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Craftsmen Of The World

Traveling the world, you’ll encounter a wide variety of skilled craftsmen, each with their own unique expertise rooted in the traditions of their respective cultures. In Italy, for example, you might meet a stonemason who has spent decades carving intricate details into marble, following methods that have been passed down through generations. In Japan, a carpenter (or daiku) may craft beautifully refined wooden structures, adhering to the principles of Japanese joinery, where precision and an almost meditative attention to detail is paramount. In Morocco, you could come across a master of tilework, creating zellige mosaics that tell stories through vibrant patterns, their craft interwoven with the country’s rich architectural history.

In the process, the wood itself is often the most critical element. Restoration isn’t just about repairing; it’s about understanding the style, era, and techniques used when the home was originally built. A craftsman working on wood door stop molding would begin by assessing the wood for structural integrity, then may use traditional tools to recreate any missing or damaged sections, ensuring that the profiles and curves of the molding remain true to the original design. At times, if the existing molding is beyond repair, they might recreate the entire molding in a historically ac

curate manner, blending old techniques with modern methods to preserve the building’s soul.

It’s a slow and painstaking process, but the result is often a home that retains its character while standing strong for the future. Whether you’re in a grand Victorian mansion in England or a traditional adobe home in New Mexico, these craftsmen are essential to the conservation of architectural heritage. They ensure that a piece of history is not only preserved but also passed on to future generations

These artisans, regardless of where they are from, share a deep commitment to their craft and a strong connection to the past. This is particularly evident when it comes to restoring historic homes, a task that often involves both preserving and respecting the original craftsmanship while ensuring that the building remains functional and safe for modern use. Restoring elements like wood door stop molding, for instance, is a delicate job. Over time, these moldings—usually found along door frames—can become damaged due to wear and tear, or simply lose their former elegance as a result of aging. A skilled craftsman specializing in restoration would carefully match the original wood species, making sure that any repairs or replacements are indistinguishable from the original work.

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Van Life Hacks For A Digital Nomad

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Living the van life can be a liberating and adventurous experience, but it also requires clever organization and a bit of ingenuity to maximize the limited space. One of the most useful van life hacks is optimizing storage—use every nook and cranny for something functional. Under-bed storage bins, hanging organizers, and overhead compartments are essential for keeping gear, clothes, and food neatly stowed. For larger items, collapsible containers or stackable crates are perfect as they can be easily tucked away when not in use. To save space and keep things tidy, consider multipurpose items, such as foldable chairs, a compact table, or a bench that doubles as a storage unit.

Another key hack is to make the most of your van’s kitchen setup. Invest in compact, portable appliances like a two-burner stove, a small fridge, or a collapsible sink that can be easily stored when not in use. Use stackable cookware and nesting bowls, and opt for magnetic spice racks or adhesive hooks to keep things in place while driving. For water, a large refillable jug or a collapsible water tank can reduce the need for constant refills and help conserve space.

Comfort Vs Freedom

In terms of comfort, insulating your van is a game-changer, especially for those who plan to travel in varying climates. Reflective window covers, insulating foam, or thick curtains can help regulate the temperature and keep the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. For added warmth at night, a small space heater or portable propane stove (used safely) can be a lifesaver.

Power is another essential aspect to consider—solar panels are one of the most popular and sustainable ways to keep your van powered. Installing a solar setup with a battery system allows you to charge devices, run lights, or even power small appliances without relying on external hookups. Additionally, use LED lights instead of traditional bulbs to save on power and extend battery life.

Finally, a great hack for maintaining hygiene on the road is setting up a portable shower system, whether it’s a solar shower bag or a collapsible camping shower. For bathroom needs, a small portable toilet or a privacy tent can make a big difference when you’re off the grid.

Overall, rv living hacks are all about efficiency, comfort, and creativity. By thinking ahead and making smart use of limited space, you can transform your van into a fully functional home that suits your adventure needs.

Is Van Life Conducive To Digital Nomads?

Van life can be a highly practical lifestyle choice for digital nomads, but its success depends on several factors such as work requirements, travel preferences, and personal adaptability. For those who thrive on flexibility and adventure, living in a van offers an exciting way to combine travel with remote work, but it also comes with its own set of challenges that need to be carefully considered.

Advantages of Van Life for Digital Nomads:

  1. Mobility and Flexibility: One of the biggest perks of van life is the ability to work from virtually anywhere. A van provides a mobile base, allowing digital nomads to explore new places, enjoy scenic views, and immerse themselves in different cultures while still being able to work. Whether you’re parked by the beach, in the mountains, or near a national park, the mobility of van life offers endless opportunities for both work and leisure.
  2. Cost Savings: Depending on your lifestyle, living in a van can be significantly more affordable than renting an apartment or staying in hotels. Many digital nomads embrace van life as a way to reduce living costs, especially since there are no traditional rent or utility bills. If you plan your routes wisely, you can also save money on accommodation by parking overnight in free campsites, rest stops, or public lands.
  3. Simplicity and Minimalism: Van life encourages a minimalist lifestyle, which can be refreshing for digital nomads looking to declutter both their physical and mental space. With limited storage and living space, you’ll be forced to prioritize only the essentials, streamlining your belongings and making it easier to focus on work.
  4. Connection to Nature: For digital nomads who value outdoor activities and the freedom to disconnect from city life, van life offers a unique way to experience nature. Whether it’s hiking, surfing, or stargazing, your “office” can change to suit the environment around you, making work feel more inspiring and less routine.

Challenges to Consider:

  1. Reliable Internet Access: One of the most significant challenges for digital nomads in van life is ensuring consistent and reliable internet access. Many remote workers depend on a strong Wi-Fi connection to do their jobs, and public spaces like cafes or libraries may not always be an option, especially in more remote or rural areas. A good solution is investing in mobile hotspots or using cellular data plans with high-speed internet to stay connected, but coverage can vary depending on location.
  2. Space Limitations: While living in a van offers freedom, it also means sacrificing personal space and comfort. Van life requires careful organization and adaptability since the living quarters are small and often cramped. The challenge is finding room for work equipment (like a laptop, camera gear, or other professional tools) while also having space for everyday essentials like clothes, food, and toiletries. For some digital nomads, the lack of space can lead to a sense of clutter or discomfort, particularly on long-term trips.
  3. Power and Utilities: Working remotely means you’ll need a reliable source of power for your devices, which is not always guaranteed in van life. Many van lifers install solar panels to power their laptops, phones, lights, and other electronics, but the amount of power generated can be limited, especially if you’re in cloudy areas or driving long distances. Carrying backup power banks, portable chargers, or investing in a high-quality battery system can help address this issue, but power management remains a constant consideration.
  4. Work-Life Balance: Van life can blur the lines between work and play, making it challenging to establish a clear routine or separation between your “office” time and leisure time. The temptation to explore or relax in nature can sometimes interfere with productivity. It’s important to create designated workspaces and set boundaries to maintain a good work-life balance.
  5. Legal and Practical Concerns: Depending on where you are traveling, parking overnight can be a challenge. Some places have regulations against overnight camping, and finding free or affordable parking spots can be tricky. Additionally, maintaining a van (gas, maintenance, insurance) and dealing with vehicle-related issues (breakdowns, repairs, etc.) can add unexpected costs and stress.

Tips for Making Van Life Work as a Digital Nomad:

  • Internet Access: Invest in multiple internet options, such as a reliable mobile hotspot, a good data plan, and perhaps a satellite internet system if you plan to work in very remote areas. Plan your stops around locations that offer reliable Wi-Fi or consider co-working spaces in cities you pass through.
  • Maximize Space: Use clever storage solutions like collapsible furniture, under-bed storage, and modular organization systems to make the most of your limited space. You might also want to consider a van with a high roof or more living space to allow for easier movement.
  • Power Management: Install solar panels, carry portable power banks, and invest in a high-quality battery system to ensure you can work without running into power shortages.
  • Create a Routine: Establish a clear work schedule and designate a specific space in the van for working, whether it’s a portable desk, a small table, or just a well-organized area for your computer and work materials. This can help you stay productive and maintain a work-life balance.

Van life is absolutely practical for digital nomads, but it requires careful planning and consideration. If you enjoy adventure, flexibility, and minimalism, and are comfortable managing the challenges of space and connectivity, it can be an incredibly rewarding way to work remotely while exploring new places. However, it’s important to be realistic about the potential difficulties and plan accordingly to make van life work for your specific needs.

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Eating Healthily While Traveling

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Anytime you travel somewhere, whether you have been there before or not, you are on an adventure. You may travel in a hurry to get to your destination or you may be one of those travelers that will stop frequently to stretch out and see what you find along the way. Traveling is a way to get away from home, away from stress, and enjoy living life in a more relaxed way. The downside to travel is a little less obvious. One of the drawbacks to frequent travel or long trips out of town is that eating healthy while traveling is something that seems unattainable.

Dining on the Road

FreshFruitBasketWhen you are constantly on the road, fast food often becomes your meal plan. You may normally drink a lot of water at home, but on the road, you may lean more toward sodas. You may eat out only sometimes when you are home, but after a week on the road you discover that all you have had was quick snacks or quick food. You are being a normal person. On the road, you may not be able to prepare the good, wholesome, well-balanced diet that you are used to. No one else is able to do it either unless they have invested a small fortune in RV ownership and use it to travel. You may not think about your newly bad habits, but when your clothes start to shrink unexpectedly; you will get a definite wakeup call. It will be then that you decide to break tradition and attempt to eat healthier while traveling.

Tricks to Eating Healthy While Traveling

Healthy Meal PrepEven if you are eating out for a week straight, you can still eat somewhat healthy by choosing only foods that are low in calories and high in protein. You will want proteins for every meal, but you definitely should not skimp out on it during breakfast time. You can eat fresh eggs from many restaurants and if that isn’t an option you may want to choose oatmeal, yogurt, and other types of healthy treats. You should avoid sugar filled pancake syrup because you will feel full quickly, but end up starving within a short time. This will mean that when you are riding down the road, you will reach for even more unhealthy treats. If you eat lunch on the road, choose grilled chicken, salads, sandwiches that use fresh meats and vegetables, etc. over the more traditional fast food burgers and fries. Those menu items will help you stay fuller longer and keep your weight in check as well.

When we travel, we often load our car up with chips, cookies, and other types of snack foods that are not necessarily healthy, but satisfying on a long car ride. Instead of indulging in the sugar rush or salty snacks, why not choose healthier fruits? Strawberries from Florida, peaches in Georgia, and more. As you travel down major highways, you can often find fruit and vegetable stands that are filled with local, home grown produce. This will only slow down your trip a few minutes, but it will give you healthy snacks for in between meals while you are riding.

Savor the Trip, Avoid Bad Eating Habits

At home, we are very focused on our overall health. Many of us toss it out the window as soon as we pack our luggage. You do not have to take part in those nasty habits when you travel on your next vacation. You can enjoy the ride just a little more if you do not feel weighed down by all the junk you eat along the way.

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clothes clips

4 Tips On Washing Your Clothes While Travelling

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So your clothes are dirty and you haven’t washed them in a week!

You may have stuffed your luggage full with clothes for all the seasons. You then realize that you don’t need half of what you packed and end up chucking out some or maybe donating them to a charity.

This will save you space, reduce luggage load and also provide some good karma in the world.

So you might end up wearing your  each of your clothes for a day longer. With that in mind, you might find it challenging, keeping it all clean but there are a few ways to manage for little to no cost. It is easier than you might think to keep everything clean.

Below are a few pointers that I use which work well, maybe you could use them too:

  1. Sink-wash

This is basic and simple but effective. Block the drain of the sink, add in some shampoo or soap, add in the hot but not boiling water and wash your stuff by hand.

All you need is some elbow grease and some free soap from a dispenser! Probably one of the more popular ways for travellers to wash their clothing and it costs very little.

If you find that the sink drain is leaking or even missing, then use a rolled up sock or a dish cloth, stuffing it in, blocking the drain hole.

Wrap up the sock/cloth in a grocery bag to improve your man-made plug’s effectiveness! When you’re done, just rinse off all of your clothes and unplug the sink.

  1. Cha-ching! Coin-operated machines

A lot of places will have coin operated machines in communal areas. However, you will typically find these in cities, larger towns or touristy holiday resorts.

Hostels, guesthouses and hotels may have some washing/drying machines, ask at your reception.

So you place your clothes in the drum, input the time and/or temperature, add in some washing detergent and insert your coins to start your wash.

Tip: Laundromats are great places for meeting people, where you can have a quick chat as you wait for your fresh clothes.

  1. The laundry lady

Though not always the case, there may be laundry services available for a small fee. Simply arrange with the laundry person to do your laundry for you and you won’t be left having to do it yourself!

  1. Last but not least, drying your clothes

Finding a quick, efficient way of drying your newly washed clothes is essential!  Some climates will be better for outdoor drying.

So it the sun is out, and your accommodation has a clothesline outside, drying your clothes out there will only take a few hours.

What about in bad weather?

If there’s bad weather or if you’re in a hurry to the airport you’ll be forced to dry clothes indoors. Here’s a neat way to speed up your drying:

Using a dry towel, stretch it out over your bed, putting the garment over that towel.

Then by rolling it up as  tightly as possible and leaving it for a while, any excess moisture will be absorbed from the towel, seeing up your drying time!

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6 Things To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag

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Packing the little bag?

No matter where you in the world, your routine for packing the carry-on bag should nearly always be the same.

Just ensure that you have all of your essential items and whatever clothes you need to ensure comfort.

Depending on the flight or sea crossing, you might need to bring a carry-on case or bag or you maybe you’ll only require a large purse.

So whether you are booked in for a 30-min domestic flight or a 12-hour transatlantic one, below is a quick guide to help you pack for a smooth journey including some recommendations for bags to carry on with you!

  1. A backpack

If you are bringing gadgets like tablets or cameras then it might be wise to purchase a camera & laptop backpack, due to extra padding.

This will protect your gadgets and holds extra little bits like chargers or maybe a mini tripod, while still having lots of pockets and space for the rest of your essentials.

  1. A tote or gym bag

You should always pack a nylon tote, no matter what carry-on bag you use. These totes really are a dream for traveling!

Totes can fold right up to a small size to be easily stored away and they open out much larger giving you an additional travel bag if needed or you can simply use it as your main carry-on bag.

Gym style bags can often be a good option too. Just get a lightweight, durable one with good comfortable handles.

Having a cross-body strap might come in handy if you are carrying it while walking.

 

  1. A travel pillow

Get yourself a good quality adjustable pillow for your neck that will inflate with just a few big breaths or air.

Good ones will have a quick-release button for letting the air out, so you can adjust your comfort level or deflate quickly and put it back into storage.

  1. Some ear plugs

For long flights, you might want to get some sleep. Having a decent pair of ear plugs is a good cheap investment.

You’ll enjoy more comfort, fewer distractions and might just save yourself some sanity from a crying baby or loudly snoring man beside you!

It’s all about noise reduction, comfort and cost effectiveness! Look for the best noise reduction ones on the market that fits your budget.

  1. Snacks

You can usually bring some fruit or nuts on with you to the plane. You can also try out some healthy snack bars, most cafes or airport shops have these now. You won’t make yourself too full, while also giving yourself some good energy, with delicious natural ingredients.

 

  1. Hand sanitizer

Think of how many people are hopping on and off that same airplane that you have just been on! It’s not surprising to realize that bacteria is rampant.

You can play your part by keeping clear of any airplane bacteria build-up by not spreading them any further. Get yourself some wipes and sanitizer to keep the germs at bay!

 

Nearly packed…

So there you go, six things to pack into your bag and some good recommended bag types. Keep an eye on my next post for some more items to pack to give you a full carry-on back to cover any journey.

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4 Ways To Improve Your Travel Experience

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It’s all about thinking outside the box

Doing too much planning for your trip can make it a laborious task and suck the life out of the excitement of going.

So just do a flexible guideline of a plan and cover the most important things you need to do to make sure you are safe etc. Otherwise, you might feel that you must stick to a rigid plan and you won’t enjoy your travels as much!

Besides, you might discover that you prefer one city or country over another and so you’ll need to rearrange your flight plans in order to stay.

Spontaneity is what makes your travels memorable. It’s those spontaneous moments when you meet someone new or learn a new style of music that you’ll cherish forever.

I have listed below four ways that you can approach travelling to improve the quality of your experience:

  1. Get yourself lost intentionally

You’ll need to go visit where the locals live, eat and work to really appreciate an area.

So many worldly destinations are geared towards tourism and this paints a particular picture but you will often need to wander about further to uncover the real beauty and authenticity.

Not knowing where you are going, go on a mini expedition!

Write down your hotel or the name of the place you’re staying just in case you have to get a cab later, then just go in one direction and see where it takes you.

As a girl, you might be a little concerned with danger. Don’t be too afraid about stumbling across a dangerous area either because most of the locals will redirect or warn you beforehand.

  1. Do some volunteering

Across the world, the range of poverty and wealth varies. Some places are more developed, cleaner and more prosperous.

While other places are the opposite. How can you help?

Do some volunteering. This is such a rewarding experience, where you can learn more about a country, it’s inhabitants and its challenges.

You will make new friends by volunteering. You may have an idea of where to volunteer or discover a worthy cause on your way. Find something that you believe in and that also benefits the less well off.

  1. Slow right down

Don’t try to cram four countries into four weeks of travel!

Most of the highlights of your trips will happen when you simply slow down and explore your surroundings.

You will discover things you won’t find in the travel guidebook and you’ll meet interesting people, willing to chat and show you the place. Slow down and take it all in!

  1. Wine ’n’ dine the local way

In the Western world, we have “Chinese” or “Mexican” eateries but are they the real deal? On your journey, try everything for the taste and you might even find a new favourite dish!  Ask the locals where they would eat too.

Experience improved

There you go. Four ways to improve your travel experience. There are many other ways to enhance your traveling, giving you a more immersive, more exciting appreciative experience.

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3 Different Travel Scams (The Best Ways To Avoid Them)

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Be wary and trust your gut!

The world is full of shady scammers, preying on tourists for to make quick dollars!

Knowing what be cautious of is the best way prevent yourself being a scam victim. You might think as wise, mature traveler, that you are too smart to be scammed.

Think again, being scammed can happen to the even the most skeptical among us.

Scams come in the form of ridiculous charges in cabs and taxis to you unknowingly revealing credit card details to the scammer.

Having some prior knowledge gives you a little edge before you venture out. Loads of different scams are out there!

Below, I have just five of them. Hopefully, this helps you avoid unnecessarily losing your money while also keeps you safe.

  1. “The taxi meter is broken”

In this one, usually, cab or taxi drivers at the airports or busy tourist spots are renowned for this. But that’s not to label them, it can really happen at any point.

Upon getting into your taxi, the driver will start to drive away, telling you that “the meter is broken”, thus they will try charging you an extortionate taxi fare!

Avoiding it:

Negotiate your fare prior to him driving off! As a basic tip, check that the meter works before you hop in. If the driver refuses to turn on the taxi meter, just hop out into another one.

  1. “Overbooked” accommodation

Again, this scam usually would happen among taxi drivers.

On your way to the accommodation, the driver will start telling you that where you are staying is at full capacity or that it is closed, while conveniently offering to cart you to much more expensive place to stay, where they have struck up a deal with the owners to get a commission for bringing you there!

Avoiding it:

If you haven’t booked in yet or even if you have, then give your accommodation reception a call just to double check that they’re open!

Also, you could ask them do they run a shuttle service from airports so you can arrange to be picked up.

Even if the driver still tries to say that your hotel or hostel isn’t available today, then insist that he brings you anyway and get out!

  1. Unofficial WiFi networks

Free, unlocked Wifi networks might actually be dangerous if you connect to them.

The hackers can establish non-secure hotspots in public locations that then entice tourists to connect to them — giving them access to your device and data.

Avoiding it:

If you are in a bar or cafe, please always ask the staff what the official wifi network is along with the correct log in details.

This is often on a wall poster, the menu or on sometimes on the bill/receipt. For the more tech savvy among you, try encrypting your online activity by using a VPN (virtual private network) for extra security.

That’s just a taster!

These are just an introduction to the many scams out there. The number one tip is to be on the look out for shady characters around ATM’s, street sellers and taxi drivers! Trust your gut and keep your money safe.

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5 More Things To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag

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Nearly packed your carry-on bag but feel like you have forgotten something?

Remembering what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on bag becomes second nature to you as you travel more and more.

Some countries might have more stricter policies than others. But having your essentials will put your mind at was as you embark on your journey.

My other article on 6 Things To Pack In Your Carry-On Bag got you started with some bag styles and some basics to throw into the bag.

Below are a further five things that you can pack to make sure you have all you need at your disposal, no matter what length the flight is.

  1. Makeup!

Limited space in your carry-on bag and liquid limitations make it hard to bring makeup on your flight.

  • Some mascara will work wonders and help you brighten up those eyes after a long flight.
  • A good under eye concealer should be for hydrating shouldn’t crease. This is perfect for covering up any dark circles and nourishes the

  1. Panty liners

Traveling a lot in the one day will probably mean that you won’t have any showers. Ladies, pack enough panty liners and change them throughout your journey.

The main thing is to keep you dry and odorless and while keeping you fresh until you reach that shower!

  1. Mintor boiled sweets

It’s a good idea to avoid chewing gum on your flights. Since when you’re chewing, the swallowing of air can often give you a tummy ache.

As an alternative, go for something like a nice mint or sucky boiled sweet. Some people’s ears “pop” causing some mild discomfort and a slight deafening effect when they reach a certain altitude so having something to suck on may help this.

I’m not sure if this is just an old myth or if it actually works, I have never had my ears pop.

  1. Smell nice and sweat-free!

Ladies and gentlemen, please do us all a favour and use a deodorant! Buy a small can that you can take on the airplane and feel free to reapply it mid-flight.

  1. Keep those teeth white

Usually, it’s nice to pack your own electric toothbrush into your bag, but you can also buy small travel sized mini brushes to give you that quick freshen up brush on the go.

You can leave these in your purse or wallet no matter where I go so you will have a fresh breath and healthy white smile for those snaps!

 

You are set!

So five more things that you can add to your carry-on luggage. Remember to not pack any sharp objects, too many liquids or any other forbidden items.

If there are other things unique to you such as medicine or inhalers etc then obviously pack those in but these mentioned above and the few items from my other post will certainly get you ready for the best carry-on bag.

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uk places to visit

Great Places In The UK Outside Of London

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London is great but where to go beyond that?

A cosmopolitan city to the core, London boats tonnes of stuff to do and places to go. If shopping malls, museums or just plain old sightseeing tours are your thing, you won’t be let down.

But many people would consider London as just another European city. So if that bursts your bubble, then consider this; there’s lots of great little spots outside of London that you can visit. I’ve outlined just a few of them below:

Canterbury

Steeped in medieval architecture and home of the Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey, the great Canterbury boasts a fascinating history. For a long time, it was a popular pilgrimage location. Regardless of your love or hate for tour guides, this place is surely to be explored without a tour guide or you will miss out!

Edinburgh

In summer time, Edinburgh is great! Art festivals, super comedy acts to keep you laughing and stunning scenery are all standard in the lovely Edinburgh. It’s a beautiful city, steeped in culture and tradition. If it’s a museum you are after, then the National Museum of Scotland is sure to provide you with the answers to this great country’s rich history. Take a trip up to the castle and watch he cannon being fired, this is a daily thing!

Scottish Kilts, medieval swords and Scotch whiskey are also on the cards if that’s what you’re into.

Journeying away from Edinburgh is Glasgow. The art fans among you will really enjoy the Kelvingrove gallery and museum.

In the Northwest of Scotland, little towns are scattered around. One such example is Torridon, offering visitors surprises. For whale watching tours, taking a yacht trip or camping, Torrid has all of these covered for you.

Hull

If you are a gardener and love your flowers, then visit Hull this summer. You’ll be in for a treat. Imagine you could experience flowers that never die!

Well, now you can do that, in Hull. In a celebration of being a City of Culture for 2017 (an event held yearly around the world to celebrate city’s culture, people and arts) — Hull has got a field full of yellow flowers, but no ordinary ones! King Edward Square is home to over 1,700 flowers constructed from nearly 147,000 Lego bricks! Crazy, I know.

Gloucestershire

Southwest of the Cotswolds, don’t miss the charming Gloucestershire. Being further away from London, it’s not as over crowded as other places.

Stroud is a small town lined with streets of cobblestone, artisan breweries and vintage-style shops amidst the market stalls. It offers charming historical significance in addition to all of the modern needs of the new age traveler.

Rye

A historic little town, Rye is like other market based towns spread throughout the United Kingdom. What makes this place unique however, is its location. Found on the Romney marshes, along the sand line of one of the South coast’s longest beaches, you can expect to spend some time going through goods in antique shops and wandering through the alley ways.

Castles

Do castles do it for you? Windsor, Inverness, Skye and Cardiff sport some of the nicest castles where the grandeur of the United Kingdom’s complex past is visible. For the famous Stirling Castle, Scotland is where you need to go. But if you don’t intend on going that far north, then go somewhere closer to London, like the Leeds Castle in southeast London. Chartered buses do run, to haul you between the castles, so do some research prior to the trip to find the most appropriate deal for you.

Museums

For a more knowledge seeking, historical insight, then visit York, Southampton, Liverpool and Manchester. Any city with something unique in its history is worth a shot. Take Southampton for example. This was a port town from where the tragic Titanic once departed in the year 1912. Also, the SeaCity Museum is a great spot. Manchester is a great location for the sports fans among you, with the National Football Museum, where you big footy fans can hang out all day! For the train lovers among you, then go to York as it has a museum dedicated to railroads and trains and entry is free!

Are you a fan of the Beatles? Liverpool is for you. Take the long and winding road to the dedicated Beatles museum and look into The Beatles Story too.

Does glamping tickle your fancy?

If you like being at one with nature but in a more glamorous way, then glamping is ideal for you, providing you with a camping experience with some added luxuries.

Roulotte Retreat in Melrose

Here you can escape the cold by staying in one of the traditional Gypsy’s caravans in the Roulotte Retreat, Melrose. This is just on the Scottish border. The Eildon Hills overlook and each of the caravans has their own style influenced by Celtic, Indian and even Moroccan cultures.

Maybe return to London before you go?

If you like London, then maybe returning here after a few days in the countryside is a good idea. Cambridge is pretty easy to get to, where you will wander into the Fitzwilliam Museum or the Botanical Gardens at Cambridge University.

For nice beaches, then visit Southend-on-Sea. It’s a stunning location.

For a nice shopping experience in the countryside, then High Wycombe will delight and it also has some great architecture that will keep you gazed and dazed with the lovely buildings.

Budgets and more information

As the UK economy starts to recover and find its way through this whole Brexit thing, the travel industry there may take longer to reach max capacity again. But for the traveler, this is a good thing as it makes it more competitive for tourism and travel companies, giving you many options catering for all budgets.

Coming from outside of Europe? Then make sure you have your correct visa. Also check the expiry date of your passport!

Do research based on your chosen destinations, find out the level of expenses you’ll need and the look for the better times to book in your accommodation and you’ll be right on your merry little way to a great British adventure!

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road trip memories

My favorite road trip memories

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A lot of things have happened in the last ten years since I decided to embrace this lifestyle. Some of them were sad, some of the exciting and some made run for my life. But, when I sum everything up, I wouldn’t change a thing. The memories make our life and help us remember why we actually lived. I am going to tell you some of my favorite ones and try to describe in a few words why this type of life is worth living.

Road Trip

India

On my way to India, I have rented a motorbike, yes, I can ride a bike, at that time I thought it would be much easier to explore the places. But, something was wrong with it from the start. After it broke down for the 100th time, on a very crowded street, I had to pull over, filing frustrated and upset. Cars and pedestrians were passing by, I thought everyone would be honking and yelling at me, but almost each car stopped, and people rushed to help me out. Finally, some man took me to a mechanic shop, while I waited, people were smiling at me, shaking hands and saying hello. Their cheerful spirit managed to repair something more than one broken bike.

India

Mongolia

While staying in Mongolia, back in 2011, I’ve rented an old Russian van to take me from Ulan Bator. Along the way, Ive noticed an unusual set of rocks sitting on huge wasteland, at that moment I thought it was a good place to “visit the facilities.” After I’ve done the deed, a strange man appeared in front of my van, telling me in a very bad English those stones are sacred and they have a special meaning to Mongolian culture.  He started talking about karma and bad luck; I personally don’t believe in such things. But on my way to next destination, I got a very unpleasant chance to experience the meaning of his word. I got lost, my van broke down two times, and someone stole some of my possessions while I was shopping.

Kenya

A few years ago we ventured over to Kenya in East Africa. We bought a dusty old 1984 Gazette and enjoyed a month of adrenaline-fueled travel. We stopped in a cool little place called Guest house Naivasha.

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