6 Tips to Make Your Next Road Trip Perfect

Although we're all still at home, waiting for lockdown restrictions to be lifted, I bet I'm not the only one who is dreaming of their next holiday! Whether you can't wait to go back to a favourite place or want to get out there and explore somewhere new, the first post-lockdown getaway is bound to be incredible! 

Once it's safe to travel again, I'd love to go on a road trip and explore somewhere new. So, no matter if you are a seasoned traveller or are just considering a road trip, I've put together some top tips to help you make the most of your next adventure!

5 Travel Books to Inspire Your Future Adventures

AD* | Lockdown and the current situation may have left your immediate travel plans a bit up in the air, but there’s nothing stopping you from daydreaming about the places you might visit in the future! Plus, what better way to satisfy your wanderlust than by getting lost in some inspiring travel books from the safety of your home? Try these five books to get you started.

How to Choose a Holiday that Lets You See the World

Last Updated: 8 June 2021

AD* | Getting the chance to see the world is something which a lot of people lack in life. There are so many countries out there, but only limited time to see them all! This can make it difficult to become a global explorer - especially if you also want to hold down a steady job. 

However, things don't have to be this way and there is no need to choose one or the other. Why not have both and enjoy the best of both worlds? There are lots of different types of holidays and breaks out there which enable you to see as much of the world as possible without having months or even years to spare. 

This post explores some of the best ways to see as much of the world as possible while making the most of a short window of time.

A Quick Guide to Making Solo Travel Work for You

AD* | If you’ve been dreaming of solo travel for a while but haven’t taken the plunge, now could be the time to do it. There’s no better time to travel solo than right now, especially if you don’t have things like a serious job, relationship, house, or family weighing you down. You really do just need to go for it, because it will probably never feel like the perfect time! Let’s take a look at how you can make solo travel work for you.

5 of the Best Places to Eat in Chinatown, London

Whether you're a seasoned visitor to the capital or a first-time tourist, London's Chinatown is always a great area to visit. Whenever I'm in the city, I usually find myself in Chinatown - often for a walk through to Leicester Square, Foyles, or the Theatre District, but increasingly, to stop off and sample some of the area's delicious food and drink. 

Chinatown and the surrounding streets are packed full of restaurants, cafes, and pop-ups offering everything from traditional cuisine to trendy new treats, so I've compiled a list featuring five of my favourites for you to try next time you're in the city!

3 Places to Stay in the Derbyshire Peak District

Travelling is wonderful but with such a rich variety of sights, views, history, culture and activities on our doorstep, sometimes there's no need to go further afield for a memorable getaway! Of course, it's no secret that I love getting out and about, exploring as much of my home country as I possibly can, but I'm hoping to share more and more of my travels here on The Writing Greyhound.

As a result, I've compiled a little list featuring just a few of my favourite places to stay in the Derbyshire Peak District - a brilliant part of the country that's off the usual tourist trail.

3 Walks in the Derbyshire Peak District

Last Updated: 24 April 2021

The Derbyshire Peak District is a wonderful part of the country, filled with rolling countryside, picturesque views, and plenty of exciting places to visit and things to do. The Peak District is also a haven for those who like to stay active and get out and about, boasting a wide variety of trails and country walks suitable for people of all ages.

To pique your interest, here are three of my favourite walks in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Walking in the Footsteps of a Serial Killer: The Jack the Ripper Tour

History has always been a big interest of mine, especially when it comes to learning more about my own country’s past. I love delving into the pages of history books and allowing the characters who populate the pages to come to life – it’s the perfect opportunity to learn from the past as well as broaden your own knowledge.

So, when I was invited along on a special media-only tour following in the footsteps of the infamous Jack the Ripper, there was only ever going to be one answer!

Is Long-Term Travel Right for Your Life?

AD* | Long-term travel is something many of us dream about. When we are tired of the rat race and bored of our regular surroundings, the thought of taking time out to cross destinations off our travel bucket list is a wonderful one. But is it realistic? Is it an ideal that we can accomplish, or is it just a pipe dream? I can't answer for you, but I do have some pointers to help your thinking.

Touring Highgate Cemetery: A Day Out with a Difference

This post has been a while in the making (given that I visited back in August!) but I am super excited to share all the details of my summer trip to North London to take a tour of the iconic Highgate Cemetery. From famous graves to outstanding funerary architecture, inspired by everyone from the Romans to the Egyptians, find out why I believe that this Victorian masterpiece is a true hidden gem.

Another Week in Wales: Day Seven

Day one: Aberystwyth

Day two: Barmouth

Day three: Porthmadog, via Portmeirion

Day four: Y Felinheli, via a whistle-stop tour of Snowdonia

Day five: Snowdon

Day six: Conwy, via a day trip around Anglesey

Day seven: Betws-y-Coed, via Llandudno

Another Week in Wales: Day Six

Day one: Aberystwyth

Day two: Barmouth

Day three: Porthmadog, via Portmeirion

Day four: Y Felinheli, via a whistle-stop tour of Snowdonia

Day five: Snowdon

Day six: Conwy, via a day trip around Anglesey

Another Week in Wales: Day Five

Day one: Aberystwyth

Day two: Barmouth

Day three: Porthmadog, via Portmeirion

Day four: Y Felinheli, via a whistle-stop tour of Snowdonia

Day five: Snowdon

Another Week in Wales: Day Four

Day one: Aberystwyth

Day two: Barmouth

Day three: Porthmadog, via Portmeirion

Day four: Y Felinheli, via a whistle-stop tour of Snowdonia

Another Week in Wales: Day Three

Day one: Aberystwyth

Day two: Barmouth

Day three: Porthmadog, via Portmeirion

Another Week in Wales: Day Two

Day one - Aberystwyth.

Day two - a short drive along the coast to Barmouth.

Another Week in Wales: Day One

Long-term readers of TheWriting Greyhound may remember my travelogue of last summer's holiday, where my partner and I did a tour of mid and south Wales. We started in Aberystwyth and over the course of the week, worked our way down along the Pembrokeshire coast before heading back up through the Brecon Beacons.

Since we both enjoyed last year's week in Wales so much, we decided to complete our Welsh adventure this year by touring the north of the country. From the rugged coastline of North Wales to the island of Anglesey and the dizzying heights of Snowdonia, this is the story of our second week in Wales.

5 Unmissable Places to Visit in Croatia

AD* | Croatia is a wonderful destination for a holiday, providing the perfect blend of culture, history and heritage and that all-important warm weather! Although there are endless things to do and places to visit, there are a number of must-see attractions and destinations that are sure to feature on any round-up list. Therefore, I've compiled a few of my favourites to share with you below!

Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you fancy taking some time away from the coast, head inland for a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Officially designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979, Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's premier National Park. Take a relaxing stroll through the wonderful landscape or alternatively, get a bit more adventurous with a hike through the Park. Don't miss the outstanding terraced lakes and waterfalls that Plitvice Lakes has to offer.

Diocletian's Palace

This ancient palace was originally built in the fourth century AD for Diocletian, the Roman Emperor at the time. This fascinating example of ancient history and architecture remarkably still remains in use today, breathing life into the modern-day town of Split. Offering a splendid mixture of homes, businesses, shops and eateries, this stunning wonder is undeniably well worth a visit.

Dubrovnik

Of course, no trip to Croatia would be complete without a visit to Dubrovnik. One of the most frequently visited and best-known cities in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik lies along the coast and offers a wealth of attractions and sights for tourists. Take a walk in the footsteps of countless others by strolling along the ancient walls of Dubrovnik, originally built as a means of defending the city. Alternatively, embrace the more modern side of the city and tour the filming locations used in the hit TV show Game of Thrones, or simply step back and relax against the blissful backdrop of the Adriatic Sea.

Zlatni Rat

Also known as the 'Golden Cape', the Zlatni Rat is situated on the southern coast of the island of Brač. Boasting impressive coastal views, clear waters and beautiful white sand, this humble spit of land is the ultimate picture-postcard destination. For the more adventurous holidaymakers, watersports like windsurfing are also popular here.

Srđ

If you are planning a trip to take in the sights and sounds of Dubrovnik, don't miss your chance to also pay a visit to Srđ. This mountain flanks the city and offers the perfect opportunity to escape the city walls and get back to nature. Take a walk on one of the mountain's trails and make sure to check out Fort Imperijal, a defensive military fort built during the Napoleonic Wars.

In addition to its wide variety of exciting things to do, Croatia is sure to offer visitors an unforgettable holiday featuring stunning scenery and rich local culture. If you are interested in booking a trip to Croatia, look no further than HolidayGems for an affordable, memorable summer break.

So, whether you are planning your next fun-filled getaway, searching for the perfect honeymoon destination or simply researching where to visit next, consider Croatia for your upcoming travel plans. With so much to offer, there really is something for everyone in this wonderful part of the world.

* This is a sponsored post

Have you ever been to Croatia? Do you have any additional attractions or destinations to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

5 Places to Stop on Your Californian Road Trip

AD* | A Californian road trip is on many people’s bucket lists. Offering the chance to enjoy some incredible adventures and see some of America’s most famous cities, it really is the trip of a lifetime. My brother just got back from a trip to California, Vegas and Death Valley and it got me thinking - if I was lucky enough to visit this part of the world, where would I go? What would I want to see?

How do you even start planning a big trip like this? Making a list of the destinations you want to visit is a great start.

To help give you some inspiration, here are five places to add to your Californian road trip bucket list.

3 European Travel Destinations Not to Be Missed Off Your Bucket List

If you’ve been out and about and caught the travel bug, then the chances are that you’ve probably started a travel bucket list. Throwing caution to the wind and wondering how you will ever be able to afford to travel to all of the places you want to visit may be an issue, but with some careful planning and preparation, travel is easily accessible to all. If you are in the process of creating your travel bucket list, here are three destinations that you should definitely not miss off your list. Whether you are a thrill seeker or a relaxation lover, these destinations have something special and are guaranteed to make you fall in love with them.

Iceland

If you are a lover of Game Of Thrones and prefer to seek out action-packed moments and thrill-seeking adventures, Iceland is the place to visit. You can relax in a hot spring whilst lying under the stars waiting for the Northern Lights to make their spectacular appearance. There is even a scientific equation for working out the best month to see the Northern Lights, so you have the best chance of seeing them. You can also take an adventure into Langjokull glacier, descend into a dormant volcano, and dive between continents in Lake Pingvallavatn. Your itinerary is sure to be full to bursting with fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Lake Bled

Bled is Slovenia’s most picture-perfect, postcard-worthy, place to visit. If it’s not the emerald green lake that takes your breath away, it will be the medieval castle that just holds on to the edge of a rocky cliff. This destination has great activities for thrill seekers - there is cliff diving, white river rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, paragliding and so much more. You can even take a helicopter ride to see the spectacular views from the air. For the less adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails, biking routes, and sightseeing tours to keep you busy. No one will be bored at this picturesque destination, and everyone will have some amazing memories to take home, as well as enough pictures to keep their Instagram accounts busy for months to come!

Paris

Paris is known as the city of love, and there is a very good reason for this. Standing outside the Eiffel Tower under the stars, just as it begins to sparkle, is one of the most magical moments you will ever experience on your travels. There is nothing quite like walking through the Paris streets at night and experiencing the amazing buzz of culture the city has to offer. For Disney fans, Paris holds the famous Notre Dame - minus the hunchback - and for music lovers, you can stand on the airy grates outside The Moulin Rouge and have your own Marilyn Monroe moment. There are also the breathtaking Sacre Coeur and the Champs-de-Elysees for the ultimate luxury shopping experience.

Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are top destinations that are close to a lot of travel lovers' hearts. If you are struggling to decide on where to jet off to next, going to one of these three destinations will ensure you have a fantastic time with zero regrets about the experience.

Have you visited any of these destinations? Let me know in the comments below!