2015s Top Travel Destinations

OK people. Leave London, Paris and New York aside. You can visit those at any point in your life. Here are my 20 most sought after destinations of 2015. These are not only the locations that I personally want to go to, but some of these destinations are getting much hype in the up and coming months. Book tickets while you can, I expect everybody will be on the bandwagon by next year! And seeing as this is the busiest two weeks of the year to book a trip, you might need some last minute inspo. Let's begin ...

Europe

Berlin, Germany There's something about Berlin, a newly reunited city that was once split in two, it has risen out of the ashes o WWII and completely reinvented itself. The street style in Berlin is truly edgy and cool, much in the way of khaki and leather, what's not to love? Museum Island is not to be missed, and all of the history surrounding Berlin is truly unique. It also happens to be one of the best cities in Europe for nightlife and drinking, this year being the 65th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Berlin, beer anybody?

 

 

 

 
Stockholm, Sweden I absolutely love the idea of Stockholm. Scandinavian chic all the way. It's a city which consists of loads of tiny islands and some seriously cool people. If you're looking for some Viking-esque history and incredibly beautiful people, Stockholm is the place to be. Not to mention that I hear it has some of the best undiscovered food in Europe and tonnes of great shopping.

 

Prague, Czech Republic This is the one place on my list that I have actually been too and I can vouch that in summer or in winter, Prague is like a picturesque Eastern European fairytale. It was one of the cities that was left relatively unscathed by WWII (talking about architecture only) but it has been left with some scars over the past century or so. Only rising out of communism 25 years ago, this city is incredible. The castle is over 1000 years old and there is surprising beauty around every corner (as well as the biggest nightclub in Europe!) Check out my Prague blog here.

 

Milan, Italy This year Milan is the host of the expo 2015. There will be fairgrounds, special exhibitions and FOOD. There will be tons of new, tasty food to try out. What more could you ask for? Milan is spectacular all year round, it's Italy's capital of style. Take in the Gothic architecture and of course, all the works of art there!

Bath, UK Although Britain has many beautiful cities and more history than it knows what to do with, I'm not really sure that any city can compete with Bath. It has one of the world's most well looked after Roman bathhouses and loads of stunning Georgian architecture. Plus the cobbled streets are littered with many cute coffee shops for you to sit back and people watch in.
 

 

Norway. Do you wanna build a snowman?! You guessed it! Frozen is based in Norway, and everyone loves Frozen, right? But in all seriousness, Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. All right, it's not particularly warm, but it has spectacular views that you can only dream of. Breathtaking fjords, fantastic hikes and the Northern Lights if you're lucky! Oslo is also one of the most chilled-out capitals and everyone is so friendly.

 

Malta. A Mediterranean paradise island. The capital of Valletta has over 500 years of history into such a small space! The streets of Valletta pack in cathedrals, palaces and wonderful views of the harbour. This place has the best parts of a city break and a summer holiday all in one!

 


Croatia This one is for all of my Game of Thrones fans out there (including me). Croatia is seriously stunning, if you fancy kicking it back in King's Landing, head on over to Dubrovnik to make your fantasies of the show come true. Croatia is the new Greece in sense that it's 'another day, another island'. I love the idea that it's towns are all walled-in and alleyways have hundreds of stone steps, not to mention the iridescent blue of the Adriatic sea. I'll be seeing you soon, Croatia!
 

Other Adriatic Locations Although beautiful, Croatia has become insanely expensive this year compared to recent years Joining the EU really helped them out as they have caught on that they are a top holiday destination now. BUT if you fancy Adriatic beauty without the ridiculous pricetag, head on over to the neighbouring countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro. Both stunning, both quiet, both are not to be missed. Bet you didn't know how beautiful they were, right?

 

North America

Toronto, Canada Everyone goes to New York, but not everyone experiences Toronto, now THE most multiculturally diverse city in the world. Yes, you read that right, Toronto. It has a skyline to envy all major cities and neighbourhoods with residents from all over the globe. Here you'll experience more cultures, foods, flowers, shopping than ever before. Plus, Niagra Falls is only a day trip away if you fancy some natural beauty.

 

Washington D.C, USA The capital of the United States is set to be a huge tourist destination over the upcoming years. With more monuments and memorials than people (not really, but you know what I mean), there's always something to discover in DC. Check out the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a Mall like you've never experienced before. Plus loads of great legendary home-grown eateries and used book stores to lose yourself in.

 

New Orleans, USA New Orleans is a place which has forever been a dream of mine. There's something about the infusion of the Deep South, France, Britain and Jazz that has attracted me (and the seafood). Embrace the cultures, take a stroll along the river and enjoy the sunshine.

 

Cuba. Cuba is making history at the moment, and what comes soon after that? Tourists. Reduced travel restrictions make it easier than ever to visit this beautiful, colourful Caribbean location. Spend time wandering the streets of Havana, or chill out on the beach. Cuba has it all. Not to mention that it's the 500th anniversary of Santiago de Cuba, which means a week long carnival in July!
 

South America

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I'm just going to say it, you are never going to catch this city at a better time than the next two years. Directly in between hosting the World Cup and the Olympic Games, Rio has had some serious impact on the globe. From it's glorious mountains to it's controversial beaches, it really is a city of understated beauty. This city was made to be explored.
 

Asia

Vietnam Fancy Thailand this year? Try Vietnam instead, equally exotic and extraordinary just without as many tourists (and ladyboys). Vietnam has some breath taking natural beauty in its mountains, beaches, forests and rivers. The river cruises are apparently unmissable. And Thai food should envy Vietnamese food, it's that good.

 

Oman No, I'm serious. I've heard so much speculation about Oman becoming a top destination in the near future and my advice is get there and experience it the way it is while you can. Although Abu Dhabi and Dubai are amazing and unmissable, they don't really represent the true Arabian country anymore as it seems the cities are fuelled by wealth, and if I do say so, greed. Whereas Oman is still as it always was as lonely planet says 'Oman is the perfect destination for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still wanting to sense its ancient soul'.

 

Singapore One of the world's smallest countries, with one of the world's best airports. Singapore is seen as a gateway to the east for many European travellers. It merges the best of the Asian and Western cultures into one incredible city/country. Singapore zoo has been picked as one of the world's best and the botanical gardens and the nature reserve are a great way of escaping the buzz of the city.

 

Indonesia Indonesia has thousands of islands, hundreds of languages spoken and the most incredible scenery all in one county. With beaches and volcanoes to visit, Indonesia certainly isn't short of things to do or places to go. Plus Bali is a hugely sought after destination right now, experience it while you can.

Australasia

New Zealand Now that the Hobbit trilogy is officially over (I'm all right, I swear), there has never been a better time to visit New Zealand. It's a country where both English and Australian natives can find themselves at home, although in unfamiliar territory. One of my cousins went to New Zealand 10 years ago and never looked back. Why would he? With such breath taking scenery and welcoming people, I can see why New Zealand is well loved.

 

Africa

Gambia Once again, I'm serious. Despite The Gambia being Africa's smallest country, it is most certainly making an impact on the tourism market. 5* resorts on gorgeous Atlantic beaches are emerging amongst the wildlife life parks out there. It appears to be the perfect way to ease yourself into the African culture, and heat. The markets and nature are out of this world.

 

 

 

 

So there are my top 20 destinations of 2015. Yes, they are a little different and off the beaten track, but, I can bet that these will be the places that everyone will be raving about in a few years. Croatia might be the next Santorini, Singapore the next Bangkok ... you never know. If you have been to any of these places let me know if you enjoyed them in the comments, or even if you're going this year. I'd love to know about everyone's adventures.

Happy travelling

CJ x

 

 

 

Disclaimer: none of these pictures are my own. I wish they were though.

Everyday thoughts of somebody in their 20s.

This isn't the most exciting of blogposts, but have you ever just completely lost your train of thought because you're too busy thinking about insignificant things? And then you sit there and wonder how many other people are thinking the same thing. No? Just me? OK, well anyway, here are my thoughts in one day, I hope you all think the same things:

1. WHY is it so cold? And dark? And early? I want to go back to bed.

2. Do I have time for breakfast? Probably not. I should have got out of bed earlier.

3. It's not acceptable to wear yoga pants to uni twice in one week is it?

4. Aaaaand now I'm late. Great.

5. Excuse me Mr 9 year old Audi. Just because you're wearing a suit and drive a slightly better car does not mean the motorway belongs to you.

6. Bitch took my parking space. 

7. I have no idea what the fuck is going on.

8. I'm hungry.

9. I probably shouldn't be on instagram. I should be listening to this guy talk about ministerial respons...

10. Why does SHE have abs? She doesn't even deserve them.

11. Was I singing that out loud?

12. Did she get dressed in the dark or is wearing leggings as pants intentional?

13. I hope people don't judge me this much.

14. Men should not wear pants that tight and sit like that. I can see the outline of his balls.

15. I wonder how many people would notice if I left early.

16. Oh but of course I can't leave early because I'll be criticized for being lazy.

17. Wait, what did I miss? Everyone's writing something, shit.

18. Food. Food. Food. Food. Food.

19. That looks awful but smells so good.

20. Ofcourse if I buy food I can't buy a starbucks...

21. Coffee is more important.

22. Ok, let's look at my to do list. It can't be that bad.

23. How do I still have 17 chapters left to read? I just read 2 whole chapters, not possible. Fuck that.

24. I REALLY need to go to the gym tonight.

25. Then again, I haven't been in 3 weeks so I guess another day won't make a difference.

26. But I can't go tomorrow because I have work. Fucking work, why does it exist?

27. Whoa, how did I get half way through my chapter yet none of it's gone in? I don't know how I feel about that.

28. This subject shouldn't even exist.

29. Nobody gives a shit about your boyfriend.

30. HOME TIME.

31. Hehe I just saw the man in the car next to me pick his nose.

32. I just got from chester to warrington in 30 mins. I don't know if I'm proud or ashamed.

33. I smell food, but I don't see food. My household has betrayed me.

34. I want new clothes.

35. Why is sports luxe even a thing? Surely nobody looks good in it.

36. Dr Pepper, whats the worst that can happen? I'll get fat, that's what. But it's so good.

37. Let's go to the gym so I can wear my new workout clothes

38. Stop looking at me while I run. Gym creep.

39. She's got a nice bum. I'm going to go on that machine next so mine looks like that.

40. It's ok, nobody saw me fall over *silently cry and limp out of sight*

41. NO. Wearing a normal bra under a sports bra is unnecessary and not ok.

42. I'm so excited for Friday

43. Oh look, somebody's fucked me over yet again. Shocker.

44. I wish I tried harder at school, then I'd be doing a maths degree.

45. Then again, what would one do with a maths degree?

46. Who the fuck says one?!

47. *Leaves the gym* I'm hungry.

48. It's too late for a shower now. I'll have to have one in the morning.

49. Which means I should probably go to bed now.

50. Look at my nails, I can't even deal

51. I'm such a bad excuse for a girl.

52. I'M SO PALE.

53. Should I really be putting fake tan on at midnight?

54. And now I can't sleep :(

55. I'm hungry


If anybody else has these thoughts or similar please let me know so I feel less of a weirdo. It dawned on me just how much I stray off topic and how strange some of my thoughts really were. So yesterday I wrote them all down in a notebook and this is the result. To all similar thinkers out there - Yes. We are awful human beings
CJ x

How to Stay/Get Organised

Let's talk about organisation.
I know there are thousands of you that just don't know how to keep up on tasks, or even how to tackle them to begin with. I used to be one of those people, I never used to do anything and I would always be late for things. Being disorganised would lead to me being so stressed out and I just felt frustrated and busy a lot of the time. But now, I'd say I'm quite an organised person, borderline obsessively organised person.
I'm not claiming to be perfect in any way, I do still drop the ball on a few tasks and I still leave things till the last minute! But my tasks are much more manageable when I stick to my system. Everything has a place and there's a place for everything so to say (although my bedroom is still a mess, but we can ignore that).
In the way of work, or makeup or clothes. My stuff is sorted out just the way I like it and I always know what I have to do. Therefore, I have devised some tips to help you manage tasks more efficiently too!

1. To do lists
I have to have a to-do list at all times. And although it constantly has 20 things on it, I still feel so much better for having it. I even have to-do lists for different areas of my life. I have a University list (sigh, my longest one), a general life list - which reminds me, I need to put windscreen wash in my car! - and a travel list so I know what needs doing before my next trip. You can either write these down in a notebook (my next point), grab yourself a memo or sticky notes pad, or download one of the list apps - these can even sync to your emails and let you know your deadlines! It also helps to have a little memo pad lying around to write these lists on! 


2. Notebook
This is something that I have only recently used religiously, I bought a nice new paperchase one just to motivate me to use it more. In here I have more lists - upcoming blogposts, places I want to see on my next trip, makeup I need to try etc. It's a really good way of having all of your thoughts and ideas in one place so you don't forget them!

3. Diary
I have always loved having a planner for school/college/university. I also put any birthdays I may forget in there. Not only are my deadlines in my diary. but I put in reminders for the week before just so I'm sure I won't forget! If it's possible, write your academic timetable or your work's rota in your diary too and put any extras in there as well.

Notebook, Diary and Memo Pad all from paperchase

4. Colour code
These are two words that I absolutely live by. Pretty much everything in my life is either colour coded, or it's organised by colour in some way. All of my modules at university have a coloured folder and I write my notes down for each topic corresponding to that colour. That way, when it comes to revision, I can easily know what I need. My lipsticks and even my to do lists are colour coded too.  (I know, I'm a little insane)

5. Separate.
An extension of my last point would be to separate chunks of things. This means have a different folder for every subject at school. Organise your wardrobe so that summer clothes are on one side and winter on another. If you can't do that, put coats and jackets in one place, then jumpers, tops, pants, skirts, dresses, playsuits and accessories all following.

Multicoloured folders £2.99 each at whsmith

6. Tackle the most difficult/most urgent task first
Say you have about 20 things to do for school, and one of them is reading a 60 page chapter, and it takes you forever to read. Do that task first. If you don't, finishing the other tasks won't be as satisfying as you still have that pain lingering over you.

7. Break up tasks into manageable parts
For my music exams, I have to learn 3 classical pieces. I should be able to go from terrible to confident in around 100-150 plays. However, I'm not going to sit down a few nights before an exam and play a piece 100 times. I usually like to break it up into either 20 plays a week or 5 plays a day. With each day, I see an improvement. Life is a marathon, not a sprint!

8. Don't hoard
This covers quite a few areas. My grandma is a massive hoarder. She has all of my dads old schoolbooks and wanted to keep mine too, but there were just too many and I had to keep them. Once you are finished with something, don't hold on to it! If you got an A in your first maths exam, you don't need your core 1 past papers any more. If you've lost a bit of weight, you don't need your bigger clothes any more. Once you've finished a product, you need to throw it away, no matter how pretty the bottle is (this is tough for me personally).

9. Make note of other people's routines
This isn't absolutely necessary but I find it helps me a lot with my work. Just because you are organised doesn't mean that other people are, or even, you could double book yourself. You need to know who can help you out in that situation. You don't have to religiously memorise what others are doing, but just take notice of when people are in university or work.

10. Reward yourself and make time to relax
Not to be confused with procrastination, it's important to make time for yourself too. If all you think about is how much work you're going to have to do, then you're going to stress. You need to reward yourself for doing these tasks. My favourite is if I read a chapter of one of my law books, then I can read a chapter of a fictional book. Or if I get all of my seminar prep done, then I can reward myself with a bath instead of a shower. And of course, new shoes every time I get an essay finished.

There are 10 tips to help you get or stay organised! I'm not saying you have to do all of these things to be organised, but these definitely help me out! These are just general tips that can be transferred into any area of life but if you'd like me to do specific organisational tips on work, finances, home or your mind, let me know and I would be happy to do so!
Happy organising!
CJ x

New Year's Resolutions

Hello to all the readers of 2015 and a very happy new year!
I, like many others, set myself goals for the new year, and I fail in the first month every year too. So I have devised some tips for me to stick to my resolutions and I thought I'd share them with you! Hope these help

1. Be realistic
The first of January is just like any other day, and 70% of people who set goals in the new year fail before the month has ended. So set resolutions that you are fully capable of achieving, It's great to have big plans and high expectations but make sure they are realistic in reaching. You may not drop 3 dress sizes in a few months, but you can motivate yourself to move more!

2. Visualise your goals
Make sure you can see what you want, picture it, remember it, and this will help. If your goal is to visit new countries and experience new things; print out pictures of the places you want to visit! Buy travel guides and read reviews, this will drive your passion for it.

3. Write them down
I feel so much more organised and motivated if something I need to do is written down. I love to make shopping lists, to do lists, life goal lists as this helps me remember just what I need to do. Invest in a notebook, this will be a life saviour if you're anything like me.

4. Do it step by step
Go with the saying 'life is a marathon, not a sprint' If you're planning on going to the gym for 2 hours every single day after a year of slacking off, you're going to burn out. Start small and build it up, this will be better for your physical and mental health. This works for all types of resolutions, not just fitness ones. Slow and steady wins the race! (and doesn't quit)

5. Write down your progress
Like writing down your initial goals, maybe track them every week. I personally want to run a mile faster, so a good thing for me to do would be to keep track of my times so I can really see my hard work paying off.

6. Focus on positives, not negatives
For example, if you're going to learn a language don't sit there thinking 'it's too hard, I can't do this'. Instead, turn it around and say 'I didn't know this phrase last week' Your knowledge/capacity will expand every week. You are so much more than you were yesterday, keep growing.

7. Get others involved
Two is better than one! If you know somebody else who wants a new start in a certain area, ask them to join you in your goals. I'm currently doing a 30 day challenge with my best friend, and it's so much more fun with somebody else

8. Make good choices/investments
Say you want to learn an instrument, invest in an instructional book or even a few beginners lessons as opposed to trying to learn from the internet or self-teach. Equally important is to make sure you invest your time. If you're really serious, make the investment and it'll pay off!

9. Build on your goals
As you're busy achieving one goal, why not throw in another? If you're doing well at the gym, make your diet healthier. The two may work together and motivate you more!

10. Reward yourself
Don't get too busy worrying about the next step, celebrate how far you've come, admire your achievements. With every huge step, treat yourself (new makeup anybody?)

There you have it! I hope these tips helped, I know not everybody sets New Year's Resolutions, but why not? We all have our weaknesses and we all have something we need to change. Cut down on smoking or shopping, learn a language, travel more, or even just say yes to more things and enjoy 2015 everybody!
CJ x

PRAGUE Travel Diary

Dobry den! 
Hello everybody, I'm really excited to write this post. I got back from a little city break yesterday, and I just couldn't wait to write it!
I took my boyfriend Ben to Prague in the Czech Republic for his 21st birthday and we both absolutely loved it there. Prague is one of those cities that has really boomed in recent years, especially for tourism. It is considered as the number 1 destination in the world for Stag Dos, but in all honesty, Prague is a city for anyone! We saw one group of 'lads' there and that was it (there were just being a pain in an Irish bar somewhere). There were a lot of couples, mothers and daughters, friends on shopping breaks and everyone in between!

Monday

Hotel Lobby

We landed late Monday afternoon and checked into the hotel straight away, and went out to a traditional Czech restaurant after about an hour. La Republica was such a warm and welcoming restaurant, we were instantly convinced that the Czechs have a shot before their evening meals, so, when in Prague ... Czech food is SO GOOD! But not good for you, it's a cardiologists nightmare, all meat and dumplings but it makes good comfort food.

Tuesday

Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock

Old Town Square and Tyn Church

Trdelik? It's soooo good!

View of the castle from the top of the tower

Close up of the castle from the tower

Christmas Markets from above

Rooftops of Prague are picturesque

The Astronomical Clock

The colours of the buildings are amazing

The Dancing House

A view of the Castle from the River

Prague's answer to Paris' Love Locks Bridge

Hard Rock Cafe

How beautiful is the square at night?!

After a few too many drinks and a lie in, we set out to explore the city. This started with a walk to the wonderful Old Town Square. This sight is actually breathtaking, as soon as you weave your way from the tight alleyways into the grand open space, you feel like you've been transported into a fairytale. We spent the afternoon mooching around the square, admiring Tyn Church and the Astronomical Clock, browsing the Christmas markets and we even went up the Clock Tower to admire the glorious skyline of the city. We then went for a walk down the river to look at the Dancing House (one of Prague's more famous recent structures), the National Theatre and look at the Castle from this side of the river. We headed to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner as it was Ben's birthday, and I don't think Hard Rock tends to disappoint. Beware though, the Local Legendary Burger is SPICY in Prague! Cocktails and Hard Rock shop ended the night.

Wednesday

Charles Bridge

Conquering the walk up to the castle

On top of the world

Starbucks with a view

Castle gates

St Vitus' Cathedral inside the Castle grounds!

Palladium Shopping centre

Wednesday started with a walk across the Charles Bridge to go and wander around the streets of the Lesser Town. We headed up the hill to Prague Castle and roamed around the grounds and in St Vitus Cathedral. I can't believe Prague Castle is one of the oldest in the world! It's incredible to think that parts of it are over 1000 years old! We had a late lunch in an underground cafe in Lesser Town (which I forgot to take pictures of). We then headed to the Palladium shopping centre right next to our hotel, which is FIVE floors by the way and has over 200 shops! Wednesday night was very chilled as I wasn't well so we went across the street for Asian food and then stayed in watching youtube videos.

Thursday

Statue in the Jewish Quarter

Bed Bar

What we lacked on Wednesday, we certainly made up for on Thursday! We started the day by taking a tour around the Jewish Museum, the Old Jewish Cemetery and some of the synagogues, this was so interesting, I knew of Prague's Jewish history but not to this extent, definitely worth a visit! We then walked all the way across the city to Wensceslas  Square to get a view of the Good King himself and the National Museum, and also to see the busier side of Prague. We then had a few too many drinks at lunchtime and took a few spontaneous visits on our way back to the hotel. This included Prague's Sex Toy Museum, which is a much better experience when you're under the influence, we also did a bit too much souvenir shopping and ended up spending a fortune! Dinner that night was at one of Old Town Square's overpriced but scenic outdoor restaurants (there were heaters and blankets, don't worry!) Later we headed to a few of Prague's best bars including Caffrey's Irish Pub (which had sky sports AND live music - what more could you ask for?) and Bed bar. This bar is absolutely incredible and a must-do when in Prague. It's basically like stepping into a dream, it's a bar full of beds and pillows instead of bar stools and provides such a dreamy atmosphere for cocktails.

And then we got on a plane and came home on Friday afternoon! After having one of the best airport experiences ever. Prague was such an amazing experience and definitely worth a visit if you fancy being transported into an Eastern European Fairy Tale. Actually, Sleeping Beauty's castle was based on Tyn Church in Prague so it really is the setting for a fairy tale! We used Lonely Planet's 2014 guide to Prague to help us plan our trip and it definitely gave us some helpful tips and insight. The localers were lovely too!
I hope you enjoyed all 50 of my photos from Prague! Let me know if you've been or would like to go! Prague, you were incredible.
CJ x