Top ten places to visit in Europe 2015...

The perfect European bucket list, all the cities have some much to offer and so are a must see! Also for those of you which are planning an inter-rail trip, all the cities listed are covered by your ticket!

1. Paris, France

Possibly the most popular European city break there is, partially with its romantic reputation for those honeymooning couples or simply because of its historic famous attractions. Paris has so much to offer, its not all about the Eiffel Tower yanoe, the cuisine is great, coupled with relaxed French culture, its booming fashion industry and its grand boulevards. After my trip to this fantastic city at Easter, I fell in love with its old architecture and I totally understand why they call it the city of love! Places to see include; the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower (obviously with a selfie in mind) and Notre Dame.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin, despite the vast destruction it suffered in the Second World War is a beautiful city, full of sites to see such as the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag. Full of history it makes a great weekend away. However not to be ignored is its fantastic reputation for its nightlife, with glamorous clubs and bars which overlook the city. Maybe one for a hen or stag party?

3. London, England

Good old London town, is quite rightly one of the best cities in the world. With so much to offer, including many historical sites dating back hundreds of years such as the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament, it also sustains a wide range of great bars, restaurants and clubs in the hotspots of Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and the West End . It is after all the home of the Queen herself, with Buckingham Palace being one of the most visited spots on Earth, London is quite simply unmissable! (No bias sensed here I'm sure).

4. Rome, Italy

The home of history, Rome has ample amounts to offer any traveller, it is after all where civilisation began. Its vast amounts of Roman ruins attract hundreds of visitors each year, and believe you me the Colesseum is quite spectacular. With every corner you turn Rome has something to entertain you. Once the most powerful places on Earth, Vatican City is worth a visit for its intricate and wondrous artwork by the great canon of artists, Michaelanglo, Raphael and Da Vinci. Also take advantage of the fantastic Italian cuisine which is on offer everywhere across the city, no pizza or lasagne will ever compare!

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of the most unique cities in the world, with its stylish but antique buildings build on a system of intricate canals, this city is beautiful. A popular destination amongst young people, (not only for the Red Light District night scene), but because everything is rather cheap, concentrated and accessible. The main attractions remain Anne Frank's House and the museum quarter, with the most popular mode of transport being the bicycle of course! A must is to hire a bike and ride around the city to absorb the culture and see the sites.

6. Brussels, Belgium

The capital of Belgium, the city is full of eighteenth-century architecture including the fabulous town hall which is showcased in the city above. This is also a great summer destination with temperatures soaring up to the mid 30's in the peak summer months. Now as the centre of international politics, Brussels attracts many people of the business world, however it is definitely worth a visit. Also, why would you turn down the opportunity to visit the place which invented the Belgian waffle?

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the prettiest cities in the Nordic region, Copenhagen is a must see! I personally love the colour and vibrance this city brings to Europe. Also, as the financial centre as Northern Europe there is plenty of modern architecture to explore including The Black Diamond and the Copenhagen Opera House. This city also complies with the reputation of Northern Europe as one of the cleanest and environmentally friendly places in the world. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches and harbours which are pleasant to visit after a day exploring the city centre.

8. Florence, Italy

Florence is beautiful. I visited the city back in the summer of 2013 and was stunned at how amazing it was. As you can imagine, the city is full of Renaissance works dotted on every corner, fabulous Italian restaurants and stunning views. Top places to visit include Florence Cathedral which dominates the skyline, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The bridge is one of the oldest medieval bridges in the world and is crammed full of jewellery shops. The number of engagements I saw when I visited that summer was unbelievable, probably one of the most romantic places in the world to be proposed to... just saying.

9. Barcelona, Spain

Filled full of art and beauty, this mediterranean city is a worthwhile visit if ever in Spain. Renowned as the 'mosaic' city thanks to Antoni Gaudi who created the masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, an incredible cathedral which is still unfinished, even though construction began in 1882! Another of Gaudi's productions Park Guell is worth a visit. The series of interlinking gardens makes a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and again the mosaic work is incredible. Another perk of Barcelona is the brilliant collection of bars all around the city and you should not get apprehensive over the weather, its sunny nearly all year round. 

10. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is another city full of historic architecture. Dating back from the thireteenth century, some of the buildings are truly stunning. The town square is well worth a visit alongside the Gothic Tower House and the Prague Astronomical Clock which was constructed in the fourteenth century. Also, much like London, Paris and Rome the city is littered with bridges across the river which one illuminated at night look stunning.

Why travel?

Travelling. One of my main aspirations in life is to travel, to see the world. I'm sure many of you share this desire, especially those of you who are young, finishing uni and thinking what the hell do I do with myself now?! Your probably thinking, like me, I want to do something big, worthwhile, special, life-changing which will be full of memories and most importantly loads of fun!











I mean, these days its almost a right of passage, particularly heading off to Thailand and exploring the worlds sights whilst completing the stereotypical quest of 'finding yourself'. I think travelling should be something everyone participates in, unfortunately its an expensive business, however its possible by saving up!













Why not see the world that has been created for you to explore? The discovery of different cultures may put your life into perspective or encourage you to lead a life similar to theirs. Also, travelling allows to you make friends, possibly friends for life. Going it alone with a couple of mates will put your friendship to the test, having to direct yourself across different continents, jumping on a off trains, comforting someone when they are ill, all these trials and tribulations will bring you closer to those around you. So, top tip, pick to go travelling with friends you know you can rely on!

Now, I am sure you are envisaging going 'travelling' as you and a couple of mates with a few backpacks, hiking around Thailand, partying on the beach and absorbing the culture, however this is not always the case. Travelling can mean going anywhere for any amount of time, so don't let that image put you off. If your limited in funding but still want to get away, jet off on a European city break, there is so much to see in the cities of Europe! I think for me, going inter-railing around Europe, often the cheaper alternative to jumping straight into Aisa, is a great preliminary step to the big year out. And its on my bucket list!

As always, back to my best friend +BuzzFeed  here are a few inspirational videos to encourage you to take the plunge and do it, after all, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

Where will you start?

Summer bucket list! 50 things to do this summer!

So Summer is here! Why not make it your best one yet? I have come up with a summer bucket list for you to follow to try and make this summer the most memorable ever. Remember you only live once!

1. Sleep under the stars
2. Go camping with friends
3. Go on a European city break (or several for that matter)
4. Pick strawberries and eat them (with cream in a true British fashion)
5. Go swimming in the sea (In Britain)
6. Go swimming in the sea (somewhere hot where it is not so painful)
7. Try a new sport
8. Take a summer walk one evening
9. Stay up all night and watch the sunrise
10. Watch a television series you have always wanted to see but never had the time

11. Go for a picnic

12. Go for a luxurious picnic with champagne and smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches 

13. Go for an evening drive

14. Go out and roll in at 6am

15. Go to the races 

16. Go to a concert or festival

17. Watch that film you have always wanted to see

18. Have a BBQ with friends

19. Have a BBQ on the beach with cider

20. Play Beer- Pong

21. Throw a party

22. See in a West End show

23. Go on a long bike ride

24. Hire a boat for the day and sail upon a river for the day (I recommend the river Dart in South Devon)

25. Host a meal for your friends

26. Learn to make cocktails 

27. Have a Pimms evening 

28. Try to eat healthier- make plenty of fruit salads

29. Collect shells at the beach

30. Play beach volleyball with friends

31. Have a waterfight 

32. Listen to Jack Johnson- trust me he is the sound of summer!

33. Kiss a stranger (thats if your single, I am not encouraging cheating)

34. Take a walk along the sand barefoot

35. Go somewhere completely new

36. Take a road trip and take a couple of pairs of clothes to see you through

37. Make a campfire in the woods and melt marshmallows on sticks

38. Take a trip to an outdoor cinema screening or create one yourself

39. Go to an airshow

40. Get a golden brown tan

41. Make your own ice lollies (lemonade ones are amazing) 

42. Go skinny dipping

43. Release lanterns into the sky one evening

44. Go jet skiing or surfing or some type of water sport

45. Eat an ice cream or fish and chips on the end of a pier on on the beach 

46. Go on a girls/ lads holiday

47. Visit those friends you hardly ever see

48. Read books- at least one for those of you that don't read

49. Make an effort to form better friendships with people

50. Have fun whatever the weather 

So how many have you done so far?
The aim is to tick off as many as you can! That way you can see what you have achieved and if you are having the summer of a lifetime!

Why we love Summer!

Summer is the best time of the year right? This is often a debate people differ on, with some claiming Christmas is the most exciting time of the year. Although its very lovely to stay in and cosy up in front of the fire, whilst being swamped with blankets and hot chocolate, watching the traditional Christmas TV on those winter evenings, does that compare to those long summer days? As much as I enjoy listening to George Michael's Last Christmas and watching the multiple TV Christmas specials, it seems that winter is stereotypically a time to retreat from society, stay indoors and well, keep warm! Summer is about exploring, spending time with friends and enjoying Pimms o'clock whilst watching the Wimbledon mens final!

Even though I was born in the middle of January, the winter for me does not simply match up to the summer for my favourite season. I think for many young people this is the case, the holidays, the house parties, the going out and seeing the sunrise. Just the prospect of summer excites many people! The whole build up to that anticipated season is huge! The initial excitement for summer really begins when the summer clothes catalogues begin to appear in shops or in the post if your a bit of a shopoholic like myself. Then there is a holiday to consider, where will you go?  That first warm day when the sunglasses are rediscovered in a draw, the shorts are first out and that smell of BBQ in the evening, coupled with that sip of cider makes us feel content right? That day only heightens our anticipation for the peak of the summer months when the majority (as I am British) of days are like that. It has actually been scientifically proven that exposure to the sun, makes us happier! Those winter blues are not just myth but are true. The lack of exposure to the sun can lead to such things as vitamin D sufficiency, fertility problems, general poor health and most significantly depression.  

So despite science, why does the summer make us feel good? Maybe its because we can finally enjoy that holiday which has been booked since February and we have worked hard for. Or its because we can sit out in beer gardens in the late evening and not feel cold. For me, summer is the biggest party season of the year. As a university student, its true, I party all year round, but there is most certainly a significant difference to going out in a coat and jeans to going out in a skirt and cami! Trust me it makes all the difference. Summer is about festivals, good sport, sunning it up and comparing your glow with friends and enjoying those drawn out evenings with most probably an alcoholic beverage of some sort. As I said previously, summer is the time for parties; parities by the pool, house parties or just evenings with friends. I mean I'm not even talking about a Project X style house party, just summer sunshine, friends and the summer charts. Now, when hearing old songs play, they transport you back to a memory or event, for example Daft Punk's Get Lucky takes me back a year to last summer, but there is something about music in the summer which just makes it more special. There has always been a song from recent summers which reminds me of all those memories, and whenever I listen to it I am transported back to that summer heat and I love that!

Well, what about this summer? So its still very early, however I am sure you are all counting down those days until your holiday, I certainly am! We are currently on the brink of summer, that final stage of anticipation, now the summer clothes have taken over our shops and have entered our wardrobes, along with the sandals and sunglasses. The evenings are long and beautiful and we can now eat ice cream with an excuse for it being a snack which will cool us down. The only thing left to do now is gather those last holiday goodies, enjoy the sunshine (how infrequent it may be) and smile, because summer has virtually arrived!