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Help! I have a serious case of post-travel blues…

Quite possibly the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen 🇺🇸😍 @contiki @statravel_uk #monumentvalley

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Hey everyone,

So I’m writing this post with a bit of a heavy heart. I have been feeling so so down lately, and a bit lost, and I just don’t know where to turn to or what to do about it really, other than write it all down a big long blog post and try to work out what the hell is wrong with me!

As most of you will know, I recently returned from the trip of a lifetime across America. I had the best time of my whole life and made friends with so many new people, most of whom are now lifelong friends. We have become so close and I miss them all dearly, every single day. They all live in Australia and New Zealand, which makes it even harder when you live the other side of the world in rainy old England! I talk to most of them as much as I can – thank god for FaceTime! – and we all keep in touch on our group Facebook, but it’s just not the same!

 

 

I’ve experienced travel blues before, I often feel a bit down when I’m back from a holiday or city break, I guess it’s only normal, but this is a whole different thing all together. I’m experiencing something I’ve never dealt with before, I’m sad all the time and I feel low even when I have other people around me, like my amazing family and my friends from home. I guess it’s the intensity of being with so many people for such a long time, living with them day in day out, sharing the same adventure and going on the same journey together which makes it such an intense experience – we all bonded and clicked, and maybe that’s why I’m finding it so hard to be without them all.

I think I’m also struggling because I haven’t had a ‘normal’ routine to go back to – I quit my job in order to travel and focus on my blog for the rest of this year, which I’m doing, and I’m so lucky to be in a position to be able to do so, but I’m finding it incredibly lonely and, at times, I’m struggling to adjust to my new life. So many people have said to me ‘oh you’re living the dream’ or ‘oh why are you moaning you don’t have work to get up for tomorrow’ and yeah, I get that, I see where they’re coming from, but at the same time I don’t have anyone around me during the days when I’m at my lowest point and I’m dwelling on the past. I don’t have anyone to have my lunch with, and I don’t have anyone to talk to if I’m feeling like things are getting on top of me.

 

 

Maybe I’m suffering from sort of mild depression, and I say that very very carefully, as I know depression is a terrible illness that affects so many people. I’ve dealt with a mild form of depression before; when I was 15 and I had eating problem and body issues, and then again when I was 21 and I dealt with my first heartbreak. At times I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, I went through darkness where I cried for hours every single day, for weeks on end, and it took months for me to get back to the real me, and to feel as I had done in happier times. So I’m not saying this on the same level, or in any way comparable to people who have suffered with and have been diagnosed with real depression, but it’s kind of the only thing that describes the way I’ve been feeling lately.

 

Even if it ain't all it seems, I've got a pocket full of dreams 🏙🇺🇸 #newyork #NYC #bigapple #tbt

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I’m trying to cure my travel blues by keeping busy, focusing on my blog and developing my freelance writing jobs and of course by keeping active. I take my dog out for a walk every single day, and she keeps me company by sitting at my feet whilst I type away furiously on my laptop! I also see my friends as much as I can and I’m constantly texting/FaceTiming people so that keeps me busy, I guess I just need to fill my time and plan things to look forward to until I feel content enough to just relax and enjoy life. Maybe I’m just a bit nervous at the moment, what with not having a full time job and I’m wondering how I’m going to make a proper living, but I think I just need to take a step back and stop WORRYING! I find that so hard though, I worry about everything, I just can’t help it.

 

So exactly a whole month ago today I returned from my American adventure. My mum took this photo of me just as I had come through arrivals at Heathrow airport. Seconds earlier I had collapsed into my mum and dads arms and burst into tears. I sobbed so much and they both hugged me so tight and, in those few seconds, I realised nothing was more important than love. I felt overwhelmed with exhaustion, with relief that I'd made it home safe, and with emotion because my amazing adventure was over. But in those few seconds I realised that nothing is more important than being with people you love. Travelling has made me realise that, no matter how far you go or how long you're away for, you'll always come home to where you belong, and you'll always be loved no matter where you are in the world. It's also made me want to be a better person, live each day as if it's my last, and to never be afraid to act how I feel and to follow my heart. Have courage and believe in yourself. If you like someone, tell them. If you love someone, show them. Don't let anyone tell you you're being stupid or you can't do something you've always wanted to, who are they to judge? I guess since I've been home I've appreciated things a lot more, I've learnt to be content with who I am as a person, and to never doubt myself. I've also learnt to stop living in the past and start looking forward to the future. Be spontaneous, do things and see the world. Don't put things off, do them today, not tomorrow. Don't leave things unsaid. A lot can change in a day. Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer, please go and explore our beautiful planet, before it's too late. ✈️🌍

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Sorry for the rant, it just helps sometimes for me to get things off my chest! Have any of you ever experienced post travel blues before, and have they ever been on this level? I’d be keen to know if such a thing actually exists, or if I’m just being plain stupid!

Please tell me if it’s real, or if it’s all in my head…

Love Jess x

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game ⚾️⚾️

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The ULTIMATE Contiki Q&A session! (Grand Southern Adventure)

 

Hey everyone,

So last week on social media I asked you to put your Contiki Grand Southern questions across to me and I promised to answer each and every one of them! I’ve been receiving tonnes of messages lately from people who have booked trips in the next 12 months asking what to pack, how much to budget for and other general queries so I thought it would be fun to do a Q & A session! This post is tailored to the Grand Southern Adventure I have just come back from (and many of you are booking the same trip by the sounds of it!) but some of the answers will be useful if you are planning a Contiki trip anywhere in the world.

I have to say I wasn’t expecting this amount of interaction and my inboxes have been absolutely FLOODED with messages from people on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook with loads of fab questions. So here are all my answers for you – if you’re thinking of going on a Contiki trip, or if you already have one booked, I hope this will help a little to ease your first time travel nerves or will help with your packing woes! Lets get this show on the road….

Question: How strict are Contiki on their luggage limits, and would you recommend a suitcase or a backpack?

Answer: According to the paperwork in the Contiki Welcome Pack, the standard luggage allowance per person is 1x 20kg bag in hold (under the bus) and 1x small day bag on board. The official Contiki size guide is 1x suitcase or bag measuring a max of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm although some of the people on our tour did have bigger cases! I guess it depends on your driver and how lenient they are, but this is the recommended size for all luggage. Oh and I would 1000% recommend a suitcase over a backpack ANYDAY of the week! Suitcases are sooo much more convenient in terms of wheeling them to and from the bus each day, and to and from each hotel!

One more sleep!!!!! 🇺🇸✈️🇺🇸✈️ @contiki #noregrets #USA

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Question: How often do you get chance to do laundry?

Answer: The choice of hotels on the Grand Southern is so good, most of them have free WIFI and laundry facilities and they’re all in great locations. Not every hotel had laundry, but I’d say about every 4th one did, so there was a chance to do some washing at least once a week. I pitched in with some of my tour mates and did washing together so we got usage out of the washing powder and saved some of our pennies!

Question: Did you need to buy a separate US sim card for your phone, or did you just use WIFI?

Answer: The States is notoriously expensive for non US residents so, naturally, I was a little worried about using my phone over there! Contiki actually provide you with a USA and Canada sim card which is pre activated and ready to use on your trip. You’ll get this in your little Welcome Pack which is posted out to you before you fly – cute! Most people bought sim cards from the nearest Walmart though and used these as I think it gave you a bit more value for money. I was fortunate enough to switch phone providers just before I flew out, so Three Network allowed me to use my phone in the same way I would if I was at home, and I was texting and phoning home normally without having to pay any extra – AMAZING!! If however you can’t take advantage of this, or you’re not keen on getting a sim card, then I’d just stick to the WIFI, there’s plenty of it in the restaurants, hotels, shops and bars at each of the Grand Southern destinations so you should be fine!

Ahhh my last day at home before my big American adventure tomorrow!! ✈️🇺🇸@contiki #noregrets

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Question: Is there anything you brought that you thought you’d need but didn’t end up using?

Answer: This is a GREAT question – I wish I’d asked someone this before I went on my trip! I took quite a few clothes that I thought I’d use but didn’t; I wore tops and shorts over and over again just cos it was easy and I was too lazy to root through my suitcase. I brought magazines in case I had some downtime and was bored – I didn’t read them, they were chucked out in Miami as they were weighing down my day bag (sorry OK mag). I also brought about 20 pairs of socks which I didn’t use AT ALL! I guess it depends what type of shoes you wear, but I was in flip flops and pumps most days so didn’t need them.

Question: Did you have the same roommate the whole tour?

Answer: Yes I did have the same roomie the whole tour, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way! My roomie Poppy was so amazing, she was like me in the sense that she likes to party but doesn’t want to roll home with a random stranger at 5 o clock in the morning! We got on really well the entire trip and I was so lucky to have her as my roomie – miss you Pop!! <3 Some people did switch roomies midway through the Grand Southern, as those who left/joined in New Orleans affected the pairings. If you’re reeaaally unhappy with your roomie you could always ask your Tour Manager if you can switch with someone, it messes up the hotel names but other than that it doesn’t really matter.

I miss my #Contiki roomie too much 😭😭 @poppy_sparrow #noregrets #roomies #girls #love 💖💖

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Question: How strict are Contiki with their age policy and can someone over 35 travel if they are with someone under 35?

Answer: I actually contacted Contiki for the answer to this as I wanted to get it 100% correct! Here’s their official statement: “We are proud to be the best in class and like to uphold our promises to our travelers, one being our 18-35 year policy. We would not be able to accommodate anyone over 35 travelling with us.” I think that’s pretty clear!

Question: Did you bring a beach towel with you and did you need to use it?

Answer: Yes, I brought one with me. No, I didn’t use it! I did want to use it on the beaches we stopped at in Florida, but we were able to take the hotel ones which I guess made it easier as I didn’t have to wash my towel before we left etc. If I were doing another trip I wouldn’t bring a beach towel with me. Don’t forget your swim stuff though, there’s plenty of opportunities for pool parties whilst on Contiki!

Pool party 👙💦 #Dallas

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Question: How many outfits did you bring?

Answer: TOO MANY is the answer to that! I’m a typical over packer anyway, I once went to Spain for a week and took 8 bikinis :O What can I say, I like to have a bit of choice!! You really don’t need to take too many clothes though, especially as you can do laundry every few days and you can reuse lots of things. The Grand Southern lasts for 27 days so I took 5-6 pairs of shorts, 12 tops (vests & t-shirts), a couple of skirts, a few day dresses and 2 evening dresses. Oh and don’t forget your essentials like pants etc (I literally took about 30 pairs of knickers!) and footwear, like I said before I was mainly in flip flops and pumps but you can wear whatever you’re comfy in.

Question: How many ‘going out’ clothes do you need? ie for clubbing etc

Answer: I actually only bought two going out dresses, one for Vegas and one for Miami, but I forgot that we had two nights in each (duuhh Jess) so I went and bought a few other dressy outfits at various shops and outlet centres so I could wear them to go clubbing! The big cities we stopped at on the Grand Southern are pretty laid back when it comes to night time attire, especially for the ladies, but for boys it’s a bit stricter – think shirts, trousers and shoes, not vests, shorts and sandals! The only thing I WISH I took more than anything was one pair of heels! Clubbing in Vegas & Miami without my heels on just didn’t feel right – who’s with me girls?!

Miami rooftops 🎉🇺🇸 #saturdaynight

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Question: Are there any mobile device charging points on the bus?

Answer: I think it depends which bus you get; our first one had just a handful of charging points at the rear of the bus only, but we swapped buses towards the end and there were chargers on every seat!

Question: Does the bus have free WIFI?

Answer: Yes and no, again it depends on which bus you get. Our first one did have WIFI but it was very limited, and my phone would never connect to it! The second bus had no WIFI at all. The bus is a place to chill and relax though (and sleep, like I did constantly) and it’s fun to join in with group games instead of being on the internet all the time!

Question: Do the hotels have free WIFI?

Answer: Yes, most of the ones on the Grand Southern had some sort of free WIFI, either in the rooms or downstairs in the reception area. There were often computers in the lobby to if you wanted to make use of them. I actually used one of the PC’s in our Washington hotel to write a blog post for all you lovely lot! 🙂

Question: What optional extras would you do, and what ones would you skip? (Grand Southern only)

Answer: If you can, do them ALL!! I did pretty much all of them bar a few, just because of money etc. I made sure I took enough spends with me though so I could enjoy myself and be fully immersed in the Contiki spirit! Must do’s (in my opinion) are the Cirque Du Soleil in Vegas, the Grand Canyon helicopter, white water rafting in Durango, speed-boating in Miami, baseball games in Memphis & Washington, swamp boating in New Orleans, Universal/Disney in Orlando & parasailing on Daytona Beach. I also saw the hot air ballooning in Albuquerque was pretty special, although I didn’t take part in this. Make sure you take part in the group surprise and the group photos too, such lovely memories of your time together! If I was to skip any I’d say the Dallas Cowboy stadium tour is the least exciting – especially as I thought I was going to see a Dallas RODEO show instead of some football stadium! #oops – but yeah, if you’re into American sports then it’s cool but otherwise it’s a bit boring.

 

Question: Do I need a US VISA for a Contiki trip?

Answer: Yes, you will need a US VISA for the Grand Southern, or any other US & Canada trip if you are not a US resident. I think this costs around £25 and your travel agent can sort this for you, or you can do it yourself online.

Question: How many nights pre/post tour would you recommend to stay?

Answer: I would definitely stay for at least 3 nights pre trip and 3 nights post trip, if you can afford it! I literally landed in LA the night before the tour started so unfortunately didn’t have chance to see ANYTHING of La La Land which I was pretty gutted about. If you’re an avid reader of my blog you’ll know that I paid a lot of money to change my flights and stay an extra night in New York at the end of the trip, but that’s because it was 4th July and I wanted to celebrate with my new Contiki family! If I were to go again I’d 100% stay a couple of nights extra at either end of the trip so you can make the most of your time in both LA and NYC as you don’t get any included time at these destinations on the Grand Southern.

 

L.A L.A L.A ✈️🇺🇸✈️🇺🇸

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Last day on tour 🇺🇸🎉 #NYC #timessquare #america #USA @contiki @statravel_uk #contiki #noregrets

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Question: Did you meet anyone from your trip online before you went? How do the Contiki MeetUps work?

Answer: Yep, I found the online MeetUps fairly easily via the Contiki website, and more and more people started to join in the run up to the trip starting. We also then made a group Facebook page and added everyone to it as it was a much easier way of keeping in touch with everyone. I found that this group really helped us to bond, I spoke to quite a few people quite a lot before the trip started so it felt as if I knew them before we even met on that first night in LA!

Question: Did you get to stop off much on long drive days?

Answer: You’re driving on average around 8 hours a day on the Grand Southern, sometimes a little longer, sometimes a little shorter, and there were plenty of opportunities to stop. We’d stop at Walmarts, or large retail parks, to do some shopping and to grab some proper lunch and stock up on snacks etc. The stops were interesting and varied, one was Monument Valley, Utah (INSANE!), one was Seligman, Arizona- an official Route 66 stop, and one was Little Rock High School, Arkansas; a museum/exhibiton about the desegregation of public schools in the US. We also made longer stops at Santa Fe (New Mexico), Charleston (South Carolina) & Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) where we had plenty of free-time to explore. The stops really help to break up the driving days and allow you to visit lots of new states before you reach your destinations.

🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Question: How much do you recommend to tip your tour manager/driver?

Answer: The recommended suggestion from Contiki is $3 per day for driver and for your TM, or more if you think they’ve gone above and beyond. I tipped both John, our TM and Ray, our driver, $100 each for the full 27 days as I thought they were truly amazing and they looked after me during my time on tour. It really depends how generous you’re feeling, but they do a dam good job and I felt they really earned their tips so I was happy to pay a little extra! Miss you guys! X

Missing #NYC and my @contiki team John & Ray-Ray! 🎉 @jnavarro467 #tbt #contiki #noregrets

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So there we have it! I feel EXHAUSTED but not in a bad way, in a good way. Like a really, really good way and hopefully this may have helped those of you who are going on Contiki in the not too distant future. Dammm I wish I had seen this blog post before I did my first Contiki trip 😉 Just kidding, hindsight is a wonderful thing!

So you should now be ready to jump on to your first Contiki bus fully armed with knowledge and able to survive your trips! Please tell me where you are going as I’d love to hear all your fab itineraries (and cry myself to sleep because I won’t be joining you) – tell me your travel plans! Oh and if you think I’ve missed aaaaanything at all (I bloody hope not!) then just shout, I’m honestly here to help!

Love Jess x

So after 28 amazing days the time has come for me to leave the US of A and travel home from my first solo adventure! I've white water rafted in Durango, helicoptered over the Grand Canyon, parasailed on Daytona Beach, been speed boating in Miami and celebrated Independence Day in New York! I've had the time of my life with the most amazing people making 52 new friends as well as hundreds of new memories that will last a lifetime! Honestly the best thing I've ever done and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Now it's time for me to fly home from NYC in my contiki top and cowboy boots in true tourist style! Til next time America… Mum I'm coming homeeee 🇺🇸🎉💖 #noregrets @contiki @statravel_uk @travelstarwarsjoe

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Special Announcement – A new chapter in my travel career!

announcement

 

Hey everyone,

I have something very special to share with you all now… I’ve taken on my first ever ambassador role and have teamed up with the fantastic Transfer Travel! For those of you who aren’t sure what Transfer Travel are about, they are a start up company offering a marketplace for holidaymakers to come together and buy unwanted holidays from sellers who are unable to travel.

 

 

As part of my role as an ambassador, I’ll be featuring Transfer Travel on my social channels and promoting them to all you lovely lot! You can check out my introductory video on the site in the next few days – and please do tell me what you think, I have never done any kind of vlogging or presenting before so don’t expect too much 😉

I absolutely love the concept that Transfer Travel have created; it’s a fantastic balance between promoting affordable travel and helping those who can no longer take their holidays, whether that’s due to an illness, relationship breakdown or a family emergency, and I am sure they will take the travel market by storm.

 

 

So that’s the next little venture in my travel career – I can’t wait to get started! As always do keep an eye on the blog for any future updates and I’ll be sharing some of my ambassador stories along the way. Oh and go and give Transfer Travel a big follow on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – you know you want to!

Love Jess x

 

I have a HUGE announcement which I'll be sharing on the #blog tomorrow… Stay tuned! 🙊 #surprise #travel #bloggers

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48 hours in Las Vegas

 

Sin City, The City of Lights, The Entertainment Capital of the World… Las Vegas is on everyone’s bucket list and attracts some 42 million visitors each year. With its enormous hotels, gigantic casinos and its buzzing nightlife, Vegas is one of America’s biggest party capitals. Only got two nights to explore? No problem – here’s my list of must see’s and my guide on how to make the most of your time in the city…

Check out the hotels

The hotels in Vegas are like mini cities. I’m not even joking. They are separate resorts within their own rights and they are HUGE! I couldn’t grasp the size of them until I went into four or five consecutively, and then wandered around them all in awe. It’s like being in a gigantic shopping mall and never being able to find the exit. Each time you think you’ve seen it all there’s something else to discover!

 

#Vegas seems like forever ago now!! What a place 😍🇺🇸 @contiki @statravel_uk #contiki #noregrets

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Favourites of mine were The Venetian – who doesn’t love a little bit of Venice in Vegas?! – The Mirage – actual real life dolphins in the garden #saywhaaaaattt – and The Bellagio – those fountains are amazing! I stayed at the Harrahs during my time in Vegas and it was fab, it wasn’t as big as some of the others but there were casinos, bars, restaurants and shops aplenty. I would have loved to visit Caesar’s Palace and The Luxor whilst I was there but I just didn’t have the time, there are too many to try and squeeze in but if you are staying for a few days then you must try to visit them all!

 

Miss this place with its dancing fountains 🇺🇸😍 #bellagio #Vegas #contiki #america #USA

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Vegas can get INCREDIBLY hot, especially during the summer months, so some respite in the hotel air-con systems is welcome especially when walking around during the day. The heat is so intense, it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, I’d liken it to standing in an oven, I literally was BAKING. If you can deal with the dry, desert like heat then you’ll be fine, but I was so sick on my first night I just wanted to jump into an ice bucket and cry!

 

Amazing stay in #Vegas at the Harrahs hotel! Next stop Grand Canyon 🎉🇺🇸 @contiki @statravel #noregrets #contiki

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Gamble in the casinos

It’s the classic bucket list item – gamble in a casino – TICK! I went to a good few casinos during my stay although I wish I had the time to gamble properly! I don’t really know what I’m doing when I’m gambling, I just kind of play along and hope for the best, but I would have loved to have moved on from the slot machines and tried my hand at poker or craps!

 

Flashing lights and big screens can only mean one thing… It's a #Vegas #casino! 🎰🎰 #TravelTuesday #lasvegas

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There are sooo many casinos in Vegas, you could go round each of the hotels just visiting each casino without even seeing the individual ones on the main strip! Gambling is so huge in Vegas, embrace it and have fun but remember to gamble responsibly while you’re away.

Go to a pool party

This is a must if you love sunbathing, dancing to club tunes and socialising with randomers! You’ll make friends with people you’ve only just met and you’ll spend way too much money on alcohol but you’ll have a blast, I promise! I went to one of the biggest pool parties in the city during my time in Vegas – Wet Republic at MGM Grand is one of the hottest places on the pool party scene so I was so excited to be attending! Be aware though that prices are sooo over the top at pool parties – you’ll easily pay over $18 dollars for a drink and at least $10 for a bottle of water, it’s crazy but I guess that’s how they make their money and it’s such an exclusive place you’ll feel like a VIP when you’re there, it’s all about the experience!

 

When in #Vegas a pool party is a must! 🎉👙

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*TOP TIP* – there are often promo guys stood near to the entrance of Wet Republic offering reduced or free entry to the pool party – snap up the free wristbands and save on entry charges so you don’t have to pay on the door! Alternatively have a look on Instagram or Twitter for promo people using the #wetrepublic or #vegas hashtags and they should be able to sort you out with free tickets.

 

Pool party time 🎉 #Vegas

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Watch a Cirque Du Soleil show

You can’t go to Vegas and NOT see a Cirque Du Soleil show – it’s one of the most iconic shows in the world and where better place to watch it than in Sin City itself?! There are a variety of different shows to watch, from The Beatles Love show to the magical Mystere show, but I opted for the O show at The Bellagio Hotel.

 

Watching a Cirque Du Soleil show in #Vegas – TICK! ✅ 🎪#bucketlist #traveltuesday #cirquedusoleil

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The whole thing was incredible from start to finish – each dancer, acrobat, performer and presenter gave 110% and I was blown away by what I saw. During the show part of the stage gave way to water and then all of a sudden the stage transformed into a pool and there were water stunts and splashes a plenty! The show made me laugh, made me stop and stare and, at times, left me totally speechless. Tickets weren’t cheap, I think I paid around $120 for a seat but it was so worth it and I’d encourage anyone to attend a Cirque show when in Vegas!

Head over to Fremont Street

I have to admit I’d never even heard of Fremont Street when I rolled into Vegas but I am SO glad I visited this place during my time in the city. Fremont Street is everything you think Vegas would be, but it’s just on a smaller scale without the skyscraper hotels! Think bright lights, street entertainment, people zip-wiring across the fake ceiling (yes, really) and bars and casinos on every corner.

 

Wherever you are in #Vegas don't forget to look UP!! Fremont Street is where it's at! 🇺🇸🎉 #TravelTuesday @contiki @statravel_uk

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Fremont Street was super cool, I literally only had a couple of hours to check everything out and most of that time was spent inside one of the casinos, but by wandering around properly you’ll get a true taste of the area and can fully submerge yourself in the old school Vegas spirit! If I ever return to Vegas I’ll definitely make sure I spend more time in this place.

So there we go, my top tips on exploring Vegas in a whirlwind 48 hours! There’s so much to see and do in this city that you’ll need more than two days to get the full Vegas experience, but hopefully this round up points out the must sees and dos and helps with that all important planning!

Have you ever been to Vegas? Tell me what you thought of it, I’d love to hear your comments!

Love Jess x

 

Made it to this old place 🇺🇸🎉 #Vegas

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#tbt to Sin City Las Vegas 🇺🇸🎉 @contiki @statravel_uk #contiki #grandsouthern #america #USA #vegas #noregrets

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Product review: Collaborating with Cheerz

 

Hi everyone,

As part of my job as a blogger I often get contacted by companies asking to promote their products/services on my website and social channels and, before I went away to America in June, I was approached by  Cheerz, a unique photo printing company, to review some of their photography products. Being an avid selfie-taker/spot-a-photo-op-anywhere-and-everywhere kinda gal I absolutely JUMPED at the chance to collaborate with them, and get my hands on some of their fab products!

About the brand

In case you haven’t heard of them before, Cheerz are an online photo printing service turning your phone snaps into cute little prints in just a few clicks. They offer a whole host of cool and quirky products, from fridge magnets and posters to classic prints and Polaroid’s, all of which can be printed and ordered onsite, or via the Cheerz app, in a matter of minutes.

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I was asked to choose two products to review and promote on my site so I opted for the fridge magnets and the Cheerz box; 30 Polaroid prints in a cute little carry case. I actually chose to wait until after I returned from my America trip last month as I knew I’d have TONNES of photos that I wanted to print!

The ordering process

Ordering your prints couldn’t be easier, especially if you have a smartphone or a tablet and you’ve downloaded the free app from the app store. I actually used my phone to order the products, but I used the internet site instead of the app as I have no storage on my phone to download another app!! Sort it out Jess..

 

Anyway, as I said, the ordering process was super quick and easy and I was able to sort my prints out in a matter of minutes. It helps if you know which photos you want to print before you start the process, as I had to go back and forth on my camera roll a few times, but it doesn’t take long at all to start uploading. Depending on what product you choose, you can select and upload a set amount of images to print and can then add text to the image if you wish. Once you’ve added to your basket you can select your delivery method (standard or express) and then, once payment is made, your order will be processed and your products will be on their way to you!

The products

I was so impressed with the products I received, they were great quality and looked fantastic! The polaroid prints were super cute and I loved the glossy finish on each one. I’m planning to hang up a map of America on my wall and pop the polaroid’s on there, one on each state that I visited! Polaroid’s are a really great way of printing photos and they’d make a lovely gift to someone.

 

The magnets were also adorable and the square box finish to each one was quirky and really makes them stand out on the fridge. The quality is great and I love that they come in boxes of nine, perfect when arranging them in a square style! Again, these would make a really unique present for your friends and family and I’d 100% recommend them.

 

As well as magnets and Polaroid’s, Cheerz also offers classic 6×4 prints, photo strips, invitations, wall posters, a range of photo albums and a DIY photo book. I actually ordered the DIY photo book separately for my parents recent Silver Wedding Anniversary gift and they loved it! I printed the Polaroid’s and stuck them in the book, adding my own little comments as I went. Mum & Dad loved the book and it’s something they’ve never received before – such a cute little gift!

DIY photo book

The service

I couldn’t fault the service I received from Cheerz, both orders I placed were seamless and stress-free and the products arrived within 2-4 days using standard delivery. You can pay extra for express next day delivery if you’re short on time, but otherwise the standard delivery is pretty speedy!

 

Cheerz send you emails regularly to update you on your order; they send a confirmation of your order, a notification once the product has been dispatched, and then a follow up one to make sure you received your product ok. They are big on their social channels and can be contactable easily by Twitter/Facebook etc if need be, otherwise their email responses are pretty speedy as well.

Promo.. A little gift for YOU!

Now that I’ve received my lovely products I thought I’d share a little treat with you all – something for me, something for you, right?! That’s right, I have a snazzy discount code to share with you so that you can save some money on your Cheerz orders! Head over to their site, or the app, place your order and enter the code JESS75 at the check out to receive £4 off your order*! Don’t say I don’t treat you 😉   (*minimum spend of £8)

 

 

A big thank you to Cheerz for allowing me to collaborate with you – I love the products and will highly recommend them to my readers, followers and my friends and family! You definitely put the fun factor back into photo printing!

Have you ever used Cheerz before? Are you going to use them now that I’ve given you a cheeky discount code?! Let me know – I’d love to hear from you and see your prints!

Love Jess x

NB. As you can probably tell, I was sponsored by Cheerz for this post and was sent the complimentary products to review and promote but all views are my own.

 

Just ordered my first set of retro prints off @cheerz – thanks guys! Product review coming soon on the blog! 📸

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