The post How to Prepare for a Flight When You Don’t Love Flying appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Plan For All Eventualities
Whilst no one wants to predict that they’ll be stuck in the departures lounge for an extra five hours due to delays, unfortunately this is a reality which is worth planning for. Make sure you have comfortable clothes, extra layers for warmth, water, snacks, and something to distract you other than your phone. If you’re already feeling a bit nauseous from pre-flight nerves, staring at a phone screen will only increase these symptoms. Bring a great book, a mini board game or even a journal so you can jot down your thoughts as you wait.
Consider Paying For Extra Legroom
One of the biggest causes of stress and worry can be sitting cramped up in a plane seat for several hours, next to people you don’t know. If you’re traveling alone and can afford it, it may be worth paying for extra legroom, or for seats in your preferred section of the plane. If paying extra isn’t an option, bring a travel pillow so you can support your neck if you’re trying to sleep, and consider an eye mask and ear plugs too – if you don’t enjoy flying, sometimes the best way to deal with it is to try and nap through it.
Allow Extra Time
One of the biggest causes of flight stress is having a strict deadline at the other end of the flight. Unless absolutely unavoidable, try and allow yourself enough time to get from the airport to your accommodation or your next mode of transport without stress. Nothing is worse than standing in a customs queue, sweating because you have five minutes to make the train into the city centre. Map out each part of the journey, and leave yourself at least half an hour of spare time to get to each transfer.
Flying may not be your favorite activity, but with these simple adjustments, you can make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable for yourself.
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]]>The post Three Quirky English Towns to Visit This Year appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Glastonbury, Somerset
Whilst the nearby music festival has made the name of this town famous, many people don’t visit the town itself. All along its winding high street, you will find stores dedicated to magic, witchcraft, healing, Druidery and a range of other new age spiritual pursuits. Many of the residents of the town are fully committed to this lifestyle, and most of the cafes and eateries specialize in organic, vegan whole foods. If you’re in Glastonbury, don’t miss the sacred well just out of the centre of town, and make sure to take the (fairly steep) walk up to the ancient St Michael’s Tower on Glastonbury tor.
Totnes, Devon
There is a certain rebellious spirit which characterizes Totnes—when an international coffee chain tried to move into the town, locals blocked the planning permission, in favor of their small, local and independent cafes and restaurants. You will find a range of amazing independent shops, selling everything from handmade shoes to organic wild rice. If you’ve had enough of shops and cafes, check out the river walk which starts at the train station and goes towards Dartington Hall. It’s particularly beautiful in spring, when the flowers are blooming.
Lewes, Sussex
This town is not far from the city of Brighton (famed for its own independent spirit) and it boasts some of the best independent cafes in the UK. Check out the walk around the ancient fort, or go further afield and strike out onto one of the paths which lead to the Sussex downs.
These three towns are definitely worth a visit, for their great food, independent spirit and access to amazing walks.
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]]>The post What To Pack For A Spring Vacation In The UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Sunglasses
The combination of a low sun and brighter days can lead to dazzling light. Whilst this is a welcome relief after winter, it can be a good idea to pack a pair of sunglasses, especially if you’re light sensitive or heading somewhere near the sea, as the ocean can intensify sunlight. Even though the days may still be quite short, you don’t want to get caught out by the bright spring sun.
Waterproof
A light rainproof jacket is a good idea (or, if you’re heading to the Highlands of Scotland or somewhere equally adventurous, bring full waterproof gear!) Spring showers may not last for very long, but they can be intense. Sun filled skies can also lead to false expectations of warmth—it is likely to still be chill in the air, so make sure you bring some layers to wear under the waterproof.
SPF
Although the sun may not be out all the time, this is the time of year when UV rays are getting more intense in the UK. Combined with this, after a long winter away from the sun many of us are keen to get out and about and feel the rays on our skin. Whilst this is healthy, do make sure you pack a decent sunscreen and apply it daily, especially on your face and any other areas that may be exposed often to the sun. Although you may not burn at this time of year, UV damage is not something anyone wants to bring home with them from their trip away.
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]]>The post Three Churches To Visit In The UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Culbone Church, Somerset
Estimated to be around 1000 years old, this super small but very special church is hidden at the bottom of a wooded valley, just minutes from the sea on the north coast of Somerset. As if the setting wasn’t special enough, inside the small church you will find several artefacts and carvings dating back several hundred years. There is also a ‘leper’s window’, through which food was provided to people with leprosy who were otherwise separated from the rest of society.
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
The original cathedral dated from the medieval period, but was lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The structure that stands today was masterminded by the famous architect Christopher Wren, and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in London. The cathedral hosts music concerts throughout the year, which is a great way to experience the space inside the church, or you can opt for a guided tour to learn more about this cathedral’s history.
Tideswell, Derbyshire
Tideswell is a small village with a huge church, situated in the centre of the stunning Peak District national park. The church dominates its surroundings, as it has done for over 600 years! Inside, there are some stunning examples of stained glass, as well as other artworks to see on the walls.
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]]>The post 3 Things To Do In Oxford, UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Visit The Pubs
Pub culture has always been a big part of being a student or resident in Oxford, and the city boasts many excellent and ancient pubs. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, or settling down with an evening pint, keep an ear out for interesting conversations, as these are big social hubs for many undergraduates at the university.
Colleges Tour
If you want to see the university’s beautiful and ancient buildings, book on to a colleges tour. You’ll be taken around the quads (grass courtyards), around some of the internal buildings and will have a chance to ask your tour guide questions about the history of this prestigious university.
Visit the Ashmolean Museum
Oxford may be a small city, but size doesn’t stop it from boasting some of the UK’s best cultural sites. In the Ashmolean, you can see the Alfred jewel (dating from Anglo-Saxon England), stunning Greek and Roman pottery, and more contemporary fine art.
Once you’ve finished visiting these sites, don’t forget to take a stroll along Oxford’s famous canals. This compact city has so much to offer, so if you haven’t visited already, make sure you book a trip there.
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]]>The post An Easy Hair Care Routine For Holiday appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>What You’ll Need To Pack
Pack a small jar or bottle of rich, intensive conditioner, plus a small bottle or frizz serum or oil if your hair is frizzy or dry. You will also need to bring a microfiber towel, or an old cotton t-shirt.
(@lilmisslouise)What to Do
The first thing to remember is, that unless your hair gets really oily or frizzy if left unwashed, leave your hair for longer than you would without washing it. If it’s a little unruly, mix a dab of the conditioner with some warm water, and pull it through your hair. You can also mist it with a homemade salt spray, just combine 1/4 cup of water with one tablespoon of salt and spritz it over your hair. When you do need to wash it, leave the conditioner on until your hair is almost dry, then rinse off (with cold water if you can) and use a little of the serum or oil.
What To Avoid
Holidays are all about having fun, so jump in the sea and dive in the pool if you want to. Avoid rubbing your hair dry with a towel, and this can increase frizziness, and try not to let it bake in the sun all day – wear a hat, a headscarf, or move into the shade. The sun bleaches hair and can cause dryness and frizziness.
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]]>The post 3 Reasons You Should Visit The Brecon Beacons appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>National Showcaves Centre for Wales
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales is a half hour’s drive from Swansea and located in the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Centre contains a cave network that is claimed to be the longest in the UK at over 10 miles long, and has been voted ‘Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder’. Members of the public can book a guided tour around the widest parts of the cave, but narrower parts of the cave network are reserved for licensed cavers.
Pen y Fan
Pen y Fan, which means ‘The Top Peak’ in English, at 2,906 feet (886 meters) tall is the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons and the highest mountain in the UK south of Snowdonia. There are several routes to the summit and once you reach the top there are stunning views to enjoy and lots of other walks you can take should you wish to extend your hike.
Brecon Town
The town of Brecon is nestled only a few miles from Pen Y Fan and some of the biggest peaks in the area. Brecon has an interesting history, with foundations pre-dating the Dark Ages and medieval fortifications still standing. More recently, it has also developed a significant Nepalese community which is reflected in some fantastic restaurants, notably Zeera and Brecon Tandoori. With lots of green spaces just out of the center, and a lovely canal walk that goes through the town, Brecon is a town well worth a visit.
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]]>The post Three Incredible UK Towns Built On The Coast appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh is a small town found on the Northeastern coast of England. It is a site of great historical significance, and boasts one of the most intact medieval castles in the UK. The castle overlooks Bamburgh Beach, a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect if you want a less busy day on the coast.
Boscastle, Cornwall
Boscastle is a small Cornish fishing village on the Northern coast of England. It has several great pubs, as well as a very popular ‘Museum of Witchcraft and Magic’. Boscastle is situated right on the South West Coast Path and has incredible walks both directions. Tintagel, the supposed seat of the legendary King Arthur, is within walking distance and is a must-see for visitors to this wonderful area.
Lynmouth, Devon
Lynmouth is a village in North Devon that is also situated on the Southwest Coast Path. It is also the start or endpoint of the Two Moors Way, a hike which takes walkers across Devon from Wembury on the South Coast to Lynmouth or vice versa. Lynmouth also has a funicular railway which takes you to and from the town of Lynton, and both towns have an array of lovely pubs and cafes to visit.
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]]>The post Three Reasons You Should Visit Naples, Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Food
The food in Naples is legendary—from the creation of modern pizza as we know it in the 19th century to the development of countless pasta dishes including spaghetti puttanesca and Neapolitan ragu, Naples has contributed an enormous amount to our modern culinary world. This is something citizens of Naples (Neapolitans) are very proud of, which is reflected by the great quality and quantity of restaurants and street food stalls across the city.
History
Naples’ history is no less impressive than its culinary significance. The imposing shape of Mount Vesuvius frames the Western skyline of Naples and is less than an hour’s drive away, as are the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii that were destroyed by Vesuvius. The city also boasts the ‘National Archeological Museum of Naples’ which contains many relics from the Ancient World and is considered a world class museum of antiquity.
Culture
The city of Naples has a reputation for being hectic and bustling, but also very friendly and welcoming. Neapolitans are deeply passionate about food and football and the city often has a festival-like atmosphere during the summer months. It is also les touristy than cities such as Rome and Florence, so travelling to Naples can be a very immersive experience of Italian culture.
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]]>The post Three Of The Coziest South West UK Pubs For This Winter appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Habour Tavern, Mevagissey
Mevagissey is a stunning Cornish harbor town, and in winter its frequently lashed by winter storms and rain. Don’t let this put you off – struggle through the elements to the doors of the Harbour Tavern, and you can warm up inside with some local ales, a locally sourced menu and a roaring fire.
The Hourglass, Exeter
Perched above Exeter’s beautiful and historic quayside, the Hourglass has a stunning range of local ales, fine wines and carefully sourced spirits. The food is out of this world, expect dishes such as caramelized celeriac with rabbit pie, and locally caught sea bass with parsley cream. Space is limited, so you might want to consider booking if you’re planning on eating.
Warren House Inn, Dartmoor
One of the most isolated pubs in the southwest, you’ll find this famous inn in the center of the moor. With a fire burning in the grate all the way through the year, some stunning wood paneling, and a locally sourced menu, this is the ideal spot to sit back and put your feet up after a grueling walk.
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