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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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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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.

For (almost) daily updates head to my Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

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.

For (almost) daily updates head to my Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

A Year Abroad

Twelve months ago, I was a bundle of nerves...

And stress...

And panic...

And "oh my god, what am I doing?"

Twelve months ago, to this date, I packed a small, ok, very large suitcase and hopped on a plane with a man I'd known for a mere 9 months and disembarked on a journey. While I was scared, nervous, sad, stressed and panicked, deep down I knew it was the right thing to do.

I remember saying goodbye to my family, the feeling of sadness and loneliness wash over me instantly. I remember the panic I felt saying goodbye to my friend at the airport. But most of all, I remember the resentment I felt towards my Frenchy for taking me away from them.

Once I stepped onto the plane, I felt empty. I didn't know what I was doing, where I was going and how I could survive without my family and friends.

It wasn't until our final descent into Paris, that I finally started to feel excited. Excited to see Paris again, excited to explore more of France and excited to see the home town of the man I love.

I was fortunate to be welcomed into the life of my Frenchy. I met all his wonderful family and an endless stream of friends, but I felt like I belonged. Despite the language barrier, it felt right to be there. Over the months, I improved my French, explored many places and had the most fun I've had in a long time. 

And then the money train ended.

After an amazing 4 months of exploring, relaxing and eating French cuisine, it was time to start working again. So, we packed up our stuff and got on the next bus to London. Within a week of arriving in London, we both had work, somewhere to live and a new place to explore.

Over the months, we explored the top tourist spots in London, hunted for the best coffee in London and enjoyed our time together. But then the London life took over. We started seeing less and less of each other, working too much and slowly lost our energy to explore the finer things in London. 

My twelve months abroad have been amazing. I've explored many places in France, discovered Barcelona, drank beer in Munich and met so many wonderful people along the way.

What I've learned from my year abroad:

1. Appreciate every moment with your family because you'll miss them as soon as you take off.

2. Enjoy the small things in life, because sometimes they turn out to be the big things.

3. Don't stop exploring. The minute you do, the inspiration will stop.

4. Money isn't everything. As long as you have someone to love you, a roof over your head and some food in your belly, everything else doesn't matter.

Where to next?

After a quick stop in France, it's time to get back on board a plane headed for Australia. It's time for my Frenchy to explore the rest of Australia (with me of course) and it's time for me to see my family and friends again.

Where did March go?

Does it scare you how quick time is flying by?

It feels like only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas but in actual fact, Christmas has come and gone and now, so has Easter.

I've been in London for close to 5 months now and it has been a difficult time. London is a very busy city. There are millions and millions of locals and millions of tourists, so everywhere is crowded.

And, the working days seem extra long here in London. I work 9 hours with an hour lunch break and then add on commuting to a from work, my 8 hour shift, turns into an 11 hour day. It has been difficult to try and find my work/life balance!

But, I've decided to find the positives in this city and try and enjoy my time.

For the passed 6 weeks, I have missed my blogging. I have been struggling in London, settling into my work and missing my friends and family, that I have neglected my real passion.

My blogging.

I will be managing my time better so I can blog more often and share with you my real passion...

[W R I T I N G  ,  F A S H I O N  &  T R A V E L]

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So be sure to check back for the London fashion and more from the London series.

Coming up next... The 5 things I love about London.

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Living 6 months abroad

I still can't believe I am in Europe. Every month I sit down and reflect on the month I've had. I weigh the ups and downs, review my thousands of photographs and reminisce with my Frenchy on the highlights. 

And every time I do this, I can't believe I lasted another month.

I have to confess, I'm a creature of habit. I like routine. Before leaving Perth, I don't think I had a spontaneous bone in my body! But now, living abroad for 6 months, I've had to adapt.

The passed 2 months have been the hardest so far. I loved my time in France, holidaying and exploring new places, but now the holiday is over, it's been a shock to the system. 

My time in London has been a challenging time.

Most recently, I had to endure the festive season without my family so that was like a kick in the face whenever people were shopping for their loved ones. Instead of being a happy time of year, I felt like the Grinch who had to find different ways to cope with homesickness.

London is a place where you spend all day, everyday at work. You have long shifts and then long commutes back home. I never fully feel rested even after I've had a day off. And while my Frenchy and I are growing stronger, we've definitely had some challenges over the passed 2 months. We went from seeing each other every single day in France, to missing each other everyday. I work days and Frenchy works as a waiter by night. So it was impossible to spend time together. It was definitely a difficult time for me, cooking dinner for one every night but it's the challenges that make a person stronger, right?

But now, finally, things are turning around for us (me) in London. We finally have money to our name so we can pay for food and accommodation without the constant anxiety! And we've had more time together to slowly explore the city. I've also met so many wonderful and supportive people here in London, who have made my time adjusting much easier then it would have been.

I've definitely grown stronger and wiser during my short time here in London.

Head to the London series for more details from London.

How to cope with homesickness

I've been away from my family now for 6 long months. 

And sometimes it gets really hard to stay away from them.

Travelling is amazing and exploring new cities is something that will remain with me for so long but I've had to deal with homesickness for far too long. Over the time, I have had to come up with ways to not let my separation overpower me.

So I thought I'd share them with you.

1. With technology these days, you can see your family whenever you want it and no matter where you are. All you need is Wifi and a camera phone. It's important for me to FaceTime my family as regularly as I can. When I see them on my computer, it makes me feel like I am sitting in the living room with them.

2. Take sometime to explore the city. While you are exploring new places and discovering new things, it takes your mind off your homesickness. By appreciating a new place and learning new things, it gives you a reason to be away from your family, which makes it easier to accept.

3. Take sometime for yourself. Do the things that make you happy. Read your favourite book, drink a glass of wine, take a bath or listen to music. Whatever your passion is, do it regularly. If you have significant you time, you'll appreciate your time alone.

4. On days you miss your family or friends the most, look through your photos. Just simply seeing them or reminiscing of when the photo was taken will give you joy. When I'm on the Tube or enjoying my coffee, I flick through my Family Album on my phone. It gets me through to the next FaceTime session.

5. And finally, reflect on the reason/s why you decided to travel. By remembering why you chose to travel, it will make you want to keep going.

Be strong and enjoy the places you discover. There is a reason why you wanted to travel, don't let the emotions get in your way.

What are your tips for dealing with homesickness?

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A year in review

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you have a very wonderful and prosperous 2016!

Welcome to my first post of the year... And I thought I would kick it off with a review and reflection of last year! It's better late than never, right?

2015 was a big year for me! My shoe collection took a hit as I jetted off from the land of Oz to Europe with my Frenchy. I have learnt many life lessons, experienced the highs and lows of travelling and I have seen some wonderful places.

So what were my highlights for the year?

Firstly, I collaborated with a close friend of mine to produce a series of popular shoe posts.

Images ny Jordan Swioklo of Precision Film Editing services

Together we had so much fun, many outfit changes and locations to showcase my latest and favourite shoes! During my time away, it has made me miss my shoe collection and I love to review these photoshoots frequently! 

A little leopard never hurt nobody

Hello Sailor

Block it out

Foxi and Fabulous

Arm candy

Fullforce

Autumn is here

It's a jungle out there

Next I prepared myself and planned my travel into the unknown!

The 6 must have shoes for travelling overseas was one of the most popular posts and well read posts from all around the world! 

For the remainder of the year, I got to travel and explore France. I got to experience French food, the french language and explore nearing countries. Read My Travel Diary to see where I've been on this amazing journey.

Finally, I finished the year off in London. Experiencing, exploring and working in this wonderful city. For more information from London, head to my London series for everything I have discovered so far.

2015 was an eventful year for me and I look forward to see what 2016 has to bring!

What was the highlight of your 2015?

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My true passion

My true passion lies in the pages of Vogue magazine.

The glossy pages have me coveting the latest designer fashion, falling head over heels for the most beautiful shoes and dreaming of the moment I can afford the luxury.

I love my current life. Travelling with my Frenchy is amazing. I love visiting and exploring new places and I love the life lessons that go with it. But sometimes, I wish I could settle back into my old life, surrounded by my 200 pairs of shoes, without the responsibilities.

But, I recently found a great way, I can have a taste of both worlds.

Before leaving France, I applied for a position as the Clothing Specialist for a busy London company. I was fortunate to be the successful candidate for the position. 

Now, every day at work, I get to meet and style new customers in the latest fashion, I get to learn about the fashion industry in one of the fashion capitals of the world and I get to do it all in a new city. On my way home from work, I stumble upon little London bars and restaurants, sample different cuisines and discover great places to shop in this big city.

So what do my duties include as a Clothing Specialist in London?

While I'm still in training for the Company, I style new and returning customers in luxurious, high quality fashion and accessories. I also get the privilege to see all the new products for the upcoming season, before we release them in stores. This means I get to create new outfits and style the latest fashions before they hit the streets.

The ultimate reward for me! :)

I'm still finding my way in the Company and developing my position, but for now it's a great way to be surrounded by fashion for one of London's biggest companies, while still exploring more of the world.

What is your true passion?

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5 months away...

My holiday is well and truly over now!

I've been very fortunate to spend 4 months in France, travelling around the country and living in my Frenchy's hometown of Angers. While I had an amazing time which I will forever remember, it's nice for my life to have more structure here in London.

Since the age of 14, I've been working. I worked casually while in high school and University and then full time once I graduated. And during my 11 years of professional experience, I barely took any holidays.

So for me to take an extended holiday was a shock to the system! 

It was difficult for me to have no structure or purpose to my life. But now that I'm in an english speaking country, working hard, I feel more like myself.

So what is next for me and my Frenchy?

While it's our goal to work hard and save some money, we still want to travel and explore new places here in Europe.

Our next destination will be somewhere I can see and feel snow. Living in Australia, I wasn't lucky enough to experience snow. The only time I saw snow, I was 4 years old. I have a few pictures and a short video of me in the snow but I was too young to remember it and properly experience it. So, after Christmas time, we will save our money and plan our snowy escape!

For now, I am settling into my new position as the Clothing Specialist for a busy London store, our future aspiration is to take mini vacations around Europe, while continuing to earn and save our money.

For us, we have no time limit on London. If we love it here and find a successful work/life balance, we will work hard towards our future careers while enjoying much needed vacations in between.

To follow my 4 month vacation in France (and surrounding countries) click here for the full details.

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Top 5 things to do BEFORE moving to London

My Frenchy and I decided to move to London.

I was missing the English language and I found so many job opportunities online so we made the move. 

We were fortunate enough to have a great Airbnb host and housemate who told us all the important things we should have done BEFORE we moved.

So to save you the trouble we went through, I thought I would share my top 5 tips to help make your move easier.

1. Find accommodation for longer than a few days. It's going to take a little bit of time to find accommodation and check it out before moving in. I suggest Airbnb as a great place to start. You can find some nice, affordable locations, while you look for another place. Here is a link to the Airbnb we stayed. It's a great location and the Host is so helpful.

2. Book your accommodation a couple of weeks in advance. Build up a rapport with your Host and they may be able to help and give advise, leading up to the move.

3. If you are planning on working, call ahead to the National Insurance company to secure an appointment to receive the next available appointment. Ask your host if you can use their address as it is a requirement for applying for a NI number. I booked for an appointment when I first arrived in London and I had to wait 2 weeks.

4. Plan an appointment with a bank provider to make sure you don't have to wait for the next available appointment. Schedule the appointment a couple of days after your NI number appointment. The bank won't give you an account without a permanent address or a NI number.

5. Study the transport in London. Make sure you know how to get from where you arrive in London, to your accommodation. Also, upon your arrival, get yourself an Oyster card. It makes travelling so much easier instead of buying tickets all the time. Also, the more you travel on an Oyster card, the more money you can save.

Be sure to check back soon for more tips from London.

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The next chapter...

I've been away from Australia for a long four months now.

I miss my family terribly. I have a beautiful niece and nephew who change every time I speak to them on FaceTime and it makes me miss them more and more.

Sometimes it's difficult being in a foreign country, not understanding what people are saying and it's hard not feeling secluded. But still, the (occasional) loneliness is nothing compared to discovering new places, sampling local cuisine and meeting new people.

I've spent most of my time in the hometown of my Frenchy, Angers France. I've spent time with all his wonderful family and friends. We've also spent a bit of time exploring other places in France, Spain and Germany.

But it's time now for the next chapter of our story.

The holiday is over and it's time to start working again. And our next destination...

L O N D O N

I am extremely fortunate to have dual citizenship. My parents were born in the United Kingdom and I am excited to explore the country of my heritage.

I've been to London once before and I loved it. 

Since 2011, I dreamed of living in London. I wanted to explore and experience a new city. I love the architecture, landscape, the hustle and bustle of the city and of course the fashion. 

I'm incredibly excited to be able to speak English again (while continuing to learn French!) and spend some time exploring a new city with my Frenchy.

Head to my Instagram and Facebook page for more travel pictures.

3 months in France...

I still can't believe I'm in Europe.

Every month goes by and I am still in shock.

Ever since I was 21, I always wanted to live abroad. I love Perth and having all my family close by but I always wanted to experience something different.

And now, I finally get to achieve it.

12 months ago, I was lucky to meet someone special. We dated and got to know each other but after a few months, we had to decide if a relationship together was possible. Right from the start, we knew a relationship together would be difficult. A French man and Australian woman, how could that possibly work? I mean, we don't even speak the same native language!

But naturally we couldn't stay away from each other.

Where my shoes took me: Oktoberfest

* O K T O B E R F E S T *

If this is something on your bucket list, you definitely need to put it at the top of the list right now! It is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime.

Millions of people from around the world flock to Munich to enjoy the beer and enjoy Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest 2015

You get to meet so many people, drink German beer and sample German cuisine.

At one point, I was sitting at a table full of people from France, Germany, Australia, America, Holland, Spain and England.

It was incredible.

I was in shock the first day I arrived in Munich.

Firstly, I couldn't get over how an entire city embraced the tradition. Getting off of the bus, it was like I stepped into a different century. Women were walking around in dirndls and men were wearing lederhosens.

After settling into Munich and our accomodation, we decided to check out the festival.

There were rides, food stalls and of course beer tents.

I went into a beer tent, with a crowd of thousands, singing along to German songs, drinking litres of beer and all having a good time. I was surprised to see so many people, all having a good time together.

I'm not a beer drinker. I've only tasted a few beers in my life but when at Oktoberfest, you have to try the beer, right? The beer was fresh, strong and ridiculously heavy. It was a workout in itself just to hold the beer.

If Oktoberfest is something you want to experience, you should plan 6-12 months in advance and reserve your table in a beer tent. The beer is nice to drink but the 1 litre steins gets heavy after holding it for only 5 minutes. Having a table makes it so much more enjoyable.

Oktoberfest Munich was a great experience and one that I will remember for a long time.