Conscious Travel

28th May 2019 teatipsand.travel.blogLeave a comment

Some many places to go, beautiful wonders to see…expat lifestyle and a love for travelling means I am often left feeling guilty about my carbon footprint. So how can we find a balance between looking after our planet and ticking off the bucket list? Here’s a few ideas on how we can reduce the global impact when travelling…

Res-usable cups

Whether it’s water or a coffee fix, a lot of my travel budget goes towards buying drinks…I dread to think about how many plastic water bottles or paper coffee cups I could go through! I always try to take a water bottle with me so I can fill up on the go, or use my res-usable coffee cup to reduce the waste from my coffee needs! Using reusable products really does make a difference – most cafes will be more than happy to make the coffee in your own cup, some even offer a discount which is always a bonus!

In some countries where the water may be unsafe to drink, you might need to buy plastic water bottles. However, we can still reduce the impact by remembering to recycle!

Getting about

It might take a plane ride to reach our destination, but once we are there we have plenty of travels options to help reduce that footprint! I love to walk everywhere on holiday – you see so much more that may have gone unnoticed! Walking is also great for the old Fitbit steps! If you prefer to move a little faster, why not try cycling? The cycling culture is huge across Europe and many cities offer ‘Borris Bikes’ to hire for the day.

There’s always the option to try a unique form of travel…scooters, roller blades and even segways are often available!

Viva la veggie

Whilst it might not be for everyone, reducing the amount of meat we consume can really make a difference. Whilst I am not a vegetarian, I have been making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of meat I eat. Some countries offer a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, whilst it can prove more difficult in others…why not try a new vegetarian dish on your next trip!

Litter pick

When travelling in Vietnam, I was shocked by the amount of litter (particularly plastics) polluting the beautiful Ha Long Bay. Truth is that many countries still remain uneducated on the impact of litter and plastic pollution – the fishing villages of Ha Lang Bay don’t have east access the the wealth of information we do in the Western world. So if you have the chance, why don’t you do your bit? We decided to collect any litter we came across when kayaking in the bay…a small gesture but a positive one!

There are so many wonderful places to see across the globe and ultimately, getting to see the world will impact on the environment. However, with a few considerations we can still make a difference!

Happy travels, K x

Expat Life #2 – Munich’s Cafe Culture

30th Apr 201930th Apr 2019 teatipsand.travel.blogLeave a comment

When I first moved to Munich, one of the first items on my to-do list was to suss out some of the cafes in the area. Over the years, I have definitely bought into the cafe culture: the atmosphere, cosy interiors and of course excellent excuses for a tasty treat all appeal to me! For me, there’s no better place for a catch up and long-awaited DMC with your pals.

When I go travelling, I make it my mission to find the quirkiest and most obscure cafes and it’s no different here in Munich! I’m slowly making my way around some of Munich’s best cafes and have many more to discover – here are a few of my favourites so far…

Hungriges Herz

Where: Fraunhoferstrasse 42, by the Isar

A cafe full of love – I would come here just for the free chocolate heart when you order a hot drink! Hungriges Herz is in a great location, just up from the river Isar – a great break spot after a walk along the river. They have a wonderful range of breakfast dishes on offer (think avocado vibe) and there is always a sociable buzz around the place. If you visit later in the day, you can even try one of their heart-shaped pizzas from the in-house stone pizza oven: perfect!

Mary’s Coffee Club

Where: Turkenstrasse 86 A (near Universitat)

With a pretty interior, this is one for good old Insta story. Mary’s coffee club was a new discovery this year, recommended by a friend. A popular cafe tucked away in a little courtyard, tables fill up quite quickly. Top marks for presentation alone, drinks are served in the cutest ceramic cups and taste just as great as they look! Mary’s coffee club offers a range of healthy breakfast options, as well as a mouth-watering cake display just to tease you!

KaffeeKuche

Where: Weisenburger Strasse 6 (Rosenheimerplatz)

A huge favourite for me! Kaffeekuche is a small coffee shop, packed with a vast selection of delicous food and drink. Positioned in the popular Rosenheimer area, you can enjoy your coffee and cake of choice in the outside area when the sun is shining! Dishes change regularly so definitely a place to revisit. They also offer a range of milk alternatives.
Recommendation: try the Milchmadchen – a vietnamese style coffee made with condensed milk!

Cafe Glockenspiel

Where: Marienplatz 28

It’s worth visiting for the view alone. Perched opposite the famound Rathaus at Marienplatz, Cafe Glockenspiel definitely stands out for ‘drinks with a view’. Due to its location it tends to fill up quickly, so be prepared to wait a while. A great selection of lunch options and a very tasty hot chocolate!

Konigin 43

Where: Koniginstrasse 43 (nice and simple! Universitat)

Another new discovery this year, Konigin 43 (or Queen 43) is perfectly positioned on the edge of the Englischer Garten. Lots of space both indoors and outdoors on the terrace so it’s normally not too long to wait for a seat. A wonderful selection of breakfast options – they certainly know how to jazz up an omlette!

Cafe Weiner Platz

Where: Innere Weiner Strasse

Another cafe where most of the staff recognise me by now… although Cafe Weiner Platz isn’t the number one cafe on my list for coffee, it tends to be my go-to when entertaining visitors for brunch. A wide variety of food options for anytime of the day, it’s normally a difficult choice between the maple syrup pancakes and sweet French toast for me! They also offer additional drinks during the festive season – perfect winter warmers!
Recommendation: if you are more savoury then sweet, try the Mexican breakfast – hats off to anyone who can finish it!

Cafe Noel

Where: Metzstrasse 8

I seem to have become a bit of a regular here in recent months. Noel is a bright and cheerful cafe bursting with life! Every time I visit I notice another item from their quirky interior – my favourite has to be the circular tables made out of large Roman clocks. A great selection of hot chocolate and coffee twists, with mouth-watering cakes and some of the jolliest staff i’ve me so far in Munich!
Recommendation: try the Mexican hot chocolate for a mocca-style drink.

1970-01-01 011403352316227865553..jpg — Erdbeere cake at Cafe Noel

Arzmiller

Where: Salvatostrasse 2 (Odeonsplatz)

An old-fashioned cafe with style. Tucked away through a little archway just off from Odeonsplatz, Cafe Arzmiller has one of the best cake selections in Munich (yes, I do have a sweet tooth). From cheesecakes to strudel, you are definitely spoilt for choice. It is also the top of my ‘acceptable attempt at English tea’ list – they don’t even give you funny looks when you ask for tea with milk!

Just a small selection from a city bursting with wonderful cafes – if you get the chance to visit any of the above cafes, let me know if you agree!

Happy coffee drinking! K x

1970-01-01 012168161650333717371..jpg

Copenhagen Calling

22nd Apr 201922nd Apr 2019 teatipsand.travel.blogLeave a comment

Copenhagen – home to probably the most photographed setting in Europe…I was lucky enough to visit this beautiful city last Easter. Competing with Amsterdam for the city of cyclists, Copenhagen has a bustling culture and is great destination for a long weekend. Here are a few favourites from my travels…

Places to go

Nyhavn
If you didn’t take a picture of Nyhavn, did you even go to Copenhagen? The old port has a row of beautifully coloured buildings (the best food and drink spot), waiting to pose for the perfect picture. There’s a great ice cream and waffle parlour (Vaffelbageren) on the corner next to the road bridge – enjoy a scoop (or two) as a reward from all your picture posing!
Top tip: Walk down towards the harbour front and turn right – it might seem like you are walking away from all the action, but hidden away along the front are some mini trampolines: great fun after a day of sightseeing!

Tovehallerne

Whenever I book a holiday, one of the first things I do is look up the best food spots – especially if it involves anything sweet! Tovehallerne is a great indoor food market, with stalls selling a variety of food and drink – whether you’re the sweet or savoury type, you won’t be disappointed! It this tickles your taste bud, you can find out more at http://torvehallernekbh.dk.

Now, I know some of you may think I am crazy recommending porridge, but I can honestly say Grød (translating as ‘mush’) takes the porridge game to a whole new level! The trendy porridge bar has a few venues around Copenhagen – I visited their bar inside Tovehallerne and was happier than Goldilocks with my apple-caramel combo; definitely worth a visit.

1970-01-01 011375504356557269102..jpg — The famous grød!

King’s Garden

On my final day in Copenhagen, I had time to relax in this beautiful garden in the heart of the city. A perfect place to spend a chilled afternoon, King’s garden is the oldest park in the city. Puppet theatres and other events are often held here during the summer months; the park is also home to a range of statues, including the popular Hans Christian Andersen (who lived on the Nyhavn street!).

The extended to-do list:

Tivoli Gardens – unfortuntely, I didn’t have the chance to visit the famous theme park, but i’ve heard it’s well worth a visit for any thrill seekers!
Hire a bike – Live like a local and make use of the plethora of cycle paths around the city – it’s probably safer to ride than walk and get in the way!
Amalienborg – The Queen’s Winter redidence; time it right and you can see the marching of the guards!
The Little Mermaid statue – based on a character from the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, you can find the mermaid perched on a rock along the water front. For me, I wouldn’t be disappointed if I had missed it, but it’s a popular sight!
Freetown Christiania – a community that live by their own rules…
Malmo, Sweden – Less than 30 minutes from Copenhagen airport, the Swedish coastal city offers the perfect day trip from busy city life! Plus, you get to tick off another country all in a day!

Copenhagen is the perfect city break and somewhere I would love to visit again one day. We managed to get very cheap flights from London through Ryanair so it’s worthwhile checking for any deals in the new year.

1970-01-01 011318900452096628350..jpg — Trampolines: fun for all ages!

Happy travels! K x

Adventures with Friends

18th Apr 201918th Apr 2019 teatipsand.travel.blogLeave a comment

Travelling with friends can seem like a fantastic idea at first, but has the potential to turn into the biggest nightmare – great friends don’t always make the best travel companions!

A few years ago, my best friend from Unviersity and I decided to go travelling together for a month. A few friends asked me if I was worried: how could we possibly travel together for a full month without arguing?! Luckily, I had lived with my friend for the past few years and knew she would make the perfect travel companion. Here’s a few things to consider when choosing the Dora to your Explorer…

Holiday Expectations

Before deciding to travel together, it might be an idea to share your expectations for travelling; for example, my friends know to expect an action-packed itinerary (fitting perfectly with the teacher stereotype) with endless coffee stops if they travel with me – if you like to be up and out the door by 9am, it’s probably not best to go travelling with a friend that is never up in time for the free breakfast buffet!

Living Space

This is a must for anyone travelling for a longer period of time if you want to avoid driving each other insane! It’s one thing meeting up with friends for a meal and drinks, but a complete different ball game when you live in each other’s pockets for a month…sharing accommodation can be make or break for some travel pals. I was fortunate enough to live with my friend first, so we both knew we could cope with sharing the same space. My advice would be to know each other’s quirks and signs that they need a little space…it’s the little things that make a huge difference!

Budget bickers

A simple one but often overlooked: if you’re looking for a budget backpacker adventure where the hostels you end up in are an adventure of their own, then don’t agree to go travelling with a friend that expects a hotel with room service and swans sculpted from fresh linen towels…agree on a budget beforehand so there are no surprises along the way.

Travel goals

For me, there would be nothing worse than returning from a holiday without a single tick on the bucket list. Even for a slightly obsessed planner like me, I think it’s always important that you know what your partner also wants to see and do when travelling, so both of you can feel a sense of fulfillment! During our travels, my friend and I looked ahead to the next destination and decided on what we we wanted to do…by agreeing pre-arrival, we saved loads of time and had many adventures, from climbing the Great Wall of China, to a crocodile cruise in Cairns!

One thing we had both agreed on was that we wanted to do a sky dive: it had been on the bucket list for a while, but I knew I would never go through work it alone. It is quite possibly one of the best experiences of my life and I know I couldn’t have done it with anyone else!

So, pick a companion that you complement well and you know you can live with happily! Choose someone that has the same expectations as you and is happy to spend mornings wandering in search for the most hidden cafes! Most importantly, choose someone that will help you to tick off your travel dreams!

Happy travels with the Ant to your Dec,

K x

Innsbruck Insights

7th Apr 20197th Apr 2019 teatipsand.travel.blogLeave a comment

After making the move to Bavaria, I have had the luxury of being able to visit Austria with ease. One of my favourite discoveries is the city of Innsbruck: surrounded by snow-capped mountains and insta-perfect views, it should definitely be on your Europe bucket list!

Natural wonders

Innsbruck – the capital of the Tirol region – is beautifully protected by the Austrian Alps. Nordkette, the mountain at Innsbruck’s core, is easily accessible from the city centre. Take the Nordkette gondola and enjoy panoramic views over Innsbruck – there’s even a café at the top so you can take in the views in style! On ground level, be sure to walk or cycle (take your pick) along the river Inn…the colourful houses that line the river make for a wonderful backdrop! The crystal clear waters are quite spectacular.

Sights to see

If the mountains are not enough reason alone to visit Innsbruck, there are some bucket list sights to tick off. Below, I have included 3 sights that I managed to see:

1 – The ‘Goldenes Dachl’ (Golden Roof): probably the most famous picture spot in Innsbruck. A beautiful golden roof designed for Emperor Maximilian 1, it’s worth a trip to see it glimmering under the sunlight!

2 – Bergisel Ski Jump: fans of the Winter Olympics should definitely make a beeline for the ski jump! Towering in the distance as you travel into Innsbruck, the climb to the terrace is worth it for the incredible views. Sport enthusiasts should aim to visit in January, when Innsbruck hosts the annual Four Hills Tournament.

3 – The Hofburg: beautiful both inside and out, the ‘Imperial Palace’ was once owned by the famous royal Habsburg house.

Cafe Culture

No trip is complete without a visit to a blog-recommended cafe! Unfortunately, I have not made it into every cafe in Innsbruck, however here are a few recommendations from the places I have sampled!

Coffeekult

I’m not normally one to recommend chain cafes, but Coffeekult hits the spot – great coffee, presented simply on an adorable little tray: you can’t go wrong! I especially liked the unique decor with coffee machine tables and bags of beans hidden in corners. There are 5 venues in Innsbruck to choose from and they also sell their own coffee packs!

Hitt und Sohne

A favourite discovery of mine, I was fortunate enough to visit Hitt and Sohne during the winter – a warm oasis above the bustling city of Innsbruck. Take the Nordkette bahn to reach the cafe and enjoy coffee up above – there’s a great range of sweet treats on offer too for any sugar addicts (like me!).

The Breakfast Club

Exactly what it says on the tin – a great stop for breakfast (or any other meal for that matter) just off the main shopping street of Maria-Theresien-Strasse. The menu offers a wonderful range of omelettes (I can highly recommend), as well as a variety of vegan and vegetarian alternatives.

1970-01-01 018481750741341868062..jpg — As far as omelettes go, this place is a must!

Innsbruck isn’t a city that takes long to explore, but it’s certainly a city well worth visiting, even just for the incredible views.

Happy Travels, K x

Planning to a budget

1st Apr 201931st Mar 2019 teatipsand.travel.blogLeave a comment

With a world full of wonders, why are we not constantly travelling? Aside from other factors (such as earning a living and trying not to drive my parents too insane with another holiday), money seems to be the unwanted relative that holds many of us back from seeing the world.

Constantly on the lookout for the cheapest way to see the sights, I have picked up a few tips of over the years- hopefully you will find them useful in making your next adventure possible!

Top Tips

#1 – Keep an open mind for travel destinations

If you’re anything like me, your list of places to visit will grow continually and it’s a challenge to decide which place to go next (#firstworldproblems). I found that concentrating on just one destination meant that I was missing out on amazing deals elsewhere on my bucket list. When planning my next trip, I like to use Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ option – simply type in your starting airport, then put ‘everywhere’ as your destination and it will bring you the best flight deals! You might just find a dream destination that you had never planned to visit…

#2 – Consider all forms of transport

Although flights are convenient, there are sometimes other options which can save us a huge amount, especially if you are travelling to more than one destination on your trip. Don’t be put off by coaches – I’m not a fan but I have to say my experiences to date have all been very positive! If you are travelling around Europe, look into Flixbus for cheap and easy travel all across the continent. If you are in Australia, Greyhound buses provide a much cheaper alternative – save even more by travelling overnight!

#3 – Pack savvy

When it comes to packing for a trip, do you really need that extra pair of jeans? Is it essential that you bring the chunky jacket, ‘in case it rains’? Grab an umbrella and save space in your bag! By reducing the amount you take on a trip to hand luggage, you will save money on hold luggage – I found this to be extremely important when I was making several flights through Europe, as I did not want to have to pay for extra luggage every time! With the modern travelling climate, most places have washing facilities so you can recycle your outfits. The trips are about the memories you make, not what outfit you wore for dinner on a Tuesday night – so embrace the 2 euro ponchos and save your money for a coffee or two!

#4 – Don’t say no to a hostel

I’m sure we would all dream of a 5* holiday in the Maldives, but for some of us, we might have to wait until the lottery numbers roll in…there are some wonderful budget accommodation options all over the globe with fantastic facilities! My advice would be to spend time doing some research and reading reviews on various places. I find booking.com really useful and for most places you can have free cancellation if you find a better option. If you are worried about staying in a packed dorm, most hostels offer private, twin or female only rooms – they will be a bit pricier , however still cheaper than many hotels. The great thing about hostels is that they are always placed in the most convenient of areas too! Out of all the hostels I have stayed in (there have been a few), Sydney Harbour YHA has to be the best – modern facilities, amazing views and all for a great price!

#5 – Do your research beforehand

Once you arrive in a new country, you can often be left with an empty purse before the first 24 hours are up – ridiculous airport-taxi prices and not knowing where to go for food place a huge dent in your holiday budget. I have found that getting to know the public transport system beforehand has saved me a lot of money. Most cities have direct links to the airport, saving you a tax fare and awkward conversation with the driver. It’s also worthwhile looking into the transport offers, such as multi-day or weekly tickets if you need transport to get around. I have also found that reading blogs and insider tips have been really useful to me in the past – the locals know where to find the best food at the cheapest prices, so read up and listen to the experts!

Wherever you choose to go next, I hope you find these tips useful in saving a few pennies! Maybe then, you can afford the deluxe breakfast on the last day…

Happy travels, K x

Expat Edition #1: making the move

29th Mar 201929th Mar 2019 teatipsand.travel.blog1 Comment

Having the opportunity to live and work abroad has been an aspiration of mine for a while now. With my travel bucket list increasing at a rapid pace, I thought it might be wise to move abroad and have new countries to explore! This section of my blog will give you the ins and outs, ups and downs and round-abouts to expat life!

Location Location

If you are thinking about moving abroad for a while, location is key. Within my job role, I had a broad range of places to choose from and the world literally was my oyster. Taking such a big step solo, I was unsure of how expat life would work out for me – I felt that staying in Europe provided me with a safety net, being relatively close to home. As mentioned in my Venice blog, I have an unhealthy obsession with Italy and always imagined myself moving there. However, a chance arose for a job role in Munich and the capital of Bavaria soon came to be the place I’m fortunate to call my ‘second home’.

As with any major move, there have been ups and downs to expat life so far. However, I can honestly say that the decision to move to Munich was possibly the best decision I have ever made – in my opinion, where you choose to live massively impacts your experiences and feelings towards expat life; if it’s something you choose to do, take the time to find the best location for you.

Chosen nation – now preparation

Once I knew I was moving to Munich, my to-do list suddenly doubled. There is a lot to sort prior to a move abroad and it can feel extremely daunting. A typical teacher response to anything, my advice to you would be to make lists: lots of them! I found that breaking each job down helped me to prepare both physically and mentally for the biggest adventure of my life. Start early with document preparations (changing address, bank account and the stresses of student loan), then you will not be left feeling so overwhelmed when the moving day arrives.

The final countdown

One thing which I felt very nervous about was meeting new people – growing up in the same area all my life, I had my home comforts. My top tip would be to arrange meet ups with others before you arrive. If your work offers an induction programme or a ‘buddy’, snap up their offer! Before I moved, I asked my work to share contact details with other new starters – I ended up filling my first week with cafe trips galore (I might have mentioned my love for cafes) with new faces. For me, having the opportunity to meet people going through the same experiences as me helped me to settle in to expat life.

2019-03-23 10.40.15 1.jpg — Meeting new people is the best thing about expat life

For anyone considering a move abroad, I can honestly say it will be an experience of a lifetime. Do you research, decide on the right place and take a leap into the unknown!

K x

A New York Fairytale

23rd Mar 201923rd Mar 2019 teatipsand.travel.blog1 Comment

New York, New York – a city full of surprises! Being a traveller more suited to the coastal regions and anywhere with a bit of countryside, I was worried New York wasn’t going to live up to the hype for me…however, I soon realised it has so much to offer than yellow taxis and a bustling business life! New York surprised me in many ways and opened my eyes to the perks of city life – I hope to visit again someday!

Playing Tourist: sights to see

Within the ‘Big Apple’ there are so many sights to see and places to tick off with the ‘Been there, done that,” t-shirt. Whether it’s the views from the Empire State, or ice skating at the Rockefeller Center, be sure to prepare for your trip with an itinerary so you don’t miss out! When planning for New York, I found Lonely Planet’s guide, Make My Day, to be incredibly useful – it helps you to create personalised plans for your trip and make sure you tick off all your favourites! Here are a few of my favourite sights:

Empire State Building
What’s a trip to New York without visiting the Empire State? If there’s a height to climb in a city, then I’m going to climb it. The trip to the 86th floor is definitely worthwhile – a little place of peace up above, towering over the hustle and bustle of the city below. My tip would be to get there early and avoid the crowds, watching the city as it wakes for another bustling day. Team up your trip with a visit to the top of the Rockefeller Center at night, giving you two views at contrasting times.

The Statue of Liberty
Standing prominent in all her glory, a trip to the Statue of Liberty is a must for me. The best pictures are from a distance – book on a boat trip and enjoy the views as you sail past. There’s an option to stop off at Ellis Island and discover more about the old immigration station.

Central Park
Nature at the heart of a city that never sleeps – Central Park definitely has many ‘perks’ (Friends fans appreciate the pun). There is so much to see and do in Central Park – a bike ride is a must, allowing you to see so much more! Stop off for a coffee and cake at the Boathouse, with a lakeside view!

Central park (2) — Bike ride views through Central Park

Film Fanatics

The home to so many major films, make sure you get the picture perfect Insta snap in New York City! Here’s a few to get you started in your stunt double career:

Flatiron building from Spiderman (you may not be able to scale it Spidey style) – borough of Manhattan
Experience life through Buddy the Elf’s eyes – run through the revolving doors of the Empire State
The National History Museum (Ben Stiller moment, Night at the Museum) – let’s hope the characters don’t come alive!

Experience Highlights

Cheer on the New York Rangers at an ice hockey game – a great experience, from on-pitch flights to the stereotypical kiss cam. For a cheaper option, visit the Jersey Devils (Newark).
Live the high life and enjoy a Broadway show – the Lion King was a real highlight for my trip! Expensive, but worth it in my eyes.
Demolish a New York pizza – head over Brooklyn Bridge to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria; make sure you don’t eat too much before, the pizzas are huge!

Whatever floats your travel boat, New York has something for everyone! My final travel tips: plan in advance, buy tickets for events beforehand to skip the queues and finally, don’t leave before visiting a New York diner!

Happy Travels, K x

Time Square

River Views

Statue of Liberty

Ventures in Venice

18th Mar 2019 teatipsand.travel.blog4 Comments

Over the years, I have developed an unhealthy obsession with Italy (I even had an Italian-themed birthday one year!). Out of all the countries I have visited so far, Italy holds a firm place in my heart – I truly believe you could close your eyes, pick a point on the map and be amazed by the outcome. A country with so much to offer, Venice is by far my favourite and a must-see destination!

Highlights

Bridge to somewhere

To me, the most magical aspect of Venice is spending time in a place without roads – no cars, no buses, no Sunday drivers! Ventures around the island can be taken by foot or boat. With over 400 bridges on the island, you may take a few wrong turns before you get your bearings! However, everyone needs to get a little lost in order to find their way!

Rialto edited — The famous Rialto Bridge

Be sure to experience the boat taxi, hopping on and off to find a new wrong turn. It’s especially cool to see this during school time, when the children use this as their form of transport to school!

Giddy for Gondolas

When you think of Venice, many immediately dream of the picturesque ride through the canals on a gondola. Whilst this is an experience I can truly recommend, it is a steep price and therefore not always achievable. For a gondola experience that won’t break the bank, head to the grand canal and pay 3 euros to cross from one side to the other – cheap and convenient!

Day trips

If you fancy a day away from the hustle and bustle, Venice has great connections to three beautiful islands: Murano, Burano and Lido. Whether it’s the shopping and glassware of Murano, handmade lace of Burano or the beach life of Lido, be sure to take a trip to one of these islands during your stay in Venice! My personal favourite is Burano, with a line of brightly coloured houses along the waterfront: a photographer’s dream!

Coffee kicks and travel tipples

Cafe del doge — A hot chocolate experience you will not regret!

When in Italy, one must embrace the café culture! A country famed for their coffee, you won’t go thirsty in Venice! Coffee and croissants are a staple morning delicacy – something which I was extremely happy about! If you’re feeling brave, visit one of the smaller café bars and take a standing shot of espresso before starting your day.

If you’re like me you may wish to enjoy a leisurely drink and soak up the Venetian way of life. Piazza San Marco has an array of beautiful cafes (varying in price) where you can enjoy a morning break whilst listening to the pianist playing in the square. If you are a fan of hot chocolate, then Café del Doge should be top of your list! Thick, creamy hot chocolates with a variety of flavours – you can’t go wrong!

If wine is more your tipple of choice, be sure to visit Cantina do Mori – known to be the oldest wine bar in Venice! With wooden stools and copper kettles lining the ceiling, Cantina do Mori sums up the Italian culture. You can even enjoy some bar nibbles whilst sampling the plethora of wines on offer.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy in the near future, be sure to include Venice in your plans – you won’t be disappointed!

Happy Travels, K x

Top 5 travel tips: Venice

Plan wisely which month to visit – Venice can flood a lot during the winter months; late Spring or early Autumn provide the perfect conditions for sight-seeing.
Scout out Gelateria Alaska for ice cream – a wide range of interesting flavours, all made by hand.
Take an evening stroll along the grand canal and enjoy a beautiful sunset!
Climb the Campanile (St. Mark’s Basilica Bell tower) in the evening to avoid heavy crowds and a wonderful view of Piazza San Marco under the evening lights.
Don’t be afraid to take a wrong turn – you might just discover something truly amazing!