Bok

Bok - a.k.a hello in Croatian. It's just one of the reasons I've fallen in love with Croatia - such a great way to say hello! I've just recently returned from Dubrovnik and its one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Before I went we were told it's like a mixture Italy, Turkey, Greece and Spain. In my opinion it's not - Dubrovnik especially is unique and like nowhere else I've ever been. I love the contrast of the azure blue sea, the old town and its narrow streets and the amazing architecture. Some of my favourite things to do were sea kayaking, the cable car trip which gave a spectacular view of the old town and the walk around the city walls. Also we had brilliant meals with some of the best seafood. I'm mentioning this because travelling is about discovering new places, cuisine and cultures and Croatia is defiantly a place to do this and best of all it's just over 2 hours away from Gatwick. This just proves you don't always have to travel far to find more!

HX
p.s next post will be back to my impending trip - less than 7 weeks to go!

God Save America!

Blaine said 'The United States is the only country with a known birthday'. So as today is the 4th July (Independence day in America) I thought it would be appropriate to celebrate and recognise all the things that make the USA unique, awe-inspiring and must visit for all! If you hadn't noticed already it's a big country so there are a million amazing things that make it special, but here are some of my favourite! From chocolate bars to canyons, it's a diverse list but I think it shows how uniquely appealing America is. Happy 4th of July y'all!

1. The Grand Canyon - so amazingly vast and impressive - whether you choose to fly over it or drive by it, just do it!

2. Vegas - in any other country the place would have lasted 5 minutes, in America it gets more visitors every year. Why? Because it's Disney Land for grown ups.

3. Hershey's chocolate - people hate it or love it. I love it.

4. The Breakfasts - the Americans are best at breakfasts in the world in my opinion - personal favourite stacks of pancakes, maple syrup and bacon.

5. The contrast of iconic cities - New York, Miami, L.A, Boston, Chicago, Washington - how can one country have so many amazing cities?!

6. Sailing in Maine - such an amazing experience, you can learn to sail all while eating some of the best sea food.

7. Road tripping - one of the best countries to road trip in because there are so many places to visit and stop off and different routes to take. It feels like you are visiting loads of different countries in one.

8. Victoria's Secret - Underwear heaven. If it's good enough for Heidi Klum, it's good enough for me!

9. The Weather - America's got it all, year round sunshine of Hawaii, seasonal weather of New York and the breezy sunshine of California.

10. The Americans - people may put their noses up at the Americans but I think they are the kindest people and are especially welcoming and laid back. I always feel at home in America. Mostly though they are proud of their country, which is both rare and admirable.

I could go on forever, but instead of that choose a state and find out for yourself! HX

ROAD TRIP

The definition of a road trip is a 'journey on roads'. One of the earliest recorded road trips was in 1907, the Pecking to Paris road race. Today road trips are vastly popular and can take place almost anywhere. Whatever your route, all road trips result in a journey including stories for life, hilarious photos, too many sweets/alcohol and usually one of the most memorable times of your life. Every road trip is unique, but here are some that i have either done, will do or hope to do in the future!

AMERICA

When i was younger me and my parents did two very different road trips, New York to Boston and Las Vegas to Los Angeles. Both very different, but amazing in their own unique ways. New York to Boston included trying to navigate ourselves out of new york, boat trips in New England and using the pool of a posh hotel next door to our questionable motel! Las Vegas to LA saw us take in a vast expanse of desert that's magical and scary at the same time. Stopping off at Santa Barbra and San Luis Obispo brings you back to reality (well a high class reality!). DREAM ROUTE - route 66 of course! Check out this website for tips - http://www.roadtripusa.com/

AUSTRALIA

This September to December, we will be travelling between Cairns and Melbourne - although on a bus rather than a car i still think it counts as a road trip! I can't wait to visit the cities including Sydney and Brisbane but also the chilled out paradise of the islands and sunshine coast. The ultimate chilled out, sunshine and cosmopolitan road trip. This website is a great planner - http://www.australianroadtrips.com/

EUROPE

I've done a fair few french road trips in my time including lots of french bread, cheese and attempts at speaking french. While i think a french road trip is a must, it's so easy to explore the whole of Europe in a car - no need to stick to one country. A little closer to home, me and some friends have done a few summer road trips to wales which has also provided endless excitement and memories and a cheap alternative. DREAM ROUTE - Italy, South of France and Spain.

Go get a map and start planning your road trip now. The possibilities are endless! HX

The Travel Writer

Travel writing as a carer would be a dream for me. Getting to travel, write about about the travels and then paid for it - yes please! Although I'm sure there's a tad more hard work involved! Jane Egginton has had 20 years worth of experience writing and editing in the travelling field. Some of the travel guides she has edited and written in include Dorling Kindersley, Thomas Cook and Michelin. She also spent four years in house at Readers Digest. Suffice to say she has had a lot of travelling experience and knows her stuff! I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to ask her some questions, so here they are. Also check out her travel blog here (I love it!) - http://www.travelwriteruk.blogspot.com/ and follow her on twitter here - http://twitter.com/#!/janeegginton. Thank you Jane!

Holly - I've just arrived in Thailand what's the first thing I should do?

Jane Egginton - I would jump in a tuk tuk, whizzing round the traffic clogged streets, this always gives me a real buzz. Then, pull up at a street stall and tuck into some freshly cooked, delicious local food.


H - Thailand is known for it's food, what's good to eat there and any favourite meal you've had there?

JE - I love it all. The fresh fish, cooked in delicate spices, the chilli infused noodle soups, crunchy pad thai...


H - For you does Thailand mean party party or rest and relaxation (or both?!)?

JE - I was never one for those full moon parties, but I love to languish on the white sand beaches and usually find myself having a massage every night - they are a steal and some of the best in the world


H - How would you sum up Thailand in three words?

JE - Smiling, spicy, beautiful


H - What attracted you to South America?

JE - The language (I wanted to improve my Spanish, but couldn't communicate in Spain - Latin Americans are so much more patient), the landscapes - the variety - from beaches and desert to rainforest and mountains is astounding.


H - What are some of your favourite places, things to do or experiences in South America?

JE - I love the desert in Bolivia, which also has a fascinating indigenous population. Colombia is extraordinary and I got married on the beach on its Caribbean coast. My favourite is Brazil. The people are so open (they call us 'fechado' - closed).


H - What's unique about Brazil?

JE - Well, they speak Portuguese, unlike the rest of South America, but what really hits you is the personality of its population. Just go - you will understand what I mean.


H - What are your essentials when setting out on a new trip?

JE - I am not a great planner, but I always carry my iphone with me to be connected to the world.


H - Finally for you, what's the best thing about travelling?

JE - Meeting other people and learning about the world.


HX

Gordon's Great Food Inspiration

So it's been a while since my last post but that is partly because I've been indulging in catch up TV and one of the gems I've been watching is Gordon Ramsay's great escape to South East Asia. Firstly because i love food but secondly because he's in the part of the world that I'll be in this December. We will be staying in Thailand for a month so I was excited to see the food awaiting us there! The programme is great because Gordon gets stuck in, isn't afraid to try anything (beating snake heart anyone??!!) and he's honest about what he tastes, cooks and sees. Food allows a great insight into the culture of a country i think and you can essentially sum up what is great about a country in a dish. He also crushes any food stereotypes one may have of a country. Just as theres more to the UK than fish and chips, theres more to Thailand than green curry and pad Thai. I can not wait to try the food in Thailand but for now i shall be cooking up some of Gordon's recipes in south London!! One of my favourite looking one's is his tom yam recipe, check it out here - http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/tv-show-recipes/gordonsgreatescaperecipes/gordons-tom-yam-recipe

HX

Will this prada fit in my rucksack?!

Clothes are certainly not everything....but they can be more than just a practicality! In my ideal world my travelling wardrobe would be boho, laid back and still put together. I like the idea of floating around a beach in Brazil in an amazing lace white dress or looking especially cool in cut offs and a tie dye top on bondi beach.....i some how think that in reality this will not be the case! i think i will most likely wear the same shorts everyday and throw a top away after wearing it a week. A practical rucksack and a waterproof all the accessorizing I'll need. But in the spirit of dreaming instead of being practical for a day, this is my ideal travelling wardrobe in a mood board! (as you can see I've now finished exams and have time to create such a thing!) Although i doubt any Dolce will be coming along with me, i hope i get a bit of style alongside the practical!

HX

Wishful Watching

Guide books, experts, travel agents, blogs and facts are all very useful when planning a trip or gap year. However I sometimes feel that while useful and essential they can sometimes take the fun and excitement out of the trip. It's easy to get lost in a world of penny counting, practicalities and lists. This is why films can bring back some of the romance of going travelling. They allow you to escape the facts and figures for an hour or two and take in the beauty of whats unfolding in front of you. There are films out there that speak volumes about a destinations culture, lifestyle and scenery. You might not be following in the foot steps of Muriel in Auz (Muriel's wedding) but the thing or things that drew you to going to certain places in the first place will bw highlighted. Here are some of my favourites, based on where we are going. So put down the book and sit back and enjoy!

Australia

1. Muriel's Wedding - perfect just to listen to the Aussie accent

2. Finding Nemo - you can see Nemo in Sydney's Aquarium!

3. Australia - Baz Luhrmann's ultimate epic on the country

Thailand

1. The Beach - might put you off unless Leo's there....

2. The Hangover part ii - Wolfpack hit Thailand!

3. The King and I - old school romance

Brazil and Argentina

1. City of God - complete work of art, in Portuguese too

2. Evita - passion, tragedy and perfect Argentina

Costa Rica

1. Jurassic Park - one of my childhood classics!

Miami

1. Some Like It Hot - Marilyn hits Miami

2. Miami Vice - Ultimate Miami

HX