10 tips for surviving long distance travel

Australia is very far away... 

From everywhere.

Which means if I want to go anywhere, I need to get on a long distance flight.

I have been back in Australia for just over 3 weeks now and the 18 hours spent on the plane is still fresh in my mind. I hate the uncomfortable seats, the small foot space and the freezing cold air conditioning.

So I've had to come up with ways to make the flight more enjoyable and to survive the long distance travel.

So here are my top 10 tips for surviving long distance travel.

1. The most important thing for surviving long distance travel is wear the right clothes. If you are uncomfortable on the flight, you will notice it for the entire journey. Also, wear layers or pack layers because the plane will get very cold. I usually pack a cardigan/jumper, jacket and blanket scarf with me if it gets too cold.

2. Pick the right seat. If you need more support when you sleep, maybe choose the window seat so you can rest. If you want to stretch frequently or use the bathroom, maybe pick the aisle seat so you don't interrupt the other travellers. Also, check the capacity of the plane once you take off, you may be able to move and get an entire row to yourself!

3. Charge your devices. Make sure everything you need is charged and ready to go. There's nothing worse then getting on the plane to realise you forgot to charge your laptop or iPad! I bring along a battery pack too, just incase I need to charge my phone, iPad or camera. The more battery you have, the more entertainment you have for your flight.

4. Drink lots of water. On those long haul flights you can ask for more beverages to keep yourself hydrated. The constant cold air conditioner and the cabin pressure can cause a headache. So drink water! It will help. By drinking lots of water, you may need to use the toilet frequently but the walking around will help.

5. Don't jump straight into the onscreen entertainment. Space out the movies and TV episodes. It will make the time go quicker. I usually browse a magazine or read a book until beverages and food is served.

6. Stand up and stretch frequently. This will help with the back and neck pain and the restless legs.

7. If you are a creative type, use the downtime to be creative. I write new blog posts or come up with ideas or write some of my novel. 

8. Freshen up. Every couple of hours, I go to the bathroom to clean my face, brush my teeth and my hair. This makes me feel clean and re energised. 

9. Pack a travel survival kit:
I always pack with me: 

- a travel pillow
- Ear plugs
- Lip balm 

- Medication
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Moisturiser

- Travel socks

10. Set your watch to the time of your destination. This will help you get your body clock used to the time difference. As soon as you take off, try to sleep and eat your food at the time you would eat them at your destination.

I really hate travelling, especially long distance so by following these tips, it makes the journey more enjoyable and comfortable.

What are your tips for surviving long distance travel?

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Reflection on the water

My photo this week is one of my favourite photos from all my time in France. 

I was exploring the grounds of a castle and stumbled upon this old boat drifting on the water. I loved the colours and the reflection of the sky in the water.

I loved this photo last year and I still love it now!

Whenever I look at this photo, It makes me stop and reflect on things. I think about exploring France and discovering new places. 

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5 reasons why you should travel France

If travelling is something you want to do, but your not sure where to go, can I make a suggestion?

France.

Buy a ticket to anywhere in France, you'll thank me later.

So here are my 5 reasons for why you should travel France

1. It is so beautiful. I've been to quite a few places in France and loved all of them. Whether we drove through the city or camped in the nature, everywhere we went was beautiful. In France, you can see every possible landscape. Beach, mountains, cities, architecture, rivers... It's every travel photographer's dream!

2. The food. I'm not much of a foodie but I do love desserts. And French dessert... *Insert drool here* is amazing. If you love food, France is the place to visit. You get 5 course dinners starting with aperitifs, entrée, main, cheese and finishing up with a delicious dessert! My weakness = mousse au chocolat (chocolate mousse!) 

3. The streets are quiet and peaceful. I have slept in a few French cities, Angers, Montpellier, Toulouse and also camped in a few locations and most of the time, I've had a quiet and peaceful sleep!

4. Paris is always a good idea! I've been to Paris a few times now and every time I go, I love it. For any fashionista, being in Paris is a dream come true. I love the French boutiques, high end department stores and even people watching for the latest fashion trends. It's amazing and having a picnic under the Eiffel Tower never gets old.

5. If you don't know the language, it can be tough but as long as you make an effort and say the pleasantries in French (Bonjour, sil vous plait, merci, etc) they will be patient with you while you try to explain what you want. And it's always a nice surprise when they speak English with you!

I spent more than 5 months in France and it still wasn't long enough!

What's your favourite thing about France?

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The journey ahead

Disclosure: All my photos were taken on my iPhone!

My favourite photo this week was taken in La Roche Bernard, France. We spent a week exploring the country, towns, beaches and nature. It was lovely.

So my favourite pic this week...

Why I love this photo? 

Because it makes me dream. 

The road and the bridge makes me think of being on the road, going to new places to discover and explore.

Taking this photo makes me laugh. I spent so long taking photos from the edge of the bridge because of all the cars but it never looked right to me. Instead, I waited and waited and waited for a quiet moment to take the photo.

I ran into the middle of the road while my Frenchy watched out for cars.

I love the symmetry in the photo and putting it in black and white let's the mind imagine the colours.

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Dealing with Travel Anxiety

I like to think I am a "glass half full" kind of gal, but when it comes to travelling, it's a different story.

I am such an anxious traveller. 

I hate being in confined places for so long, I hate not eating properly (plane food, bleh) and I hate not having any control over getting places.

This photo was taken after my travel, I was too anxious before!

So I start getting anxious, stressed and nervous imagining all the things that could go wrong.

What if my luggage goes missing? 

What if our plane is delayed and we miss the second plane?

What if a meteor crashes into our bus?

What if...

What if...

What if...

It makes it complicated for my Frenchy when I start getting stressed out. I have a short fuse, I get angry at the smallest things and I generally stop talking for the first part of the trip! Sorry Frenchy...

We have been on a few long distance trips over the passed 12 months so I have come up with a few techniques to deal with travel anxiety.

1. Plan everything days before you leave for your trip. It's not always possible, but when it is, it makes me feel so much better. I like knowing my tickets are printed, most of my bags are packed, my outfit is planned for the travel day, my transport is organised... blah blah blah. If I have everything planned, it makes me feel like I'm in control.

2. If you start getting stressed and anxious, take a few moments to just do nothing. Sit down, take deep breaths and think about why you are going travelling. This always makes me feel better. I think about why I want to go somewhere, what I'll do, what I'll see and it makes me calmer.

3. Think before you speak! I am still working on this one (sorry Frenchy). When I get overly anxious or stressed I have a very short fuse. My Frenchy calls me his kettle because I boil really hot and then explode! If I take a moment before snapping his head off, things are much more smooth. 

4. Drink plenty of water for the days leading up to your travel. When you're travelling, you can't always drink much water, so try and get hydrated all the days before your travel, so it won't be so bad if you miss a few glasses of water!

I'm still working on this, but for now, these techniques help me deal with my travel anxiety and make my travel days, much smoother.

What are your techniques for dealing with travel anxiety?

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Belle Vié

This week my favourite photo was taken via the self timer on my iPhone. I like it because I got distracted while posing for the photo so it actually captured me in a natural moment. 

I was exploring over rocks planning to get a self portrait when my Frenchy called at me to tell me he caught a fish. Before I knew it, the phone had already taken the photo.

Looking at this photo, I remember the private spot we had, sitting in the sun, watching it set and drinking cold beer.

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The end of my London chapter

Since 2011, it was always my dream to return to London and completely immerse myself into the wonderful city.

And then, at the end of 2015, I was finally able to do it.

I was a bundle of nerves, excitement and pride. Proud to be able to tick off another life aspiration.

For weeks, I was giddy with excitement of the new place to live, love and discover with my Frenchy.

And then my new relationship bubble burst... Hard.

London is a beautiful city to explore... As a tourist. But as soon as you start working and living in London, the novelty begins to wear off... FAST.

After difficulties opening a bank account and a struggle with homesickness, I was finding it difficult to appreciate the city I was living.

The crowded trains, the busy streets, the long commutes, the long working hours, the expensive restaurants, the rent that drains more than half your salary and finally the unpredictable weather. After a while, it becomes difficult and draining on your soul. 

My Frenchy and I were living London life for almost 10 months before we decided it wasn't a place for us.

I have met some wonderful people, ate some delicious food and will forever hold the memories of my time in London.

But for now, it's time to turn the page and start the next chapter.

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Belle Vié

I love taking photos. 

I have 1000s of photos clogging up my hard drive on my laptop and I'm forever needing to delete space on my Iphone to take more...

The hardest thing for me to do is delete photos. At every location, I take multiple photos of the same thing at different angles, to find the best photo. 

But once I get home, I can't bring myself to delete any of them.

Hence why I have zero space on any of devices. 

Anyone else like me and forever hoard too many photos?

Anyway, I have decided to challenge myself. Every week, I will post one of my favourite photos and delete ALL the other photos from that moment.

So my favourite photo this week...

I don't always add filters but I did for this particular photo, I wanted to make it more warm and inviting. I love everything about this photo. The wooded deck and railing draws your eye to the boat and the setting sun. The tree foliage adds an element of privacy and interest to the frame.

Whenever I look at this photo, it makes me stop and reflect on my life. It makes me feel calm.

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