Planning a festive getaway shouldn't feel like a second job. If you're scrolling through travel blogs that recommend £400 boutique hotels and first-class train tickets, you've probably started to think Christmas city breaks aren't for people with actual budgets. Here's the reality: you can have a brilliant festive weekend away for £100–250 per person. You just need to be strategic about it. This guide is for UK travellers who want a proper Christmas escape—whether that's Manc

It’s 3 AM on Black Friday 2025, and half the country is awake.Not because they want to be, but because they’re refreshing their browsers, chasing deals like their lives depend on it. But here’s the thing: I’m not playing this year. And if you’re reading this, I’m betting you’re tired of it too. The Black Friday Trap We All Know Too Well You know the drill. Seventeen tabs bookmarked. Alarms set. Waiting rooms joined. And for what? A discounted suitcase you don’t need for trips

Photo by Tobi After years of solo travel across Europe and beyond, I've learnt that the secret to stress-free adventures isn't packing more—it's packing smarter. Whether you're planning a day trip or a week exploring European cities via FlixBus, having the right backpack and knowing exactly what to pack makes all the difference. In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-tested packing lists for three types of trips: day adventures, weekend escapes, and longer journeys. No fluff,

There's a particular kind of magic in the countdown to a holiday. You've researched flights, compared flight tickets across dozens of websites, saved for months, and finally clicked "confirm booking." The anticipation builds with every passing day. You've told your colleagues, briefed your neighbours about watering the plants, and packed your bags with the kind of meticulous care reserved only for trips that matter deeply. And then, 24 hours before departure, you do what ever

When most people think of Bournemouth, they picture sun, sand and seafront strolls — but for those exploring solo, there’s so much more waiting to be uncovered. This coastal town is filled with creativity, stories and independent spirit, making it a perfect destination for those who love to wander on their own terms. Here are ten Bournemouth things to do that go beyond the beach — experiences that capture the town’s personality and prove there’s more to this seaside escape th

When most people think of culinary travel, they picture bustling restaurants, food tours, or street markets. But for me, some of the best foodie adventures happen somewhere unexpected: the supermarket. For a vegetarian traveller, supermarkets abroad—and even at home—are lifesavers, treasure troves, and cultural experiences all rolled into one. According to Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends , 43% of travellers plan to explore local supermarkets abroad. In the UK, 73% of travelle

I’ve loved travelling for years, and usually my anxiety hasn’t stopped me from exploring the world. But recently, while planning a trip to Mexico, I noticed something different: reading endless articles about petty crime, scams, and safety tips for women suddenly made every choice feel loaded with risk. From where to stay, to which streets to walk, even which cafés to visit—safety became a constant consideration. This wasn’t about losing my love for travel. It was about seein

Photo from Shutterstock It’s not often I get a full morning to myself. My weeks are usually packed, and even weekends rarely leave room for indulgence. So when I finally had a rare day with a bit of breathing space, I decided to treat myself to something special. Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, and this time, I wanted more than just my usual coffee and toast at home. I wanted an experience, something that felt luxurious yet grounding. That’s how I foun

As a wine enthusiast living in Bournemouth, I’m always on the lookout for unique wine experiences that go beyond simply sipping a glass....

If you’re in Poole and looking for a Sunday roast that goes beyond the ordinary, Riggers Restaurant at RNLI College  is the place to be....

In recent years, the rise of day trips—and particularly extreme day trips—has transformed the way many people travel. The promise is...

Travel has long been celebrated for its ability to refresh the mind, spark creativity, and broaden perspectives. Even short breaks or...

Travelling is more than just seeing new places—it’s about immersing yourself in different cultures, meeting new people, and experiencing...

Have you ever walked past a restaurant, peered through the window at the cheerful tables of friends, couples, and families, and thought:...

Ever felt that rush of excitement… mixed with dread… when you realise your dream city has 50 things you absolutely want to do, but you...

Christchurch is a quaint coastal town in Dorset, just about 30 minutes from where I grew up, and it’s one of those places that feels like...

Halloween is a time for thrills, chills, and stepping into the unknown — and there’s no better way to embrace the spooky season than as a...

As autumn paints Dorset in shades of amber, gold, and crimson, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a pumpkin picking...

Poole, Dorset, isn’t just another seaside town—it’s my hometown, a place full of memories from lazy childhood afternoons to spontaneous...

Earlier this year, I traveled through the “three Stans”: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan , finishing my journey in Almaty ,...