“What would you pack for a weekend away?”

Over the last few months, I’ve become a little slack in the blogging department. But what better way to get back into writing, than to answer a competition question from TrekAmerica?

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Ok, so, in 2013, I spent the majority of the year living out of a suitcase/backpack for countless, weeks, weekends and months during my training, working and travelling. When it comes to packing light, I have definitely learnt the difference between essentials and excess.

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Before packing for a weekend, its important to consider various factors. Your destination, the climate and what your planned activities are, then you can base your entire wardrobe around these.

For me, I like to travel in my ‘heavy’ clothing. So say, a thick knitted jumper, skinny jeans and a nice pair of boots. This in the end saves SO much room in your bag! And not forgetting, they can be pretty heavy when weighed. (I haven’t got time for a heavy bag!)

But what do you put in your case?

  • No matter where you go, you will need a raincoat. It rains EVERYWHERE. Investing in what I like to call, a mum jacket, will save some really sad moments when you’re completely wet through. It’s honestly a lifesaver! Or pack a poncho, just as cheap, and easily accessible on eBay.
  • A dress. Always. Dress it up for an evening out, dress it down when you’re sightseeing. I’m sure you don’t need fashion tips!
  • A couple of good tshirts/tops. Once again, something you’re comfortable in, but something you can also dress up in the evenings.
  • Skirt/Shorts. Depending on your destination, you might want to trade these for leggings/jeans.
  • Flip Flops. Pure essentials. Even if you’re on a winter break, think about that lovely hostel bathroom you might be sharing…

I like to take a bag in addition to my case/backpack. Something that is big enough for daytime to fit the majority of your essentials in, but something you can also use on a nightout. Cover all your grounds! Remember, most accommodation these days will always provide a towel. Why waste precious space?!

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And not forgetting the all important ‘essential’ checklist!

  • Underwear & Socks. Take more than you think you even need. Loads of it. Can’t go wrong with it!
  • Toiletries. There are these genius little mini travel toiletries these days. Why weigh yourself down with full size bottles? Don’t forget that all important bottle of travel wash. Stay fresh.
  • Makeup. Keep it basic! Unless you can’t live without your entire makeup bag, take the whole thing. We’re not judging ladies!
  • Camera. You don’t need an explanation! But don’t spend your entire time staring down a lense. Talk to the locals! Learn more about their culture and where you are.
  • Ipod/Iphone! Communication and music. Chill central. Don’t spend you’re entire time on Facebook though.
  • Pen & Paper. For me, I love to bullet point my entire day in the evening. You can’t forget anything in years to come that way.
  • Chargers/Spare Batteries. Cameras/Iphones/Ipods. All needed.
  • Medication/Glasses/Contact Lenses/Sunglasses. Self explanitory.
  • Passport/Travel Documents. You aren’t going anywhere without these bad boys!

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There are obviously hundreds of different items you could take away with you, that you could adapt for any situation. But most importantly, take a sense of adventure, be open minded, and get completely stuck in with the new culture, and way of living. The best way to see a place, is to discover places off the unbeaten track and speak to locals, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.

Enter the TrekAmerica competition yourself here.

What can you not travel without? Let me know!

Travel Theme – Statues

Recently I discovered a blog by cornishkylie where I came across another weekly trend! I’m a sucker for these kinds of things, as it’s a great platform to show off some photos/keep my blog updated regularly. We all know I’m not the greatest at that…

So, inspired by both Kylie and the original post by wheresmybackpack, here are a few fun statues I saw last year on my travels!

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A little chocolate Eiffel Tower in a chocolate shop in Paris

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jelly bean Statue of Liberty in Las Vegas

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The real Statue of Liberty

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Golden Buddha of Chaing Mai

And finally one powerful statue:

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Freedom statue in Berlin. In remembrance of those who lost their lives in the nazi concentration camps during world war 2

What are some of the best statues you have seen?

Weekly Photo Challenge – Reflections

This weeks challenge is reflections. I have chosen to share this particular image with you, because to me, this is one if the most beautiful places I have ever had the pleasure if living, and working.

To me, it was the most peaceful area I have ever seen. It certainly made me reflect on my own personal goals and ambitions.

I am truly grateful to have witnessed this for myself.

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Spreading the Blog Love

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I am really pleased to announce that one if my favourite bloggers has nominated me for a Liebster Award. If you’re unfamiliar with what one if those is, then I shall enlighten you! It is a great platform in which a blogger can nominate some of their favourite reads, and then in return, spread some blog love.

I was nominated by the lovely Luke. You can find him here
His blog is amazing and I personally really enjoy reading about his new adventures all around the world.

For the award, you are asked a series of questions, so you can get to know me better. So, let’s get stuck in!

1. Why did you start your blog?
Ok so it’s quite simple really! I was asked to produce a draft blog for the company smaller earth and the easiest way to of that, was to start my own blog! I guess I also thought it would be a good way to let my friends and family know of my whereabouts, but it kind if hasn’t taken that route. Yet! Now, I use this blog to help out
Camp Leaders participants, and to guide them through the whole USA camp placement.

2. If you could only visit one country in the world, which would you visit?
This is a hard one. There are so many places I want to visit. Right now, I’m looking forward to discovering more of the Middle East. So I guess it’s a continent, rather than one country!

3. What is your favourite book?
Another tough one. I rarely read, even when I travel! I love John Green, and my favourite one written by him has to be, Looking For Alaska. I’m currently reading Air Babylon, and I have to say, it’s hilarious! Especially if you too work in the travel industry.

4. What would be your ideal job?
Good question! I’m about to start my dream job in Turkey as a children’s representative. Not many people seem to know what this entails, so just imagine lots of watersports, face painting and silly shows! Not to mention, hundreds of children.

5. Do you have a favourite quote or words that you live by?
I really love the quote;

I’m not sure where there is, but I know it’s somewhere, and I hope it’s beautiful

I think it’s fairly self explanatory. The book, ‘The Little Book of Buddhism’ is another great book just full of uplifting quotes.

6. What is your favourite meal?
Pad Thai without a doubt!

7. If you could be anyone in history for one day, who would you be?
I literally can’t even answer that, it is so so tough!

8. Do you have any fears?
The ocean. Its so deep, dark and vast. So I guess along with that would be drowning. Which doesn’t make sense as I’m a qualified lifeguard.

9. What is your favourite post on your blog? (add a link)
Probably this. Mainly because I’ll never forget learning about this during my time volunteering.

10. What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I don’t care how lame this sounds, but I absolutely love one direction. I have no shame, my favourite vlogger/blogger Zoella also loves them, So that makes it ok??? In my mind anyway!

That’s it from me! Now over to you. I am nominating these 5 lovely blogs;

http://livethelifeyoulove808.wordpress.com/
http://emilietaylorphotography.wordpress.com/
http://twolittleowlsblog.wordpress.com
http://heelsinmybackpack.wordpress.com
http://delfinochloe.wordpress.com

My questions for you guys are;

Why did you start your blog?
What is your proudest moment is far?
Who is your inspiration?
What is your favourite quote?
If you were stranded on an island, what 3 things would you take and why?
Where is the one place you would like to visit?
What would be your most essential beauty product and why?
What is your guilty pleasure?
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
If you could do anything for one day, money being no object, what would you do?

Thanks guys! I hope you taking part in this as much as I did. I look forward to reading all your answers and seeing who you nominate next!