Father’s Day Gift Guide 2022

This post contains gifted products:

If you have been a reader for a while you will know that I love putting together gift guides.

With Father’s Day approaching, it can be difficult to decide what to buy, especially if you have multiple people to buy for. For me, I usually have to decide on presents for my dad, my step dad, my father in law and my grandad. It can get difficult trying to pick what to buy everyone.

Gift Vouchers

Trees For Good Causes

£5

All trees planted by Trees For Good Causes (non-profit) support local charities at the same time.

Trees are planted locally in the UK, and cost only £5 per tree, where minimum of £2 goes to a chosen charity.

Donating a tree it’s a more conscious way of gifting. An example of what the gift certificate to your dad will look like is above.

Homeware

Echo Three – Building Brick Shape Cushion

£17.99

This building brick cushion is a fantastic addition to any home. It’s is super comfortable and made with a soft fabric.

It is a really good size and great for a man cave, den or a fun touch in the living room, you can pick from red or blue.

Rosanna Clare – MEDIUM LEATHER & FELT TRINKET TRAY

£26

This leather and grey felt lined tray has antique brass rivet fastenings and is perfect as a gift. It is a good size at 10xm x 10xm so can be used for jewellery, change, keys etc. It also comes in a range of other colours.

This tray is really well made and you can have initials added to it to make it more personal too.

Clothing

Asda Apron – Custom Apron

£17

I am always impressed by the quality of Asda personalised products and had this one made for my dad. We have a lot of things from Asda around the house as they are so easy to create online and are always priced reasonably.

It’s so easy to make this online as you can pick from a good variety of designs. They are always printed well and arrive quickly.

Stickerscape – Sexy and I mow it T shirt

£12.95

A great gift for a women to give her partners of he is a new dad and needs a confidence boost!

It is a really soft material and is true to size.

It is available in 4 different colours – Black, White, Grey and Navy.

Fragrance

Douvalls – Scents to Uplift Gift set

£38

This set includes 3 different sprays:

Pre & post toilet spray

Destress and revitalise shower spray

Vanilla chilli room spray

I have found these sprays to be quite heavily scented which is good as you don’t need to use much. They aren’t too overpowering though and are in a good size bottle to keep around the house. chemo

I like how they are all made with natural oils so they don’t include nasty chemicals.

Douvalls – Sleep spray

£15

This sleep spray is a new product to Douvalls. It is a great addition to their spray range. It’s so easy to use, you only need a couple of sprays on your pillow and bedding and the relaxing scent helps you to calm down and settle down ready to sleep. Ideal if your dad struggles to get to sleep.

It’s a really lovely scent and as it calming it can help with stress and anxiety too.

Dolma Vegan Perfumes

From £5.95

Dolma have a good range of scents for men, they are all vegan fragrances and are in nice looking bottles. I have tried their female range before and was really impressed with them.

They have four men’s vegan aftershaves, each of which has its individual hints and tones. The classic Sirius is a timelessly masculine blend while Freedom offers a fresh and woody smell. Kwame is fresh and fun, making it perfect for daily wear in recreational settings while Imagine is fruity and uplifting.

Dolma – Discovery Box Set of 4 x 9ml Aftershave / Cologne

£25.95

This is a great way to try all of their four fragrances before committing to buying one in a larger bottle. If you struggle to pick a scent for someone else then this is a really good idea.

Books

The Cheese Connoisseur’s Handbook

£12.99

The Cheese Connoisseur’s Handbook is the perfect gift for Dad this Father’s Day as it’s packed with cheese information to increase your understanding and knowledge of cheese. 

Author Svetlana is keen for the reader to learn more about cheese and what cheese is perfect for their palate and how to pair them with a drink for any occasion. 

The book is aimed at those wanting to learn about cheese or increase their cheese knowhow, the book contains something for everyone, in an easy way to learn and enjoy cheese. 

STEALTH MILLIONAIRE: How to Save and Manage Your Money Like the Rich

£9.99

Another great book to consider would be this one.

The secret to financial freedom is through small positive changes that you do everyday that will compound over time. This book introduces you to the concept of this and how you can start the process today so would be great to give your dad for some motivation.

Find Your Purpose: A Practical Guide for Discovering Your Purpose and Creating a Life You Love

£7.77

Another great read by George Choy. It’s a quick read and straight to the point. It’s a really practical, step-by-step guide to take you by the hand, directly to your purpose in life. As you go through the exercises in this book, you’ll be introduced to the variables in the Purpose Formula, and learn how to apply them to your life. You’ll also gain a new understanding of nearly every decision you’ve ever made.

Accessories

Trendhim – Blue polarised sunglasses

£59

These polarised rainbow mirror sunglasses for men have all the style and functionality of an active lifestyle.

Flexible TR90 frames hug your head while rubber temples and nose pad ensure the glasses stay where they are even though you don’t. The mirror layer allows those you converse with to admire themselves in your eyes while hiding the fact you’re not paying attention.

Polarisation reduces the glare off shiny surfaces like metal, water, and glass, making them perfect for driving, fishing, or window shopping.

Engravers Guild – Classic Black Leather Wallet

£29.95

Premium black leather wallet, personalised with gold, silver or blind embossed initials. This custom wallet is one of the best sellers in the collection, designed to carry both cash and coins, as well as also comfortably accommodating four credit cards.

Additionally, there are three slip compartments and a slip note compartment for all essentials to be carried neatly. The personalised wallet features RFID protection to keep personal data safe, and a Visconti lining is used throughout.

This is such a good gift idea and a really good size. The embossing is really well done and looks so posh.

DIY

Roomix DIY – Sealant Replacement

£27.78

This contains everything you need to remove black mould and replace your kitchen or bathroom sealant:

Step-by-step How to guide
Scraper
Sealant strip out tool
Clean spirit
Sealant
Caulk gun
Sponges
Sealant profiling tools

It comes in different colours and is a great kit for any dad that loves going bits around the house!

Roomix have a really good range of kits depending on what project you are taking on.

Pens

Bastion – Aluminum Bolt Action Pen (Purple)

$59.99

The Bastion Bolt Action pen and pencil collection is the result of a perfect marriage of fine art and cutting edge engineering that is typical of Bastion craftsmanship.

The ballpoint pen is made of 100% aluminium which is lighter than steel and the extremely satisfying ‘bolt action’ mechanism provides a secure lock with hard-wearing parts.

This pen is so nice to write with and comes in a vast range of colours.

Bastion – Aluminum – Silm Bolt Action Pen (Purple)

$79.99

This is the slim version of the pen mentioned above so it has all the same features but is smaller to hold but just as satisfying to write with.

This one also comes in a great range of colours.

Bastion – Replacement Ink Cartridge for Bolt Action Pen (2 pack)

$8.99

These refills work with all of the bolt action pens. The Ink Cartridges are fine tip and available in the following colors and ink styles:

Standard ink – Black, Blue, Red
Gel ink – Black, Blue, Red

Shoes

Skates.co.uk – Etnies Ollie Long SMU Skate Shoe

£24.95

Not only does this website have an amazing range of skateboards and skates they have lots of different trainers to pick from.

These shoes would be a great gift if your dad is into skateboarding!

The Etnies Ollie Long SMU Skate Shoes are a brilliant option for skaters. Skateboarders and Stunt Scooter riders alike can appreciate these hardwearing and tough trainers that feature an sticky rubber outsole designed to help stick your foot to your deck and ensures you won’t slip when riding.

Features:

Classic etnies heritage styling
Cupsole construction
Thin tongue and padded collar
EVA cushioning footbed
Grippy gum rubber outsole with internal EVA midsole

Skincare

Organic & Botanic – Advanced Night & Day Ultra Revive & Hydrate Moisturiser

£14.90

This is a really great moisturiser and can be used day or night. Ideal for a man that likes to take care of his skin.

An infusion of ginger and ginseng root extracts helps to plump the skin with moisture, seeking to reduce the appearance of fine lines with regular use, while a blend of lavender and chamomile helps to soothe the skin. The formula is supported by conditioning almond oil to enhance a supple skin texture. Applied as the last step in your skincare routine, the moisturiser is suitable for use both morning and evening.

Douvalls – Organic Creamy Argan Body Butter

£19

This natural, creamy, and velvety body butter is a unique blend of plant based oils and extracts whipped together to give you soft supple and ultra-hydrated skin.

Packed with a high content of 100% pure argan oil which nourishes and repairs.

This is great if your dad likes to take care of his skin or has sensitive skin. It soaks in really well.

Douvalls – Argan Bath and Shower oil

£21

I love a good bath and shower oil and argan is so good for your skin so this is another great suggestion if your dad likes to pamper himself.

This bath and shower oil transforms into a milk when in contact with water to thoroughly cleanse and nourish your body, leaving your skin silky soft.

Douvalls – Organic 1st cold pressed Argan Oil Moisturiser

£9

Douvall’s cold pressed Multi tasking 100% Pure Eco-Certified Organic Argan oil moisturiser known as liquid gold in Morocco is fast absorbing, light weight, extremely high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which deeply hydrates, nourishes and repairs the skin, can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This is another great skincare product to try if he likes to look after himself.

Electronics

Anker – Soundcore Life Q30

£79.99

I have always been a fan of Anker products and these headphones don’t disappoint.

You can link them up to an app on your phone and can adjust them to lots of different settings depending on your surroundings and type of music you are listening to.

Key Features:

Hi-Res Sound: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones have 40mm drivers that reproduce treble up to 40kHz for full-bodied sound with excellent clarity.

Multiple Noise Cancellation Modes: Choose from Transport, Indoor, or Outdoor modes to maximize the active noise cancellation’s effect depending on where you’re listening.

Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation: Low and mid-frequency ambient sounds and up to 95% of engine noise are detected and filtered out by a digital active noise cancellation chipset, as well as external and internal microphones on each earcup.

Calls with Excellent Clarity: Enhanced voice pick-up and noise reduction ensure you’re heard clearly while using Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones for calls.

40-Hour Playtime: Listen for up to 40 hours in noise cancellation mode and 60 hours in standard mode. Get 4 hours of listening from a quick 5-minute charge.

Lightweight Build: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones weigh just over 9oz (260g) and have memory foam earcups with a protein leather cover for all-day comfort.

Ergonomic Design: Life Q30’s earcups rotate by up to 15° to adjust to the shape of your head and its headband can also be adjusted for a more comfortable, secure fit.

Transparency Mode: Press the touch control on Life Q30’s right earcup for 1-2 seconds to activate Transparency mode to allow you to hear voices and traffic at a natural level when needed.

Soundcore App: Select an active noise cancellation mode, update firmware, customize the EQ or choose a preset, and create a soothing white noise soundscape when you want to relax.

NFC Fast Pairing: Tap your Android phone on Life Q30’s right earcup for extra-fast pairing.

Multi-Point Connection: Life Q30 Bluetooth headphones can be connected to 2 devices at once for easy switching.

Oppo Enco – Free 2

£89.99

These are a great option if he prefers ear buds rather than headphones. They are so comfortable to wear and the sound quality is really good.

Offering long-lasting reliability, 30 hours’ playback and IP54 dust and water-resistance means listeners can enjoy music wherever life takes them this summer. Touch controls, smart pause and Bluetooth 5.2 means staying seamlessly connected to their favourite summer tracks is a breeze.

Striking the perfect chord, the Enco Free2 adapts to any schedule with a Triple-Mic Call Noise Cancelling feature for crystal clear voice capture, and users can tune in or tune out as much as they want to, with Transparency Mode to hear ambient sound while on-the-go. The Enco Free2 are available in both black and white and are compatible with Android and iOS.

Subbytech – CliX Magnetic Charging Cables

£9.99 each

These charging cables come in glow and non glow options but both are just as cool as each other. The magnetic ends mean you only need one cable for three different chargers!

The connectors are designed to stay in your phone all the time and the magnets do the connecting for you. When you’re done charging, just break the magnetic seal and the cable stops drawing power until connected again.

Each cable comes with all 3 charging types included. iPhone, USB C and Micro USB.

The cables can do data transfer while charging, good for moving files to and from your phone.

All cables are Quick Charge 3.0 compatible with the USB C connector if you have a quick charge capable plug.

Glowing effect looks like electricity is flowing up the cable and into your phone, very cool looking in low light.

Food & Drink

Simply Cake co – Father’s day combo box

from £27.45

This letterbox friendly brownie box is perfect if he likes cake or brownies. It has a massive slab as well as the months favourites included. It’s packaged really well and stays fresh for up to two weeks.

You can personalise the box with whatever brownies you want and can also pick your own message and know that the recipient will have it delivered even if they ar

Virginia Hayward – FATHER’S DAY HAMPER

£27.50

This is a great hamper for your dad this year. It has such a good selection of gifts in and it comes packaged really well.

It contains:

‘Busy Being a Dad’ mug

Mighty Fine Milk Chocolate Honeycomb Bar

GNAW Milk Chocolate Buttons

Salted Caramel Popcorn from Popcorn Shed.

Desert Salt and Vinegar Potato Crisps from Savoursmiths

Jar of The Dormen Caramelised Peanuts

RJs Peppers Sauces

£9.99 each

RJ’s Peppers is a small batch hot sauce company based in Stafford, UK. Since 2021 they have been creating delicious hot sauces made with fresh chillies.

These two sauces are a selection of what they have to offer and I am really impressed with them. They are perfect to have on chicken wings or to use when cooking on the BBQ so if you dad loves BBQ food or wings then you need to get him a bottle to try!

Guylian Seashells

£5.50

Guylian, the premium Belgian chocolatier, is renowned for its iconic Sea Shells, which are a harmonious blend of dark, white, and milk chocolate filled with the signature praliné filling. Guylian is now 100% Fairtrade certified, and its time-honoured, traditional recipe has been improved, using only the best hazelnuts, roasted in house in their shells to guarantee the best taste. The result is a more intense and less sweet hazelnut flavour, to make them even more irresistible.

These are my dads all time favourite chocolates but I hope he will share them with me

Boomf – The Bumper Sweets Gift Box

£21.99

Boomf have a great range of boxes to pick from and what’s special about them is that when you open them it shoots confetti everywhere!

You can then remove the lid and find the gift underneath. This particular box of jam packed full of sweets and ideal if your dad has a sweet tooth!

I really hope I have inspired you and given you some good ideas! I have teamed up with Douvalls to offer 3 lucky winners one of their Argan Glow Beauty Boxes, head over to my twitter to enter to win!

Sarah x

Ways to Make Your Travels More Memorable

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Photo of Woman Sitting on Boat Spreading Her Arms

Image Credit 

It may seem impossible to create memories that will last a lifetime when you’re travelling. But, believe it or not, there are many ways to make your travels more memorable and keep those memories alive for years! 

Here are some of the best ways to make your next trip unforgettable.

Choose the Perfect Destination

The best way to make memories is by choosing destinations that are special and meaningful to you personally. That’s what will stick with you when you look back on your trip in a year, two years or even five! So, choose a destination you love. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean the most popular, but the one that makes your heart sing because it has meaning to you or reminds you of something extraordinary in your life. Travelling to a country that is entirely different from home can be an eye-opening experience. You’ll learn about cultures and traditions that are unique and beautiful in their way. 

When you travel abroad, there’s bound to be some culture shock, but with that comes the opportunity to learn something new! You can get a taste of multiple countries in one adventure, and you’ll be exploring some of the most famous historical sites. However, if travelling internationally isn’t your cup of tea, you can take a trip locally and still see some pretty amazing things.

Take Photos and Videos

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in seeing the sites and experiencing new things that you forget to document your travels. If nothing else, take photos of where you stayed or ate, along with images of what it was like outside when you were there. 

This will help bring back memories long after your trip is over. Even better, add videos of street musicians or the inside of a local bar. Finally, if you have time, send yourself an email with photos and videos so that they get stored in your inbox for safekeeping. If not, save them on cloud. Click here if you want to learn how to upload photos to icloud

If possible, take pictures at different times during your trip to document how things change over time – whether it’s the weather, landmarks coming to life as night falls, or the number of people in a public square.

Arrange for the Best Activities

Arrange for the best activities: make sure you’re mindful of what you like and want to do during your travels. If specific things interest or intrigue you, then be willing to spend a little more money on these kinds of experiences; most likely, they will become some of your favourite memories from travelling. 

However, if you’re on a budget, try to get creative. With some research and planning, it is possible to find fun or exciting activities that fit your interests that don’t cost much money. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, arranging for the best activities can make all of the difference.

Get Yourself an Interesting Company

If you are travelling by yourself, it is essential to find a company that can be your friend and provide you with entertainment. You can look for someone with the same interests as yours or chat with strangers in the most unexpected places. It may not happen right away, but before long, you will have formed some friendship which might turn out to be one of the best memories you can get from your trip.

An interesting company can make your travels more memorable because you will have someone to share stories with. Everyone needs a company that they can be comfortable talking about their feelings. Friendships are formed out of the most unexpected things, so do not be surprised if you find your next best friend on a plane.

People make stories about their travels more colourful when they have someone to talk about it with, especially tales that involve some funny incidents, which will get everyone laughing. So, don’t just sit there and wait for something interesting to happen. Instead, you can make one happen by talking to people who seem like they also need someone to share their stories with.

Also, you will know that there is always a place for you in the world because even if friends and family are far away from each other, strangers may be closer than what you think of them.

It is easy to go on a trip and come home without having a lot of good memories. However, if you want your travels to be memorable, you must make them so. Whether this means going somewhere new or doing something different when you’re there, the critical thing is that you do not sit back passively, expecting the trip to do all the work for you.

Sarah x

Hawaii Summer Trip: An Ultimate Guide

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Booking a trip to Oahu, Hawaii? Then, your’e in for a treat.

Quarantine has some people going insane as they try to juggle between work, personal and social life, and family. Some refer to IT support services when all goes wrong when working from home, some learn to adapt to this environment, while others plan a deserved vacation to distance themselves from hectic schedules. 

Whether you are visiting the majestic state of Hawaii as a method to escape or re-energize, planning a full vacation can be tricky and confusing if you want to get a complete experience. 

Make the most of your trip by reading this ultimate guide that will help you settle a bucketlist. These are only a few locations and activities that are popular and a sure way to make your trip unforgettable. 

Picture by Troy Squillaci on Pexels 

Make the most of your trip by reading this ultimate guide that will help you settle a bucketlist. These are only a few locations and activities that are popular and a sure way to make your trip unforgettable. 

Hiking 

Hiking is surely not for everyone, but many, if not all, of the trails in the island offer tourists gorgeous views of the beaches, city life, and countryside. However, hiking could be a dangerous activity that requires coordination, stamina, grit, and a strong mindset. 

The good news? 

Picture by Yuma Kim on Pexels

Oahu hiking trails are inclusive. There’s trails that only the bravest and experienced hikers will take on. On the other hand, there’s beginner-friendly hikes that can take one to two hours. 

Moanaloa Valley Trail (Legal Backway To Stairway To Heaven)

All you have to think about during this hike is the end goal. The trail to Haiku stairs is one of top attractions that allures the most courageous hikers. The seven to ten hour hike will lead you to the top of a radio station where you can view the infamous Haiku stairs, but be very careful about your next move. Going down the stairs is illegal due and will cost you a one-thousand dollar fine. 

Diamond Head Crater 

Another great trail to ease your way into hiking, Diamond Head Crater is paved all the way to the top but don’t be fooled, it is a full workout to get to the top. You’ll have the chance to hike a popular trail and mesmerize yourself with the view of Waikiki. Do bring money with you as the admission fee is five dollars. 

Manoa Falls Hike

Short, beautiful, and defined route that will allow you to take pictures, catch a breath, and memorize the adventure. For those who want food and drinks, there’s a visitor’s center at the start where you can treat yourself, rinse off, and go to the restroom. 

Lanikai Pilllbox Hike

If you want an easier hike, Lanikai is a great option. Not only is this hike short, approximately one hour and a half, but it’s also known for it’s amazing views. You’ll get a view of the ocean and have a chance to relax at Lanikai Beach. 

Koko Head Railway Trail 

Possibly the hike that will convince you the stairmaster is a breeze, the 1.6 mile trail leads to Kokohead Lookout and remains busy throughout the year. What makes this hike a challenge is the lack of shade when climbing more than 1,000 steps to the top.  

Memorable Destinations

Consider this a short, but sweet list of destinations to write for your bucketlist. Check out their reviews online and choose which appeals to you. 

Chinatown

Chinatown in Honolulu is bursting with restaurants, Asian marketplaces and antique shops, art galleries, and temples that reflect the culture and history of the community. 

Make sure to stop by and give a restaurant a try. You’ll be pleased to incorporate new flavors to your diet and discover the differences of Honolulu’s Chinatown, versus other locations. 

Aloha Tower 

In Downtown Honolulu, the Aloha Tower is a must-visit destination. Best of all is that you will be inside the Aloha Tower Marketplace full of shops and restaurants reflecting local history and taste. 

SKY Waikiki

Located on the 19th floor of a building, SKY Waikiki Rwa & Bar is an open-lounge restaurant that screams luxury and sophistication. Having a meal won’t be the cheapest, but if it aligns with your budget and you are on your honeymoon, have a date, or are celebrating a birthday, this is an ideal spot. 

With views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the city lights, you’ll feel as if you are having dinner on top of the world. 

Pearl Harbor

The list couldn’t be complete without including Pearl Harbor. The memorial captures the attack on Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japan that left a country in utter shock. It’s a top attraction that teaches the history behind the attack, the lives of American soldiers lost, and its aftermath. 

Botanical Gardens 

In the island of Oahu you will find extraordinary botanical gardens located at different ecological settings. The most notorious are the five sites that form the Honolulu Botanical Gardens which includes Foster Botanical Garden, Wahiawa Botanical Garden, Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden, Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and the Lili`uokalani Botanical Garden. 

Picture by Karyme França on Pexels

All locations have distinct schedules, but all remain closed on January 1st and December 25th. Best of all is that a visit to these botanical gardens is free of charge, except for Foster Botanical Garden that charges tourists an admission fee of five dollars. 

  1. Foster Botanical Garden
  2. Wahiawa Botanical Garden
  3. Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden
  4. Koko Crater Botanical Garden
  5. Lili`uokalani Botanical Garden

Don’t limit yourself to just these five. Hawaii has other beautiful picture-worthy gardens. 

Other Activities & Locations

Picture by Jess Loiterton on Pexels

The list above may not be what you have in mind so take a look at other activities and locations worthy of attention. 

  • Surf at Waikiki, North Shore
  • Kayak
  • Snorkel at Haunama Bay, Turtle Beach, Shark’s Cove
  • Skydive at North Shore
  • Scuba dive
  • Visit Ioani Palace
  • Try any restaurant on Kings Street
  • Don’t leave without having Poke

Sarah x

Packing for a Long Term Trip

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For the past year and a half or so, the pandemic has made travel an impossibility for many of us. In a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus and Covid-19 across the world, many countries have closed or limited access across their borders. This is understandable, but it does mean that if you had any trips planned, you’ve probably had them cancelled or postponed. Thankfully, vaccines are now being rolled out across the world and herd immunity is increasing. Travel is back on the horizon and many of us are starting to plan trips that we can enjoy again! If you’re going all out and planning an extended trip, you’re not alone. Many people are booking two week breaks, months-long travel and even worldwide travel that they plan to last a year or more. Of course, if you’re going on a longer break, you’re going to have to pack differently to a weekend or week away. Here are some investments you might want to make to ensure you have everything you need and can genuinely enjoy your time away!

Your Passport

The most important thing you’re going to need to take with you when travelling anywhere outside of your home country is your passport. This is pretty logical, but many people neglect to even think about it until they’re leaving their house to make their flight. When it comes down to it, you’re not getting out of your home country or entering a new country without your passport. So many people miss their flights and have their breaks ruined as a result of not bringing their passport or not having an in date passport. Make sure to store your passport in a secure and accessible part of your luggage, so you can get it out easily, but it has minimal chance of falling out or getting lost.

A Suitcase

When we head away on a trip to a city or another place with roads, paths and smooth flooring, suitcases tend to be our luggage of choice. This makes sense. They’re specially designed for holding clothes and other belongings and provide you with an easy way to carry them around with you. The majority have hard shells which helps to protect their contents when they’re thrown around on conveyor belts and are being placed on and off the plane. The majority have two or four wheels and a handle, allowing you to pull them along easily rather than carrying their weight. Most modern options have locks, which helps you to feel more secure and can prevent others from going through them or taking your belongings. There are countless options out there, so when shopping for a suitcase, make sure to consider factors like size, security and convenience to pull alongside colours, patterns and general design.

A Backpack

If you’re travelling somewhere more rural, or are travelling somewhere where you’re likely to need to keep your luggage on you some of the time, a suitcase isn’t likely to be all too suitable. While they’re great for city breaks, their wheels don’t fare well on rough terrain and they can end up breaking, making them extremely difficult to get about. A backpack, on the other hand, can be carried on your front or back, allowing you to travel anywhere you go with it. Whether you plan to go down dirt tracks, rubbled roads or anywhere else, a good backpack will be entirely suitable. On top of being easily portable, backpacks allow you to navigate your way through crowds more easily in built up urban areas, and can also prevent your chances of leaving it behind anywhere, as it’s literally strapped to you! Now, there are countless backpacks available on the market, so there are a few features that you may want to take into consideration when choosing yours. The following features can come in pretty handy:

  • Sleeping bag straps to hold your sleeping bag
  • Extra support straps for comfort and to help your posture
  • Plenty of compartments for storing all of your belongings neatly
  • Zipped pockets to prevent belongings falling out
  • Waterproof materials to prevent the contents getting wet in the rain

Clothing

When you’re heading away for a while, you’re going to need clothing that is suitable for the entire trip. Of course, you don’t want your luggage to be too heavy, so it’s best to choose practical options that can be easily cleaned and that you can rewear over and over without problem. If you’re heading to a city, branded clothes that you’d wear at home, like Men’s Moncler, should be fine. If you’re backpacking and heading out into a more rural destination, more practical clothing like cargo shorts, walking boots and fleeces may be more appropriate. You should also consider packing spare glasses if you wear glasses. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where your glasses break and you are unable to see but can’t find a pharmacist. You should also pack sunglasses if you’re healing somewhere with sun and hot weather. This will help to protect your eyes and make you feel more comfortable.

A First Aid Kit

Hopefully, you don’t find yourself in a situation where you need a first aid kit. But if you’re travelling to more rural places or exploring nature, you’re going to need a first aid kit on hand in case of accidents and minor injuries. You can buy pre packed first aid kits that contain everything you need. However, if you want to build your own, you should consider having the following items packed into it:

  • Sterile gloves
  • Plasters in a variety of shapes and sizes
  • Waterproof plasters in a variety of shapes and sizes
  • Triangular bandages
  • Safety pins
  • Gauze dressings
  • Small medical scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Microporous tape
  • Sterile eye dressings
  • An eye rinse kit
  • Anything else you can think of

Medicine

If you have medicine that you take, make sure you have enough to tide you over while you are away. You will be able to talk to your doctor about this. You may also want to stock up on basic medicines that you may need while you’re away, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, antihistamines, eyedrops, heartburn tablets and more.

Sure, you may want to take other things along with you too. But the basics are outlined above. Hopefully, they’ll help get your packing off to the right start!

Sarah x

Vacation Ideas for People Who Love Adventure

Vacations are a time when we’re supposed to be able to get away and live a life free of the stress of daily life. Many of us see this as an excuse to let our adventurous streak out. What better time to let ourselves cut loose and have fun than during a vacation? Unfortunately, it can be hard to plan a vacation around the vague idea of ‘adventure,’ so what can you do?

Image credit: Pixabay

Here are the top vacation ideas for anyone who wants more than a simple road trip!

Get To Know National Parks Through Backpacking

Many people think of camping and backpacking as simple, but it can be extremely complicated yet fun if you do it correctly.  Plan a week of backpacking and camping in one of your favorite national parks.  This means following a trail, spending nights roasting fish over a campfire, and plotting out day by day based on how far you want to go.  Be careful; you may fall in love with the park and start looking at Whistler homes for sale.  This plan is best done if you take someone with you; getting lost alone in the woods can be dangerous; there’s safety in numbers with two people.

Travel To A New Country On Your Own

Even if you only speak one or two languages, it’s a good idea to travel to completely foreign countries on your own.  This experience can build up your interest in other cultures, allow you to see your place in the world, and give you daily interactions you could never replicate at home.

Traveling alone takes a lot of nerve, which is why traveling to a foreign country can be so incredibly alone. However, this gives you the chance to get to know yourself through getting to know others.

Take Up An Extreme Hobby

Have you always wanted to swim with sharks?  Are you interested in eventually climbing Mount Everest?  Unfortunately, neither of these hobbies can be achieved overnight. So instead, spend this summer training and learning the ropes.  Building up your skills can be a great plan to spend your summer.

If your goal is mountain climbing, spend your summer and fall climbing new and increasingly difficult mountains.  Eventually, you’ll become prepared for the biggest experience of your life, and it’ll be thanks to this training.

Travel In Interesting and Different Ways

From the Tesla Tunnels in Las Vegas to multiple companies that offer submarine and flight lessons: consider what type of travel interests you.  Taking flying lessons is the end-all-be-all of adrenaline and adventure vacation plans.  Ensure that your studies are from an accredited teacher, and don’t flake on any of your classes.  Most courses are just a couple of months long, and by the end, you’ll be airborne as the only person steering the craft.  Although this might not spark a career with you as a pilot, it will allow you to get out there and try something new.  Of course, if you’re scared of heights, you could always go for the submarine courses instead!

Go for your own level of adventure, don’t push yourself unless you know the payoff is worth it!

Sarah x

3 Travel Tips for Visiting the UK

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Photo by Tetiana SHYSHKINA on Unsplash

The UK is one of the best places to visit if you’re interested in culture and history. If you’re looking for reasons to visit the UK, gorgeous castles, incredible medieval history, and world-class natural beauty should be at the top of your list. Whatever the reason you’ve decided to book your trip to the United Kingdom, ensuring that you have everything you need should be your priority. Here are three trips for visiting the UK. 

Think About Currency and Payment Methods

There are many different methods that you can use to pay for goods and services in the UK. Cash (British Pounds) is still a popular payment method, and you can get money from a currency exchange help desk at the airport. However, contactless transactions have grown in recent years, with debit cards being used online, over the phone, and at ATMs. A Paypal account lets you send money securely online without entering your bank details or credit card information which is useful if you don’t want someone else accessing your personal data. Mobile payment methods such as Google and Apple Pay also let you pay for items. These methods are the best way to make payments and transactions while visiting the UK. 

Think About Passports and Visas Requirements

While visiting the UK, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. However, depending on which country you’re from, you may need a visa. This means that you must go through extra steps when entering the country to be granted permission to enter. These countries include Argentina, Ecuador, Ghana, Nigeria, Peru, and China, to name a few.

According to the UK Government website, you may also need a visa if you’re transiting or traveling through the UK. All visitors must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the period of their intended stay in the UK. In some cases, this may need to be six months. Visitors should also have a return or onward ticket, sufficient funds, and proof of accommodation sorted out. If your visit to the UK prompts you to stay, you’ll need to get in touch with an immigration lawyer who may be able to help you get an indefinite leave to remain card, as well as help you with other immigration and visa requirements.

Be Mindful of Safety and the Law at Home and Abroad

When traveling, it is important to know that you are entering a different culture and society. Therefore, you should take into consideration the culture and customs that are distinct from your own. This will help you to properly behave in a way that will keep you from getting into any difficulties or putting yourself at risk. Also, it is essential to remember that the laws might not be the same as in your country – so it’s vital to know what those laws actually are. Travel insurance is also worth having while traveling, so you are covered if anything unexpected happens, as it can help with medical bills that you would have to pay yourself if you don’t have it. 

Your Trip to the UK is Just a Few Steps Away

Now that you have these tips, you can enjoy your travels, taking in the British culture, enjoy the food and make memories that last a lifetime.

Sarah x