Instagram post 17983449061890786 Instagram post 17983449061890786
🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Googl 🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Google searches. I just happened to stumble across it on my walk and it was my favourite spot of all. 🧡😍

🥾So this is your sign to just start walking and exploring 

📍Reeds Bay @thunder.bay.beach.bar 

Where was you’re favourite place that you just found by chance?
9  things to NEED to do on your Barbados holiday🌴🇧🇧:

🐟 Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday Night
⚡️ Go for a drink and swim @thunder.bay.beach.bar 
🌅Watch the Sunrise
🐢Swim with Turtles
⛵️Boat cruise with @silvermoonbarbados 
🌮Sunset Dinner @seashed_barbados 
🐎Watch the racehorses at Pebbles Beach 
🌊 Walk along the Hastings Boardwalk 
🌅Watch the sunset 

Anything I’m missing from the list?
Where is your “OMG” travel destination? Where is your “OMG” travel destination?
POV: you’ve taken 100,000 pics and videos on you POV: you’ve taken 100,000 pics and videos on your 1 week holiday 😅📸

Anyone else do the same! 

(📹Reel Credit @saradavies_)
🌅🌅🌅 🌅🌅🌅
Anyone else dreaming of a Euro summer? 💭💭💭
SWIMMING PIGS 🐖🐷🐽 🌴The Bahamas, more SWIMMING PIGS 🐖🐷🐽

🌴The Bahamas, more specifically the Exumas are famous for their resident swimming pigs. 

🏴‍☠️No one really knows why they have been out here but there are a couple of stories floating around.

🥓One of them being that they were left here by sailors who had planned to come back and cook them (poor piggy’s) but never made of back. 

🐟We even got to see stingsrays too (never did I think I would need a stingray and pig side by side with each other 😅)

⛵️There are a few boat companies that will take you to see these pigs and I went with @exumawatersports. I booked the half day tour which was $175 (you can book on a full day and also swim with reef sharks and see Pablo Escobars crashed plane). ✈️

Would you want to see the swimming pigs 

For more piggy cuteness follow @theswimmingpigs 🐽🐷🐖
What’s you definition of happiness ✈️⛵️🌍
✈️🧳How to pack using handluggage only! 

💰If you hate paying the RIDICULOUS prices for checked baggage like me, then here’s how to pack with hand luggage only. 

And yes I’m talking about week long (or more) holidays 😀 

👗Pack a mix and match wardrobe- you get brand new outfits whilst using the same clothes 

👠Pack 1 statement shoe plus a pair of casual ones 

✈️Wear your bulkiest items on the plane- eg jumpers and jackets (think joey from friends). Try to wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane too.

🧼Decant toiletries  into 100ml bottles and buy the rest of what you need at the airport. In fact, do an online order and get it delivered to the airport boots and you can pick it up after security

📦Use packing cubes to compress down your clothes and create more space in your hand luggage 

🫧And remember, you can wash your clothes abroad!! 

Have I missed anything?
I can’t wait to get back to Central America and I can’t wait to get back to Central America and be surrounded my volcanoes and lakes 😄🌋

Where do you feel the most free? 🦋

📍@Atitlansunsetlodge, Guatemala 🇬🇹
I mean the UK is fun but how much better is everyw I mean the UK is fun but how much better is everywhere else 😅😅😅

Where would you move to if you had the chance? 🌎🏡
𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓. 

💰Here are my top tips on how to travel often but keep the costs down. 

💙Be more flexible with you destinations and go to places that have the cheapest flights. ⬇️

My top tip for finding these is head to @skyscanner add in the dates you want to go and type in “EVERYWHERE” in to the destination box. @skyscanner will bring up the cheapest flights in ascending order. 

💙Use deal finding apps like @jacksflightclub @travelzoo_uk @secretescapes @holidaypirates @voyageprive_uk to find deals on flights, hotels and holidays. 

💙Avoid paying for checked luggage where possible. Try the clothes rolling technique, you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit in your hand luggage by doing this. 

💙Don’t splash out on fancy hotels if you don’t plan on being in the hotel much. This for example could be on a city break, chances are you will spend most of the day exploring and use your hotel litterally to sleep and shower. 

💙 If you are solo travelling, stay in a hostel. Meet people that you can do activities with , which can also help share/spread and cut costs.

💙 Get on to Google and find out the best free things to do at your destination.

💙Try to cook some meals where you can. I know part of travel is trying out new foods but if you are doing it often cooking one or two meals is a great way of cutting costs. Alternatively book accommodation that offers free breakfast as part of their package. 

💙 Walk as much as you can to cut down on transport costs.

💙Alternatively if walking isn’t an option and you’re in a city, buy their local travel transport card (eg Oyster card for London). I’ve found that a lot of European cities have super cheap train/tram/bus costs and are even cheaper with one of these cards. 

💙Rent a car. Renting a car can be sometimes miles cheaper than going on a package tour or excursion. Sometimes this isn’t the case but do your research first to see what’s your best option
Places to travel to in your 30’s when you’re n Places to travel to in your 30’s when you’re not as broke as your 20’s (AKA more expensive places) ✈️🍃3️⃣0️⃣

Do you have any recommendations? 🌅🐬
TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️ 🟠 Obvious c TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️

🟠 Obvious choice but make use of the weekends. Fly out on Friday night and home Sunday evening. Really good to squeeze in a mini city break. 

🟠 For longer holidays use the same method as above. Fly out on a Friday night and home the following Sunday. You can get almost 9 days away and only have to take 5 days off work.

🟠 Make use of your bank holidays. Tag on an extra day off around a bank holiday. For example around the Easter break. 

🟠If you are flying on weekdays fly out late evening and fly home early morning so you don’t have to take those flying days off work.

🟠 Work from your holiday. Commit to working one or two mornings whilst you are away. This can help in saving up a few half days when you get to the end of the year. However this is probably not worth it on shorter trips

🟠 If you are able to travel with work. Make a holiday out of that by tagging on a few days holiday after the work trip is over.

Do you have any other tips?
Instagram post 18167693284267175 Instagram post 18167693284267175
Travel ✈️🍃🌍❤️ Travel ✈️🍃🌍❤️
Instagram post 17999465992602774 Instagram post 17999465992602774
In need of sunshine and hot temperatures 🌡️☀️

Where’s your paradise? ⛵️🌴🐚
TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️ 🟠 Obvious c TRAVEL OFTEN AROUND YOUR 9-5⬇️

🟠 Obvious choice but make use of the weekends. Fly out on Friday night and home Sunday evening. Really good to squeeze in a mini city break. 

🟠 For longer holidays use the same method as above. Fly out on a Friday night and home the following Sunday. You can get almost 9 days away and only have to take 5 days off work.

🟠 Make use of your bank holidays. Tag on an extra day off around a bank holiday. For example around the Easter break. 

🟠If you are flying on weekdays fly out late evening and fly home early morning so you don’t have to take those flying days off work.

🟠 Work from your holiday. Commit to working one or two mornings whilst you are away. This can help in saving up a few half days when you get to the end of the year. However this is probably not worth it on shorter trips

🟠 If you are able to travel with work. Make a holiday out of that by tagging on a few days holiday after the work trip is over.

Do you have any other tips?
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Christina in the Clouds

Adventure around a 9-5

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Hiking, Road Trips, UK · April 11, 2021

Your Guide to The Chiltern Hills

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The Chiltern Hills (AONB) is a Chalk Escarpment that is one of 38 areas of natural beauty in England and Wales. The Chiltern Hills is over 200,00 acres and covers 4 counties in the southeast of England. These counties include Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Bedfordshire. 

In the Chiltern Hills, you will find a variety of flora and fauna, quaint villages and lush green valleys. You will also find an abundance of bluebells in the Chiltern Hills area during the springtime. 

Not too far from London, It is the perfect place to come if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and tranquillity in nature. Another great thing about the Chiltern Hills is that most of the walks are easy-going so it’s a great place to come with all of the family. 

I only discovered the Chiltern Hills during the 2020 coronavirus lockdown and honestly, it was a saviour. Whilst living in Hertfordshire I am very lucky to have access to green space and many beautiful Hertfordshire Walks, but I often crave a good old hike and a pretty panoramic view, that like you might find in the Peak District, and the Chiltern Hills was definitely my answer to that. Read on below to find out about some of the best walks you can do here.

How to get to The Chiltern Hills

There are two main ways to access the routes in the Chiltern Hills that is by car and/or train. Whilst, a lot of routes within the Chiltern Hills are only accessible by car, there are also many routes that start and end by railway stations. There are approximately 20 railway stations scattered throughout the Chiltern Hills, so you will not be short of options.

Ashridge Estate

The best walks in The Chiltern Hills

Tring Circular, Hertfordshire

With over 5000 acres worth of land, there is plenty of exploring to do around the Ashridge Estate. Secondly, with multiple walking, cycling and horseriding route the choices are endless and the views are spectacular no matter what you decide to do.

If it’s an easy woodland walk you are after I would recommend heading to the Ashridge Estate NT Carpark where you can first admire the Bridgewater Monument.

Here you can take a look at the nearby maps to decide what trail you would like to take. With the estate being so large, it’s quite easy to get lost here (I did), so if you do happen to get lost be prepared to try and retrace your steps as phone reception is extremely poor.

If it’s rolling hills and panoramic views you are after I would suggest heading to the Ivinghoe Beacon Carpark where you can embark on a mini hike along the Ivinghoe Beacon Ridgeway. However, if you’re after something a little more challenging, you can take the 10-mile walk from the Bridgewater Monument (found at the Ashridge Estate car park) to the Ivinghoe Beacon Ridgeway- check out the route here

Ivinghoe Beacon

Christmas Common Walk

Christmas Common is located in Oxfordshire, just a short drive from the well-known town of High Wycombe. This walk is for those who are looking to escape the crowds and fancy something slightly more challenging than usual. The walk starts at Christmas Common Village. Along the way, you will hike through stunning beech woodlands.

A fun fact about Christmas Common Village is that it has been used as the film set for a couple of Midsomer Murder episodes.

Pegsdon Hills

If you want to forget you are in Hertfordshire and transport yourself to Wales then this is the walk for you.

You could probably spend a few hours exploring the fields and getting lost here. However, the most notable walking route is a 4.4-mile loop trail which will take you roughly 1.5-2 hours to complete.

As you would expect from the name there is a mixture of uphill, downhill and flat terrain walking, but overall a fairly easy and relaxing walk.

Pegsdon Hills

Three Springs Walk

If you are after a slightly gentler walk the Three Springs walk might just be for you. You have a choice of doing either the long or short circular walks and along the way, you will meader through beautiful Hertfordshire Countryside. Make sure to take a walk through Lilley Hoo Common. If you get tired and thirsty after your walk, you can stop off at the Red Lion pub.

Dunstable Downs

Dunstable Downs is located in Bedfordshire, close to the Hertfordshire border. 

Here, again, you will find beautiful panoramic views and large green rolling hills as well as 3 main walking routes, each to suit different interests.

Dunstable Downs is part of the National Trust so there is onsite parking (which you must pay for unless an NT member) a cafe and toilets. This is a great place to come if you want a nice easy stroll and if you are short on time. OR if you want something slightly longer you can do the walk from Whipsnade Zoo to the Downs. This is also the perfect place to watch the sunset behind the hills.

Dunstable Downs

Chess Valley Walk

The Chess Valley walk a 16km straight walk through the Chilterns along with the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham. 

As you walk through the Chess Valley you will be witness to stunning rich landscapes that include multiple historic villages and the clear, glittering water of the River Chess. 

This is one of the Chiltern Hills walks that you can access by train. You can either get off at Rickmansworth or Chesham stations. Alternatively, you can get off at Chorleywood or Chalfont and Latimer stations if you are after a slightly shorter walk.

Brush Hill and White Leaf Nature Reserve Hike

This can be found in the Buckinghamshire part of the Chiltern Hills. The walk is just under 11km where you will be able to experience stunning views as well as take a sneak peek at the Prime Minister’s Country Home; The Chequers Estate.

If you get hungry along the way you can have lunch at the Plough at Cadsden pub and grab some ice cream at the Buckmoorend Farm farm shop. 

Unfortunately, there are not too many stations nearby this walk so this is one you will have to drive to. There are a couple of car parks nearby for you to park in.

Coombe Hill

Coombe Hill is located in Buckinghamshire near Aylesbury It is the highest viewpoint in the Chiltern Hills. There are multiple walking routes that allow you to enjoy the beauty of Coombe Hill and its surroundings. 

Coombe Hill is part of the National Trust so there is an on-site car park here but be warned it is extremely small. You can either get here early to ensure you get a spot or park near the local playground on Ellesborough Road. Alternatively, if you are up for a longer walk, you can park in the town of Wendover (or catch the train to Wendover Station) instead and do the 11km circular Views of the Vales hike, of which the walk to Coombe Hill is just under 6km.

Coombe Hill

Hambledon Lock Hike

This is a short 4km hike that is perfect for families with young children. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll along the river and admire the boats.

To get here park up at the mile-end car park. You will pass a T-junction and will have to cross the road to gain entrance into the Marina.

How Accessible are the Chiltern Hills?

There are around 19 wheelchair and pushchair friendly walks in the Chiltern Hills. Head over to the Chiltern Hills website to find out more about the different levels of accessibility for the walks in this area.

Pegsdon Hills

Download Maps and get more information on the Chiltern Hills

To download route maps and get more information on all of the walks i have detailed above head either to https://www.chilternsaonb.org/ or https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/chilterns/.

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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 the world in less time.

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Instagram post 17983449061890786 Instagram post 17983449061890786
🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Googl 🌴This place was no where to be seen on my Google searches. I just happened to stumble across it on my walk and it was my favourite spot of all. 🧡😍

🥾So this is your sign to just start walking and exploring 

📍Reeds Bay @thunder.bay.beach.bar 

Where was you’re favourite place that you just found by chance?
9  things to NEED to do on your Barbados holiday🌴🇧🇧:

🐟 Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday Night
⚡️ Go for a drink and swim @thunder.bay.beach.bar 
🌅Watch the Sunrise
🐢Swim with Turtles
⛵️Boat cruise with @silvermoonbarbados 
🌮Sunset Dinner @seashed_barbados 
🐎Watch the racehorses at Pebbles Beach 
🌊 Walk along the Hastings Boardwalk 
🌅Watch the sunset 

Anything I’m missing from the list?
Where is your “OMG” travel destination? Where is your “OMG” travel destination?
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