Airbnb vs. Hotels

As I may have mentioned just a few times before, I have a love of Airbnb just a little bit. So it was suggested to me by my contact at STA for me to write a comparison piece, and while STA are getting something else, I thought it was a good idea anyway.

So, enough rambling!

Airbnb:

Let’s start with Airbnb, a phenomenon that took off about 10 years ago now, Airbnb works on the premise of a kind of house sharing community vibe. You can rent whole apartments to yourself or just a room in someone’s house – and there are options to stay on boats, in castles, in yurts, up treehouses, etc. wherever you could sleep, Airbnb has it in some shape or form. They have also recently launched into providing Airbnb experiences in which local people or freelancers can advertise their services. While I haven’t yet tried the experiences side yet, I have used Airbnb for the last 2 years, staying in many different properties, from riads to city apartments to holiday villas, and I have never had a bad experience. Personally, I think Airbnbs are great because they give you the flexibility of cooking for yourself and most come with a kitchen or at least kitchen access, although I have only ever rented the whole apartment.

The down side to Airbnb, like a hotel, is that sometimes you can end up with some dodgy places that actually aren’t anything like the photos, so make sure you read the reviews and trawl through the options before you settle on your dream holiday accommodation. Another negative is that Airbnb is running the more independent hotels and B&Bs out of business which I don’t appreciate, although I see I am part of the problem and don’t profess to have the answer to this quite yet. Also, many places, like Barcelona, are imposing fines on Airbnb for setting up in their area.

As I’ve mentioned before Airbnb did save my ass in Calais once when I was left without accommodation so I would definitely rate it on that alone, within an hour of booking it we were in the apartment, couldn’t ask for any more than that!

Say what you will about Airbnb but it is defiantly changing the face of the way we travel.

Don't forget to sign up to Airbnb through my link here and save yourself some dolla on your first trip!

Hotels:

As much as I love Airbnb, I do love a good hotel. For me, this is the difference between a holiday (where I might go for a hotel) and travelling (more likely to use an Airbnb or hostel – apart from city breaks).

If I’m going to book a hotel it means one of two things for me – either I have cash to burn and want to be pampered in a luxurious hotel, or I’m going for the all-inclusive beach type holiday. I love that I can have dinner from my bed, that there’s a pool, a bar, a terrace, etc. all the things in life you would want to relax – this is my idea of a hotel and a holiday. 

Hotels are brilliant, all service venues, but I would say that their downside is the lack of ability to cook for yourself – but then if I am picking a hotel, I would know I would be eating out every day and account for that. Also, generally they are more expensive than Airbnbs, although obviously you usually get more provided for this. And finally, I wouldn’t book a hotel if I was going away as part of a big group due to the lack of private communal areas.

Verdict: As always, depends on your budget, for me, I truly can’t decide unhelpfully! Let me know what you prefer!!

Have a good week my loves,

Lots of Love, Kate xxx

Top 5 European destinations for students

This week's blog features a special guest post from the lovely people at STA Education talking about all things student breaks in Europe! Let me know how you like it, and if anyone else fancies writing something, just get in touch!

Cheese for breakfast, casual cobbled streets and fists full of inspiration, we’ve got to be talking about Europe. Just a stone’s throw away and as diverse as it is beautiful, we spoke to self-confessed student travel experts STA Travel Education about what Europe has that nowhere else does!

Barcelona

Known for its intricate architecture, rich history and claiming football fans from around the globe. This city is the perfect blend of ‘La Playa’ and all things educational. Aside from the obvious tourist attractions: La Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter and Camp Nou. The Garrotxa Volcanic Park will pull in geography students. While ordering tapas and local breakfasts will be a challenge for any language students.

Paris

Students will say ‘bonjour’ to the effortlessly chic Pari. ‘Oui’ can’t recommend Paris enough for inspiring the next generation. Littered with iconic monuments and tiny bakeries where diets go to die, what’s not to love? In the Palais Garnier & Théâtre de Paris, students will find their voice. The Foundation Claude Monet, Lourve and Mussee d’Orsay should keep creative students going for a while. Trying out language skills on the locals will be a test of wits for your students.

London

It’s the very essence of all things British! Call us patriotic, but there is little that can’t be done in our capital. The very royal architecture and the ever changing science is just the starter. Geography students should head to the Thames or the pioneering eco-community BedZed for some applied learning. Art students will get lost in Shoreditch, spotting street corners splattered with little known names, yet to line the walls of galleries.

Rome

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and by the looks of the architecture, they weren’t kidding! Steeped in mythology & history, students can walk amongst fearless gladiators, make a wish at the famous Di Trevi Fountain, trudge the Spanish Steps and see the highlights of St Peter’s. If that didn’t sell it to you, they have more Gelato then you can shake a stick at! 

Berlin

Fast becoming an educational hotspot, this is where famous history sites double as educational opportunities; the Berlin wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial and the Brandenburg Gate. One of the most immersive ways to experience the city is a Religious tour. If you’re looking for something a little outside of the city head to Potsdam, for beautiful gardens and historical buildings.

Fun Fact: The highest toilet in Europe is on Mont Blanc at over 4,200 meters!

Like what you see? The fun doesn’t have to end, enjoy more blogs from STA Travel Education here.

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My 5 Top Travel Apps

So we all now live in a scarily connected age of technology and the way we travel has certainly changed over the years, and therefore I thought I might share with all you lovely people my favourite and most used travel apps. (And before you ask, no, this post is not sponsored, just my honest thoughts and feelings). While there are definitely more (SkyScanner, HostelWorld, Uber etc. these are my favourites)

1.       Airbnb

Now as you are all very aware I am a massive fan of Airbnb as I probably don’t stop talking about it and recommending it enough in all of my travel posts (more on this to follow). However, the Airbnb app has been a lifesaver for me as it has helped me get out of many a sticky situation with no accommodation. The interface is really easy to use, the messaging system is great, the only downside I have found is that obviously you need WiFi or a data connection to be able to use it which is fine when you are at home or in the city, not so great when you are stuck in a field in Calais in the middle of January with nowhere to sleep for the night… (See my Calais post for reference).  Also, if you use my link on the Links and Discounts page here you’ll get money off your first stay!

2.       Touch Note

This app is definitely less commonly heard of, I have had it on my phone for a couple of years now after I saw it recommended on Channel 4’s Travel Man, although the other week I did see it advertised on TV, so hopefully it is going to pick up soon.

The basic premise of this app is that it turns your holiday photos into a postcard, allows you to write a message and will send it to your recipient all from the app. While the app itself is free, you do have to buy credits to be able to send each card. However, I think it is great, especially in world where we are always on our phones and are often in places where it is hard to find a stamp, this app solves the problem. Also, the cards are really professional and make great holiday souvenirs. I always send them to my grandma and friend Sophie who love getting postcards!

3.       Gratitude Tipping

This app is relatively new to me as I was contacted on Twitter about this, but after playing around with it I would definitely rate it. Gratitude Tipping works both online and offline (bonus when you are in those hard-to-reach-WiFi places) and will tell you from your location, bill amount, service and people shared, how much the average tip should be for your bill. It has a wide range of countries and is essential for a Brit like me who almost never tips in the UK (we just don’t really do it here). Saves the embarrassment of under-tipping someone and saves you money from over-tipping too!

4.       TripSoSo

While TripSoSo may not be the most streamlined or stylish app, it is quite good in providing you a jumping off point for finding things to do in your travel destination. Allowing you to use it online and download location guides for offline use, this app also has in-app purchases allowing you to book tours and excursions through them. While it certainly doesn’t have everything you can do, it is a good place to start and often has some less-thought of ideas that aren’t always in the Lonely Planets (A post on this will also follow soon!).

5.       CityMapper

My final top-rated app is CityMapper. If you haven’t heard of CityMapper, what rock have you been hiding under the last few years? CityMapper is fairly self explanatory, only working in major cities (although they are always adding more locations), it provides you a map of the city and shows the quickest ways of getting from A to B. It also provides price, how many calories you will burn, and live updates on public transport arrivals. In some locations is has also launched its own bus service. If you haven’t got it already, download it now!

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx

My Travel Bible: The Lonely Planet Obsession

Hello lovely people – time for your weekly travel ramblings from me!

This week I thought I might write about my travel bibles aka the huge collection of Lonely Planet guides that litter my book shelves and are only slightly getting out of control.

While it is not the most original travel item as usually everyone has them and you can’t wander round a city or trek Matchu Pitchu without seeing Lonely Planet guides stuck out the top of backpacks or being desperately clutched when lost, I still love to get one.

The most I usually use my guide is actually in the planning stages of my holiday. It is great to orientate yourself in an area, maybe see where you might want to stay, even take some of the suggestions as to accommodation from the book. I like to see what the guide suggests to do, and then compare it to online suggestions, followed by then ignoring these ideas completely and usually wandering around until I get lost.

For me, these travel guides are also a kind of souvenir in a way, they are often aspirational as I have loads from places I haven’t been yet, but they are also a reminder of where I have been. I know I sound very airy fairy, but it’s true.

I also find they are a great conversation starter both at home on my book shelf, and when you are out travelling, people are drawn to them and it is a great way to get talking to fellow travellers, even when you are on your own!

What is your favourite guide? Do you have any you would recommend?

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx

72 hours in Stockholm

You might be pretty sick of me constantly writing about my holidays, but then again, this is a travel blog for the most part, so what do you expect really?!

Although this is the last overseas holiday post for a while because it was the last holiday I had booked! It feels weird not having something happening – although this is solely down to my supposed job hunt – damn money that I need to live.

Anyway, my FINAL trip of the year so far was to the sunny climbs of Stockholm, Sweden, just for a two-night city break.

While the weather in the UK has calmed down at the end of July, I promptly flew to Stockholm where it was over 30 degrees with 94% humidity. Great.

As Stockholm is in Scandinavia, it is super super expensive, especially at the moment (thanks Brexit), so if you really want to enjoy yourself, don’t try to do it on a budget – although I did and it wasn’t half bad.

Stay in an Airbnb, a classic, and most likely the cheapest option in Stockholm – I’d also advise picking one that is right in the centre of the city if possible so you don’t have to pay the mind-numbing price of £4 per one way journey for the Swedish public transport. Find the Airbnb I stayed here.

There are many airlines to choose from when flying to Sweden (or get the train from Copenhagen or Oslo) but make sure you fly to Stockholm Arlanda airport – the flights to here may be slightly more expensive but if you pick the Ryanair flights from Stanstead, although they cost nothing, they will fly you to an airport that is actually 4 hours outside Stockholm – not great for a city break! I flew with Norwegian which ticks all the boxes for a short haul 2h35m flight – slightly uncomfortable seats, but not too bad all in all.

What to do in Stockholm: Well there are many options, although all costing rather a lot, so choose your poison in advance. There are literally hundreds of museum littering the island archipelago that makes up the city, so take a wander round the postage museum, the ABBA museum (legendary) or the Nobel Prize Museum.

Sweden is known for being a wonderfully liberal country, with a brilliant concept that has recently taken the world by storm. With no English translation, fika, literally means to take a break and have a coffee and a chat with your friends, so feel free to do this in any number of beautiful parks or coffee shops in Stockholm.

For younger visitors, or just for big kids, on the island of Skansen there is a Tivoli theme park with an open air museum that has been reconstructed to show Stockholm through the ages with a large zoo too!

And classically, in true basic traveller style, two free options from insider tips is to visit the Medieval museum (although note it is closed on Monday) and take a free walking tour around the city. This lasts just over an hour as Stockholm really isn’t very big, but is great for orientating yourself and learning about Swedish history...and don't forget to try some Swedish meatballs! 

Where are you off on holiday to next?

Have a great week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx

Making the Most in Morocco

Here comes your (what seems like) monthly blog post – I had so much to write about while I was living in Paris as I was actually living somewhere that I had things to write about, but at the moment the most exciting thing that seems to happen to me is getting the train to London. Therefore, instead of boring you lovely people rigid with my tales of commuting, this summer is going to be sporadically filled with blogs about various short breaks I am taking. Look out for a post at the beginning of August for all things Swedish and Stockholm! I am also thinking about doing an overview of the summer post with info on my internship at The British Red Cross which I will be finishing in mid-August and just generally complaining about my dissertation (due in 6 weeks – scary as shit!).

Anyway, Morocco!

Last week I was lucky enough to take time off and head out to the West African country of Morocco, more specifically to Marrakesh. This trip had been in the works since about January/February time of this year – so it has been a long time coming! Although many people thought we were mad for going to Marrakesh in July, with the average temperature at about 42 degrees, it is a beautiful dry heat, unlike the horrible humidity heat of the UK at the moment, so it was a welcome change.

As there was 8 girls heading out there, I arranged for us to have an entire private Riad through Airbnb (check out the my Airbnb discount code on the links and promotions page), this meant that we had access to our own cold plunge pool which was most appreciated, along with a guide/manager and breakfast was even cooked for us! Staying in a Riad is a very popular means of accommodation in Marrakesh, they are old mini-palaces that have been turned into BnB style accommodation for tourists and travellers and are ideal for a short break as most are right in the centre of the city or the ‘Medina’ where the markets are. Check out our Riad here!

Although there was a lot of sleeping and lounging going on for the first couple of days, on day 3 most of us managed a hike up the Atlas Mountains to a waterfall. These mountains are considerably cooler than the city and are where most of the local go in the summer (or so I’ve been told!). On day 4 we also made it to a Moroccan cooking course for the day at Faim d’Epices – about 9 miles out of town. For 55 euros you will be picked up and taught how to make a meal of the day – we made Moroccan couscous with 7 vegetables (and beef for the others). It might seem pricey but you are piled with so much food and activities and for the brilliant personal service and beautiful surroundings it is worth every penny. Find it here!

Day 5 was our last day and as we had to be out of the Riad by 11 but our flight was late in the evening, we had the whole day to wander the streets of Marrakesh. While I attempted to navigate the streets to the Bahia Palace, it turned out to be closed. Looking slightly lost we were adopted by a Moroccan student wanting to practise his English and taken to a traditional Berber (the local people) pharmacy. From here I managed to find the way to another Palace – Palace El Badii (costing 10 dirhams – about 80p – to enter) it is an old palace in ruins which is currently being restored.

After suffering through the heat of the day, I arranged for lunch at Nomad back among the streets of the market, this restaurant has a beautiful terrace overlooking the rooftops of the city. Whilst their service is slow at best, the food is refined traditional Moroccan – I would highly recommend the fish ball tagine!

Catching our EasyJet flight back was painful, landing back into Gatwick at 2 am on Sunday morning – but with both flights and accommodation costing a meagre £219 pp (accommodation between 8 people) Marrakesh is certainly for those on a student budget.

While it is an Islamic country, and travelling for women can be interesting, we encountered very little problems as most people were very friendly and kind – just be prepared to be catcalled on the streets of Jemaa El-Fna – it’s the place to go if you want to find a husband, that’s for sure!

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx

Czech it out: A Prague Getaway

First off the bat, apologies for the pun in the title of this post, I'm sorry, not sorry, it has to be done.

As you might be able to tell, I'm in Prague! I've finally left Paris for a few days and travelled over to the Czech Republic, a place that has been on my European visit list for a long time now but I haven't had the chance to go as many of my usual travel companions have already been here and aren't as enthusiastic about doing a weekend break to a place they've already been, which is fair. But wow, Prague is gorgeous. There aren't many places which I go to where I could see myself living but Prague is certainly one of them. It is so beautiful and magical and even though I don't know a single word of Czech, the people are lovely and so willing to help - they're probably used to the huge amount of English-speaking tourists here, but still, it's great.

Lennon Wall, Prague

The city might be small (although not compared to the likes of Ljubljana, Slovenia) it has plenty to offer and coming in December is a perfect time, while it is cold and if you're lucky there might be a dusting of snow on the roof-tops, pre-Christmas you are guaranteed to find a Christmas market around every corner in the city. From the cobbled streets to the permanent smell of cinnamon and mulled wine in the air, it is safe to say the Czechs know how to do Christmas right and you will not be left disappointed with a taste of Prague - both cuisine and souvenir gifts - on offer.

Old Town Square Xmas Market

If Christmas isn't your thing then take a tram ride up to the top of the hill on the other side of the river and wander around Prague's castle which is also where the Czech President lives apparently, so is still pretty much functional. There's also the Old Town Square and Peace Square which both have beautiful churches to admire. Head to the Communism museum to learn about the torrid history of the Czech Republic and how recent some of the atrocities actually were. It sounds a bit dark for a holiday but I think it is very important to know even a little bit about the places you are going to, or learn it while you are there.

View from the Castle of Prague

I would highly recommend going to the infamous Lennon Wall on the other side of the river. As you can see from the pictures, the vivid colours are amazing and it is a wonderful representation of peace in a place that has seen so much unrest. The little streets around the river here are great just to wander and enjoy being in Prague, so definitely walk back over the Charles Bridge to get a full view of Prague from the river.

Practicalities:

The Czech Republic is part of the EU so it is relatively simple to travel to, with a flight of approx £80 from the UK or €100 from Paris and a flight time of about 1.5 hours it is an ideal weekend getaway.
Do what we did and embrace the Airbnb lifestyle in Prague, it is probably the most practical and cheapest way to stay in the city. Our apartment was £23 per night and was only a very short bus ride into the city centre. You can also use Prague as a base a take a day trip to nearby Vienna, Dresden or Bratislava and is pretty much in the centre of Europe.

Prague: My #1 European Destination

Let me know where you think I should explore next or if you have any recommendations!

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love Kate xxx

SPOTLIGHT ON: LJUBLJANA

Welcome to #traveltuesday once again here on Insanity 103.2FM and today we are going to Ljubljana, one of the most under-rated cities in Europe in my opinion. Slovenia is one of the most amazing countries in Europe as it is relatively undiscovered in travelling terms - it is not on the typical travel route (although it usually features as a stop for most interrailing students) and it is definitely on the rise as a popular place to go. This is most likely because of its beautiful city, welcoming people and very affordable prices. The fact that Slovenia is also only a 2hr plane journey away makes it pretty popular too. Sandwiched between Vienna, Italy, Slovakia and Hungary, Slovenia is pretty much in the centre of Europe, and it is the centre of my top ten European travel destinations.

Easiest way to get there:

• By Train: interrailing or by train from wherever you are coming from on your journey
• By Bus: from Croatia or Vienna etc. buses to Ljubljana are as cheap as €22 
• By Plane: from London Gatwick or Stanstead EasyJet flies once a day direct to Ljubljana for as little as £60 return - the Hungarian airline Wizz also flies there too for similar prices

Riverside Ljubljana

Where to stay:

• Ljubljana - is so small there is not much to choose from: I stayed in a great Airbnb above a bar called Liquid for £52 per night for the entire apartment and it is a really cheap option because it can take up to 5 people and includes a free breakfast while being right in the centre of the city so you literally walk outside the front of the bar and be next to the Dragon bridge
• Hotel Mrak: £69 per night, and right in the centre of the city
• Hostel Tivoli: £13 per night, includes a basic breakfast, 10-minute walk to congress square and right next to the bus station 

Lake Bled

What to do:

• Visit Lake Bled: bus ticket from Ljubljana bus station for €12 for 1h30m bus journey to one of the most beautiful lakes and scenes - take a walk around the lake and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine
• Take the funicular up to Ljubljana castle and wander around the restored castle and prison - tickets are €7 for students - get a spectacular view of the city 
• Take a free walking tour of Ljubljana leaving from outside the Pink Church in the old town at 11 am every day - worth it to spend a couple of hours wandering around the city - although as it is so small there is not much walking involved. The best part is you get all the history of the city but don't forget the guides rely on tips so leave them a couple of euros 
• Sit by the river and enjoy a cocktail at many of the riverside bars
• Wander around the open and covered markets to pick up some memorable souvenirs and food

Pink Church

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx
  

SPOTLIGHT ON: AMSTERDAM

It's #traveltuesday once again here on Insanity 103.2FM and today we are getting on a plane and heading towards the wonderful city of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Amsterdam is known across the world as a city of hedonism, partying and good times, but there is more to do in Amsterdam that just party (although it is pretty great here too). Spending a long weekend in the city is a must for any traveller and it is a perfect starting or ending point for your Europe interrailing journey too. Enjoy a stroll down the by the canals in the summer, pop into one of the many museums that scatter the city or browse one of the markets in one of Amsterdam's many parks.

• STA: offers '72 Hours in Amsterdam' Tour which includes 2 nights at St Christopher's at the Winston hostel with breakfast, the Amerstdam Combi ticket - one-hour Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience, Amsterdam city bike tour OR the Amsterdam pub crawl and the Red Light District Walking Tour. 

Easiest way to get there:

• Fly: from London, it is only a 40-minute flight to Amsterdam Schipol airport for as little as £60 with EasyJet from Gatwick or British Airways or KLM from Heathrow 
• Coach: with National Express from London Victoria to Amsterdam for as little as £15 one way although it will take you close to 20 hours to get there!

Where to Stay:

• Airbnb: You can find some great and interesting places to stay on Airbnb - from eco houses to houseboats, Amsterdam has it all!
• St Christopher's at the Winston: centrally located hostel with free breakfast, a place in a dorm room costs £21 per night. The hostel also has a nightclub which is located right next to the hostel so this place is not for the light sleeper!
• Hotel Vondel: for those who would like to splash out this hotel is a small, boutique hotel set in the heart of the city with a beautiful breakfast patio, this place is £73 per night for one person or £37 per night for a twin room between two.

What to do:

• Head to one of Amsterdam's famous 'Coffee Shops' and see what they have to offer, not like your average Starbucks, similarly, Smart shops in Amsterdam aren't that smart...but you'll have to go there to find out yourself to know what I mean
• Go to the Flower Market and buy some of Amsterdam's famous tulips
• Join the masses queueing at Anne Frank's House for a peek at where the Frank family hid out 
• Wander around the museum quarter, and especially check out the Van Gough and Rijks Museums and take a photo with the famous 'I Amsterdam' sign 
• Go to the Heineken Experience and taste the world famous beer
• Visit Dam Square where all the shops and clubs are, visit the sex museum here or take a boat tour around Amsterdam from here. Admire the architecture of the churches. 
• Meet in Dam Square for the Free Walking Tour of Amsterdam. Book here in advance. I would highly recommend these tours as they show you all of Amsterdam in a couple of hours, they will show you all the sights and the guides are knowledgeable and fun. The guides rely on tips, so tip at your discretion, but great on a student budget!
• Wander around the Red Light District - enough said! 

Have a good week my loves!

Lots of Love, Kate xxx