Airports with no queues and trains to the city
Viewpoints and blue skies and streets that are pretty
Old churches, great cafes, beaches in spring
These are a few of my favourite (travel) things
Now that I’ve hopefully succeeded in embedding the Sound of Music firmly in your head… When I saw the theme of this month’s travel link-up with Emma, Kelly, Rebecca and Frankie was our favourite travel things, a list ran through my head immediately. While my all-time favourite thing about travel is that no two trips, cities or days are ever the same, there are definitely a few things that make my heart sing along the way. Here they are – what are yours?
Views from up high
From city panoramas to fjord and Highlands views, I love admiring a place from up high. In a city, there’s no better way to get your bearings, while out in the countryside it’s an unbeatable reward for a climb.
Delicious food
Tonight we went on our own txikiteo – a pintxos crawl around #SanSebastián’s Old Town. It was extremely fun, involved many delicious delicacies,and I am now stuffed! A photo posted by Jessi (@jessi2feet1world) on
I’ve got a whole section of the blog devoted to Eating My Way Around – I’m a proud foodie and I love experiencing a country through its cuisine. More than just fuel, eating out is a ritual to be savoured. Tossing back an espresso in Rome, fish and chips on the beach in New Zealand, Sunday roast in a English country pub – I love it all! And of course, there’s nothing more satisfying than finding a classic little place on a side street while out wandering and having one of the best meals of your life.
Getting the adrenalin pumping
Paraponting in Morzine – amazing!! #paraponting #gopro #lovinglife
A photo posted by Jessi (@jessi2feet1world) on
I would never have said I’m an adrenalin junkie – day to day I’m quite cautious. But in the last few years I’ve thrown myself off a mountain, been parasailing and stood on the very edge of cliffs – and loved it! There’s something very appealing about pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and to do it while travelling is even better.
Beaches (or lakes, or rivers)
Beautiful Spetses – I can’t get over the gorgeous colour of the water in #Greece! A photo posted by Jessi (@jessi2feet1world) on
A postcard-perfect beach bathed in sunshine with perfectly-swimmable clear water, a crisp tumbling mountain stream, or a peaceful lake – being by the water is so relaxing. Ideally I’d follow summer around the world, sampling the best beaches along the way. However that dream takes shape, I’ll settle for tracking down a new source of relaxation and inspiration wherever I’m visiting.
Beautiful churches and other architecture
I am obsessed with St Paul’s, as my instagram account can testify – it’s my favourite building in London. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have eyes for other architecture, especially when I’m travelling. Partly because I grew up in New Zealand, where virtually no buildings are more than 150 years old at the very most, I love admiring historic churches, beautiful streets filled with gothic gems, or a light-bathed atrium to an internal garden. I’m constantly looking around and up, and I get snap-happy when I walk past an eye-catching building. And let’s not get started on my castle and ruins obsessions!
Friends as local guides
Good morning #Luxembourg! A photo posted by Jessi (@jessi2feet1world) on
Whether it was being taken to a beautiful cafe in Prague by Amy, along the Grund in Luxembourg with Gabrielle or the local Parisian Sunday market with Celine, seeing a city with a friend who’s lived there is the best! They know the best places and the quickest ways to get there, as well as what to order or spot when you do. Failing that, you can’t go wrong with recommendations from an Air BnB host – there’s always some gems.
Check out Emma, Kelly, Rebecca and Frankie’s blogs for more travel favourites. And tell me, what are yours??
