Travel: Postcards from LA

Travel: Postcards from Washington

Edinburgh

Josh and I spent last bank holiday weekend in Edinburgh as an early celebration for my birthday and a late one for Josh's. The whole weekend was incredible, with the Malmaison boutique hotel proving to be the perfect place to stay during our trip. We enjoyed the final two days of the renowned Fringe Festival, attempted to see the panda at Edinburgh Zoo (unfortunately we were unlucky this time), took an educated tour on the production of Scotch whiskey and of course visited the infamous castle. Would I go back to Edinburgh? In a heart beat!

Travel Blog - Fathom

I came across this website recently and if I'm honest, I'm not sure what took me so long. Fathom is a travel blog with a difference; which "celebrates all the reasons why we pack our bags, get on a plane, hitch a ride, and explore beyond our backyards." There's a whole load of content on the site (which was created in 2011), including first-hand stories, practical advice and useful products. My favourite aspect of the site is the 'Postcards' section in which articles, photo galleries, videos and stories are all categorised into an "I Travel for the..." theme. These include I Travel for the Food, I Travel for the Romance, I Travel for the Chill, and I Travel for the Kids. Within these you are treated to various features such as the best beaches, best restaurants, how to spend 3 days in a particular city, the world's most romantic hotels, the world's best antiques fairs and so on...

Like most travel sites, there are comprehensive guides for different destinations, as well as advice on money and transportation. For anyone interested in travel, who hasn't already checked out - I urge you to!

http://fathomaway.com/

Santorini vs Venice

 Currently I am procrastinating over whether to book a short summer break to Santorini or Italy (most likely Venice). Josh and I have been trying to save with the hope to move out in the not-so-distant future, so our only holiday this year was supposed to be Edinburgh (which we are visiting in late August). I, however, always get impatient this time of year if I haven’t got a week of guaranteed sunshine and relaxation booked; which is why I am so desperate to get something sorted.

We both had Italy in mind when we first decided to have a long weekend abroad, but as I continue researching, I am swaying more towards Santorini. The beautiful coastline and architecture of this island, (which sits in the remnants of a volcanic caldera in the Aegean Sea) is the obvious reason I would love to take a visit, not to mention the authentic cuisine and hot climate!

On the other hand, Venice is renowned for its romance, and I’ve wanted to take a gondola ride there for ages, oh and of course the food! Italian really is my favourite food!

So if anyone has been to either or both and wouldn’t mind sharing their knowledge and recommendations with me; that would be rather wonderful.

Edinburgh

Image source: booking.com

Josh and I have finally booked a little holiday this summer. It's not really abroad, unless you class Scotland as abroad - well it is a different country I suppose! Anyway, we are heading to Edinburgh for a long weekend in August. I've been wanting to visit Edinburgh for a little while now, especially as anyone who's ever been is always talking about how great it is. We're going at a good time as well as its the last day of the Fringe Festival while we're there, so the place is without doubt going to be buzzing with crowds and awesome street parties! Of course we will be visiting the giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, and going on a whiskey tour to taste some of the most authentic Scottish spirit, not to mention the compulsory visit to Edinburgh Castle. We've booked ourselves into the boutique Malmaison Hotel (after a glowing recommendation) so will make sure to take lots of photos and update when we get back.

Ibiza through the iPhone

Above are a few more photos taken from one of the girl's iPhones. I love all the images but it makes me wanna be back on Bora Bora beach so bad!!

Ibiza

For the past couple of weeks I've had a major case of the Ibiza blues. I knew I'd love it as I haven't met anyone that's been and didn't but I was still a bit surprised to how good it was. We spent most days of course on Bora Bora beach, although one day Josh and I explored Ibiza Town, which offers something so different to the party scene down on Playa D'en Bossa. Ibiza Town is beautiful, with a stunning harbour, hundreds of shops and delicious Tapas bars, it was by far my favourite part of the island. That said, one of the best nights I had was in San Antonio, watching the sunset at the legendary Bar Mambo, and exploring different bars along the Malia-like 'strip'. Clubs we went to were DC10 for Circo Loco's closing party, Amnesia for Cocoon and my favourite - Ushuaia, which was like something from Vegas,  and all good apart from the astronomically high bar prices. Next year I want to return and get a villa with a load of friends. Lets hope something gets sorted soon, with our current crap weather I need something to look forward to, even if it isn't for another year.  

Napapijri - Our Journey 2012

Italian brand Napapijri, known for it's premium lifestyle sportswear, are sending a real-life couple Rob and Jude to travel around 8 major European cities "embarking on activities designed to test their fears, dreams and desires." The trip has been designed as Napapijri's first global marketing campaign and is entitled 'Our Journey 2012'. 

The journey will see the globetrotters engaging in thrilling challenges and city experiences as well as store visits - promoting Napapijri's brand internationally. Fans will be able to follow their travels through the brand's Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram accounts, while billboards, advertisements and in-store material will also ensure people's engagement throughout their entire journey. Followers of 'Our Journey 2012' will be able to participate in the voting of the couple's daily challengers, as well as submitting their own travel photographs and viewing behind the scenes footage of the event. 

'Our Journey 2012' starts on the 27th September in Rome.

For more information, and to participate in the voting of challengers visit www.ourjourney2012.com. 

Ibiza Booked

I did it, I managed to persuade Josh to join me in a trip to Ibiza. Although it really didn't take much persuading, one mention of the White Isle and he was keen. Luckily for us, Josh has been a fair few times before so knows all the best places to eat, drink and party (although that last one isn't too difficult, I'm pretty sure I recall the names Amnesia and Space whenever Ibiza is mentioned?!) Anyway we fly out the last week of September for closing parties and I'm already making a list of things to take!! Definitely a good opportunity to showcase all my favourite summer looks for what probably will be my last week of summer this year. I think it's fair to say I'm pretty excited.