Category: Travel Thoughts

Thoughts about my time (so far!) in Mexico

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We’ve now been in Mexico for just over five weeks. It’s gone extremely quickly and I’m already worrying about how little time we have left with a whole bunch of places left that I still want to see. We’re currently in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-biggest city. Our Air BnB is a little outside of the city in a new apartment block with a swimming pool and a lovely bright, modern room with excellent views from the 11th floor we’re staying on. Apart from nice weather, a Spanish-speaking population, and tacos, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from Mexico. Here are some thoughts …

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My Love-Hate Relationship with Lonely Planet

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I recently read Lonely Planet’s guide to Europe’s Best Road Trips. Yes, the photos are stunning and it makes me want to learn to drive and travel all over. However, what annoys me about this list is their lack of diversity. According to the United Nations, there are 44 countries in Europe. All of the countries listed in Lonely Planet’s guide are in Western Europe. What about all the other countries? I’ve travelled around Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, and many others and they boast breathtaking landscapes. Why are these countries ignored? Calm down Helen, it’s just a list Maybe I am …

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Helen’s 10 Best Hikes and Climbs in the World

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When travelling, I often find myself doing monstrous hikes that put my unfitness into perspective. That being said, hiking is one of my favourite things to do while travelling. No matter how strenuous the hiking is, the views are usually pretty spectacular. From my current location in Mexico, all the way to China and the UK, here are some of my top hikes across the world. Teotihuacan, Mexico Our most recent hike was both epic and tiring. Teotihuacan is an ancient city (about 2000 years old) found about an hour outside of Mexico City. There are two big temples to climb: the …

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A Catholic’s Dilemma: Travelling During Lent

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Despite not being a practising Catholic, each year when Lent rolls around, I still feel the Catholic desire to give something up or do something extra. Facebook, alcohol, cheese, and chocolate detoxes have all been completed in the past. I like to give something up which is challenging to go without and that I know I often over indulge in. Travelling and Lent: Easy Peasy? While travelling, you’d think that this would be easy, right? But I’ve actually found it significantly more difficult deciding what to give up for Lent the past three years (the years I’ve been backpacking in …

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How Travelling Has Increased My Environmental Awareness

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Global warming and climate change are two things we keep hearing about frequently. Unlike some high authority figures, it’s not something we should be ignoring. However, it’s always been difficult to really grasp the effect global warming is having. It’s easy to get caught up in our day to day lives of finances, work, and personal relationships. My most recent travels have opened up to my eyes to the impact our livelihood is having and has increased my environmental awareness. Air Pollution in China Since being home, the question I often get asked is “How was China?” By now, I’ll admit that I …

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Top 5 Travel Destinations for 2017

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Since being home in Bristol I’ve met up with a lot of friends and the number one question is “When are you off again?” or equally as popular, “Where are you going in 2017?” Truth be told, I have no current plans to travel in 2017, yet. In fact, 2017 is a total blank at the moment. There is a possibility of staying in Bristol, or moving elsewhere; I really don’t know. Whatever happens, there are certainly some travel destinations that I would love to visit in 2017. Lonely Plant has compiled their top list of travel destinations for 2017 and so here is my …

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