The Travel Bugs Back

I’ve always joked about having the ‘Travel Bug’ but I seriously do.

I am so spoilt but I miss that I haven’t travelled as much this year. Granted, I’ve travelled a lot more than some people, and of course I’m so grateful, but it’s never enough.

I started the year off celebrating in Abu Dhabi. Then in April I had my great trip to Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore. I really enjoyed that trip. I desperately needed some time to myself and it was perfect! I didn’t feel lonely at all. I spoke to the staff and a few other people enjoying their holidays but that was enough. 

Enjoying KL Tower. 

Sometimes when I’ve travelled alone before, I’ve felt pretty lonely. I think it really depends how I feel in myself (if that makes sense). I’m finally in a very secure, loving relationship and so I felt comfortable being on my own for a bit as I knew I’d be returning to Marco.

Whilst walking to work this morning, a song came on that reminded me so much of Las Vegas. I was literally walking through a chilly London and then I was instantly taken back to the pool club next to my hotel in Las Vegas, laying on a day bed whilst sipping strawberry daiquiris and chatting to the hostess, Samantha, about what it’s like living and working in Las Vegas.

Rather tipsy after six of these. 

It’s amazing how our senses can remind us of a specific moment in time. I have so many things that make me think of my travels. Seeing the stars in a pitch black sky, reminds me of midnight skinny dipping in the sea in Caye Caulker, Belize. The smell of the petrol, reminds me of the huge boats in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The taste of Prosecco, reminds me of fishing in Italy and catching so many trout.

Exploring Halong Bay on the kayaks. 

We caught lots of trout. I said sorry to every one of them. 

I am loving visiting Italy and exploring where Marco grew up. Our first trip was wonderful. I have never felt so relaxed and at peace on holiday before. Although we were always doing something, whether it was visiting Marco’s family or going for a bike ride, I still felt so rested. It was probably the regular two hour naps in the afternoon which helped!

Beautiful Vicenza city after the proposal. 

I am really looking forward to visiting Venice. From the pictures, it looks so stunning. I adore the architecture of the buildings and I can’t wait for my Daddy to visit as I know he’ll love it all too. I would love to go on a gondola ride, I know it’s a little cheesy but it’s a tradition in Venice so I’d like to experience it.

I usually snap away on my iphone but I’ve decided to take my good camera with us as I want to ensure I get some beautiful shots to share with everyone.

There are so many places in Italy I’m looking forward to visiting. Being with a native helps so much too! But although I’m looking forward to exploring Italy, there are still lots of other places I’d like to visit.

I’m desperate to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. I would love to do a sailing tour around Croatia. I’d love to explore Australia. I’m desperate to go back to Africa and see more wonderful wildlife. And I truly hope I get to go snorkelling in beautiful Maldives.

Marco doesn’t quite understand my passion for travel. I can understand where he is coming from as he spends his holidays going back home to visit family. It must be difficult balancing things.

We’re looking to go on a cruise to the Caribbean next year. That should be a lovely experience as I haven’t been on a cruise before (the sailing boat in The Galapagos Islands doesn’t count!). I love the sandy shores of the Caribbean. The snorkelling will be amazing. And even better, I get to experience all of this with amore mio.

Sailing The Galapagos Islands. 

For now I’ll be dreaming of these new adventures. Oh and looking forward to Italy in 5 days’ time!!

Ciao.

It's the little moments in life

I know many people don't understand why I love to travel so much. Many think it's too dangerous for me to travel alone. Some are perhaps a little jealous of all the travelling I do and others quite frankly, are simply not interesting in exploring new places. 

I have been incredibly lucky with my travels. There haven't been too many hairy stories. Perhaps the worst was our bus driver hitting a motorcyclist in Vietnam or when I was convinced the plane was going to crash when we coming into landing. 

Other than a handful of interesting experiences, mostly I've been blessed with good ones. 

For me, it's not always about the big things when I travel. Yes I've done some incredible things like skydive, seen the Big Five and played with a sea lion in The Galapogas islands but today I've had a couple of those little moments that mean so much. 

Today I was face timing a certainly Italian and I was walking along the beach. This was perfect! Ok perfect would've been Marco with me but after a pretty rough year so far, it was such a nice moment. 

The next nice little moment was during my yoga class. I did a fantastic class in a open air studio over looking the beach. 

When you're relaxing in a position, seeing the sunset and hearing the waves lapping on the beach and the wind in the palm trees is pure heaven. 

I know that won't appeal to so many people but we all lead such hectic lifestyles that sometimes you simply need to stand still and take note. 

I understand you shouldn't have to travel to the other side of the world to appreciate all the goodness you have but sometimes walking away puts things into perceptive. 

In the yoga studio it had a great sign that said 'Love the life you live, and live the life you love'. I'm finally fully starting to do that. 

Namaste. 

Next stop Kuala Lumpur, Bali and Singapore

It's that time of year again when I can take advantage of the Easter holiday and use only five days annual leave to travel for 12 nights - exciting!!

I have to admit, I didn't compare whether the ticket prices were more expensive over Easter (I assume they are) but I got a great deal for three nights in Kuala Lumpur, five nights in Bali and two nights in Singapore.

I do have two overnight flights with Malaysian airlines (fingers crossed the plane doesn't go missing in my sleep!) but other than that, it's all good.

As I just typed Malaysian airlines, I have a horrible feeling that was whom I flew to Vietnam with and if it is, it was horrific!! There were technical issues on the plane so we were delayed on the runway of Heathrow for over an hour. Then we were diverted to another airport in Vietnam because the pilot couldn't land due to bad weather. It was a complete mess from start to finish.

Here's to hoping the flight will be uneventful. It's incredible sad what has happened in Brussels today. I imagine there will be heightened security at the airports. I'm travelling alone (again!) but being a white female (yes I said it) I don't tend to have any issues.

I spoke to a lovely Hindu lady at work who is supposed to be travelling to Brussels this weekend. She explained how she really isn't sure whether she and her boyfriend should go or not. She was explaining that people will racially abuse them - it's complete madness!!

 I'm actually really looking forward to travelling alone this trip. Because I'm so used to travelling alone, I feel like a pro. Before I would always worry about not having someone to speak to so I would use the likes of Tinder to meet up with people for a drink (nothing more intended!), but I obviously won't be using it this time because I'm all loved up!

I'm actually looking forward to having some 'Me' time. I think it's so important to be comfortable with your own company. I've packed a good book and I've also got my study material as I'm learning Italian.

Travelling alone gives you the opportunity to do whatever you like. You choose what time to wake up, where to go exploring, where to eat - it's bliss. And although I love doing this, I have a feeling this may be one of the last trips that I travel alone on.

Marco and I are visiting where his family live and where he lived for 20 years in July and August. I am beyond excited for those trips (in fact I'm more excited about Italy than I am this trip). I know Italy will be a completely different experience than my usual travels.

I think that's why I want to savour each moment of my forthcoming trip. I'll miss a certain someone a lot but all my hotels have wifi so I'm sure we'll still be in contact lots.

I know travel is expensive but I can not encourage it enough. It is completely different going to a resort in Spain or the Caribbean for a week or two than it is to go to a place, be it a city, countryside or beach and simply exploring what is there.

Of course the whole purpose of a holiday is to relax and unwind so you don't want to be waking up at the crack of dawn every morning but it truly is amazing to sometimes just wake up and see the World.