For years, Ben has talked about taking me to St. Ives in Cornwall, England. He used to live there back in the day for a couple of years. St Ives is (so far) the prettiest place I’ve seen in England and the water on the coast is so clear and blue, you wouldn’t really guess it’s in England at all.

Ben took this photo!

Ben was really excited when this year his family decided to do their holiday in St. Ives! His mom, sister (Emma), her husband (Craig), his brother (Josh), and his girlfriend (Tamsin), as well as his little bro (Max), were all there. It was a fun and boozy time as always with them!

Getting to St Ives

You can take the train to St Ives from London, no problem. I suggest downloading an app like rome2rio to find the best routes with public transportation.

You can also drive which is what Ben and I did. We rented an adorable mini cooper from Sixt (I’ve used them for my past few car rentals and like them). We drove from Ben’s hometown, Tonbridge. If you drive, you might pass Stonehenge! I had no clue we would and was really surprised to see it. Check that off the list, haha.

When to visit St Ives and How to find a hotel in St Ives

St Ives is SO popular and beautiful that it can get crowded. We went on a bank holiday weekend, like everyone else there. The crowds themselves weren’t that big of a deal. The problem we faced was trying to find a hotel online before going. There aren’t many actual “hotels” in St Ives and actually because it’s such a small town with little lanes and everything, it’s more B&Bs. The B&B’s are really cute and charming, so I recommend booking one instead of the hotels.

Ben’s family had booked a house before we knew we were going, so they stayed in a really cute place that had three bedrooms, booked through this site which has a lot of homes in St Ives listed. Ben and I got a small B&B nearby.

When you search major booking sites, these little B&B’s won’t pop up though, so what we did was search for them on Google Maps. Funnily enough, the one I found, Downlong Cottage, Ben had stayed at in the past and knew exactly where it was. We called them and made the booking on the phone and Ben did a money transfer through the bank to hold the booking. We paid 46 GBP per person, per night. This is way less expensive than a hotel room or any of the larger B&B’s we found on booking sites. A lot of the smaller B&B’s you’ll find, won’t have online booking so just call them from Skype.

Another thing to keep in mind during peak travel times to St Ives is that with it being such a small town, it can be hard to get a table at restaurants. Some take bookings, so if you have a big party, definitely call ahead. But a lot don’t and you might have to check a few places before you find a table. Thankfully, there are so many tasty restaurants here it’s unlikely you’ll end up having a bad meal.

What to do in St Ives

The best thing to do in St Ives is, of course, the beach! You might be thinking “but it’s freezing”, yes, it is – and English people don’t care. They swim in wetsuits and sit on the windy beach in jeans and sweaters. Not gonna lie, it’s totally crazy lol but we got lucky and had some sun so I actually got a tan and even burnt a little. Even in the sun, the water was way too cold for me to get in.

Some of the crew did go surfing (with wet suits) but I chickened out. For one, it was cold, and two, it was smaller white water waves which I suck at and I knew it would be annoying to probably only catch one wave while freezing my butt off. Instead, I played photographer for them. There are a few beaches in St Ives, and the best beach for surfing is Porthmeor, which is pictured here.

We also rented out little motor boats, which was Ben’s sister’s idea. You can rent them for 75 GBP for 90 minutes (I *think*). They don’t go fast and you have to stay within a zoned area; it’s great for kids. We took fishing equipment which was an absolute failure. You rent these at the Harbor.

If you like photography, there is a really great viewpoint up at the top by where the buses stop. It’s not much of a walk at all. Here are some photos from it, overlooking the harbor below.

St Ives is actually known for art, and people come here to go to the Tate Art Gallery which we didn’t make time for. You can also check out the Minack Theatre, which is an open-air theatre. A lot of people recommended I check out the Eden Project which is a big biosphere housing rainforest flowers and such. We didn’t have time for it and Ben had already visited this, so didn’t go. There are some other activities like a little theme park called Flambard’s Experience, an arcade, and a Maritime Museum.

Ben lost his phone the first night, so we had to go to nearby Penzance to get him a new one. We passed St Michael’s Mount, which is an island but it was a little gloomy so my photo didn’t turn out great:

With the rest of your time, you can DRINK cuz why not!? and you can wander around the cute little roads. There are shops, but I didn’t think anything was cute enough to go in. It was mostly knickknacks and housewares.

Food in St Ives

In St Ives, there are a few things you have to try: a Cornish Pasty, fish n chips, fudge, scones with clotted cream and jam (or cream tea). You’ll see shops for this stuff all over the place!

For drinks, you can go the Sloop but it’s sometimes too crowded because it’s the most popular, so if so, you can go to Upper Deck, just behind which has some views of the sea, too.

You definitely have to have an English breakfast while here! Our B&B (and I think most) will offer this included in your price.

The best meal we had was at Porthgwidden Beach Cafe. I got the crab linguini and it was delish – sadly, I’d already had about a bottle of wine so wasn’t focused enough on eating haha!

We also tried the Rum and Crab Shack because it had great reviews, but I thought the BBQ ribs were weird (it was an odd cut of meat, not typical ribs) and had a strange sauce. Can’t say I recommend it much!

Ben and I went to Seafood Cafe one night which was really good. You order your drinks, then go up to the counter and pick out the meat or fish you want and order your food at the counter. We had mussels, steak, and fish n chips. We wanted to go to Blas Burgerworks because Ben used to eat there when he lived here but never found the time.

St Ives has a lot to offer and it’s definitely somewhere I’d go back to. I think some days there are really nice waves as well, so it would be cool to man up a bit and try surfing here next time! Have you been to St. Ives? Tell me your favorite places there in the comments!

The post Chilling Out in St Ives With Ben’s Family (and some travel tips) first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Chilling Out in St Ives With Ben’s Family (and some travel tips) appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If you read my last post on what’s new in my world, then you know I just headed back to Europe for a bit and my bestie, Arielle, is finally met Ben! This also means I was in England for late summer/early fall, which is very different from late summer/early fall in Goa. Here’s my full London packing list for the fall so you know what to pack for this time of year too!

London Packing List for the Fall

Quick Things to Note:

• Late summer/early fall in England is literally a toss-up. One day, in St. Ives I laid at the beach and got a sunburn BUT at the same time, you couldn’t get in the sea without a wet suit and the wind was fierce. Other days, I had on jeans, boots, a long sleeve shirt, and leather jacket and was still a bit cold walking outside. The key is *LAYERS*
• If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, I swear Kiwi always finds the best and cheapest options for getting there!
• England can be expensive, so make sure you have travel insurance just in case anything goes wrong.

Below is my luggage fully packed for England:

The Suitcase – Delsey

I’ve been using Delsey luggage for years and although I have other favorite luggages, this has always been and probably always will be my go-to. I bought it years before I started blogging and it’s still in perfect condition. It’s been through a lot.

See all my picks for stylish luggage here

I also totally swear by packing cubes for keeping myself organized! I have way too many, and they’re all from ebags. Looks how organized it made my bag! It’s so easy to get to everything when I’m traveling.

The Bags

1 bigger tote bag

My exact one is here. I live for this bag from Bali Since it was a two-week trip where I’d be lugging my luggage around a lot, it was unnecessary to take a rolling carry on. And Instead of my new favorite backpack, I took this cute tote as it could double up as a purse when I have huge days out and need to take my camera or do shopping.

1 smaller cross body bag

This one is similar to mine. This bag is the same brand as the tote, Etnika, it’s from Bali but sold on Etsy. I actually packed this purse in my luggage and only carried my tote on the plane. Since this wasn’t a “blogging” trip, I had a lot less tech equipment to take with me.

Check out all the different styles and sizes here.

The Shoes

2 pairs of mule-style sandals

Mine are Sola Sana and James Smith the Label (the tan platforms).

1 pair of UGG high top sneakers

My sneakers are actually from UGG! You wouldn’t think they have great sneakers, but I got these nearly two years ago and they are so comfortable; I’ve worn them around Morocco, Israel, and the cities – they make a boring outfit look so much cooler. I actually have them in tan, too!

1 pair of black booties

My booties are from Steve Madden. I’ve had these boots forEVER and wear them on every trip I go on that’s somewhat cold plus wear them out partying here in Goa even when it’s warm, with a little dress. They are really versatile and I actually have just bought them in dark brown because they were FINALLY on sale but I left them in Ohio because I’m weird like that.

The Tops

2 sweaters.

I packed just two cute throw over sweaters, one that is heavier and one that is lighter. Both can fit comfortably under my leather jacket, which is important.

10 tops.

This was a two-week trip where I had access to laundry, so the number of tops depends on your trip length. My favorite two tops I packed are the flowy Free People top above with lemons (even though Ben’s bro said it looked like I was wearing a picnic table cover) and the striped yellow tee shirt (which I wore in all my Howth photos) from Madewell.

Everything Else

Leather Jacket

2 Pairs of Jamie Jeans

I live in these type of jeans and think they are the BEST fitting jeans on me.

Sports Bra

Yoga/Lounge Leggings

For More Packing Posts

• 17 Travel Packing Hacks
• Packing for Finland in the Winter
• Packing for Various Regions of Long-Term Travel

Pin “London Packing List for the Fall” for later!

The post London Packing List for the Fall / Autumn first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post London Packing List for the Fall / Autumn appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

This summer, I was back in Ohio chatting with my best friend since I was five, Arielle, when she said she wanted to meet me somewhere this year on a trip. She applied for her passport and we decided we would meet in England since it was the only trip I was 100% sure of. Then she chose Ireland as another place to visit while she was over the pond (post on that coming next).

Ben and I went to St Ives for his family vacation, then Arielle came for the last week in England. We based ourselves in Tonbridge (Ben’s hometown in Kent) and took day trips to London. Basically, I figured that if we based ourselves in Kent we’d save money and she’d get to see “rural” England. We did a day trip to London with the intent to see the iconic sites in one day (achieved!) and then went back a second day to Watford for the WB Studios Harry Potter tour.

I considered writing a guide to how to see the best of London if you have only one day, but people have written about this to death and it’s much easier to just tell you to read this.

While in Tonbridge we chilled out with Ben’s friends, had a rowdy night in Tunbridge Wells, and I forced her to eat Pizza Express and English Chinese food. Of course, we went to an old school pub for a traditional English roast on Sunday.

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Arielle’s England checklist had seeing castles, so we went to nearby Penshurst Place. It was 33 GBP for the three of us to go into the castle and the gardens. We skipped the maze because it was raining (and it takes an hour to complete which seemed kind of intense).

We went to two of our favorite pubs there: The Chaser Inn which is closer to Tonbridge and the Little Brown Jug which is right near Penshurst Place.

We stayed in an Airbnb in Tonbridge which was an annex and really cute. It was like a little attic with old wooden beams and a loft. It came out to around $100/night.

Transportation Between Kent and London/Watford

Although we had a rental car, the easiest way to get to London and back is by train. To get around London for a day, you should get a day pass. You can get these at the machines in the train station and just choose one that offers tube stops all day within zones 1-6.

To buy train tickets in London, you can just show up to the station to book them but for the day we went to Watford, I used Omio so that I could book ahead online (it compares prices between bus, train, and plane and I’ve been using it since I went to Latvia last year). I wasn’t sure what time they started running trains from Tonbridge and didn’t want to mess it up since we only had two days to see London (one day) and Harry Potter (in Wartford, the second day).

In London, the trains go on strike or don’t always run from outside stations from early morning, so booking ahead and knowing the time frame gave me peace of mind. I planned everything well in advance since it was Arielle’s first time abroad.

WB Studios is actually really far outside London and not in the zones, which is why we had to do this a separate day. There isn’t enough time to see all of London in a day and do Harry Potter; impossible! It’s in Watford which is all the way North, so we had a 1 hour and 40-minute journey there from Tonbridge.

When arriving in Watford, there will be a shuttle to the WB Studio. It is 5 GBP for a return ticket.

Other than that, we used the rental car to get around in Kent. It was expensive around 600 GBP for 10 days but we needed it for St Ives, too so it was our best option. Plus, it was a damn cool car!

London in a Day

If you only have a day in London, then you’ll want to wake up early! We got to London around 11 AM, which wasn’t bad for slow morning people like us.

Here’s the map of what we saw in London and I’ll outline it below:

We started at Charing Cross, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, walked down the Mall, then Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, House of Parliament, Big Ben, then crossed the River Thames at Westminster Bridge. We saw the London Eye, and walked along the river.

We passed along the London dungeons, OXO Tower, the Tate (went inside), the Globe, checked out shops in Gabriel’s Warf, saw Millenium Bridge and saw Tower Bridge from afar (my favorite bridge). We went into Borough Market as well and ate lunch, too. We saw St Pauls from afar but didn’t go over to it.

Then we caught the tube to Picadilly Circus and then walked up Reagant street and then Oxford Street for shopping. We then went via the tube to Hackney to Ben’s bro’s neighborhood and went to dinner at Bella Vite. It was a busy afternoon but we were to Hackney by around 5 PM so it’s definitely doable. We walked 8.5 km!

Read more:

• Best places to get photos in London
• Offbeat London you don’t want to miss

Touring the WB Studio, Behind the Scenes at Harry Potter

Arielle and I are CRAZY Harry Potter fans. We’ve both wanted to visit the WB Studio’s tour for years. When the last Harry Potter book came out, you better bet we were at Barnes and Noble with our homemade T-shirts on (17 years old) waiting in line for the book and playing the games the bookstore had set up for the kids.

The studio tour does not disappoint. At first, I thought it was going to because the lines were long, then they let in small groups at a time and you watch a video first. But once inside, it’s just beyond amaizing.

Snape’s classroom was my favorite part. The pots were stirring themselves, and you can see the detail so much on each vial of potions being hand written. It’s insane how much detail went into these movies. You can’t imagine!

They have three of these set up so you don’t have to wait in line to take a photo at platform 9 3/4. I do think it’s better at Kings Cross Station since that feels more authentic I guess and not set up – but that’s the point of the behind the scenes. The magic is there in a sense of feeling like you are in the Wizarding World – it’s really behind the scenes; how they made it seem like magic in the movies.

So, if you’re wondering which is better: Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter or WB Studios, they really aren’t comparable because they are totally different things. If you’re a Harry Potter movie fan, then you’ll love the studios at WB but if you just like the books then you might not like it (but is there any one in this universe who doesn’t like the movies!?!?)

Onward to Dublin & Back to India

From England, we flew onward to Dublin. I use Kiwi.com to book which makes it easy to choose different airports for a return trip: basically, we flew out of Gatwick because it was easier for Ben to drop us off there, but back into Heathrow as Arielle and I both had international flights out of Heathrow to catch (her to the USA and me back to India).

We stayed at an airport hotel at Heathrow, the Novotel. The hotel room was spacious, clean, and affordable. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but you can add it on. Lunch is a nice menu of burgers, wraps, and salads. The hotel restaurant was really busy and even in the evening when we arrived people were down in the bar for drinks. There is a pool, too! I got a late check out so chilled out there until about 5 pm then went back to Heathrow.

You can take a shuttle here but I had a seriously bad experience with them. They are unrelated to the hotel, called the “Hotel Hoppa bus”. An Uber is SO much easier, faster, and barely any more money. If there are two people splitting it, an Uber is cheaper anyway.

The post Castles in Kent, Iconic London, and Harry Potter Magic with my BFF first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Castles in Kent, Iconic London, and Harry Potter Magic with my BFF appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

While in London, Ben and I usually stay with his brother or other family members. There were a couple nights we did need a hotel during the weekend of his sister’s wedding. I chose the Grazing Goat in Marylebone and area I didn’t know much about before going. The hotel seemed cute though. Here’s a review of the Grazing Goat Hotel in London.

Grazing Goat Hotel Review London

The restaurant is inside and outside and the hotel is on the floors above it. While they are famous for their Sunday roasts, we only had time for breakfast each morning as our days were fully packed. At night, the bar stayed open until around 1130 pm and it was noisy until it closed. It was extra noisy for us as we had the windows open for cool air (it was hot the nights we stayed and the hotel doesn’t have A/C as most places in England don’t).

The toiletries were from Aesop which is fun since apparently it’s the coolest new stuff! I hadn’t heard of it. Then I go to Emma’s wedding and she’s got the stuff at the reception as a special touch. My friend Tamsin was telling me it’s all the rage. Whaddyaknow!

The place definitely has a charm to it. For me, being from the states, I loved the vibe and the wooden floors, deer antler decor, and pub like feel downstairs. For Ben who is used to these things, he wanted a quiet room with A/C and as men do, complained a bit. If you’re here in the hot months it’s something to keep in mind. Luckily, the second night we came back late, so the pub was closed.

The front door locks and you get a key for that and your room. This means that the day you check in you need to check in before about 1030 pm to make sure you can get in. Most people do, but I know late check-ins are a thing. Make sure you let them know if you are checking in late so something can be sorted out.

If you have luggage, keep in mind this is a walk-up.

The first morning I had an omelette and toast as I had to fit into my dress for the wedding but the day after the wedding, nice and hungover, I had a huge English breakfast (then when to Ben’s friends Mitch’s house to have another one a couple hours later). Baked beans were the bomb. The blueberry smoothie was also perfect.

Overall, it’s a great place to stay. The area is definitely upscale. At one point there were 3 bentleys on the road outside the hotel. It’s just near Oxford Street so you can do some shopping. Click here for rates and availability.

The post Grazing Goat Hotel Review London first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Grazing Goat Hotel Review London appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Chelsea (London)

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Chelsea.

My name is Angie and my blog SilverSpoon London is a luxury lifestyle and travel blog covering all my favorite things in London and recommendations from my world travels. I was born on the outskirts of London but I’ve lived in London for ten years, I’m always out and about and the borough of Chelsea contains some of London’s most glamorous places.

What makes Chelsea a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Chelsea is one of the most exclusive and up-scale areas of London; the residence of choice for many affluent people and a hang out for the rich and famous, even royalty. With that being the case there are plenty of fabulous restaurants and bars and the shopping is some of the best in London.

What 5 star hotel is the best in Chelsea?

The super deluxe London hotels are generally to found in Mayfair but Chelsea is home to some gorgeous boutique hotels. The Belgraves, A Thompson Hotel (review here) is one of my favorites. It’s chic and modern with a gorgeous upscale restaurant serving fresh and seasonal cuisine. The hotel is also perfectly situated for shopping in Knightsbridge or Sloane street. Click here for rates and availability. 

What about boutique hotels in Chelsea, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

For a hotel with history, check out 11 Cadogan Gardens, (review here) a gorgeous boutique hotel originally built as four Victorian Townhouses. The interior design of the hotel is traditional, with dark wood and Gothic features such as a dramatic sweeping stair case and large gilt mirrors and hanging lights. Located in one of the mews streets leading off Sloane Square, it’s a little hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of Central London. The afternoon tea is very reasonably priced and it’s a great way to refresh after a day of shopping. Click here for rates and availability. 

Are there any fun activities that allow you to see another side of Chelsea?

A walking tour is a great way to get to know London. Chelsea is known for being the home of many great authors and if you explore the side streets you can see where Bram Stoker lived, where Mark Twain stayed and the home of Oscar Wilde. For something a little less high brow you can explore the favorite haunts of the cast of Made in Chelsea, a popular reality TV series.

Where are the best hang outs during the day in Chelsea?

There are some great places to go for brunch, check out the Bluebird Café with its beautiful outdoor space or Tom’s Kitchen for Modern British comfort food. There are also some great stylish pubs that are always bustling with people, two of my favorites are the Botantist and the Phene. Or you’re craving some green space, check out the Chelsea Physic Garden, London’s oldest botanical garden with a collection of over 5,000 edible, medicinal and historical plants. If you’re interested in art, there’s a wealth of choice including the Serpentine Gallery, Tate Britain and the Saatchi Gallery.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Chelsea and what are their best dishes?

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, a three Michelin starred restaurant and one of London’s most highly rated, is located in Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea. If you’re a sushi lover like me, check out trendy Japanese restaurant, Kurobuta on the King’s Road. For somewhere, laid back super-stylish and a bit of celebrity spotting, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is also one of my favorites – and you simply have to try their chocolate bomb!

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

If you’re coming to London, you have to try afternoon tea at least once, I’d highly recommend the Italian themed afternoon tea at The Baglioni in nearby Kensington. For waffles and both sweet and savoury pancakes, check out My Old Dutch, London’s first ever pancake house founded in 1958.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers in Chelsea?

If you like shopping you’ve definitely come to the right place in London. For luxury designers, take a walk along Sloane Street. The famous King’s Road is perfect for finding more affordable fashion and French Connection, Reiss and Karen Millen are some British favorites. For upscale department stores, Harvey Nichols is great for fashion and Harrods has everything from clothing to homeware and toys to pets! If you’re a foodie take a look at artisan food shop, Partridges, and stop by on Saturday for a farmer’s market featuring local and international producers.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Chelsea?

For a quick blow dry in a cool environment, check out Duck & Dry, and for everything from waxing to manicures, to massages there’s the world renowned Bliss Spa.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

I love Bart’s, a difficult to find speakeasy-style bar with quirky décor and a cool cocktail list. I’d also recommend super glamourous, Beaufort House for a glass of champagne before you hit the town.

If you end the night at a fancy club in Chelsea, which one do you head towards?

Raffles night club is a Chelsea institution with a history of celebrity visitors, including royalty. A more recently opened hotspot is Tonteria, a Mexican themed bar and club where you can enjoy tapas and Tequila cocktails in fun and slightly outrageous environment.

Angie Silver is the blogger behind SilverSpoon London, a leading UK lifestyle, food and luxury travel blog, following Angie’s adventures in her hometown of London and around the world. Angie aims to give the low-down on London’s hottest new restaurants as well as cool and inspiring destinations globally. You can follow her luxury travels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google Plus.

The post Luxury Guide to Chelsea (London) first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Luxury Guide to Chelsea (London) appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to York

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in York.

I have lived in York for three years in total, and York is my home town when I am not travelling with my blog. 

What makes York a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

York is a stunning medieval UK city that attracts travelers and tourists from all over the world. The city of York boasts one of the highest numbers of independent shops within a city centre in the UK. York was the Roman capital of England, and one of the great things about the city is that it is very compact and walkable.

It is popular for weekend breaks and particularly Christmas shopping breaks in December. York is also known for the glamour and fashion of York Races.

What 5 star hotel is the best in York?

The Royal York Hotel is my Top 5* hotel in York, although the gym and spa are currently going under some renovation. The Royal York Hotel has luxury rooms and is situated right by York railway station. The Grand Hotel in York (formerly Cedar Court) is another top luxury hotel choice. Click here for rates and availability. 

What about boutique hotels in York, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Located on The Mount, just outside of the city walls near Micklegate, the Hotel Du Vin is a stunning 4 star boutique hotel. It has amazing pent-house suites on the top floor and a bistro restaurant. I would definitely recommend the Hotel Du Vin to friends and family. Click here for rates and availability. 

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in York?

Falconry is a popular activity in Yorkshire. You can visit The Bird of Prey Centre which is just 12 miles North of York up the A19. You will probably need a taxi or a car for this trip. You simply must take a river cruise with ‘York Boat’. There are also evening cruises and lunch timecruises that provide afternoon tea. Head down to the river at Lendall Bridge, or book online with www.yorkboat.co.uk.

Where are the best hang outs during the day in York?

Museum Gardens is a beautiful place to relax. They also do free Owl Flying shows on summer afternoons! My favourite cafe in York is The Hungry Artist, an art studio and cafe rolled into one. The Hungry Artist does a beautiful peach tea and offers a menu with many gluten free options.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in York and what are their best dishes?

I highly recommend the Blue Bicycle on Fossgate and the Walgate Ale House (you must go there for a Sunday Roast). If you enjoy Tapas, visit La Ambiente on Goodramgate. All of these restaurants are walkable from the city centre, because York is a very small and compact medieval city.

Let’s talk desserts in York- what place makes the best?

It’s got to be Betty’s – York is famous for this English tea shop with a selection of beautiful desserts including macaroons. There are some amazing cakes on offer in the Earl Grey Tea Rooms on the Shambles – I always go for the Carrot Cake. Also, if you are a chocoholic like me, be sure to head to the York Chocolate Story cafe!

Tell us all the hot shopping spots in York; who’s carrying the trendy local designers? 

Explore the independent retailers in the city centre, particularly on the famous street – The Shambles. Fossgate also has some quirky shops including ‘Give the Dog a Bone’ – home to many pop culture gifts and images. For crafty markets, these occur on and around Parliament Street at different times of the year. 

If you are looking for designer gear, head to the York Designer Outlet (a 15 minute drive from York City Centre, near the interchange of the A64 and A19).

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in York?

Middlethorpe Spa on Bishopthorpe Road is the best in the city centre. They do a wonderful champagne afternoon tea and spa. If you have a car and are willing to travel outside of York, Aldwark Manor Golf and Spa Hotel is highly recommended.

credit cathedral: r..m

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us in on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Fossgate Social on Fossgate itself is a great place to meet for drinks. There are also plenty of upmarket pubs and bars in York including Harkers, 1331 and Bora Bora.

Evil Eye Lounge does amazing cocktails and has a brilliant atmosphere – their screaming orgasm is amazing! If you want a Medieval experience, visit the House of Trembling Madness also on Stonegate.

credit pub & view: Evgenii

If you end the night at a fancy club in York, which one do you head towards?

You can go to Fibbers or the Duchess for dancing until the early hours (they do some good Indie and Rock nights). However, York is not a big clubbing city – if you really like good nightlife, head to Leeds. It’s only 20-30 minutes away by train. Trains run run after midnight, just check in advance for your return time.

Hi, I’m Amy, a social media marketer, teacher and traveller with a lust for life. After travelling from Moscow to Beijing on the trans-siberian and volunteering with genocide survivors in Rwanda, I decided it was time to quit my job and set up my own business to work my way around the world. Follow me as I explore temples and search for paradise, while teaching others to work remotely and do the same! Her blog is Globetrotting Guru and you can connect on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Luxury Guide to York first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Luxury Guide to York appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to New Forest

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in the New Forest.

I have been based in the area since my university days and couldn’t bring myself to leave!  My husband previously worked in the travel industry, based nearby and so my tastes developed rapidly, they became quite expensive he might say… The New Forest dates back to the days of William the Conqueror over 1000 years ago who wanted to protect the area.  Thank goodness he did – it is a massive area of unenclosed grazing and heathland in between Southampton and Bournemouth. 

Even today it is a protected area and become a National Park in 2005. We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy many of the luxury hotels in the area, we also love the outdoors too and have spent many weekends exploring and evenings or long lunches in restaurants and bars.

What makes the New Forest a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

There is no shortage of places to stay, dine and visit – being so close to London (approx. 90 minutes) the area caters for the discerning city slicker as well as visitors from overseas or those looking for a relaxing break in the country with some outdoor exploring.  Whether you are looking for luxurious privacy, a boutique retreat or some water or land-based adventure – it’s easy to find here.  With such a good choice of luxury hotels there is of course a plethora of fantastic restaurants to enjoy too.  I may be biased but the area gives the best of both worlds – close enough to London, but in easy distance of the sea and the great outdoors.

What 5 star hotel is the best in New Forest?

The Chewton Glen wins hands down (review here) – the UKs grand dame.  The hotel is elegant, timeless and quintessentially British, but it is also moving with the times.  Sweeping up the long drive you will appreciate how large the grounds are.  If you look carefully through the trees you may even spot some of the exquisite and private tree houses which are a relatively new and luxurious addition to the hotel – hot tub on the deck, wood burning stoves, breakfast delivered through a hatch door for complete privacy.  The suites and rooms in the main house are no less luxurious and are sumptuously decorated. Click here for rates and availability. 

Many have terraces or open up onto the lawns.  The grounds here are gorgeous with plenty of places to relax and it is just a short walk down the valley to the beach.  There are indoor and outdoor pools as well as a fantastic spa and hydrotherapy pool.  Dining here, as you might expect, is fantastic – it is a relatively formal set-up but this suits the character of the grand house.  There is also an oak paneled set of rooms that house the bar which are so welcoming and warm in the winter for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks.

What about boutique hotels in New Forest, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Hotel TerraVina is where I would send a friend to stay.  It is a short drive from Ashurst Station which is on the mainline train route from London, just on the edge of the New Forest.  With only 11 rooms the hotel has a real feel of staying at a country house – albeit a modern one with everything a guest could wish for including an outdoor pool, terraces attached to many rooms and stylish décor unique to the property. Click here for rates and availability. 

The owners, Gerard and Nina Bassett, used to own Hotel du Vin but took this on as a new and personal challenge.  As you might expect from the former ‘world’s best sommelier’ the wine list is extraordinary and varied and having dined here on many occasions the menu is always interesting, varied, local and the chef team seem to revel in being challenged by food allergies (nowhere else have I been offered a choice of 3 different dairy-free desserts that could be made to order).

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in New Forest?

The area spoils us with so many miles of coastline and forest to enjoy.  Cycling or horse-riding in the New Forest is a perfect day out in the summer, with plenty of choice of country pubs for a hearty lunch to boost energy.  It is easy to hire bikes or arrange a hack – with so much choice, each hotel will have their own recommendations. 

Through the summer there are regular Polo events at the New Park grounds near Brockenhurst.  Our personal favourite pastime though is to head out onto the water. We always pick Lymington Yacht Charters for a boat as they have some elegant and comfortable boats for charter and you can enjoy the Solent and perhaps visit Yarmouth or Cowes.  Alternatively you could take a trip on a speedboat and see the Solent at pace!

Where are the best hang outs during the day in New Forest?

For beaches then there are a couple of choices if you know where to find them – we normally head to these in the winter for a walk but they will be equally lovely in the summer.  Lepe Beach and Country Park has a fascinating naval history as this is where the troops practiced for D-Day walking west from the car parks takes you to a quieter area at the entrance to the Beaulieu River and the beach is stunning and peaceful. 

Hurst Castle Spit is another spot with plenty of history to it as well – it’s a good walk out to the castle along the shingle spit, or  a stroll along the sea wall around to Lymington.  After a bracing walk there is nothing better than a good lunch and the area is blessed with gastro pubs – The East End Arms, The Master Builders and Monty’s Inn will all look after you superbly (we particularly enjoy the riverside walk between 2^nd and 3^rd of these pubs).

On a summers day it is always possible to find a quiet corner in the forest for a picnic and games.  There are hundreds of free car parks dotted across the park and plenty of well made footpaths to follow.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in New Forest and what are their best dishes?

I really enjoy going to eat at Hartnett Holder & Co which is part of the Limewood Hotel and offers relaxed dining based in one of the most stylish hotels in the area – there is nothing stuffy or pretentious whatsoever about eating here.  A fantastic menu – full of sharing options and homely dishes.  The seating is some of the most comfortable I have found in a restaurant.   There is also a lovely bar, and also a spa – it is marvelous to spend an afternoon being pampered before supper!

Another option would be to eat at The Thatched Cottage in Brockenhurst.  This is a quaint little rickety place with quirky furniture and all set out in a little cottage.  There is however nothing rickety about the food and wine list, we have always been very impressed when we have visited. It is perfect for a winter supper – roaring fire, romantic lighting – it’s a very special place.

Somewhere always getting rave reviews is The Pig in Lyndhurst.  Personally I haven’t had a good experience there, but I will give it another try someday soon – in the summer there is courtyard relaxed dining and all year round a more formal restaurant too which is very proud of knowing the provenance of all its food and sourcing as much from the local area as possible.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots in New Forest and who’s carrying the trendy local designers? 

I wouldn’t say we have designer hotspots but there is plenty of choice for a spot of shopping.  For an enjoyable day out with a selection of shops beyond the normal high street then head to Winchester or Lymington – these are definitely the most pleasant places for some retail therapy and you will be spoilt for choice with coffee shops and lunch venues too.  Beaulieu has some lovely little gift shops and it’s one of the places we always pop to in the run up to Christmas.

Time for a great sunset view in New Forest… where would you go?

Hurst Castle and Lepe Beach are superb locations as they both have a great aspect for enjoying the sunset, perhaps with a sundowner-picnic.  I just love the reflected sunlight across the water.  Sunsets out at sea can be spectacular if you get the chance to take a charter from somewhere like Lymington.  There are some high points in the forest that give you a real ‘big sky’ view of sunset, if ever we are driving across the forest at the right time we’ll pull in to the nearest car park and enjoy sunset in the wilderness!  For sunset with a sundowner – then my two recommendations would be either The Marine in Milford on Sea or The Haven in Lymington Yacht Haven.  Both of these have roof terraces and are a perfect place to make the most of the final hours of sunshine.

Always in search of luxury and unique retreats with vitamin sea, Anna loves to travel in style with her husband and started her blog, Penelope and Parker’s travels, to keep note of where she’s been, the memories, the stories and plenty of recommendations. If Anna can build into a holiday some cycling, sailing or walking and perhaps a spot of wine-tasting, all off the beaten track, then that’s a perfect trip.  Especially if it is set somewhere gorgeous where she  can enjoy a glass of champagne with a view! Connect on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Luxury Guide to New Forest first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Luxury Guide to New Forest appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Sheffield

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Sheffield.

My name is Laura. I’m originally from New York, but for the last six years I’ve been living in Australia, New Zealand, Korea and now the UK. My boyfriend is British and we’ve been visiting his family in Sheffield on and off for the last seven years. I love coming into the city and exploring a different restaurant, cafe or shopping spot – it’s full of truly unique places.

What makes Sheffield a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

It’s the sort of place you would never think of when you plan a getaway and that’s what I love about this city. It’s only 2 hours by train from London yet it feels a world away. It’s full of historical boutique hotels and budding new restaurants without the major price tag of the capital.

What 5 star hotel is the best in Sheffield?

Halifax Hall is by far my favorite plush hotel in town. An old steel baron’s estate, the home has been renovated, but maintains the period charm of the late 19th century. It’s full of rich gem tones and plush beds which you’ll need after their decadent Sunday lunch. Click here for rates and availability. 

What about boutique hotels in Sheffield, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?

Definitely Brocco in the Park. The rooms are full of luxuries – brass baths, huge luscious beds, views of Endcliffe Park and Nespresso machines for a perfect morning cup. They also do a lavish afternoon tea with cream scones and prosecco. Click here for rates and availability. 

Where are the best hang outs during the day in Sheffield

There are so many lovely cafe’s in Sheffield. My favorite has to be Tamper Coffee. Owned and operated by New Zealand expats, they’ve brought the best of kiwi coffee culture to South Yorkshire. They also do a killer brunch. Steam Yard is another great cafe that does coffee right and when the weather’s nice you can sit out in their courtyard.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Sheffield and what are their best dishes?

Silversmiths is the best around. One of my favorite things about this restaurant is that everything is as local as possible. Cheeses are from Yorkshire, meats are locally sourced, and there’s an ever changing menu to suit the vegetables of the season. They have a seriously extensive cocktail menu, and a pie and steak night that I thought would be your standard pub grub, but was so, so much more.

Location: 111 Arundel Street, Sheffield, S1 2NT

Let’s talk desserts in Sheffield– what place makes the best?

That’s so tough. It has to be a toss up between Steam Yard’s doughnuts and the cakes at Cat Lane Bakery (they also do some SERIOUSLY good homemade bread).

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designersin Sheffield?

My favorite shops are down Division Street in the Devonshire Quarter. The Forum has an incredible vintage shop called Vulgar. Then there’s Cow, another vintage shop where I always walk out with something because the selection is simply perfection. Head to Fargate for big brands like H&M and Topshop or walk down to The Moor for the department stores and sheffield’s amazing covered market.

Location: COW Sheffield, 156-160 West Street, S1 4ES

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Sheffield?

Spa 1877 is the sort of place you accidentally spend the whole day (or week). It’s an authentic Turkish bath, they do massages, waxing, facials, threading and have a huge selection of complete packages which usually include a nice light lunch.

Location: 67 Victoria St, Sheffield S3 7QD

Time for a great sunset view in Sheffield… where would you go?

If you’re looking for a really jaw dropping place to watch the sunset, hop in the car and drive west for a few miles into the Peak District. The sun setting over these craggy, green hills is by far the best place to nature spot in Sheffield.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Sheffield is certainly not lacking in pubs and bars. I prefer a few craft beers or ales so usually head to Sheffield Tap next to the train station. They have 11 hand pull taps and I always get a new tasty beer when I’m there.

Laura Bronner is a writer originally from New York. After graduating from college she set off on what was meant to be a year of travel. That was over five years ago and she’s still on the move. Since then she’s lived in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and now balances her time between the US and Europe in search of the next place to call home. Catch up with her adventures on her blog Collecting Labels or head over to her social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The post Luxury Guide to Sheffield first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Luxury Guide to Sheffield appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to South Kensington

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in South Kensington, London.

My name is Nicole Trilivas and I’m an author of travel-themed fiction. My debut novel, Girls Who Travel, is about a free-spirited backpacker who gets a gig as an au pair in the affluent and old-moneyed neighborhood of South Kensington.

I’ve always loved the leafy squares and historic white mansion blocks of this elegant pocket of London, so I had no qualms whatsoever about “researching” it for my book.

What makes South Kensington a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

South Ken (as it’s know to the locals) is all about old-world English charm and culture. With its world-class museums, quaint bookshops, and sweet cafes, it has an understated, real-world sophistication, while still maintaining a warm, neighborhood-y vibe. It’s a must for any anglophile. 

Who lives in South Kensington? Any celebs to watch out for?

Unlike some areas of London that are made up of tourists or commercial spaces, real Londoners actually live in South Kensington. There’s a notable French population present, as well as students and affluent families. South Kensington was home to many notable historical figures including Winston Churchill (28 Hyde Park Gate, SW7) and Alfred Hitchcock (153 Cromwell Road, SW5). Keep your eye out for rumored local residents, Stella McCartney, J.K. Rowling, and Hugh Grant. And we can’t forget about the most famous locals: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (a.k.a. Will and Kate and their children), who live nearby in Kensington Palace. 

What 5 star hotel is the best in South Kensington?

South Kensington has a bunch of wonderful hotels that mix 5-star style with boutique culture. Two of my favorites are the famous Blakes Hotel and the more undercover, Number Sixteen:

The glamorous and lavish Blakes Hotel is a London institution and the ultimate boutique experience. Each room is individually styled to represent a different locale like Corfu or Paris. It’s a great place for a decadent splurge!

Tucked away on a side street and discreetly labeled, Number Sixteen is more home than hotel. Yet with its courtyard garden, help-yourself honesty bar, and sunny library built for daydreaming—it’s anything but homely. This is a spot for quiet escapism.

Where are the best hang outs during in South Kensington?

South Ken is known for all the amazing, free museums. There’s the art, design, and fashion of the Victoria and Albert Museum; the kid-friendly Science Museum; and the always-fun Natural History Museum (which has enchanting ice rink out front in the winter!).

There’s also Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which are perfect for picnics or strolls any time of year.

Speaking of strolling, locals love to have a wander through the small but sweet South Kensington Farmers’ Market, which takes place on Bute Street every Saturday.

A lesser known hangout spot is Kensington Roof Gardens: Set atop the sixth floor of a Kensington High Street building, Sir Richard Branson’s Kensington Roof Gardens gives you 1.5 acres of themed gardens with real flamingos! Stop by at night for a drink on the terrace or dinner at its restaurant, Babylon.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in South Kensington and what are their best dishes?

Check out Franco-Japanese fusion restaurant, L’Etranger. Go for the tasting menu and ask for a corner table.

Let’s talk desserts in South Kensington- what place makes the best?

Oddono’s makes artisan Italian gelato and is a must—especially in the summer.

Also, we can’t talk desserts without mentioning South Ken’s French expats. Thanks to the presence of the French Consulate, Lycée Français, and the French Institute with it’s art house cinema, the area boasts some ooh la la-worthy pastries at many Parisian style cafes like the Kensington Crêperie. 

Tell us all the hot shopping spots in South Kensington; who’s carrying the trendy local designers? 

Most high-rolling shopping is done in nearby Knightsbridge (think: Harrods and Harvy Nichols), but booklovers will love to poke around the twee Slightly Foxed; the arty South Kensington Books; or browse the French books at Librairie la Page.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in South Kensington?

British Vogue calls Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Clinic “the home of arguably one of the best facials you’ll ever have.” For a little something different, try the marble Turkish hammam at Le Kalon Spa, at The Bentley Hotel. 

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

The ornate and formidable Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens is a great spot to watch the sky turn dark as the moment lights up. It doesn’t hurt that it has a romantic backstory: It was commission by Queen Victory to honor her beloved husband, as their royal marriage was actually a well-suited, tender match.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks in South Kensington or a great pre-gaming spot.

Barts is a speakeasy-style cocktail den that serves eclectic and eccentric cocktails out of things like top hats. Bar 190 (in the Gore Hotel) has an intimate and historic feel (it hosted a Rolling Stones album launch in 1968). If you’re into wine, you’ll be spoiled for choice: Try the Spanish spot Fernandez & Wells for wine and a charcuterie plate.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

The young royals are known to hang out at members-only, always buzzy Boujis.If clubbing is not your bag, the historic Royal Albert Hall hosts everything from classical concerts to top pop acts.

Nicole Trilivas is the author of the novel Girls Who Travel (Berkley Penguin, Dec 2015). She has a deep appetite for travel and adventure and has visited nearly 40 countries and every continent except Antarctica (but it’s on her list). A graduate of Boston University, she has worked in advertising, and her writing has appeared in the New York Times online, Huffington Post, xoJane, Wanderlust, Paste, Thought Catalog, and elsewhere. She lives in New York and London. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and Twitter.

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post Luxury Guide to South Kensington first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Luxury Guide to South Kensington appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

On the bank holiday while in Tonbridge (Kent), Ben’s mom and Mick offered to take me, Ben, and Ben’s little bro Max to Hastings and Rye on the coast. It’s in East Sussex on the South coast.  We drove from Kent but you can take a train from Charing Cross in London and that’ll take about 2.5 hours.

If you have time you should definitely take a day in Hastings and Rye.

Hastings used to be a huge fishing port in England but is now more of a seaside vacation spot with delicious fish n chips. There is a fisherman and shipwreck museum (free to enter, donations accepted) and also an arcade area with rides and bumper cars. 

I hadn’t had a “real” fish n chips until I had this. It was served in newspaper with vinegar to splash on it and tartar sauce… delicious! I picked all the skin off and didn’t realize until after that everyone else ate theirs.

In the photo below you can see these fisherman huts (net shops?) where they sell their catch. They were built to provide a weatherproof storage for fishing gear so things wouldn’t rot.

Other than walking through the lanes to see shops and eat, there are fisherman selling fresh catches near the sea. You can choose to go to the Hastings Castle and up the hillside trains which looked a bit scary and went up at such a steep gradient!

I think I’m the only person in England that wants filter coffee with creamer lol, it’s definitely not the norm but I guess the truth is I don’t like coffee that much I like to add so many flavored creamers that it’s basically hot chocolate… so coffee with milk and sugar in England seems pretty strong to me!

Jellied Eels. What is it!?!? I don’t even know lol but I did NOT try it because it looked so gross haha! I got the prawns which were good but I didn’t love the mayo(ish) sauce I put on it. I like cocktail sauce on them. Ben had crawfish and Max had cockles.. which again I didn’t want to try. He soaked them in vinegar. 

Hastings was very cute! We took Max to the arcade where lots of money was spent, hundreds of tickets were won, and Max took home 2 very small stuffed minions lol… arcades are such a rip off but he loved it! Him and Ben did bumper cars… and it was not their best show of driving skills to be honest. They’re much better at playing computer games ;)

After Hastings, we stopped in Rye which was about 20 minutes away if I remember right so that I could see the little stone walkways/roads. It’s got more charm then Hastings but is really small. I can’t imagine living there!

I didn’t take as many pictures because it was raining, but Rye was great. I didn’t get a chance to shop in Hastings, but I don’t shop in England really because the GBP is so expensive for Americans. The shops did look cute though, mostly things for the home more than boutique clothing shops.

I think both Hastings and Rye are worth a day trip from London. Actually, you can go on a day trip to see Hastings and Tunbridge Wells all in one day which could be really cool.

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post English Seaside |A Day in Hastings and Rye first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post English Seaside |A Day in Hastings and Rye appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If I had to choose between living in London or Tunbridge Wells, I would choose Tunbridge Wells (and Ben would tell me I was effing crazy). I am not really into the hustle bustle of cities and the metro in London was seriously as crowded as Indian transport during rush hour. Tunbridge Wells had charm, was easy to get around, and had unique boutique shops, art galleries and adorable pubs that served really good English food!

Ben grew up in “Royal” Tunbridge Wells and his mom now lives in Tonbridge (why the spelling in different, I don’t know). It’s royal because Queen Victoria & Prince Albert used to vacation there as a kid.

It was famous before then because of a hot chalybeate spring that people used to come for a “spa”. The water was believed to have healing properties so people would come to have a sip. Word spread to the Royals, which is why they ventured to Tunbridge Wells.

The well is still there, although empty while we visited and the surrounding area is called the Pantiles. It’s a great place to walk around, shop, and have dinner.

They do a jazz night every Thursday as well. During World War 2, Tunbridge Wells was actually a place of refuge for all the people escaping London’s bombings. It’s also been called the “Garden of England”.

With all the royalty in and out of Tunbridge Wells, it’s not surprising that a royal mansion near Calverley Park was turned into a hotel. Hotel Du Vin & Bistro invited Ben and I to stay, so we popped in for a night. The rooms were perfect and classy and I highly recommend staying there!

They offer movie nights in the summer with themes like Italian, English, French, etc where the movie matches the food. We didn’t have the right time frame to fit it in, so ate at the Bistro.

Being the classy gal I am, I got a cheesburger. Ben had a steak and I was really jealous that I wasn’t smart enough to order that too! Not that I don’t love a cheeseburger, but I ordered one everywhere I went.

Ben loved this Old Mout Cider so much that he bought 3 and packed them for India. Luckily they didn’t break and he actually had one tonight here in Goa! The hotel is known for amazing wine, but other than our drink at dinner we were detoxing from all the drinking we were doing and just wanted to lie in and watch a movie (the Minions.. it was cute).

I love eggs Benedict and am determined to learn to make it myself! Breakfast in England is always so much food… which is not a complaint. Ben had a bath, which was his favorite part about the hotel. English people and their baths… so weird.

The bar and bistro were packed full of people and I’ve been told this hotel is a popular place for fancy dining or date nights. You definitely need to reserve a table. Lots of people go for Sunday Brunch, which Ben’s family recently did for his grandma’s 80th birthday just the week before we went.

Ben’s friends live there and took us to all their favorite pubs and restaurants. I mean, we had Dominoes and fast food too of course! Ha ha, Ben and I always have to get our fix when we are out of India.

Some of the best meals, his mom and Mick cooked! I love an English style Sunday Roast… and I love English cauliflower and cheese.

According to Ben’s friends the best pubs are the Chaser (pictured above) and Checkers Inn where we had such a good dinner – cauliflower cheese, bangers and mash, salad, goats cheese starters, pork belly, and lots more.

We stayed a few nights at Ben’s bestie Mitch’s house (and his wife Laura and their cute twins Lucy and Amber… who stayed shy even a week later!). After a night of boozing, the next day we woke up craving ribs so what to do..? Go out and buy them! Mitch made them with a sticky cola BBQ sauce and we ate ourselves into a coma.

Ben’s mom’s roasts were delicious! I took a photo of the pork roast we had the week after, but it didn’t really turn out or at least show off how yummy it tastes. All the veggies used came from their own garden! It was all so good and I finally had a Yorkshire pudding I liked.. then I had 3 more.

The trip wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Bluewater so I could shop. Being boys, they had 5 guys burgers with me, left me there so they could gokart, then came back just in time for Krispy Kreme. 

We drove out to see Ben’s grandma and her husband Peter at their house (THE CUTEST HOUSE EVER!!) and their huge 50 pound dogs. The towers on her house were used back in the day to dry out hops for beer… how cool is that?

All in all we had a great time and we can’t wait to go back – which will most likely be next year for Ben’s sisters wedding in London. Look forward to more posts from our day in Hastings and Rye & our time in Austria right after England.

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post A Little Tunbridge Wells Guide first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post A Little Tunbridge Wells Guide appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Western europe was the first trip I took abroad. I was so new to travel I didn’t think of it as Western Europe because I was completely unfamiliar with the East. It was just Europe! I’ve put together a sample Western Europe Itinerary that could be done over the course of 1-2 months, or of course longer if you want to travel slower.

This is the route I took my first time abroad. It’s not perfect; I missed some cool places but I did hit the popular “highlights”. I’ve written about each place already but thought it would be helpful to see it all in one post.

In order to travel this route, it was all by train, metro, and local bus once. I actually never had to take a cab. Okay, there was also some hitchhiking. I bought a Eurail pass & did have to make reservations in the popular cities. I visited during summer. Each city has a link to a blog post written about it with tips.

Before you start planning your Western Europe itinerary, make sure you…

1. Find a cheap flight on using my tips.
2. Get travel insurance with World Nomads. Here’s a comparison of plans and price calculator.
3. You can usually stay just 90 days as a tourist.

Backpacking Western Europe Sample Itinerary

Sample Western Europe Itinerary

1. London, UK. A staple in any itinerary to Europe, London has so much to see that you’ll NEED at least 3 days but could of course spend more time here. Your feet will hurt after all the sightseeing but from Big Ben to the London Eye and Westminster Abbey, it’s pretty dreamy. I see people walking to and from work past such amazing architecture and think maybe I could do a 9-5 if it was in London. Here are some Luxury tips for London and here’s a guide for a revisit to London.

2. Paris, France. Of course you should spend a couple of days in Paris. Beware it’s a little hard on the budget. Before the movie “Taken” came out, we were in a train station in Paris trying to think of where to spend the night when a cute young Parisian guy noticed we were lost and offered us his home. It was awesome and we saw Paris with him over the next few days. Sometimes travel is about taking risks, and this one paid off!

3. Zurich, Switzerland. Certainly not my favorite place on this list, but a hub nonetheless. We were forced to go here when trying to leave Paris for Rome and realizing the train was full for two days. This is a problem sometimes in the popular summer months. We showed up the day of the Summer Parade and it was WILD! Again, we couchsurfed but stayed only 1 night because it wasn’t part of our itinerary.

4. Finale Ligure, Italy. We wanted to go somewhere that was on the coast, but not as expensive. I saw online this castle you can stay in Italy for 20 bucks so I emailed them right away to make a booking. It was a cute town and a great introduction to Italy. We stayed 3 days.

5. Rome, Italy. WOW! This is a city that takes some time to see (Colosseum, Vatican city) . We made a mistake of not staying long enough. It is a bit overwhelming so I suggest taking a free walking tour through your hostel. Another suggestion is stay somewhere a bit pricier if it means you’re closer to the center of town. You’ll save on transport- not only money but more importantly TIME.

6. Florence, Italy. Florence was just stunning. I’ve never forget walking the market with gelato and watching the sunsets. You’ll need to save extra with the intention of buying leather in Florence and other goodies like pashmina scarves (which are clearly fake since they are 5 usd). I stayed 3 days here.

7. Venice, Italy.  I know I should go back to Venice because I was a little worn out and didn’t really enjoy my time there. I feel like all I saw were tourists and it was packed to the brim. People go for a reason tough: the little lanes of water and boats instead of cars. Expect high tourist priced food here that won’t be as good as other places. Stay 1 or 2 days. Here are some Venice travel tips.

8. Vienna, Austria. This was also during my “burnt out” phase and also we showed up on a Saturday night, Sunday everything was closed, and Monday we left. I’ve been back since, actually this month, and got to see a lot more. A post on that is coming soon!

9. Salzburg, Austria. The COOLEST place in Europe, maybe!? I loved Salzburg. Talk about a fairytale land. It’s incredible. We went to a beer garden first, got drunk, realized we had nowhere to stay, and crashed with new friends we made at the cutest little Austrian farm-house. Unreal little town! Stay a couple of days at least. The museums and fortress are really cool. A little peak into the magic of Salzburg’s fortress.

10. Interlaken, Switzerland. If you’re traveling solo, this is a town you’re sure to meet some people. There are two popular hostels and lots of youngsters hanging out for extended amounts of time. Hang-glide, paraglide, sky dive, ice climb, rock climb, kayak, or canyon; this is the epitome of adventure in Europe. Situated between two glacier lakes, with the Swiss Alps in the background, it’s the most beautiful place I’ve seen. Stay 4 days or more so you can do more activities and budget for them. Read more; Guide to Interlaken and Canyoning Interlaken.

11. Berlin, Germany. Berlin is the “cool” city of Europe. It’s trendy, fashionable, has great clubs and bars, and has some very open-minded people. Overall, I never hear travelers say a bad thing about Berlin. I think it was a bit cliquey and many cool places are hush-hush, so Couchsurfing and meeting locals is imperative here. I also LOVED the free walking tour of Berlin and learned a lot.

12. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam is full of history, but it’s also full of “coffee shops” and you’ll need to make a bit of an itinerary so that you can be sure to see what’s there. I was 19 and did not see all that I should have. Walking the streets and seeing the lifestyle and everyone riding around on bicycles is adorable so even if you did nothing, you’d see a cool scene.

13. Delft, Den Haag, Maastricht. I’m putting all this together because they’re all very small towns in Holland. I changed my flight and stayed solo when my travel buddy went home and Couchsurfed to these towns. They were very cute and fun. I recommend seeing one country a little more in-depth and I chose Holland (because it seemed safe). Couchsurfing Holland was ideal because I had a host and I really got to see the towns the way locals do. Delft was my favorite.

A few extras…

You’ll have noticed I missed biggies like Ireland and Spain. They usually require flights which I couldn’t afford, so I waited and hit these up on my next trip to Europe, before I traveled onward to Eastern Europe. I don’t want to write about Ireland and Spain in my “Eastern Europe” post as it’ll confuse people, so will mention them here, now.

• If you have the budget, add Dublin to the top of this list, and head to Spain after France, before Italy.

Dublin, Ireland. One of the many places that I wish I’d had more time in- but not in Dublin. Two days were enough in Dublin, but I wanted a week to see the countryside (a week which I didn’t have). I did take a train out and see a bit, but it’s truly gorgeous so don’t spend too much time in Dublin downing Guinness. 7 Travel Tips for Dublin.

Madrid, Spain. Madrid was culturally impressive but for me, a little boring. Many people argue about which is better: Madrid or Barcelona? But I think they are so different you can’t really compare. Madrid seemed more old-fashioned to me. Tips on backpacking Madrid.

my couchsurfing hosts in Madrid who showed us everything!

Barcelona, Spain. The party place! I had a BLAST in Barcelona, even though I got pickpocketed and had to call my couchsurfing host from jail. Eating delicious food, downing sangria, checking out amazing art like Park Guell, and enjoying the incredible nightlife. Nowhere has such life in it like Barcelona.

Valencia, Spain. Valencia was much more chilled out, kind of like a typical beach town- but old school. I really enjoyed my time here although didn’t stay in “Old Town” as we should have. The beach was stunning and we had a blast at the bars. I did find the buses hard to navigate mainly because of language barriers. Tips for Visiting Valencia.

Read next | sample itinerary for Eastern Europe

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The post Sample Backpacking Western Europe Itinerary first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Sample Backpacking Western Europe Itinerary appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Boohoo, for those non-UK folks who don’t know is a massive online shopping site. It’s similar to NastyGal or ASOS, but with lower prices.

They reached out to me with a very interesting idea, but part way through it kind of fell apart to be honest. There was meant to be a giveaway of a backpack with a travel wardrobe inside for a reader- enough for a MONTH of travel! They gave me a few samples to try out so I could tell you guys a little more about them. Although the giveaway fell through, they are giving all my readers a 20% discount with the code HIPPIEINHEELS on the clothes in the “blogger shop“.

A little show and tell of Boohoo’s clothes

I am NOT a fashion blogger nor am I a model so let’s not give me too hard of a time for my lack of being Miranda Kerr. My friend took some photos of me and thank god for her, because I don’t think Ben would have been up to the task. She lives in this gorgeous old Portuguese house, so we took the photos there.

I think this dress was my favorite. It was light and colorful; perfect for Goa. The little black leather backpack will be good for a party night.

Boohoo asked me to pick out a capsule wardrobe, which I did on their site.  A capsule wardrobe basically means that the clothes will be easily mixed and matched to make up even more outfit options, which they pointed out is great for travelers. Other than the items here, there are 30 more pieces I’ve picked to make a capsule wardrobe which you can see on the Boohoo site under my blogger capsule wardrobe profile.

I have written quite a few posts about how to dress in India, in Europe, and tips about boho-chic designers that I love abroad. So, although I love writing about travel, I’m pretty fashion obsessed.

This is what they call a “shift dress” and the fabric was the softest of the bunch. I know it’s meant to wear out but there’s a slight chance I might wear it out and then wear it to bed as well- it’s very cozy!

This black skirt came with a long sleeve shirt that matches (you’ll see below) and the white tank was separate. The kimono goes great over it and I love kimonos… I’ve raved about them before.

So, here is the same skirt as above but with the shirt it came with, a cute light scarf that would be great for India!

The same scarf with the outfit you saw a few photos up!

So here’s the last example of the mixing and matching I did, all with just 8 pieces ordered!

So, I’m really bummed that the give away was canceled because that was the reason I did this partnership. No time in life to dwell, but want to be straight forward with you guys on the give away falling through. You can still get 20% off from the “travel wardrobe”, so I guess for my UK readers that might be worth posing awkwardly in these clothes ; Have fun shopping!

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

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It’s a bit dreary in Goa right now with the monsoon rains in full swing. Ben and I want to visit his dad in Vienna but flights are bit high at the moment and inspiration to go anywhere else is lacking a bit. So, it was really perfect timing when Momondo asked me to take a look at their Trip Finder App and give it a review.

Imagine telling your most traveled friend what you’re looking for and them telling you the perfect spot for you to go based on cities, beaches, nightlife, shopping, or whatever else you’re looking for. The app has 182 possible places to choose from. For each destination Trip Finder contains flight price information, descriptions and pictures as well as practical information about food, taxi, and shopping. You can book your flight through them!

It asks you questions based on mood, interest, weather, continent, month, and probably most importantly, budget.

Here’s an example of the mood options:

It’s pretty simple to go through and pick what you’re looking for. So, lets see what my perfect trip would be based on my choices.

Mood:  cultural

Interest: city

Weather: mild

Continent: Asia

Month: August

Budget: 600 GBP

Apparently, I search for places that don’t exist! Just my luck, but the website gave me the closest match which was pretty cool. I did more searches which came up with exact matches as well. Seems like the trouble was, there aren’t any mild temperature cities in Asia, considering the monsoon month. My matches took me to Europe.

This app considers the start point to be London. When I picked Copenhagen, all I had to do was change the departure information. It does dramatically shift the budget, which sort of makes the budget option of the app a little off the mark for not English, but will work great for people located in the UK.

Regardless of the budget changes, it does give some great inspiration. I did one more check looking for a fancy place to shop with warm weather in Asia this August with a budget of 420 GBP. Three options came up I wouldn’t have thought of on my own: Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Hong Kong. You can limit those searches to best match or cheapest flight (the budget is for a one way ticket FYI).

When I look at Tel Aviv as an option (from UK) it tells me which days that month at at the lowest price to help you choose.

It also tells you a bit about your choice with a travel guide.

I think this app is great practically for those stationed in the UK for booking, and for those outside it’s great for a little inspiration. I think UK folks will see that this app saves them time researching places to go for sure. Give it a go!

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

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Yoga in India and in the West is very different, and as I came to explore it more it’s something I really wanted to share about on the blog. Before India, I took hot yoga in the US and loved it as a hard-core workout. I was pretty sure all I lost was water-weight, but I liked the feeling of sweating that much. In India, I was really surprised to find out what the “birthplace of Yoga” considered “real” yoga.

Yoga in India is peaceful, quiet (sometimes the teacher didn’t speak one word), we meditated for 20-30 minutes before and after, and held positions much longer, so long in fact, that I thought my arms would fall off! I was taught one-on-one yoga many times and told by my emaciated-looking 50-year-old Indian teachers that I should eat once a day, never take a group class, and make yoga my life.

Clearly, the East has a different take on the “yoga lifestyle” than the West. We know yoga came from the East, but when you pinpoint it down, they say probably Rishikesh, India. There’s a reason the Beatles chose Rishikesh to come to relax and write music with their guru.

Yoga in India: Differences between the West and East

Before we get into it, I want to share a few other articles that you can open in new tabs and read. I have been living in India for nearly six years and wrote up lists of the top places to learn yoga in India for travelers based on location. I have prices and what’s included for all of them.

• Top 5 yoga retreats in India
• Best places to do yoga teacher training in India based on reviews and popularity
• Top 5 yoga retreats in Goa
• Top yoga teacher training in India straight from my reader’s opinions and experiences (this is such a great post with insight from people who have recently stayed at the locations)

What I learned from practicing yoga in India, which I wouldn’t have learned from the West.

It is 5 am, the crows are crowing, the cockerels are singing their morning wake up song and the dogs are barking. The sun hasn’t risen yet, but you can feel the heat in the air. Welcome to India, the origin and home of yoga, where else would I do my yoga teacher training. Not only is India the sacred land from a yoga point of view but Goa where I trained also offered me sunshine, a beach and the ability to train with local Indians who dedicate their life to yoga. This is not just a form of exercise in the East. Our day would start with two hours of morning practice with empty stomachs, ending as the sun started to rise; we would cover traditional Eastern yoga, philosophy and adapt our western lives to a totally eastern practice of yoga, worlds apart from the fitness style class in the west.

1. Our food affects our emotions

It was a culture shock to start with. Being encouraged to live a full yogi life didn’t just include engrossing ourselves into yoga practice it also included eating a vegan plain diet. The meals were designed from the Ayurvedic philosophy. The food was plain with limited spices because we learned that food has a big impact on our emotions, plain food doesn’t play with emotions and also caters for vegans, vegetarians and people with food intolerance. Being plant-based it was easier to digest and it made me feel guilty for all the times I over ate in the West and did not listen to my body when it was hungry; I would eat for the sake of it and because there is an abundance of food.

2. More than just an exercise

In the western world, we have just taken one part of a whole yoga lifestyle. It is mainly used as a form of exercise. However, yoga is a whole practice of life and living, how you treat others, the respect you have for your body and the world around you. Trying to be nonjudgemental.

There are 6 branches of yoga with the practice in class just being one of these. Along with that Yoga is an integrative eight-step (limbs) system recorded in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and  comprises ethical guidelines and observances (yamas and niyamas), postures (asanas), breath work (pranayama), ability to turn inward (pratyahara), concentration (dharana),  meditation (dhyana) and the state of fulfilment, freedom, bliss and contentment (samadhi – the ultimate goal of yoga).

3. You need to still your mind

Yoga in India has a lot more meditation but it doesn’t mean it is a cult or a religion. I was very privileged to have had a Brahman teach me yoga philosophy. What the western world do wrong in some styles of yoga is missing the ability to be mindful and still your mind. Yoga can change your life, it helps us to sit still, be non reactive to emotions such as sadness, possessiveness or anger and similar. The yoga practice has to occur off the mat just as much as whilst you are doing the physical poses.

4. Learn to remove the ego

Too often yoga in the west is portrayed with a thin girl in a very unusual position which would be impossible to achieve as a beginner, wearing the latest body-hugging lycra outfit. The images on social media and in magazines pictured in these desirable locations of beautiful beaches or rolling hills makes yoga seen unaffordable and not accessible to the average person. There is little interest in weight loss as our bodies are just a machine to get us through life. It is about working on what’s inside, which is why food becomes a focus.

Ultimately, what we aim to do in yoga is to develop ourselves from the inside, gaining body intelligence on the mat will start to move your practice off the mat and encourage you to have more awareness of what you are putting into the body. Yoga is designed to cleanse your body and mind of physical and emotional blockages, develop a stronger sense of connection of the two, promoting better awareness and mindfulness of the choices we make in life whether it is about the way we treat ourselves or others, or attitudes we express. Yoga is a union of your body and your mind, not about how you look in the mirror.

5. Being spiritual doesn’t make you religious

I learnt that being spiritual was just about trying to be happy. Yoga is just a road to happiness, some people see it as enlightenment but this it is just trying to allow you to lead your life as easily as possible, removing the stress and strains of day to day living so you can be as happy as possible.

Our practice would always start with an Om channeling the vibration from the sound and our intention for the day into the universe; this would follow breathing exercises to cleanse out body and meditation. We tuned into our body and we leaned that yoga is a method to prime your body so it is comfortable when meditating. In the East, the ultimate aim of Yoga is to experience the Truth, by realizing the true nature of ourselves. It is not religious.

6. Lifelong learning

Many people think yoga is like a gym, or like going to a work-out, but that is not yoga

In Indian culture, you go to a teacher and learn from him. It is a lineage and it is lifelong learning. You are taught to have patience and take your time over years not weeks and months like you are taught in the West. It makes me sad that in 4 weeks you can become a fully fledged yoga teacher. My yoga teacher spent 10 years dedicated to his own self-practice before he even thought about sharing these finding with others, there are limited teachers in the UK which can claim the same.  You have to be a student and know that you will be a student your whole life. Yoga is never ending. It’s like the ocean and what we have learned is like a small drop. There’s a lot to learn and for our whole life, we keep learning.

7. There is no avoiding the silence

Many people have come to me and said, “I started practicing yoga and my life has been changed.” People can improve their whole lifestyle. You cannot separate the exercise from the traditional philosophy. I started out in the mindset of doing yoga to prevent injury in sport. Now yoga is my only exercise and I crave to still my mind in myself practice. I notice in my body and my mind if I haven’t practiced. Yoga is more than just an exercise for me. There is no avoiding it because the movements work with the breath they become a form of meditation.’ The continued practice of the exercises will, whether you intend it or not, eventually influence you toward wanting to understand more and wanting to develop yourself outside the practice on the mat.

Booking Yoga Retreats and Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in India

If you are interested in taking courses but want to pay safely and not get ripped off, you can use bookyogaretreats.com for retreats and bookyogateachertraining.com for YTT. These are owned by the same team and they only list the best of the best on there. There are reviews for other yogis who have been there so you can dive in and do some serious research. I recommend sorting by the “top recommended”.

Kelly Brooks is a yoga teacher and writer in London and elsewhere in Europe. She studied in India. Her classes are dynamic yoga with a twist. Her classes are fun, strong, and different each time. Use of unique music will make you bend to the beat. She mixes Iyenger, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa flow. You don’t need to “om” to join Kelly’s classes- you just need to be open to trying something new and she’ll make sure you walk away with a smile! Kelly is an example of someone who gave up their fancy corporate career and followed her heart to what she LOVES! I’d had one-on-one classes with her and she is fabulous!

If you are based in South London (Vauxhall) or just visiting want to join Kelly for a funky yoga session with a beat, the drop in rate is £8 per class. Check out her fantastic blog Kelly Brooks Yoga, her Facebook Page, Twitter, and her Instagram for daily inspiration. To contact Kelly e-mail at kellybrooksyoga@gmail.com or call her at 07 908 185 772.

The post Yoga in India: 7 Differences Between Eastern and Western Yoga first appeared on Hippie In Heels.

The post Yoga in India: 7 Differences Between Eastern and Western Yoga appeared first on Hippie In Heels.