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24 Hours in Brighton!

 

Hi everyone,

So this weekend I returned from a super short stay in one of the most lively cities in the UK – and what a blast it was! Brighton is a trendy seaside resort brimming with quirky cafes, bars and restaurants as well as a multitude of high street and designer stores. You’ll also find Britain’s answer to the Taj Mahal, a similar looking London Eye and one of the best piers in the country! On a time limit and wanting to explore as much of the city as possible? Read on for my guide to exploring Brighton in 24 hours…

Where to Stay

 

Brighton has a huge range of  hotels from grand buildings with glorious sea views to small, tucked away hostels and B&B’s for those on a budget. The Hilton and Mercure are particularly impressive with a prime sea front location whilst the Travelodge in the centre of the city offers good value for money.

 

I actually stayed at my friends house in Littlehampton, around a 40 min drive from Brighton, but if I returned I’d love to stay at one of the central hotels so I could be in the heart of the action (and avoid the taxi ride home at silly o’clock in the morning!)

 

What to See

 

There’s LOADS to see and do in Brighton, least of all Britain’s answer to India’s iconic Taj Mahal! The Royal Pavilion is a beautiful building right in the centre of the city and is perhaps Brighton’s most visited tourist attraction.

 

 

 

There’s also the world famous pier with its dazzling lights and candyfloss stalls, the pier that got burnt down twice (it’s still half standing in the sea!) and a decent sized Ferris Wheel offering views of the sea and surrounding city.

 

In addition, you’ll find a Sealife Centre, Museum & Art Gallery and Theatre Royal as well as the pretty marina.

Where to Shop

 

 

Brighton is brimming with high street and designer stores as well as quirky, independent and locally owned shops offering handmade goods and quality clothing. Head down to Churchill Square for world renowned stores all under one roof- perfect on a rainy day!

Alternatively, Brighton is also well known for its kooky shopping streets, The Lanes, where you’ll find cafe’s, patisseries, craft shops, record stores and clothes shops aplenty.

https://www.instagram.com/p/_AEsWkHKdI/?tagged=thelanesbrighton

Where to Eat

As it’s such a huge city, Brighton has no end of foodie places on offer from well known chain restaurants including Bills and Bella Italia to locally owned independent Indian restaurants and fish and chip shops!

New #coconut colada made with #Venezuelan #rum – #latin #Wednesday in #brighton

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Head down to the seafront where you’ll find an abundance of high end restaurants and luxury eateries including the fantastic Salt Room serving meat and fish specifically.

Where to Drink

Brighton is well known for having a colourful nightlife with its its array of lively bars, clubs and pubs it’s certainly an eventful night out! Big clubs in the city include Pryzm and Vodka Revs with well known pubs including Wetherspoons and Walkabout also making an appearance.

Brighton ready 👯🍸 #brighton #drinks #nightout

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So there you have it, my complete travel guide to a city break in Brighton! Hope you’ve enjoyed the read – stay tuned for my February Newsletter coming up next!

Love Jess x

Travelling with an illness… Happy rare disease day!

rarediseaseday

Hello everyone,

This is slightly personal and I wasn’t sure if I should post this at first but, after realizing that today was a special day, I couldn’t help but put this blog post together. 29th February is Rare Disease Day, an annual event which provides the rare disease community across the world the opportunity to increase awareness of rare diseases and highlight them as a public health priority to government departments. I actually have quite a rare condition which does impact my life, particularly as an avid traveller! Here’s my story…

When I was 18 I started to become poorly. I was being sick, weirdly leaking from my breasts, having severe headaches and generally feeling very tired, faint and dizzy. It took all of my energy to just do even the smallest of tasks. After endless tests, prods and trips to the doctors an MRI scan on my brain showed a small growth and I was finally diagnosed with a microprolactinoma. Put simply, a microprolactinoma is a benign, pea sized tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain which causes an imbalance of the hormone prolactin in the body. At first I was completely terrified, hearing the words ‘brain’ and ‘tumor’ in the same sentence was overwhelming and I was upset, confused and scared. I had no idea what a microprolactinoma was, and a Google search was filled with forums of other women, and even men, discussing how the condition had impacted upon their lives.

The thing that jumped out at me most was the subject of fertility, and the problems that a prolactinoma can cause. In many cases the hormones produced by a prolactinoma make it difficult for women to conceive, and this is something I really struggled to comprehend. Anyone that knows me will know how much I love children and that the only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do in life is be a mum. The thought that I may never achieve what I’ve always dreamt about is completely crushing, but I know there are other options available and many women have gone on to have children despite suffering with a prolactinoma.

Nowadays my life consists of regular doctors appointments, 3monthly blood tests, 6 monthly hospital appointments with my consultant, occasional MRI scans and 9monthly appointments at the eye hospital to check the tumor isn’t pressing on the back of my optic nerves. It’s been almost 5 years since I was diagnosed. At first I was told I’d be on tablets for life, but earlier on this year I came off them for the first time since 2011 as my consultant wanted to see how my body would react without relying on the tablets. I was feeling really healthy and doctors were pleased with my progress.

Unfortunately, just before Christmas last year I started becoming unwell again and symptoms from my initial diagnosis were coming back. My headaches were getting worse and I was feeling similar to the way I felt right at the start of my illness. In November I was advised to go back on my medication after blood tests confirmed my prolactin levels had increased significantly. I’ve been on the tablets since then and my next check up is mid March so hopefully there will be a slight improvement and I’ll start feeling better soon!

 

Back in October I ran a fun run for The Pituitary Foundation, a charity who have been incredibly supportive of my condition over the past 5 years. I managed to raise over £300 for the charity and you can donate to my JustGiving page at any time – better late than never! You can also donate directly to Pituitary’s Rare Disease Day as well.

I suppose what I’m really trying to say is, even if you have an illness or a medical condition, DON’T let it limit your life! Make the most of every single day we have on this beautiful planet and, if you travel a lot like me you can still live your life to the full and do whatever the hell you want (within reason!) Although my symptoms affect me daily and my appointments limit me to the amount of time I can spend out of the country, I know that things could be so much worse and am just thankful that I am being well looked after by the fantastic doctors and consultants at Oxford University Hospitals.

If, like me, you live with a health condition and travel often I’d recommend the following tips on travelling safely:

– don’t over exert yourself or feel like you have to keep up with people, take it easy and take each day as it comes

– remember to take your medication, different routines often bring forgetfulness!

– don’t suffer in silence.. tell someone! Even if you don’t want to go into detail about your illness just inform someone so they can keep an eye on you

– don’t get fed up with your illness, remember that there are millions of people suffering across the world, most probably worse off than you if you’re still able to travel! Keep your chin up and carry on as normal

I also have another condition, a recurring cyst on my ovary which causes me pain every few weeks, but that is a WHOLE other story! So I’ll leave you with this parting line… Happy Rare Disease Day people – get out there and grab life with both hands… you’ll regret it if you don’t!

Love Jess x

 

 

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I'm Taking the 12 Trips Challenge!

Hey everyone!

So I thought I’d follow on from my recent Bucket List post and share with you some of my upcoming travel adventures for 2016! I’ve been inspired by Monica Stott from The Travel Hack to take the annual 12 trips challenge which, in essence, means taking one trip a month for the next 12 months! The trips could range from exotic weeks away in the Maldives, to short weekend city breaks in Europe or even a little day trip to London here in good ol’ Blighty. With so much to see and do in this beautiful world the choices are endless, and the trips can be as basic or as luxurious as you like!

I’ve decided to take part in the 12 trips challenge as I LOVE visiting new places and I’ve also set myself the task of visiting 25 countries before the age of 25! I’ve ticked off ten so far but I’ve still got a fair few to go! So, without further ado, here is the first part of my 2016 travel plans which showcase some of my 12 trips challenge.. the rest will all fall into place I’m sure I hope!

January

What a show! Literally had goosebumps the WHOLE way through! Incredible. 😱🇬🇧🎭👏

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I kick-started my 2016 with a day trip to the capital with the fam to see the fantastic Les Miserables in London’s West End. We spent the day shopping on Oxford Street, exploring  Covent Garden and stopping for lunch at Leicester Square. I’m always wanting an excuse to revisit my favourite city so this made the perfect little day trip!

February

My only planned trip for February is the cosmopolitan city of Brighton. Me and my friend are meeting up with one of our besties who moved there last year and we can’t wait to hit the shops, bars and clubs.. oh, and the beach too although it’ll be FREEZING this time of year!

PS. Thanks Sophie for the insta inspo!

March

At the moment March is the ONLY month I haven’t got anything planned for!! Hopefully I can be a little bit spontaneous though and book in a little visit somewhere- I’m thinking a day trip to Bath Spa for some shopping and a ladies lunch? Failing that I could always just go into Oxford for the day.. I mean, I know it’s my home, but it’s SO BEAUTIFUL that it must count as a trip? Right?!

April

April will see me returning to London as I’ve been shortlisted to win BEST TRAVEL BLOG at the UK Blog Awards 2016!! I still can’t believe I’m shortlisted and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet! This will be my first EVER awards ceremony and it promises to be an incredible night in Westminster – I’m totally honoured to be attending and will be so excited to share this journey with you all!

May

Bournemouth is beautiful today! ☀️ #bournemouth #bournemouthbeach

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I’m currently looking at not one but TWO trips for this fun filled month – okay, so I know that’ll break the rules but it will be worth it! I’m hoping to head to Dublin for a little city break during the first bank holiday – Ireland will be another country to tick off my list! And I’m also going down to Bournemouth for my best friends hen do (I’M BRIDESMAID AND IM SO EXCITED!!!)

PS. Thank you Hayley for the insta inspo!

June

🎉👯🌹😘

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June is my super duper top secret month which I’ve planned but I can’t share any details yet!! I promise that all will be revealed in March in a special post but until then my lips are SEALED!! Oh, and at the start of the month I have TWO weddings to attend to – one in the Cotswolds and the other in Liverpool the very next day! I cannot wait to see my best friend and my cousin get married! I am most definitely feeling the love at the moment! <3

July

July will see me head to the beautiful Scandinavian capital of Stockholm in Sweden for my first EVER bloggers conference! I’m heading to TBEX Europe with some of lovely fellow travel bloggers Sophie, Emma & Victoria and we cannot wait to explore the city, learn more about our industry and of course meet lots of amazing new people! Wait, did somebody say closing party?!

So there’s my travel plans for the first part of 2016 – who knows, things could all change but I’m pretty sure that’s what my diary is going to look like for the next six months! I will of course reveal my secret June plans soon but, until then, I’d love to hear how you’re all going to be taking the 12 trips challenge? Keep me posted!

Love Jess x

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Britain's Most Romantic Getaways

Hi everyone,

For all you lovers out there you’ll be well aware that it’s coming up to the highly anticipated Valentines Day this Sunday! If however you’re single like me, you’ll just be excited for the half price chocolate that’ll be on offer in stores the next day 😉

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In all seriousness though, whether you’re attached or not, Valentine’s is a great excuse to escape for a little weekend away. I’ve put together some inspo from all corners of the UK and thought I’d share seven of my FAVOURITE destinations for that all important romantic getaway…

Bath

Oh beautiful Bath, where to begin?! Located on the banks of the River Avon, this Roman World Heritage city is one of the most visited in the UK and is truly something special. For an unforgettable romantic experience head to the Thermae Bath Spa for a series of treatments and bathe in naturally warm mineral waters whilst enjoying incredible panoramic views across the entire city. Bath Abbey is also a sight not to be missed, especially when it’s all lit up at night!

Oxford

Ok, so I know I’m biased as I just happened to be born here, but Oxford really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world! From the cobbled little side streets to the iconic university buildings and the bustling covered market, Oxford has it all. Go punting along the River Thames, enjoy afternoon tea in a posh hotel or explore some of the world famous Harry Potter film locations; with so much to see and do in Oxford you’ll never be bored during your romantic getaway!

York

Like Oxford, the ancient city of York is bursting with hidden cobbled streets and cute little cafes and shops just waiting to be discovered! Aside from shopping and enjoying some of the many eateries on offer why not take a step over to the dark side and explore the fantastic York Dungeons or take a ghost walk around the city? You’ll be sure to cling to each other as you tour the beautiful Minster and learn all about York’s varied history from its Roman, Viking and Medieval times!

Edinburgh

This Scottish capital is on my wanderlust wishlist and is somewhere I’m just dying to visit. Edinburgh has so much to see and do and is one of the prettiest places in Britain with an added touch of romance. Visit the stunning Edinburgh Castle, head to the local zoo (home to the UK’s only koala bears!), catch a show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre or hit Princes Street for some serious shopping. With so much to see and do you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time – don’t forget to wrap up warm though as the Scottish winds make for some sub-zero temperatures!

The Lake District

Late afternoon in the Lake District in northern England. 👍🏼

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The Lake District is England’s largest national park home to almost 3000 square kilometers of rolling countryside, beautiful mountains and yep you guessed it, an endless amount of lakes. Take a boat cruise along Lake Windermere, explore the market towns of Keswick and Kendal or enjoy some traditional English food in one of the many old pubs and inns dotted about the region whilst admiring the stunning scenery. For those of you who are a little more adventurous why not get in your sports gear and attempt to climb some mountains? You know you want to…

The Cotswolds

So I’m biased AGAIN (hey, I’m allowed to be😝) but for a quintessentially romantic countryside break you just can’t beat a stay in the beautiful Cotswolds! I’m lucky enough to have been brought up here and I do take it for granted, but there’s so many places that I’m STILL exploring even now! Head over to Bibury, Burford or Bourton on the Water for cute little days out; you’ll find shops, cafes and restaurants aplenty all set in the prettiest of locations. For somewhere less touristy try Broadway or Chipping Campden which are equally as beautiful!

London

How could I NOT include our very own capital city in this special wanderlust list?! Although somewhat commercialised and highly expensive, there’s just something about London that sees people returning time and time again, especially when there’s a special occasion to celebrate! For something romantic I’d recommend taking a dinner cruise across the River Thames or hopping on the London Eye for unparalleled views across the city. If extravagance isn’t your thing grab dinner in Soho or catch a theatre show in the West End.. the options are unlimited in London and you’ll be spoilt for choice during your romantic stay!

So there you have it, that’s my pick of the most romantic getaways in the UK! Where else would you include in yours? Have you been to many of these places before? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

💜Happy Valentine’s Day you beautiful people!!💜

Love Jess x

NB. Thanks to Quiet Achiever, Love Great Britain & World Places for the Instagram inspo in addition to my own pics!

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My 2016 Dream Destinations Bucket List via Ice Lolly #sendmeaway

Hey everyone,

Welcome to February! I can’t believe January is over with already but it also felt like the weeks dragged on FOREVER! I was recently nominated by the lovely Victoria from The Girl on the Move Blog to put together my 2016 Bucket List as part of Icelolly’s Dream Destinations 2016 #sendmeaway campaign. There are sooo many places I want to visit this year, and my list of destinations expands all the time so I’m going to try and whittle this down as much as I can! Here we go, lets get wanderlusting!

Brighton, UK

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBMyX4zATxl/?taken-by=sophiessuitcse

This is my second planned trip of 2016 (I popped to London last weekend) and it’s not as exotic as some other destinations on this list but a little bit closer to home and I thought I’d get some UK representation in here somewhere 😉 Brighton is a city I’ve always wanted to visit but for whatever reason I’ve never had the chance to! My best friend recently moved down that way though so I’m going to take full advantage and head over to Brighton pier during my stay at the end of Feb – I’m so excited!

New York, USA

https://www.instagram.com/p/8OcAq5AGZP/?taken-by=thegirlonthemoveblog

New York, New York – isn’t this place on everyone’s Bucket List?! It’s quite possibly one of the most famous cities on the planet, and with good reason – LOOK AT THAT SKYLINE!! There’s so much to see and do in the Big Apple and I’m just dying to explore it’s dazzling streets and wonderful theatres. Hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to visit New York this year, otherwise it’s going straight back on the 2017 wanderlust wishlist!

Rome, Italy

Experience is the teacher of all things – Caesar. #openymyworld with @gabscanu in Rome 🇮🇹

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When in Rome you should definitely check out all things architectural – the Coliseum is an epic landmark by any scale, and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe. Rome has been on my wishlist since I was a little girl – I was brought up as a Catholic and I’m fascinated by religion so it would be incredible to attend a service at the Vatican. I’m not sure if my budget/annual leave/free time will allow me to visit Rome this year but I’m certainly going to try!

Tallinn, Estonia

I thought I'd share another photo of beautiful Tallinn in Estonia – I just can't get over the inherent beauty of the Old Town. The core historic part of town isn't that big and can be easily explored if all you have is a day or so there. But I'd recommend spending a little bit more time and get to know the other parts of town away from the colorful UNESCO side, like the trendy Telliskivi district. Housed in a former secret Soviet-era industrial complex, Telliskivi has been taken over by some of the most creative minds in the country. Home to restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, coffee houses, creative companies and NGOs, the so-called Creative City is by far one of the most cutting edge neighborhoods in the world. It's also just a really fun place to visit, grabbing lunch at the F-Hoone restaurant before window shopping amongst the galleries, feeling inspired along the way. Most cities, even those firmly entrenched in their own historical legacies have something surprising to share. All you have to do is look for it!

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Time for something a little bit different now; for those avid readers out there most of you will know that I specialize in European city breaks – the quirkier the better! Tallinn is somewhere that appeals purely because of its harbourside location, cold temperatures during the winter (I need to see some snow!) and beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites. Tallinn is also suuuperrr cheap and I’d love to make the most of my bank holidays this year so I feel a cheeky weekend stopover in this beautiful city is on the cards!

Riga, Latvia

Like a fairy tale 💫 #openmyworld in Riga, Latvia with @augustaleighphoto

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Riga is another quirky destination on my Bucket List and it’s a trendy, up and coming European city attracting more and more tourists. Boasting a picture perfect Old Town, quaint little streets, beautiful buildings and a multitude of museums, Riga offers something for everyone. Like Tallinn, Riga is also known for being excellent value for money and I’ll be sure to book a little weekend getaway at some point over the next few months!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia is somewhere I’ve been meaning to visit for a while, and Dubrovnik in particular is on my holiday hit list! I’m forever going to cold destinations on my city breaks (flashback to Iceland 2014!) so I thought I’d mix it up a bit and plump for somewhere a little warmer.. With a cool balance of beaches, city life and plenty of historical landmarks I’d be spoilt for choice in cultural Dubrovnik!

 

So there we have it, that’s my 2016 Bucket List! I’ll be interested to see where I end up this year and I’m so excited to reveal some big news very soon on the blog – I promise not to keep it a secret for too much longer! Thanks again Victoria for the nomination, you can also read her inspiring Bucket List here.

As part of Ice Lolly’s #sendmeaway campaign I’ve also been tasked with nominating three fellow bloggers to share their Dream Destinations Bucket List for 2016. I’d like to nominate Vicky & Chris from Eat Sleep Love Travel, Jess Gibson from The Travelista & Sophie Davis from Sophie’s Suitcase. Looking forward to reading your bucket lists guys!

Where are you heading to this year? Will 2016 be your year of discovery? I’d love to hear your travel plans!

Love Jess x

NB. Thanks to Sophie Davis, Victoria Dovaston, Flight Centre AustraliaMatt Long for the Instagram inspo!