Philippines Island Hopping Itinerary 🌴🏍️🇵🇭
1 Night - Port Barton
2 Nights - @islaexperience 
2 Nights - El Nido 
2 Nights - Coron 
3 Nights - Siquijor
Have you been dreaming of the Philippines? 💭
Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰
🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃
Some of these include
🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park
🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘
🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.
🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘
🐾It felt more natural 🍃
🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 
🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫
🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 
TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️
🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 
🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 
🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 
☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃
🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 
🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)
🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 
🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 
🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 
🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 
🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising
10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮 1 nig 10-Day Nicaragua Itinerary 🌴🌊🇳🇮
1 night - Leon 🌋
2 nights -San Juan Del Sur or Popoyo 🏄🏽‍♀️
2 nights - Ometepe 🌋
2 nights - Laguna de Apoyo/ Granada 🛶
3 nights - Little Corn Island 🌴🌽
📆For those of us who are limited to 25 days of holiday a year - 10 days in Nicaragua is TOTALLY doable. You’ll be on a tight schedule and will need to spend more on transport/taxis to get to places on time …. but it’s all worth it. ✈️
⏰If you have more time, I would say stretch to 14 days and up some of the stays to 3 nights. This will give you a chance to relax in each location. 💤
Would you visit Nicaragua for 10 days?
Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴 📍 Seychelles from the sky 🇸🇨📸🚁🌴
📍Locations
Anse Source D’Argent 
Anse Cocos
Anse Major
Deffo still need to practise being a drone pilot but one step at a time right? 😂
🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in t 🐢Curieuse Island is a small island located in the Seychelles it’s one of the only places in the country where you will see wild tortoises roam freely. 
🐢The whole island of Curieuse is a protected marine park where more than 200 🐢🐢🐢 live out their lives in a protected paradise. 
🐢There age of tortoises on the island range from 0-90years old 
🐢You can visit Curieuse Island  on an all boat trip from the nearby Praslin Island (we booked ours through @getyourguide) 
Would you like to see these gentle giants?
Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also tot Anyone else excited for Autumn/Winter but also totally lying to themselves 😂🍁🍂❄️☃️🧣
Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what Friendly reminder that you don’t have to do what society expects of you. Live your life by your own rules 🧡
From where I’d rather be with my @dockandbay be From where I’d rather be with my  @dockandbay beach towel🌴🇸🇨🐚
If you’re going if you love swimming or are going backpacking/on holiday soon then you NEED this @dockandbay towel! 
🍃It’s extremely compact
🍃it’s quick drying
🍃it’s sand resistant 
🍃it’s sustainable 
@dockandbay have also just dropped a brand new product so go and check it out 😉
🔖For 15% discount use code CCEV51UN at checkout to get
#dbcabanaclub#gifted
Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺 Seychelles 7-day Itinerary ⬇️🐢🌴🥥🌺
Days 1-2 - Mahe Island 
🌴Beau Vallon Beach 
🌴Anse Major Hike 
Days 2-4 - Praslin Island 
🌴Anse Lazio beach day 
🌴Valle de Mai trail
🌴Curieuse Island day trip to see Aldabra Tortoises 
Days 4-7 - La Digue Island
🌴Anse Source D’Argent 
🌴Anse Cocos Hike
🌴Anse Severe
When you start throwing peace signs ironically and When you start throwing peace signs ironically and it accidentally becomes part of your aesthetics✌🏽
I blame my friends 😅
Anyone else like this? 😅
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊
🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)
South Coast (November to April) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 
There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 
East Coast (May-October) 
🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 
Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️ What’s your toxic travel trait? ⬇️
Not sure this applies to everyone because I someho Not sure this applies to everyone because I somehow don’t think I’m anyone’s airport crush when this is the airport aesthetic 😂😂
Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️ Tell Some more random facts about me ⬆️☺️
Tell me a random fact about yourself 💬💕⬇️
(PS I honestly don’t know why I turn around and look shocked at the rainbow in this video. 🌈The rainbow is literally the reason I asked for a picture 😂😂. One too many seltzers I think)
🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya If you’re l 🌴 Welcome to @laplaya.hiriketiya
If you’re looking to spend a boujee day in Sri Lanka make sure you head to @laplaya.hiriketiya. For a cold glass of wine 🍷and some delish pizza 🍕
This was my favourite place in Hiriketiya and the music is just 👌🏽😍
🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in 🌴🍃Welcome to Anse Cocos Beach on La Digue in the Seychelles🍃🌴
😍Pretty much Every Beach on La Digue is incredible but because this one takes a little more work to get to 🥾🌋 you’ll only find handful of other tourists here (in my experience at least) 
🚴🏽‍♀️ How to get there 🚴🏽‍♀️
🍃Head to the entrance of Grand Anse Beach. Most people cycle here and you will see straight in front of you a place to park your bikes 
🍃Head down the small path and follow the trail
🍃You will hike up and over one hill and come to another beach. Don’t get too excited this is Petit Anse beach not cocos so still a bit more to go.
🍃Continue up and over the second hill (this is a little bit longer than the first) 
🍃You have arrived at Anse Cocos
🍃This will take you about 30 minutes in total 
🍹Head straight to the beach shack and grab a mango daiquiri
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Christina in the Clouds

Adventure around a 9-5

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City Breaks, Road Trips, UK · September 13, 2020

How to spend a weekend in Bradford-On-Avon

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The Cotswolds area of the UK is one of the most stunning locations in England. It’s history, architecture, nature and all-round magical feel is what makes it one of the most popular places to visit in the UK. The Cotswolds region branches out over 5 different counties in England.

Located just a stone’s throw from the City of Bath, Bradford-on-Avon is a beautiful, quintessentially British market town, found on the edge of the Wiltshire Cotswolds.

Like many of the towns you will find in the Cotswolds, Bradford-On-Avon has a tranquil river winding through the heart of the town (as you might guess from the name the River Avon runs through here).

The towns history dates back to Roman times, but most of the architecture you will find here is from the 17th century when the town expanded due to a boom in the textile industry. Most of the buildings that line the river are houses, hotels and bars but these were all once woollen mills.

Bradford-On-Avon is a fairly small town so if you are after a slow and relaxing weekend, then read on to find out my top tips and recommendations for spending your weekend here.

Bradford-On-Avon

When is the best time to visit Bradford-On-Avon?

Bradford-on-Avon is the kind of town you can visit no matter what the season. Whether you want to take a summer bike ride and a barge boat trip along the canal or have a cosy winter break sat by the fire and surrounded by fairy lights then there is something for you.

We took our trip in August and in classic British style, it was a drizzly weekend that made us feel more like we were in October than August. This didn’t faze us as we were after a cosy weekend, so the weather was quite fitting.

What is the best way to get to Bradford-On-Avon?

There are 3 main ways to get to Bradford-On-Avon these are:

Car: This is probably the easiest and most economical way to get to Bradford-On-Avon. If you are driving here from the London area or outskirts it will take you roughly 2.5 hours.

Train: You can get to Bradford-On-Avon from Paddington Station in under 2 hours. Unfortunately, you can’t get a train directly here you will have to stop off at Bath Spa station and then take the 10-minute train journey to Bradford-On-Avon station.

Coach: Getting the coach from London Victoria Coach Station to Bradford-On-Avon will take you around 3 hours. Similarly, to the train, you cannot get dropped directly to Bradford-On-Avon town centre. You can either go to Bath and get the train or an Uber or alternatively, you can get the coach to the town of Box and again get a train, bus or Uber to Bradford-On-Avon town centre.

Bradford-On-Avon

What is the best way to see Bradford-On-Avon?

The town of Bradford-On-Avon is quite small so the best way to explore Bradford-On-Avon is on either foot or bicycle. If you don’t have a bicycle of your own you can get information on where to hire one from here. 

Where to stay in Bradford-On-Avon?

Before most of my trips, I always scan through the location hashtag on Instagram to get some inspiration of what to do and where to stay. I stumbled across Widbrook Grange during this search and I’m SO glad I did.

Widbrook Grange is slightly outside of the main town and will take you either a 20-minute walk or a 4-minute drive.

Located amongst 11 acres of the Wiltshire countryside, Widbrook Grange is a Georgian country house that’s been converted into a small boutique hotel with just 19 rooms. Not only are the interiors in this place extremely aesthetically pleasing but the hotel is fully equipped with a gym, swimming pool, an amazing restaurant and (my favourite) a dedicated Gin bar! You can also treat yourself to a game of giant Jenga or chess in their onsite gardens. 

Widbrook Grange
Widbrook Grange
Widbrook Grange

I also can’t forget to mention how delicious the breakfast here is. This is included in your booking and you can choose from a full English, salmon and eggs, granola, berries and yoghurt and more! The portions are generous, and this really sets you up for a day of exploring.  

Finally, to top this place off the service here is amazing and all the staff are so attentive

Widbrook Grange
Widbrook Grange

Budgeting for Bradford-On-Avon

Prices in Bradford-On-Avon are similar to that of London and most of the south of England. Expect to pay around £5 for a pint, £6+ for a glass of wine or prosecco and around £10-£15 for a single dish.

Best places to eat and drink in Bradford-On-Avon

Widbrook Grange: As I mentioned earlier Widbrook Grange has an amazing onsite restaurant which is open to non-guests as well. If you are looking for hearty farmhouse cuisine and a list Gin’s to choose from that is the size of your arm, then this is the best place to come.

Boat House: Just a 5-minute walk from Widbrook Grange the Boat House is a great place to enjoy some food with a view as this restaurant looks out onto the Bradford-On-Avon Marina.

The Lock Inn Cafe: One of the most highly rated restaurants in Bradford-On-Avon. Not only is the food loved by many but they are in an ideal location, situated right next to the Kennet & Avon Canal; which makes for some great beer garden drinking during the summer months.

The Dandy Lion Pub: Located in the centre of Bradford-On-Avon The Dandy Lion is the perfect place to take a break from your exploring and enjoy a spot of lunch.

The Bridge Tea Rooms: Steeped in character and history with a building dating back to 1502, the Bridge Team Rooms has twice been voted the best tearoom in the UK. After visiting here and trying out some of their famous tea and scones for myself I can completely understand why. I recommend you put this place at the top of your foodie list when in Bradford-On-Avon.

Bradford-On-Avon
Bradford-On-Avon

Best things to do in Bradford-On-Avon

As I mention before Bradford-On-Avon is a small town, so if you only wanted to come here for the day without staying then it’s definitely possible. See my recommendations below.

Tithe Barn 

Dated back to 1330 Tithe Barn is one of the largest medieval barns in England.

The Shambles 

A small passage in the centre of town lined with flowers, bunting and coffee shops. What more could you want?

Bradford-On-Avon

Town Bridge

If you google Bradford-On-Avon you will most likely be presented with many images of this bridge. Consisting of 9 arches and decorated with a small domed chapel,this is probably the most iconic part of the town.

Bradford-On-Avon
Bradford-On-Avon

Mckeever Footbridge

Named after the 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Ed Mckeever. The Meckeever Footbridge is a great place to stop and get some snaps of the river.

Coppice Hill Road

If you want to see some stereotypical Cotswold houses with colourful front doors and climbing rose bushes then Coppice Hill is the street to visit (this is directly next to The Shambles).

Bradford-On-Avon
Bradford-On-Avon

St Margaret’s Hill

Climb up St Margaret’s hill to get a panoramic view of the town. Once you get to the top of the hill you will need to walk left for about 100m to get the best view.

Bradford-On-Avon

Wallington Hall

Wallington Hall is not a place you could or would want to go inside and visit (it is just an empty hall) however I loved the outside architecture of the building, so I had to pop this on the list.

Bradford-On-Avon

Holy Trinity Church 

Explore the beautiful church grounds of Holy Trinity Church. If like me and you are fascinated with gravestones that are over 100’s of years old then this is the best place to come.

Bradford-On-Avon
Bradford-On-Avon

Bradford-On-Avon Wharf

Head here to do a canal boat tour of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Ilford Manor Estate

Visit the award-winning Ilford Manor Gardens which was home to the set of “The Secret Garden” starring Julie Walters and Colin Firth. (Currently temporarily closed due to COVID due to reopen April 2021).

River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the canal. There are several routes you can take so click here to find out more. 

Bradford-On-Avon

How accessible is Bradford-On-Avon?

To find out about accessible routes in Bradford-On-Avon visit this page for further information or feel free to email: tourism@bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk

If you are looking for more UK based trips make sure you check out my post on my favourite trips from London or my 4-day guide to Cornwall.


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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of this beautiful world.

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Philippines Island Hopping Itinerary 🌴🏍️🇵🇭
1 Night - Port Barton
2 Nights - @islaexperience 
2 Nights - El Nido 
2 Nights - Coron 
3 Nights - Siquijor
Have you been dreaming of the Philippines? 💭
Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to sto Friendly reminder 🧡 (To myself included) to stop the comparison. 
🧡 It can be so easy to do, especially on this app to compare our lives with other successes… but often we’re only seeing the end product, or highlight roll and not the years and months of work behind the scenes it took to get there. 
🧡So keep doing what your doing, keep chipping away and you’ll get there in the end.
💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s e 💁🏽‍♀️This one’s for my late 20’s early 30’s ladies having their early mid-life crisis facing all the decisions we have to make ⬇️
🔵 To quit or not to quit our jobs 
🔵 Wanting to change careers
🔵 Climbing the corporate ladder or going freelance 
🔵 Buying or not buying a house 
🔵 Having or not having kids 
🔵 And of course bucket list that’s wayyyyyyy to long 
Reel Idea  @the_unqualified_mum
🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the n 🧡This week I confirmed to do something in the new year that’s totally out of my Comfort zone, In a country I’ve never been to and a continent I’ve barely explored. 
🧡Whilst I’m filled with the fear, doubt and all the what ifs I’m also filled with excitement and doing something different and the opportunities that will come with that. 
🧡There’s also so much I need to do in between to make this possible so I’m also taking a huge bet on myself to which again is scary and exciting all at the same time. 
So this is your sign to do the thing ✨
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