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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Road Trips, UK · October 25, 2021

Best things to do in Rochester- A day trip from London

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Rochester is a stunning little town located in Kent, South East England. The diocese of Rochester is the second oldest in England at dates back to AD604. Rochester is a town that oozes character and charm and has kept much of its historical influences from Tudor to Victorian times. 

Rochester might be small, but there are lots of things to do in Rochester. From browsing the independent stores to enjoying nature along the Medway River and to travelling back in time through its many historical sites. Rochester was even a favourite of Kent local, Charles Dickens who immortalised Rochester in one of his enthralling short stories. 

If you are looking for some of the best things to do in Rochester then read on below and find out how to spend the perfect day in Rochester, Kent.

How to get to Rochester ?

There are 3 easy ways to get to Rochester by car, train or coach. 

From Central London, Rochester is just a 1hr 20-minute drive. There are a few car parks in the town which you can find below: 

  • Almon Place car park
  • High Street Furrells car park
  • Cathedral Rochester car park
  • Boley Hill car park 
  • Rochester Riverside car park

By train you can be in Rochester in just 40 minutes from London Victoria station, starting at £15 one way. Alternatively, you can hop on a coach from London Victoria coach station to the town of Gillingham with National Express for just £6 one way. From Gillingham, you get on a train, bus or even walk to Rochester.

Rochester, Kent

Where to stay in Rochester?

Although this guide is about the best things to do in Rochester in one day, you might want to stay the night, so if that’s the case I’ve listed some of the best places to stay in Rochester below: 

  • The Horse and Shoe Castle 
  • The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
  • North Downs Barns

The best things to do in Rochester

Walk through the cobbled streets

Number one on the list of the best things to do in Rochester is walking through the high street. What I love about quaint British towns are the historical buildings, cobbled streets and the bunting lining the streets, and Rochester is a town that has all three. The high street is a short walk from top to bottom and is filled with charm and character all the way through. Think Tudor cottages and 17th-century townhouses. 

Have brunch at Cafe Nucleus

Cafe Nucleus is an award-winning restaurant and the top-rated cafe in Rochester.  Come here for a delicious brunch, and beautiful interiors. Cafe Nucleus pride itself on not just offering amazing food, but a full-on culinary experience, so this is one not to miss!

Rochester, Kent

Explore Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since AD604 and is the second oldest Cathedral in the UK after Canterbury Cathedral,  which is located 50 minutes from Rochester. The Cathedral boasts some impressive architecture with both Norman and Gothic influences. The Cathedral became a place of Pilgrimage in the 13th century and is still a place of pilgrimage to this day. 

You are able to freely walk around and explore the Cathedral, but if you would like to know more about its history you can also book on to a guided tour for just £5 which you can book on arrival. 

This is one of the best things to do in Rochester.

Wander around the old castle

Directly across from the Cathedral, stands the stunning Rochester Castle. The Castle is an impressive example of Norman Romanesque architecture and was originally built for the purposes of guarding an important river crossing along the Medway. The Building was erected in 1080 by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester and is one of the earliest buildings of this kind to be built in England.

Over the 1000’s of years the Castle has been sieged upon and burnt down, but today the Castle is used as a place to admire British history, as well as an open-air cinema.

You can grab a ticket to explore the castle for just £7.50 via the English Heritage website.

Rochester, Kent

Admire Rochester Bridge and walk along the River Medway

Rochester Bridge in Rochester, Medway was for centuries the lowest fixed crossing of the River Medway. The current Ironcast structure has been in place since 1914. Walk across the bridge, away from the high street and over to the Strood side to get an awesome view of Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral.

Rochester, Kent

Six poor travellers house

As you might have guessed from the name, the six poor travellers house was a Tudor charity house founded by an Elizabethan MP to provide lodging for six poor travellers. This was in use right up until the Second World War. The building is no longer used for this purpose and now operates mainly as a museum. 

Charles Dickens also describes the house and the charity in one of his short stories named “The Seven Poor Travellers.”

Guildhall Museum

Located along Rochester High Street sits the beautiful Guildhall Museum which dates back to the 17th century. Not only will you be wowed by the gorgeous traditional interiors of this building but also the incredible displays here, including a 200,000-year-old axe that visitors can touch, civic silver and regalia from Medway’s past and the world’s most complete set of 18th-century cabinet maker’s tools.

Rochester, Kent

Browse the boutique and Vintage stores

The Parrott Pub is located in one of Canterbury’s oldest buildings and is also the city’s oldest pub. Pick up some unique gifts for friends, family or yourself in one of the many boutique and vintage stores along the high street. Even if you’re not in the market to pick anything up, I would definitely recommend having a browse at beautiful displays at  Field Staff Antiques.

Pick up some treats from the local deli’s 

There are lots of independent cafes along Rochester High Street, so it’s definitely worth it to pop in and grab some one-of-a-kind goodies. I would highly recommend popping into The Cheese Room for some cheesy treats. This was one of my favourite things to do in Rochester.

Go swimming at St Andrew’s Lakes

St Andrews Lakes is an old quarry that has been transformed into a beautiful lake, where they have created an artificial beach as well as the opportunity to go swimming, paddleboarding, fishing and even scuba diving. The lakes are a 15-minute drive away from the town centre, but worth a visit if the weather is nice. Booking in advance is required so be aware of this.

Rochester, Kent

Looking for more day trip inspiration? Click here to read all about my favourite trips from London.

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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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