whilst begging Chris to stop talking and get it out of the van, it was finally released into the wild. 

After that near death experience (ok maybe a slight exaggeration) it was time to stop for some lunch. We stopped at a great tourist spot called Apollo Bay. It was named after a ship docked in the bay for a few days but never came ashore and simply left. The Aussie are not very creative with naming places. 

Next up was the big stop, The 12 Apostles.  When I booked the trip, I was told everyone has heard of the famous 12 Apostles well apparently I must have snoozed through that history (or maybe geography?) lesson. 

When we got to the stop, the first thing I noticed walking along the path was the sign warning us of venomous snakes - great!

This place was so busy! Lots of people trying to get the best Facebook selfie. When I did manage to find a little spot to look out over the apostles I noticed a slight flaw, I only counted 8. Now I get erosion (I vaguely remember that lesson with Mr. Jones) so I naturally assumed that over time some had crumbled into the sea however Chris informs us that there were only ever 9 to begin with. In fact, they were originally known as Pig and his piglets but decided to rebrand (damn those marketing people) to the 12 Apostles. 

Time was pushing on by now so we headed to our next stop. It was crazy busy so Chris decided to take us to another secret spot. The view was incredible and we had the place all to ourselves which was great. 

We returned to the gorge way in Port Campbell National Park. Chris warned us that this was the spot where we could see a snake. There were three beautiful walks to do. The first was down to a gorgeous cove beach. I’d have loved to swim but we didn’t have much time. 

I did do the other walks however I was stomping around to ensure the ground shook as much as possible. I had my eyes on the look out so much for snakes, it actually kind of hurt. The views over the ocean though were beautiful though. I was still so surprised that the nearest land to us was the Antarctic. 

Because we were in the van for so long, I got to hear lots of cool stories from Chris. He was telling me about his adventure expeditions that he’s done. One was kayaking up one of the longest rivers in Australia solo over six months. I was so impressed with his outlook on life and was very shocked to discover he is only 24. It just goes to show it’s your mindset that dictates what you achieve in life. 

The day was fun but pretty tiring. I wasn’t even driving but being co pilot I felt like I couldn’t snooze. I really enjoyed learning more about Australia. I was lucky to get some time chatting to a local with real life experience. 

I’ve loved my time in Australia. I will definitely be back. I’d love to visit a few other places such as Exmouth, apparently the snorkelling there is better than at the Great Barrier Reef. I was disappointed that my trip was cancelled but you make the best out of every situation. 

Noosa, Sunshine Coast

After my great trip to Moreton Island, it was up early on Sunday to head to Noosa. 

Vicki has planned everything perfectly, I’ve really appreciated it. We stopped off at her parents and we were having a chat about how scared I am of snakes and spiders, they all reassured me that they’ve seen no snakes in all the time they’ve lived here. 

On the way to Noosa, we stopped at a lovely watering hole. It had a nice little waterfall and swings that people were swinging off into the water. 

It was pretty busy with lots of people enjoying the sun and cooling off in the water. Vicki assured me they’d be no anacondas lurking in the water or crocs so  I swung into the water with a little squeal. 

It was so nice and refreshing. We jumped off the rocks (sorry dad) then we were simply chilling in the sun. I looked to my right and there with it’s beady eyes was a snake (a blue and yellow tree snake we found out afterwards). I jumped up, run and screamed so fast. I was literally hyperventilating and crying because of a stupid snake. Everyone else found it highly amusing. 

After that abrupt appearance, it was time to head into Noosa. Noosa is a lovely town on the Sunshine Coast. It has beaches and a river. It was buzzing with lots of families enjoying their Easter weekend. 

We stayed in an amazing Air BnB. It was so clean and had lovely woodland view. I was always keeping an eye out for a koala. 

Monday we had planned a nice coastal hike. It was 10km in the National Park and walked along the edge over looking the sea. 

Along the way I saw so many spiders! And although they were pretty damn big, they were ok as they were chilling in their webs. 

The views were breathtaking and when we got to Hell’s Gate (lovely name), we saw a turtle bobbing its little head out of the water. 

After our little walk (in at least 28 degree heat and high humidity), it was time for lunch and beach. The main beach was nice and busy. The other beach we went to before was infested with bluebottle jelly fish. 

As we were relaxing on the beach, then there was a medical emergency. We’re not quite sure what happened but the man had done something to his neck. I must admit the life guards on the beaches are incredible. They are all so on the ball and professional. 

We decided to try some stand up paddle board (SUP) before heading back. I’ve never tried it before but it was great. You need good balance and I found I was clenching my feet to get some grip which was a bit sore. 

We were going up and down the river but it was pretty busy with boats and jet skis. Every time one went by, it created waves and that was the point I thought I’d fall in but thankfully I didn’t - just lots more squealing. I even managed to do the splits on the board. 

It’s been amazing spending time with Vicki in Brisbane (and surrounding areas). Vicki and Toby have been the perfect hosts. We’ve still got a couple more fun days exploring Brisbane before heading onto the next place. 

Moreton Island

We were up early and heading to Brisbane port all before 7:30am. We’d already walked Toby over the park overlooking the river.

We took the ferry over to Moreton Island. We thought we’d done well with our seats up top and ready to spot some dolphins until a heap of French people decided to stand right in front of us. 

After the hour long journey, we arrived in paradise. Whilst we were waiting to get off the boat, I saw s sea turtle pop it’s head up to welcome us. 

Our first activity was sandboarding. I’d never tried it before so it was a bit scary. After a 25 minute bumpy ride into the ‘desert’, we then climbed these huge sand dunes to then slide face first down to bottom. It was pretty scary!!

After a quick lunch on the beach, it was time for our next activity, kayaking. We had these amazing clear plastic kayaks and paddled over shipwrecks. 

The current was pretty tough but we did well and had a blast. It wasn’t the first time Vicki and I had kayaked before so we felt like pros. 

By this point it was definitely time to cool off and snorkel. We had to wear wetsuits as we were snorkelling over the shipwreck sndparts were pretty sharp. 

We had to pulled out to the wreks on a jetski. This was pretty scary as there were 12 of us holding onto a boogie board whilst being pulled out. The current and jet ski pull made it pretty hard. 

We had been told there was so much to see such as sting rays and even a sea cow. We saw plenty of fish (and not the dating app) but sadly nothing too exciting. 

After all a hectic day, it was time to head back on the ferry. It was such a cool day exploring Moreton island. I found out it is the second largest sand island in the World. 

I’ve had such a great time in Brisbane already and there’s still plenty more to discover thanks to my lovely tour guide.