📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
I had a couple of comments like this on some of my I had a couple of comments like this on some of my TikToks a few months back when I said I was going on a long trip without my BF. 

🧡One thing I’m super grateful for is my supportive boyfriend no matter how ludacris my ideas.

✈️He loves to travel and explore new places but it’s definitely not on the same scale as me! 

💻 He also doesn’t have a job that gives him the same freedoms as mine does 

🌎we were meant to be apart for 6 weeks but I told him I was extending by a week and it was absolutely fine 

❤️Despite the fact we miss each other he’ll always support my travels whether he can come with me or not.

🍉 If your partner doesn’t support or trust you are they really the one?
Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 📍@c Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 

📍@carrie.ahangama
🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night 🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night @pelicanbayahangama  above the @pickledpelican restaurant where you can get very decent burgers🍔

📍Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
A little insta VS reality. Exploring days look v A little insta VS reality. 

Exploring days look very different from travel days. And you best believe I spend 99% of my days in my frizzy bun 😅

Anyone else like this?
📍Udawalawe National Park Can never have to muc 📍Udawalawe National Park

Can never have to much elephant content right? ✌🏽🍃🐘
Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cu Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cute insta girl 😂✌🏽

FYI the train was stationary in the second pic of me 😂

Also think I need to say that the first few pics are not mine… but I think that’s pretty obvious right? ©️
🏄🏽‍♀️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?
🚂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 

📸PS A lot of my pics turned out blurry because of how much this train moves. I honestly don’t know how some people have the guts to hang right out of it whilst its moving
🔉Sound On 🔉 The only time is Brits can trus 🔉Sound On 🔉

The only time is Brits can trust the governments advice 😅😅
This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I head This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I headed to the airport and what a nice little goodbye it was 🧡🍑🍊🦁🌅🌇 @lighthouse_ahangama
🐘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 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are fo The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are for Boujee’s ✌🏽

I occasionally will try and share budget tips on here but just know I’m bad at it 😅 the important thing is trying though right?
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
Instagram post 17972116637147209 Instagram post 17972116637147209
🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 7 years aft 🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

7 years after my first visit and Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite places. The beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife and the people make it one magical Island 🇱🇰🌴

I can’t wait to share with you all my Sri Lanka recommendations but for today here are a collection of my favourite shots 📸
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Adventure around a 9-5

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Hiking, UK · June 19, 2020

Trips from London by car – My top 9 picks

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If you are looking for a few suggestions for day or weekend trips from London, then look no further. I have compiled a list of my favourite trips from London that are easily accessible with a car, and that do not require a drive over 3 hours.

My list of best trips from London

Dorset – Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

Now I know you have probably seen this part of the world recommended in every best trips from London travel blog post you have ever read, but there is a good reason for that – it’s a bloody beautiful place and makes up part of the famous Jurrasic Coast.

When driving from London I would recommend heading to Lulworth Cove first. You can park up your car, grab some AMAZING fish and chips from Finleys Fish & Chips and head to the cove for a little picnic.

Once you’ve had some time to relax, it’s time to turn those fish and chips into hiking fuel. You can head up the South West Coast Path (found at the opposite end of the car park) to Durdle Door.

The walk to Durdle Door will take around 35 mins and whilst it does have an initial steep uphill climb it’s a fairly leisurely walk to complete. I even managed to complete this walk with a horrendous hangover, so you’ll be fine.

Once at Durdle Door you have the option of staying up on the cliff edge or climbing down the steps to the beach for another spot of relaxation before you head back to your car.

Durdle Door, Dorset
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Durdle Door, Dorset
Lulworth Cove, Dorset

Dorset -Golden Cap

The Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast of Britain and is located about a 45-minute from Durdle Door between Charmouth and Bridport.

This walk gives you yet another opportunity to witness more of the stunning Jurrasic Coast. The Golden Cap walk was also featured on Julia Bradbury’s “Britains Best Walks” programme (she is the queen of hiking, so you don’t have to take just my word for it).

There are a few starting points for the walk to the Golden Cap. The easiest place to begin your hike would be from either Charmouth or Seatown beaches.

I would rate this walk a 3/5 of the difficulty scale with a mix of uphill and downhill, and this score will increase by one if you have to battle the elements like I did, prepare to get muddy and potentially fall on your butt!

Golden Cap, Dorset
Golden Cap, Dorset

Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton-on-Sea is a small beach side town along the coast of Essex. With a large expanse of beach, there is plenty of room to walk and admire the cute victorian style beach huts ,swim (if you’re brave enough) and sunbathe on the sand.

Although, if the thought of getting all sandy makes you wince, then you can still admire the beach and the views from the grassy clifftop -lined with benches and trees it makes for the perfect picnic spot.

Talking of food, I would highly recommend grabbing some Fish and Chips from Youngs Other Plaice and some soft serve ice-cream from The Olde Sweet Shop.

Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

Seven Sisters Cliffs – Seaford to Beachy Head Costal Walk

Along with Durdle Door, this walk has to be one of the prettiest UK spots that I have visited in the UK so far, so of course it makes it on the list of best trips from London.

Seaford

I recommend starting off the walk at Seaford Beach, there is plenty of free parking spaces here, both in designated car parks and along the esplanade, so it makes for a great place to leave the car for the day.

The coastal trail begins from Seaford Beach (next to the esplanade car park) where you will ascend up to the Seaford Head Nature reserve, passing a very pristine golf course on your left and the cliff edge to your right. Make sure that you stop and turn here to admire a birds-eye view of the beach.

Cuckmere Haven

As you adventure further into the Nature Reserve you will be able to make out the Seven Sisters Cliff formation – and believe me, you won’t be disappointed.

After just over an hour of walking, you will reach the next scenic spot at Cuckmere Haven Beach. This is where the River Cuckmere meets the sea and splits the beach in two.

As a result, you will have two choices to make; attempting to wade in the water to get to the other side or taking the river trail until you get to a bridge crossing. This decision will be influenced by the tide and you must also bear in mind taking this trail will add another 40 minutes on to your walking time.

If like me you get to Cuckmere during high tide and you are short on time then you can head back to Seaford and drive 20 minutes to Birling Gap. You can continue on your walk from there.

Birling Gap

Once at Birling Gap you can climb down to the beach and catch yet another gorgeous glimpse of the Seven Sisters Cliffs. Or, alternatively, you can get straight onto the Coastal path towards the Beachy Head Lighthouse. This walk will take you roughly 45-60 minutes.

If you are game for a long journey you can continue past Beachy Head and hike down to Eastbourne. This will take you an extra hour or so from Beachy Head- and of course not forgetting that you will have to do the return walk all the way back to Seaford.

Seven Sisters Coastal walk
Seven Sisters Coastal walk
Seven Sisters Coastal walk

Surrey Hills

With over 100,000 acres of land and over 60 places to discover, there is almost certainly something to tickle your fancy.

One of the most popular places to start your walk (and the one that we visited) is Box Hill. This doesn’t come as a surprise with the instant panoramic view of the North Downs you a greeted with, just a minute’s walk from the Box hill car park.

Depending on how much time you have there are several different walking routes to choose from. The longest route is known as the ‘Box hill circular’ which is a 10-mile walk that will take you up to and over 5 hours to complete.

If, like me, you are short on time then you can do a series of shorter walks such as the ‘Stepping Stones Walk’ or the ‘Hill Top Hike’.

Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills

Ledbury – Herefordshire

Located near to the Malvern Hills in Herefordshire, Ledbury is a traditional British Market town with cobbled streets, black and white timber-framed houses and ancient churches.

Surrounded by acres of countryside, Ledbury is a wonderful place for a glamping trip. There is lots to do here such as taking a trip to Eastnor Castle or hiking the Herefordshire Beacon and Midsummer Hill.

I would also highly recommend heading down to the wye river and renting out a canoe or kayak for the day. The views along the river/ the Wye Valley are second to none.

Broadstairs – Kent

Often referred to as Kent’s answer to Australia, Broadstairs beach makes for a great day trip from London. Park up at Viking bay and complete the hour long walk to Botany Bay.

Along the walk make sure to stop off at Stone Bay, Joss Bay and Kingsgate Bay. Each bay offers its own unique view.

Whether that’s the rock pool at Viking Bay, the cute victorian beach huts at Stone bay, watching the surfers at Joss Bay or admiring the views at Kingsgate bay from Captain Digby’s Pub. There is something to please all the family.

West Mersea Island – Essex

West Mersea Island is located on the Essex coast and is perfect for a relaxing day out with the family, or with the girls. Come here to stroll along the beach and admire the cute pastel-coloured beach huts and dip your toes in the sand.

If you are looking to do something a little more adventurous, then you can come here to Windsurf, Paddle-board or go on a boat trip. Alternatively if you want to take things a little slower then you can visit the West Mersea Museum or explore the Cudmore Grove Country Park.

Camber Sands

This is one of the beaches I’ve been to in England and it’s only 2 hours from London! 

If you would like to come here my advice would be to park at the Broomhill car park as this is free. 

The part of the beach you get to when parking at Broomhill is absolutely beautiful, but if you want to see the famous sand dunes all you need to do is turn right down the beach. This will take you about 15/20 minute to walk.

There is also a large onsite beach bar were near the Sandunes where you can grab food, drink and ice cream! 
If you want to you also have the option to do watersports such a wind and kitesurfing.

Make sure to check the tide times before heading out as you won’t be able to experience much of the beach during high tide. 

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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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📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
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