Los Angeles By Night

Hi guys!

As some of you may know I recently visited LA. It was amazing, and there will be more posts to come on it, but right now I want to share with you my top two things to do in the evening whist visiting LA!

First up - a Lakers game! (or Clippers)

I was lucky enough to go to the Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks game on March 4th, and it was AMAZING!

The atmosphere, the celeb spotting, the hot dogs. All incredible.

I highly recommend seeing a game - it's just a must do and see. The Staples Centre is an incredible building, with heaps to do. From bars to restaurants - it's got it all.

Don't forget to get there early to grab some merch so you can really get in on the game!

My second Favourite place to visit? - The Grove
Absolutely killer vibes and amazing restaurants and shops.
My pick? The CheeseCake Factory! HUGE portions and amazing cheesecake! Must eat!
I loved the stores there too, MAC was a hit for me! Check it out, and if you can get there early enough - hit up the Farmers Markets. Really good finds and amazing fruit and veg.
You might even bump into the likes of Kate Hudson having a shop!

So what are your favourite things to do in LA by night?
Leave a comment below and let me know!
Catch you next time.

Cj, xo

The Eastern Trail, all the way to Amsterdam.

Hi guys!
I'm back with a brand new post! So sorry for the hiatus - i've just finished my bachelors degree! Very exciting times, but of course, the last few months seen me doing a lot of hard work.This post is going to be on 5 destinations and will talk about how this particular trip will help you understand Europe's amazing, and what used to be, volatile history.

Budapest - Hungary

Heroes Square

One of the most incredible and beautiful cities i have had the privilege of visiting, here i learned about the true horrors of WW2 along with the horror of communism. The House of Terror is a museum dedicated to both these tragic events in eastern european history. It is blunt, it is devastating, and it is heartbreaking. This is truly where the horror that was Eastern Europe, not too long ago. I highly recommend you start your historic journey here.
Don't forget to stop at my favourite place in Budapest - Heroes Square. Marvel, and take it all in. Pay your respects.

Of course, Budapest is now more known for its infamous Szechenyi Thermal Bath.

These baths are relaxing, natural and amazing for the skin.

While you're there, wander over Chain Bridge and check out the Parliament house (Gives Londons' Parliament a run for their money). There is also a little market so you can pick up some famous spices, such as paprika, a national treasure!

Other top attractions include Buda Castle and of course St Stephens Basilica.

Vienna - Austria

Not only known for the Sound of Music! This is actually the Birth place of Hitler, the most hated man in Eastern Europe. I know, i cut to the chase real fast. Do your self a favour and do a historic tour and learn of the horror that incurred on poor old Vienna.

On a happier note, try some of Mozarts Balls, and while you're at it, why not see a replica of his symphony at the Vienna State Opera house.

Check out St Stephens Cathedral and take in its mighty force.

Prague - Czech Republic

Old Town Square

Prague is one of those cities that hasn't really been changed by time. It's kept it's worldly charms and hasn't been overly modernised.
Start your journey by walking over Charles Bridge in the Old Town Square. Charles Bridge is famous for it's amazing carved out statues and simply the stature of the thing. It's incredible.
Old Square houses some of, you guessed it, the oldest buildings in the city.
Wander over to the Church of Our Lady in the city centre before heading over to the Jewish Museum, where your insight into eastern european war history continues.

Berlin - Germany

Holocaust Memorial

Berlin, where wars began and came to an end. This city almost has too much to deal with and take in. But it also houses some of the most beautiful, and thoughtful memorials and museums of some of the harshest times in Eastern European history.
I suggest taking a guided history tour of berlin. Where you can learn the inns and outs of the people, and the wars which took place. You will learn about Hitler, his men and his horrible actions.
If you want to do it yourself, I suggest starting at the Brandenburg Gate. An 18th century masterpiece, and while this has nothing to do with ww2, you need to appreciate what Germany was before it is what it is linked to now. As travellers we tend to only know what things are known for, Berlin, and Germany, is much more than the birthplace of wars.
Heading over to the Berlin wall, Take it in, then walk down to check point charlie, i then suggest heading over to the Holocaust memorial.  A deeply emotional, and breathtaking site. Here you can pay your respects and think about the horrors which took place.
Don't forget to try the beer and a pretzel. You gotta eat.

Amsterdam - Netherlands

Amsterdam Canals

To end your whirlwind journey through eastern Europe, the logical place to end is Amsterdam, and a visit to Anne Franks house. The girl whose life was taken away from her, she and her family hid from Nazis for as long as possible in the attic of her home in Amsterdam. And, to this day, you can see it exactly how it was, and get an in-dpeth look into what life was truly like for the victims of these hate crimes. It is sad, i cried, and bought her book (Anne Franks Diary) and i cried again.
While your historic journey has come to an end, don't forget to have some good, old fashioned fun.
I suggest getting a bike and riding around this 2 wheeled city. Pop into the Bulldog Coffee Shop to relax, and don't forget to see a famous show.
The next day, why not see the Van Gogh art gallery? or try some weird vending machine foods!

Although this journey is hard to stomach and i know a lot of people wouldn't truly be interested in these harsh realities, it is important to learn about the worlds mistakes and experiences so we can appreciate life, and learn from these actions.

Enjoy your trip! If you want accommodation or transport recommendations, do not hesitate to email me, or comment below.

Cheers,
And i'll see you next time!
Cj, xxx

(All information is my own from research or experience, photo credits are my own and subject to copy right laws.)

How to Travel : Choosing the right case

I'm back today with a write up on how to choose the right suit case for your next trip.

Choosing a case is one of several important aspects to traveling.
First, of course you need to establish the type of trip you're taking.
Are you staying in hostels? hotels? Are you going on a tour, staying with friends or doing your own thing? Are you a backpacker who is traveling light? or are you a more luxury type traveler who is staying in hotels and likes plenty of variety?
These are the questions you need to ask yourself before you book your trip, and definitely before you choose your luggage!

For example, for this trip I am a hostel/hotel traveler. I will be visiting friends, and staying for a longer period on the English country side. I will also be visiting some cities, which I think requires a little more dressing up.
Therefore, I will be taking a medium sized hard case suitcase (Flylite), A small on board shoulder bag to carry all my bits and bobs (Lazana), and of course my handbag (LongChamp).

I've learned over the years to travel as light as possible. On my first trip abroad, I took the largest suitcase possible and the largest onboard case possible. I ended up over packing, and only wearing half of the clothing I packed.

Say, you're going on a backpacking trip - you're going to be catching a lot of public transport and you're on a tighter budget so a travel backpack would suit you best.

Of course, it also depends on the length, my trip is around 7 weeks. I feel like my luggage is large enough, and i can always do washing.

Always remember you can post your stuff home! I've done this plenty of times; it saves you baggage fees at the airport too!

Hopefully this has been helpful, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Until next time.
Cheers,
Cj. xoxo

Different ways to travel abroad

It's 2015! A brand new year, and you have an entire year to see the world!
If you have ever planned to travel, but for various reasons you haven't had the chance to yet - fear not!

Here are a few ways i have personally traveled abroad. From group tours to solo endeavours - the world is your oyster; see it, feel it, breath it in. 2015 should be your year of adventures.

Here are 3 ways to see the world.

1 - Group tours.
For first time travellers in-particular or those heading over solo, or even the ones who just want to have some care free fun, a tour is for you.
You can go from 7,8 to 40 days! You can do these in Europe, America, Canada, Asia, Australia! Anywhere you can think of, there is a tour company that will take you there.
On my very first trip to Europe, i went on a Contiki tour with my best friend. It was the best experience ever, we didn't have to worry about whether we had transport, places to visit, or food to eat - it was all provided and completely fuss free.
There are also different types of tours you can do. From luxury tours, to camping.
Myself and my friend went for mid-range - hostels and camp sites with lodges. (No tents here). It was fun, we met so many people, and essentially we got completely lost in Europe, forgetting what country we were even in, but enjoying every single second of it.

2- Travel with friends.
This has it's pros and cons. Depending on who you're traveling with can make or break the situation. I've been lucky enough to travel with someone who is essentially me, but in a taller and blonder form. We like the same things, we eat the same foods, we travel the same way. And she likes to be in-control of the room keys so i don't feel guilty if she looses it. I have heard horror stories of friends who go traveling and come back as enemies! Luck for us, it never happened. We back packed Thailand together in July of 2013 and it was one of my favourite holidays. Despite us both getting sick and buying wayyyyyyy too much at the markets - we did absolutely everything, and laughed the entire time doing it.

3- Travel solo.
Solo travel can be the most liberating thing you can do, but it can also be the scariest.
I studied abroad in my winter break of 2014, then traveled eastern Europe alone (with a small stop over in my second favourite city, London). This was an amazing experience because i was by myself. I could eat what i want, sleep in when i wanted, go where i wanted (looking at a clock tower for 40 minutes for example). You can essentially tailor your trip for you, because it's all about you.
This experience helps you grow as a human being, it expands your mind, strengths and helps identify your weaknesses. These are important things to learn in your early 20s and why not learn them while globetrotting?


These are three of my experiences of seeing the world. If you want to know more about these, don't hesitate to ask.


Cj. xo