Common Packing Mistakes NOT to make

Whilst every site claims to have ‘the ultimate packing guide’ this one may not be the ‘ultimate’, it is perfect for those who want to desperately avoid making packing mistakes. No matter how many times you’ve travelled abroad, there are still some common mistakes you might make.

    1.       Over packing

Ok, so you’ve probably already heard the rule about laying everything out on your bed before packing, and then only allowing yourself to pack half the amount on the bed. Resisting the urge to pack items ‘just in case’ can be the hardest thing! I know, I’ve been there, but you’ll save money paying for an overweight bag and more importantly you won’t have a back like the hunchback of Notre dame after!

           2.       Secure your liquids

When I first started travelling, I didn’t really give much thought to large bottles of conditioner leaking in my suitcase, until…you guessed it…I arrive in Greece to discover my favourite playsuit covered in Aussie conditioner – lovely. From then on I’ve always placed the bottles in a clear, lockable bag and I even then put that bag in a plastic bag – for extra protection!

3.       Stick to the rules

Whilst many of us pray that the airline staff won’t ask us to squeeze our (obviously too big) cabin bag into the measuring box, just in case they make us pay the extra to put it into the hold. So apart from having the right sized bag and avoiding the panic sweat when you see the staff eyeing your bag. It’s important to always stick to the 100ml rule for liquids when travelling with only hand luggage!

     4.       Always pack your valuables in your hand luggage

For security reasons it’s always a good idea to pack any of your valuables in your hand luggage, and remember to make sure that your bag is securely fastened with a zip and a small padlock.

           5.       Not packing appropriately for your destination

Remember to always read up about the weather before you go, with weather predictions nowadays you can get a good idea of the temperature and climate months before you even get there.

Remember that anything you forget to pack you can buy in the country your visiting, whether that be in the airport or in the local city! 

Top 5 European City Breaks for 2016

Eeek first blog post of 2016 - welcome! 

As it’s officially ‘blue Monday’, why not check out some of coolest European cities to visit this 2016 and book something to look forward too.

Barcelona

Although Barcelona has been on the radar for a few years now, 2016 will see the city come into its own, with visitors not just coming for the nice weather, but to explore the wonders of the city itself. It offers something for everyone, with a patchwork of architectural styles, world class restaurants, family run tapas bars, top cocktail bars and quaint coffee shops – whether you fancy seeing the sights or just enjoying the relaxed pace of life then this city is for you. Why not spend the day at one of the city’s 7 beaches? Or take a tour of the enchanting Sagrada Familia? The possibilities are endless.

If you have the money to spend then why not splurge and stay in The 1898 Hotel, located right in the city centre. Budget a bit tight? Then go for Hotel Jazz, still right in the buzz but without the price tag.

Venice

With Venice already drawing large crowds in the summer, it’s best to visit the beautiful water city in the spring. Venice's churches and museums offer antique sites and plenty of flea markets for you to stock up on these vintage goodies. After wandering round St. Mark’s square, visiting the Basilica, why not treat yourself to a relaxing gondola ride on the Grand Canal, running through the city.

Spend at: Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo if you want some luxury.

Traveling on a budget? Then take a look at The Albergo Marin

Rome

The challenge when visiting Rome is deciding what not to do - there are so many basilicas, archaeological sites, coffee shops, piazzas and paintings to see that you cannot possible fit it all into one trip. Apart from the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Villa Borghese there are so many cafes, restaurants and bars to visit! Short for time? Hope on a Segway tour and check out the city on two wheels.

If you want to treat yourself to absolute luxury right in the city center then look no further than Hotel Dharma. However, the service is equally as good at the Via der Gabrielli, which is located right next to the Geleteria del Teatro!

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that has really come into its own in the past few years, drawing visitors from all over the world. The city is small enough to walk or cycle almost anywhere you want, yet rarely is there a dull moment, from visiting the red light district to Anne Frank’s House to the Van Gohh Museum – there really is a variety of attractions!

The Toren is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for hotels in Amsterdam – and you can’t really beat that! Although, if you want the location but need to negotiate the price then try a Holiday Inn, they are dotted all over the city so you can take your pick of locations.

So there you have it – my top list of up and coming cites you must visit in 2016. Have you been to any of these places before? Got any tips or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you, just comment below!