Spooky Couture | Gothic Fashion and Lifestyle : travel

16:13

Make Your Travel Dreams Come True in 2020

If wanderlust is giving you itchy feet, 2020 is the time to turn your travel dreams into a reality. Perhaps you dream of trekking through the Amazon, surfing on Bondi Beach or scaling Kilimanjaro? Maybe you want to spend a few months on the Amalfi Coast or in San Francisco? If you yearn for the sun-filled tropics or sub-zero adventures, then now is your chance to spread your wings.

Today's travel options mean it's never been easier to explore the world. Low-cost flights can get you from one continent to another in a matter of hours, while fast-track trains can transport you across Europe in the blink of an eye.

Of course, there are plenty of obstacles to overcome when you want to go travelling. Or are there?

A lack of time and money are the two main barriers which prevent people from setting sail but neither of these issues should stop you from fulfilling your dreams. If you’ve postponed your travel dreams, find out how you can make them happen this year no matter what your circumstances are.

1. Schedule the time

If you have a job, you’re going to need to arrange some time off if you want to travel. Depending on your situation, this could mean quitting your role or asking for a sabbatical. You’ll be surprised how many firms are willing to give employees extended leave, particularly if they want to use the time to travel.

If your boss won’t sanction a sabbatical or a career break, you might need to consider resigning from your role. While this can be daunting, you’ll soon overcome your worries as your jet off to new lands and undiscovered joys. If your current employer isn’t accustomed to offering sabbaticals, the chances are they won’t change their mind next month or next year. In which case, you’ll need to leave your role if you want to travel at any point in time. So why not do it now?

Pixabay - CCO Licence

2. Calculate your budget

When you take the time to calculate your budget, you might be surprised at just how far your travel fund can get you. If you don’t have a substantial amount saved, there’s no need to panic. There are a variety of options, such as homeowner loans from Evolution Money, which can give you the funding you need for your travels. In addition to this, you might want to look into the possibility of working while you’re travelling.

Although some countries have strict visa requirements for any workers, many locations welcome temporary and seasonal workers from abroad. If you’re willing to work as you go, you can stop saving and book your travel tickets right away.

Don’t forget - you may not have much in terms of liquid cash, but you probably have quite a few assets lying around. If you’re going travelling for an extended period of time, you could sell your car to increase your budget, rent out your property or even sell your electronics.

3. Look for cheap travel options

Buying a first-class ticket to New York is going to eat up a massive portion of your budget. In fact, it might even exceed your budget! However, there are plenty of ways to minimise your travel costs. Firstly, look for flights which are at unpopular times as these tend to be cheaper. In addition to this, travelling to less well-known airports and then getting a rail or bus transfer can be infinitely cheaper.

When it comes to cheap travel, flexibility is key. You can grab some great bargains by booking a long time in advance, but this isn’t always possible. Once you’re on the road, keep an eye out for last minute deals. Carriers will be keen to fill empty seats, so you can take advantage of low prices.

As well as planning your flights, consider rail travel too. You can minimise your time in the air by interrailing, which will help to keep your costs down. What’s more, a sleeper train means you can travel overnight and avoid having to pay for accommodation.

Live Your Dreams in 2020

If you’re eager to travel, there’s no time like the present. It’s easy to assume that it’s not the right time or that you don’t have enough money to see the places you most want to see but, with a little creativity and determination, you can make it happen. Once you’ve decided that 2020 is the year to travel, the only thing you’ll need to decide is where to go to first!

11:15

Visiting Indonesia? Here are the places that should be on your bucket list

There are so many reasons why you should visit Indonesia. With more than 17,000 islands, it is almost like it is like thousands of countries rolled into one!

It is a land of colossal adventure, where climatic landscapes of beaches and volcanos sit alongside each other, with a vibrant melting pot of people, cultures, customs, wildlife, art, architecture, and food.

We can't possibly begin to cover everything you should see and do in this beautiful country, but we think that these destinations are a fantastic place to make a start!

Photo by Lrns on Unsplash

Jakarta

Jakarta is the countries most prominent and greatest metropolis. From the exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping scene to a diverse range of Indonesian culture and cuisine, there is something exciting to discover around every corner. Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia are two of the shopping malls you should absolutely not miss, but there are over a hundred others to choose from. Chinatown is also a fabulous place to visit, especially if you are on the lookout for gadgets and electronics.

We suggest staying in Jual Rumah for easy access to all the exciting things this vibrant city has to offer.

Ubud

Located in central Bali, 'The Center of Art of Culture' is a town built up of small villages, each specializing in their own type of creative art. If you are on the lookout for some unusual souvenirs and gifts, such as oil paintings, woven baskets, batik and textiles, traditional jewellery and unique wood carvings, this is the place for you. while you are there, sign yourself up for a cooking class and try your hand at preparing authentic Balinese cuisine out in the rice fields,

Nusa Dua

The biggest draw of Nusa Dua, without a doubt, is its brilliant beaches. If you are seeking golden sands, crystal blue waters and sunshine, head to Pantai Mengiat. For something a bit more cultural, head further south to the Geger Beach, which has a picturesque temple overlooking it from the cliff.

Legian

Located on the south coast of Bali, Legian is a gorgeous resort. If you are looking for breathtaking views of the ocean, exotic plants and wildlife, and plenty of entertainment, this is where you should be heading. A little further North along the coast is the immensely popular Kuta Beach, which gives visitors a chance to surf, shop, party, or take leisurely strolls along streets lined with restaurants and shops.

Lombok

We often overlook Lombok in favour of nearby Bali, which is pretty unfair on this stunning island. It is an untamed wilderness of soaring waterfalls, impenetrable rain forests and imposing mountains, juxtaposed against small farms, lush countryside, and golden sandy beaches. It is also home to Indonesia's second-highest volcano, Gunung Rinjani. If you are prepared to let go all of your home comforts and go off the beaten track, this is the island for you. If you are into hiking, the various hiking trails will appeal to you, particularly the one to the top of Gunung Rinjani. It is a challenging climb, but once you are up there, you are rewarded with a crater lake and hot springs at the summit.

Bali

Bali is probably the most famous island of Indonesia, and no self-respecting travel guide would be complete without mentioning it. It is so well known in its own right that many people wrongly think that it is a country all of its own.

It is a favourite haunt for Australians and is affectionately known as the beach playground of Australia because of the affordability of flights from most Australian cities. The main tourist strip in Kuta is always busy, but there is so much more to the island.

The Gili Islands

If you are looking for white sand, clear turquoise waters, and palm trees galore, you will find them on the Gili Islands, which offers the iconic desert island experience. It has been gaining in popularity over recent years, particularly Gili Trawangan, but they are still a lot less developed and less crowded than the main Kuta tourist strip in nearby Bali. Each of the three islands making up the Gili Islands boasts something totally unique. For the vibrant backpacking scene, head to Gili Trawangan. Gili Air is where to go for a laid back and local bohemian vibe, and Gili Meno is the more upmarket one of the three islands. Whichever island you choose to visit, you will find it difficult to find a more stunning corner of the world.

East Java

For raw, natural beauty, East Java is a place you need to be adding to your Indonesian travel bucket list. Imagine dense jungles and deep valleys combined with imposing Volcanic mountains. It is the least populated province of Indonesia, but certainly one of its most exciting and beautiful. Head to the

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park to find the giant twin volcanic peaks of Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo, with it's surrounding crater lakes and rugged mountains. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you will be drawn to the region of

Ijen Plateau. Head up into the mountains and be rewarded for your endeavours by the Ijen Crater, with its sparkling blue waters.

Borobudur

This is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and really is a superb place to add to your must-visit list. It is a short distance from Magelang and is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument. It was built in the 9th century and located in a beautiful setting of hills covered in rice fields and palm trees that are swept by the wind.

Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park is the only place to see the majestic Komodo dragons in their natural environment. This fearsome creature is not the only interesting thing in this string of exotic islands that make up the Komodo National Park. The three islands—Komodo, Padar, and Rinca—have glorious hills and a beach view, along with a breathtaking coastline, lush tropical hills, and thriving underwater wildlife.

13:51

Holiday Packing: Perfect Preparation Tips For Your Next Trip

Pixabay (CC0 Licence)

It’s fair to say that packing your main suitcase for a holiday is rarely a welcome task. Sure, there’s a sense of excitement, something that makes it feel as if your holiday is more “real” and just around the corner - but the actual packing process always tends to feel like a chore.

However, if you are venturing away from home, packing is an undeniable necessity, so it’s worth considering how you can ensure the process is both effective and easy for you to manage. Below, we’ve separated the process of packing your main suitcase into three phases and provided tips to help you through each one; so here’s what you need to know…

Phase One: Supplies and equipment

Pixabay (CC0 Licence)

The first step to successful packing is supplies - but not in terms of clothes or items you need to remember to take. Instead, focus first on supplies that will make packing itself easier, such as:

Packing cubes are a very basic concept - they’re essentially fabric pouches that can be zipped closed - but anyone who tries them tends to find them revelationary. Not only do cubes help to organise items in your suitcase, they can also make “settling in” to your hotel or hostel incredibly simple. Rather than having to unpack each item in turn, you can just remove each cube and store it in a designated area (for example, a packing cube containing your toiletries can be placed in the bathroom) and then remove each item as needed. You can buy packing cubes anywhere online, and they are usually relatively inexpensive too.
Small plastic storage boxes can also be helpful for items such items that might become tangled or lost if they were stored individually, such as jewellery, or items that need a little more protection than the fabric of packing cubes can provide. You can usually buy inexpensive small boxes online or even at hardware stores.
Elastic bands can also be useful for a variety of purposes, such as grouping together documents or keeping items that need to be worn or used in pairs together, so it’s helpful to make sure you have a few to hand.
Finally, it could be worth buying or making scented drawer liners - while not an essential, drawer liners are a great way of adding a pleasant scent to your clothes and can be transferred to your hotel room’s drawers when you arrive.

When you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to move onto…

Phase Two: Non-clothing items

Pixabay (CC0 Licence)

Many people start the packing process by focusing on their clothes, but prioritising non-clothing can actually be the better choice. Clothes can be folded and squeezed around other items as they have more “give” than, for example, a shampoo bottle or digital camera.

You’ll first need to make a list of all the non-clothing-related items you’ll need for your trip, but that you do not expect to need to access before you arrive at your hotel:

Think first about your health, such as sunscreen with a good SPF, tablets to stop you contracting malaria if you’re visiting a country where malaria is a known risk, sunglasses with a good UV rating, and so on.
Next, consider your digital and electronic needs, such as your digital camera, USB cables, memory cards, and so on.
You can then add everyday essentials such as toiletries, makeup, hair bobbles, and similar items to your list.

You should now have a list of all the non-clothes items you will need for your trip, so you can start gathering them together. For items that you need to buy, place the orders as soon as possible, and wait until you have absolutely everything you need before you start to pack. Doing this helps to ensure you can keep track of each item and that you will be able to make space for everything you will need, which helps to avoid needing to repack to add items you may have initially overlooked.

When you have everything you need to hand, start sorting items into your packing cubes or storage boxes and place these in your suitcase. As you do so, cross each item off your original list. When everything is in place, you should have an idea of how much space you have left available for the final phase…

Phase Three: Clothes and shoes

Pixabay (CC0 Licence)

Deciding the shoes and clothes that you want to take with you on holiday is entirely subjective, influenced by factors such as the weather at your destination and your willingness to upgrade your baggage allowance if necessary. However, if you - like many people - want to cut down how many clothes you take, here’s a few techniques to consider:

One option is to choose your clothes and shoes as if you have no restrictions at all; just what you would pack instinctively, based on what you think you are most likely to wear… and then cut the number of items chosen by a third.
Alternatively, you could create a hierarchy that allows you to trim your selection if, when it comes to actually placing items into your suitcase, you find that you’re running short on space. When you choose a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes, give the item a “likelihood” rating of between one and 10 - one meaning that you think it’s fairly unlikely you will wear it, and 10 meaning that you definitely will wear it. Any item that receives a five or below can be removed if necessary.
As a final option, it’s often possible to reduce the number of clothes you are taking by considering how well they will travel. Synthetic fabrics are far more likely to wrinkle than natural fabrics such as wool or cotton, so remembering this can make it easier to persuade yourself to leave an item at home.

When you’ve narrowed down your selection, you’ll need to place these items in your suitcase:

Shoes, as with many non-clothing items, cannot change shape or be compressed if you find yourself short on space, so it’s best to pack your shoes first and clothes second.
There are two schools of thought on how clothes should be packed. One argues that folding is the most space efficient, while others say that rolling is preferable as it helps to save creases. However, what tends to work best in practice is actually a combination of the two. For thicker items, rolling can actually increase the overall size, so folding may be preferable. For everything else, rolling does tend to help save space and will make it far easier to insert items into packing cubes.
However, as useful as packing cubes can be, it’s helpful to reserve a few garments to be packed on their own. Doing this gives you the opportunity to “squeeze” an individual item in wherever there is space, which is next-to-impossible if everything is arranged in cubes.
Weigh your suitcase when it is half full and then at three-quarters full just to check progress. If you are closing in on your allowance at either of these checks, then reassess the number of shoes you have chosen as a first priority. If you still need to save weight, clothes made from heavier fabrics (such as jeans) are the next best bet.

When everything has been packed and you’re sure your suitcase is within airline limits, you’re all done!

In conclusion

By following the above, packing your main suitcase should be relatively straightforward - so all you need to do is prepare your hand luggage, and then you can relax and anticipate all the fun your future holiday will bring.

14:59

Lanzarote Style DIary: Like realizing stuff

17:15

Lanzarote Style Diary: Blush

00:39

How to Feel At Home When Slow Travelling

If you’re a fan of slow travelling - the art of slowing down and appreciating a destination, rather than just rushing through - then you’ll already know just how enjoyable it can. It allows you to enjoy a world-class spot at a pace that few people get to experience. You can see things from the inside, rather than just through the lens of “tourist”. And you’re able to feel at home, however briefly, in a place that’s pointedly not your home. This last point can be a little difficult to pin down, however, so we’ve outlined some tips that’ll make you feel more comfortable in your surroundings...wherever you are.

Source: Pexels.com

Keep Some of Your Home Routines

Some people abandon any sense of self the moment their get on the plane. They’re different beasts entirely when they land overseas! There’s nothing wrong with this, but it’s not in keeping with the slow travel ethos. If that’s your goal, then try to incorporate some of your home routines into your day when overseas. If you normally go for a 7 am run, then do it when you’re abroad. It’s these little things that’ll seamlessly bridge the gap between your normal home and temporary home.

Think About Accommodation

As good as hotels can be, it’s just a fact of life that they don’t really invite you to feel “at home.” Indeed, if they did, they’d kind of be undoing the main point of hotels! So have a think about your accommodation options. You’ll likely find it much easier to fall into the rhythm of home if you’re in your own space, cooking your own food, not surrounded by strangers and staff. As such, a home rental might be the best approach. They’re normally more affordable than hotels, too.

Get Comfortable

You’re going to be out and about, exploring the local area when you’re travelling. But when you’ve finished exploring for the day, you’ll want to be able to unwind in your accommodations. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to stay out until the early hours of the morning every night just because you’re abroad. Instead, make sure you’re able to sink into home comforts in the evening. This may involve buying cosy slippers like those available from Glerup.com, getting accommodation that comes with a bath, and lighting a few candles. Bonus: if you enjoy your evening in a relaxing way, you’ll have all the more energy to explore during the day.

A Local Favourite

It’s hard to feel at home if everyone’s a stranger. Fortunately, there’s a tasty way to remedy this issue. Find your favourite local cafe, bar, restaurant, and anywhere else that offers delicious food and drink, and you’ll soon get to know the people who work there. Even if they might not go on to become your friend, it’s always nice to be able to give a greeting or two when you’re far from home.

Know the Area

And finally, get out there and start exploring the neighbourhood - you’ll feel right at home if you know every street and nook and cranny!

14:26

Long Haul Beauty Essentials

Here are my top beauty essentials for a long haul flight. Remember all products that contain liquid, gel & Pastes must be under 100ml and placed in a clear plastic bag.

Looking after yourself while your travelling at 38,000 feet will ensure you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.

Face

I always remove my make up first using the Garnier Micellar Extra Gentle cleansing wipes, I then wipe over my skin using the Garnier Micellar water which removes any left over make up and makes my skin feel really clean & refreshed. I then smother my face in the Nivea rich moisturising day cream, I then finish off with the hyaluronic acid spray by B Hydrated, hyaluronic acid is perfect for long haul flights as it can hold 1000 times its weight in water which makes it super hydrating, I apply moisturiser and hyaluronic acid every hour while in the air. Don't forget it's really important to drink plenty of water whilst up in the air.

I like to keep myself feeling and smelling fresh so every so often I apply a roll on deodorant, I use this roll on by Sanex, it has a really fresh scent and I just really like it! I spritz myself with some So..? floral fresh spray just before landing and of course everyone wants fresh breath, I'm not personally a huge fan of airplane toilets, I have a thing about germs and I avoid them as much as I can so I prefer not to brush my teeth in the toilet so instead I use CB12 breath spray which is perfect for freshening up your mouth and breath which can become a bit stale after a long day of travelling, its perfect for using on the go, it fits perfectly into your handbag!

Like I said before, I have a thing about germs, I always carry my hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes. as soon as I take my seat on the plane, I wipe down the tray table, TV screen, arm rests, seat belt and anything else I'll be touching, planes are riddled with germs, you don't want to become ill while on your holiday!

Lastly, I'm a really nervous flier, I never fly without my medication prescribed by my doctor for flying. Whilst the medication definitely helps to calm me down, I found this anti stress spray from Primark to be really helpful, it cost just £1 and its small enough to just pop in your handbag, I found it really useful to help with sleeping too!

So that is my long haul flight beauty essentials, I hope you found it helpful :-)