TIPS FOR TRAVELLING LIGHT

In 4 short days I will be leaving to attend not one, not two but three events/holidays in a row. I will need to have everything in one suitcase only weighing 10kg for 2 weeks! It will be tough but it's a challenge I am willing to take on! 

My first stop is Lockerbie, Scotland for my uncles wedding, I've been looking forward to this for months. Although there have been some complications since I couldn't fit into my jumpsuit I was planning on wearing. I've been on a massive health kick working out and choosing my food wisely to ensure I can wear my beautiful jumpsuit! It's working, I've lost 5 pounds by simply choosing the healthy option! If I continue at this rate I'll have no problem fitting into my outfit! Second stop is only a short train ride away from Lockerbie, I'm travelling to Edinburgh for 5 days to meet up with my Australian friends who I haven't seen in over a year. This will be an amazing opportunity to catch up and explore a new place together. Final stop is a week in Barcelona and I couldn't be more excited! I've been told nothing but good things about this beautiful city and I cannot wait to explore and experience this for myself. It's going to be difficult to fit everything in a 10kg suitcase for 3 trips but it's definitely doable, as long as I pack correctly!

1. Pack plain pieces that can be swapped and changed to create different outfits.

2. Be open to wearing things more than once.

3. Consider packing pieces that can be worn in the day and at night.

4. Two pairs of shoes is enough, a day pair and night pair. Although in my case I'll have 3 as I intent to keep up my fitness so I need my trainers.

5. Only take a carry on, then you won't have the option to over pack.

6. If you're going to a beach destination 2 bikinis is enough.

7. Lay all your clothes out before you begin to pack and eliminate about 40% of what you have put out, you won't need it all! 

8. Pack travel size toiletries, better yet if you're not fussy buy them when you arrive at your location.

9. Check to see if your accommodation provides hair dryers and possibly straighteners before you pack yours, failing that maybe invest in a travel hair dryer. I got one for £6 from Argos and it's still going after a few years!

10. Consider what technology you need, do you really need a laptop, iPad, iPhone, Go Pro, DSL Camera and Polaroid? Well you don't, try and reduce it to 3 items. To be honest, this is what I would normally pack but I need to learn to reduce what I take. Since I'll be traveling solo for a week I want my laptop so I can keep uploading photo's and keep my little space on the blogmasphere updated, my iPhone is a given and I'm thinking my Polaroid will be a good choice!

11. Pack only the essential make up items, I personally don't wear alot of makeup day-to-day so this is easy for me. Although for those of you who struggle to decide which shade of purple lipstick to pack it's alot more difficult. Only pack the bare minimum as you most likely won't use your think liquid foundation in a super hot climate.

12. Double check the weather and pack accordingly, no need to take up space for unneeded pieces.

13. Utilise all the space, pack things in your shoes and down the side etc.

14. If your plans include different climates pack layers so you can adjust easily. Considering I'm going to Edinburgh which isn't know for its sunny days and also Barcelona that is going to be very hot I have to choose my clothing wisely!

15. Don't carry jewellery in a large box, select a few pieces and pack in a small pouch of some kind.

16. Don't weight your case down with thick towels, either invest in some travel towels that are lightweight and small or check your accommodation to see if they supply them. I purchased some great travel towels from Mountain Warehouse, they're currently on offer so its an awesome time to invest. For the beach try using a sarong as this will dry quickly and save room.

17. Pack some travel wash, this way you can wash a few things on the go for free. If you're not a fan of travel wash perhaps you should consider washing some clothes while you're away. Since I'm going to Barcelona after Edinburgh I think I'll be doing this to save room.

18. Check your airlines luggage allowance before you travel. The allowance for hand luggage can vary and you don't want to end up paying extortionate prices for checking your bag.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

WHY TRAVELLING SOLO IS THE BEST DECISION

When I tell people that I've travelled solo, they are amazed like it's an unusual thing to do. I've been told that it's a brave decision to make and they wouldn't be able to handle it. In all fairness I defiantly don't have everything together, I have felt nervous, excited, scared and so many other emotions while on the move but the pro's of travelling alone certainly out weigh the con's. If you have doubts about travelling solo stay tuned and give the below a read, I might be able to convince you it's the best decision you will ever make.

Ultimate freedom to make all the decisions 

Now, this can either be considered a good or bad thing depending on your decision making skills. I'll have to admit I'm not very decisive but I manage to get by.

Have you ever been on holiday with friends and you didn't get the chance to visit that famous museum because others didn't share your love for modern art? Well, travelling solo gives you the opportunity to make your own plans, be your own boss. You can be spontaneous without having to consider others likes or dislikes, it's true freedom to do what you want on your timings.

No need to wait for someone else to go on a new adventure

If you go by yourself you can leave on your timings, if you wait for your companion who knows how long you could be waiting. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy travelling with others but sometimes when you've got a burning desire to go somewhere, you have to take a chance and travel alone. 

Meet new people

Travelling solo can be a tad lonely at times. If like me, you're not the most confident person you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and talk to people. Yes, it's really that simple ... Talk to people, make some new friends and learn about the local culture. Don't forget to chat to the locals, they may know a few hidden places that aren't on the normal tourist track.

If I didn't talk to people on my last trip I wouldn't have met the amazing friends I still stay in touch with today. Sometimes the people you are meant to meet aren't on your doorstep, you have to venture out into the world to meet them.

There's always room for one

Ever gone into a restaurant and they didn't have a table for your party of 6? or tried to book the cheap hotel but they didn't have enough room? Well travelling alone makes it a lot easier, you can grab the last spot on tours and even in hotel/hostels.

Sense of direction
If like me you have zero sense of direction, travelling solo can help develop this skill, you're forced to use your own initiative and gage where you are. You need to pay attention to your surroundings, especially if you are venturing out on a hike or other activities. Although since I've returned home, this skill has slowly faded away because I depend way too much on Google Maps and my Sat Nav.

Gain confidence and challenge your insecurities
Travelling solo pushes you out of your comfort zone, you don't have your friends, family or home comforts around you so you're forced to think for yourself and not depend on others opinions. You learn to trust your own opinion and develop confidence along the way.

Stay healthier
Most travellers don't make the healthiest food or fitness choices, many people are in "holiday mode" and don't consider that the holiday has to end at some point. You have to adjust to the lifestyle and ensure you make better choices, especially if you're on the move for a long period of time.

When I've travelled with friends I find that if they have a little treat or a cheat meal, I feel the need to also indulge. Maybe it's because I'm easily influenced and haven't yet established a long-term relationship with a "healthy lifestyle" but it's a work in progress. On the other hand I have more motivation to remain healthy while travelling alone, I make healthier food choices and am less likely to indulge on a greesy pizza. Not only are my eating habits acknowledged more while travelling solo, my fitness routine stays on track and also I don't consume as much alcohol.

Healthy eating can also depend on the destination you choose, in countries such as Japan or Australia it can be easy to choose the healthy option as there is one. Although in countries like Italy where the only thing on the menu is Pasta, good luck!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx