Category: Travel Diary’s

One Week to Go! Our Interrail Adventure is Nearly Here 🇪🇺🚄✨

I genuinely can’t believe I’m saying this… but we’re officially just one week away from kicking off our three-week Interrail trip around Europe! After months of planning, list-making, booking, and occasional spirals of “what if we’ve forgotten something?”, we’ve now ticked off nearly everything and it’s starting to feel very real. 👀🎒

Here’s what we’ve sorted so far, in case you’re planning something similar or just fancy a nosey…

✅ Transport: Sorted

We’re using the Interrail Global Pass which gives us 22 days of unlimited travel. Perfect for the kind of fast-paced, multi-country trip we’re going for. We’ve gone with 2nd class youth passes at around £380 each, and we’ve sorted out seat reservations for the countries that require them.

✅ Accommodation: Booked & Paid For

This was the biggest job, but I’m buzzing to say that all 10 stops are now booked! We’ve gone for a mix of beautiful city stays and well-rated budget hotels. Some even a little fancy! All ideally located and perfect for crashing after a day of exploring.

Without sharing exact addresses (no stalkers thank you), we’ll be staying in:
• Paris
• Brussels
• Cologne
• Berlin
• Prague
• Vienna
• Salzburg
• Munich
• Luzern
• Lyon

In total, our accommodation came to £936pp for 20 nights, which we’re really happy with!

✅ Travel Insurance

We ended up going for a year-long travel insurance policy instead of a short-term one. It worked out cheaper and includes gadget cover too. Big win for just £22pp.

✅ The Essentials

We’ve slowly been ticking off everything from motion sickness patches to European plug adapters and travel-size laundry detergent.
Here are a few of the bits we’ve grabbed lately:
• Power bank 🔋
• Travel adapter 🔌
• Dr Beckmann travel wash 🧼
• Supplements + a 21-day pill organiser 💊
• Emergency cash 💶

✅ Final Route Confirmed

There’s been a few tweaks, but we’ve now locked in our route! We’re covering 8 countries in total, and I couldn’t be more excited. The final plan is:
• London → Paris
• Paris → Brussels
• Brussels → Cologne
• Cologne → Berlin
• Berlin → Prague
• Prague → Vienna
• Vienna → Salzburg
• Salzburg → Munich
• Munich → Luzern
• Luzern → Lyon
• Lyon → London

A perfect mix of big cities, culture, scenery, and hopefully great food.

❗Still to Do

• Activity planning for each city
• LIGHT Packing (help!)
• Print/Download train reservations & confirmations
• Final itinerary document, so I can sleep at night 😂

Honestly, I’m a bundle of nerves and excitement at the moment. I haven’t done a trip like this before, and I feel really lucky to be going. I’ll be documenting the entire thing, from packing chaos to train delays to gorgeous European sunsets. So stay tuned for all the updates.

Let the final countdown begin! 🇪🇺✨
If you’ve got any last-minute tips or Interrail must-dos, drop them my way!

July 29, 2025

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🇫🇷 A Sentimental Summer Road Trip to France – In Honour of Our Pap
Before I set off on my big Interrail adventure around Europe, I’m heading off on a much more personal journey – a week-long trip to France with my family from 19th to 26th July, visiting a place that holds a very special place in all our hearts.

We’ll be travelling in my late grandad’s beloved Volkswagen Transporter (T4) – the same van that’s taken us on many unforgettable adventures over the years. If you’re from North America, you might know it as the Volkswagen EuroVan. It’s bittersweet, emotional and a little surreal to be doing this trip without him physically with us – but in so many ways, he’ll be right there in the passenger seat.

🏡 Our Route
- 19th–20th July – Honfleur
  📍 Cours Jean de Vienne, 14600 Honfleur
  A beautiful port town to kick off the journey – full of charm and nostalgia.
- 20th–25th July – Chambourg-sur-Indre
  📍 14 Les Moreaux, 37310 Chambourg-sur-Indre
  Staying at my great auntie and uncle’s stunning countryside home – a place filled with memories. This is where we’ll be scattering some of Pap’s ashes and honouring his memory in the most peaceful setting.
- 25th–26th July – Montreuil-sur-Mer
  📍 3 Rue de la Chaîne, 62170 Montreuil-sur-Mer
  A final stop for rest, reflection and one last toast to Mick before heading home.
💙 In Loving Memory of Mick

This trip is very much for him – Mick, our pap, who passed away in 2024 after bravely battling motor neurone disease (MND). If you knew him, you’ll know what a larger-than-life character he was. Quick-witted, full of stories, and a man who made everyone laugh – even in the toughest moments.

Last year, Plumbco (the family business) created a fundraising campaign in his honour:
🔗 JustGiving – Mickvember Campaign

It’s a beautiful tribute, and I’d be so grateful if you gave it a read. Please note, donations are no longer accepted.

🧡 The Crew

Travelling with me will be:
- My mum and dad
- My cousin Lilly
- My auntie Emma
  … and of course, Mick in spirit ❤️
We’re expecting some emotional moments, no doubt – but also plenty of laughs, scenic roads, and new memories to honour the old.

Follow along over on Instagram for some behind-the-scenes snippets and updates from our trip. 🇫🇷✨

Until then, here’s to sunshine, road trips, good music, and carrying those we love with us always.

– Millie x
July 15, 2025

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Planning Our 3-Week Interrail Adventure: Updates, Progress & Final Route! 🌍✨
It’s all starting to feel real now! Since announcing our Interrail adventure, we’ve ticked off some huge planning steps, and I wanted to share a little update on where we’re at. Whether you’re planning a trip of your own, just curious, or fancy following along – I hope this post gives you a little insight into the behind-the-scenes of travel prep (and maybe even a few helpful tips too!).

🧳 Travel Insurance? Sorted ✔️

I’ve officially sorted my travel insurance, which somehow made everything feel that bit more real. After a bit of comparing, I found it was actually cheaper to get full annual cover than to just insure the 3-week trip.
I used Compare the Meerkat and went with Admiral Platinum, which came to £21.95 – such a good deal! Plus, I now have my Meerkat Movies & Meals offers back, so double win.

📱 Data Boost via O2

Knowing we’ll be hopping between countries, I decided to upgrade my phone plan with O2 to include 40GB of data per month (instead of my usual 20GB).
It only cost an extra £2 per month, and while I barely use 5GB at home, I know it’ll come in handy when WiFi is limited on the move – especially for blogging, maps, and spontaneous travel TikToks.
If you’re with O2, it’s definitely worth checking out your roaming and data options before heading abroad!

🤝🏼 Shooting My Shot (Hello, Brand Collabs?)

A little cheeky maybe, but I’ve started reaching out to a few travel and lifestyle brands to see if there’s any interest in collaboration or PR gifting for our trip.
I’ve messaged and emailed some of my favourite names and… who knows! It’s such a rare opportunity, so I thought why not? It’s always worth putting yourself out there, you never know who might say yes.

📣 Socials Are Live

I’ve officially announced the trip on social media and published my first Interrail blog!
This blog series will help keep friends and family updated, share the highs and lows of our journey, and store all the memories in one place to look back on – like a little digital travel diary. 💌

🗺 Our (Updated!) Interrail Route 💫

After a few tweaks, we’ve finalised our route and I couldn’t be more excited. We’ll now be visiting 8 countries over 3 weeks, and the route feels smoother and more scenic:
- London → Paris, France
- Paris → Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels → Cologne, Germany
- Cologne → Berlin, Germany
- Berlin → Prague, Czechia
- Prague → Vienna, Austria
- Vienna → Salzburg, Austria
- Salzburg → Munich, Germany
- Munich → Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich → Milan, Italy
- Milan → London (home!)
We’ll be travelling by train the entire way using our 22-day Interrail Global Pass, which we bought directly from interrail.eu. It cost €440 (around £381) each for a Youth 2nd Class Pass, and gives us full flexibility to move as we like for 22 days straight.

💭 Feeling: Nervous + Excited + So Ready

It’s starting to feel closer and more real. The to-do list is shrinking, the planning spreadsheet is growing, and I’m already dreaming about pastries in Paris, lakes in Zurich, and pasta in Milan 🇮🇹🍝.

More updates coming soon, next up: what we’re packing, accommodation picks, and how we’re budgeting on the move 💸

Thanks so much for following along and if you’ve done Interrail before, feel free to message me your top tips!

Millie-Jay x
Instagram: @milliejxy
July 9, 2025

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All Aboard! Our 3-Week Interrail Adventure Begins 🇪🇺✨
In just one month’s time, me and my boyfriend are setting off on what I can only describe as the most exciting summer adventure… 3 weeks travelling around Europe by train! 🚆☀️ We’ve decided to go all in with a Global Interrail Pass, and while we’ve both got full-time jobs and (questionable) levels of organisation, we’re finally turning this long-talked-about plan into a reality.

We’re loosely following a route we found on the Interrail website (linked here), and here’s our current inspiration:

🌍 Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria & Germany
🚄 Itinerary (so far):
- Paris → Bordeaux
- Bordeaux → Toulouse
- Toulouse → Marseille
- Marseille → Lyon
- Lyon → Milan
- Milan → Bern
- Bern → Zurich
- Zurich → Innsbruck
- Innsbruck → Salzburg
- Salzburg → Munich
Yes… it’s a lot. But we’re SO excited to explore each city. From sipping wine in Bordeaux to exploring the Alps in Switzerland, and hopefully not arguing too much over missed connections or luggage weight limits 😂

Speaking of luggage… let’s talk about that. I already know I’m going to struggle with packing light. I’m dreaming of outfit changes for every scenic backdrop, but I can only take one travel-friendly bag. Future me will deal with that drama (and probably cry over it in Paris). ✨👛

We’re also favouring hotels over hostels, not because we’re anti-social, but we just really want to treat ourselves this trip. We’ve worked hard this past year (most of the time anyway), and this is our moment to enjoy it all.

I’m currently relying heavily on my boyfriend’s travel knowledge to build the perfect route. So please wish me luck with that, haha. Meanwhile, I’ve fallen deep into the world of Interrail TikToks, which means my FYP is 90% rail passes, packing cubes, and beautiful train views. No regrets though.

✅ Travel insurance? Sorted.
✅ Car insurance informed (thanks to the tracker on my car – didn’t want to raise any alarms!).
✅ 5G allowance topped up – priorities, obviously.
✅ Mild panic over train platforms in foreign cities? …Pending.

If you’ve got any advice, must-see stops, or interrailing tips, drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear them! And of course, follow along here as we share updates, mishaps, and (hopefully) some dreamy Euro moments 💫

Here’s to train tracks, baguettes, and whatever else comes our way! 🚉🥐🌄
July 7, 2025

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A Girls Day in Covent Garden

Celebrating Holly’s Birthday in Style – The Ultimate Bottomless Brunch Experience

There’s nothing quite like a girls’ day out in London, and Covent Garden is one of the best places for it. From bottomless brunch vibes to stylish bars and confidence-boosting moments, Holly’s birthday gave us the perfect excuse to soak up the city.

🚆 Easy Train Journey from Wellingborough to London

We started our day trip to London with cocktails and prosecco on the train – the ultimate birthday brunch pre-game! Despite a few London tube closures, we followed the alternative routes and made it to Covent Garden on time and stress-free.

💃 Outfit of the Day – What I Wore to Brunch in London

I wore a skort playsuit with PLT cowboy boots – a comfy yet stylish combo for a full day of city exploring. It’s a great example of a London day out outfit: practical, trendy, and perfect for both daytime brunch and bar hopping.

🥂 SINTILLATE Bottomless Brunch at Gilgamesh

We booked a bottomless brunch in Covent Garden with SINTILLATE London, hosted at Gilgamesh. While the music was loud at first, the atmosphere quickly grew on us as the venue filled with energy and excitement.

The brunch menu was amazing – from fresh sushi and spring rolls to my personal favourite, the Singapore noodles. Staff were constantly topping up our drinks – bottomless prosecco or wine included, with an option to upgrade to cocktails for £15pp.

💡 Top Tip for London brunchers: Watch out for extra charges on drinks – a single bottle of water was £6.

By the end, the dance floor was packed, a live saxophone player had joined the party, and the vibes were immaculate. Gilgamesh is one of the most aesthetic brunch spots in London, making it perfect for Instagram photos and Reels.

🍸 Stereo Bar Covent Garden

Next, we made our way to Stereo Covent Garden – a gorgeous, moody venue with premium cocktails. While it was quiet when we arrived and drinks were expensive, it’s a lovely place for a relaxed drink after brunch.
🔗 Stereo Bar London

🚉 Solo Train Home – A Personal Win

I left a little earlier and took the train home by myself – something I wouldn’t normally do. But I pushed through the nerves, made a new friend on the journey, and honestly felt so proud of myself. This is your sign: believe in yourself, and step outside your comfort zone.

Check out more of my lifestyle content, London day trip guides, and style inspiration over on my blog and follow my Instagram for the latest adventures.
Don’t forget to catch the Reel of the day on IG now 🎥✨

May 18, 2025

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A Wholesome Weekend in Chipping Norton
From indulgent eats to spontaneous pints and picturesque villages – here’s what we got up to on our Cotswolds escape.
As soon as we arrived in Chipping Norton, our priorities were clear: food first. Before even checking into the hotel, we made our way into town and ended up at Bitter & Twisted Bar & Kitchen – and honestly, what a way to kick things off.

We went for the classic sausage and mash, complete with a rich beef dripping-style gravy, and it did not disappoint. I hesitated over ordering the carbonara (knowing we had Italian booked later that evening), but I caved… and I’m so glad I did. Creamy, comforting, and packed with crispy smoked bacon – it was everything you want from a carbonara.

Naturally, we then wandered into The Cotswold Sweet Shoppe (because when in the Cotswolds…) and made a little stop at Nash’s Bakery – a traditional, welcoming bakery with the loveliest staff.

Next up: a little detour to Clarkson’s Farm. The queue for the Diddly Squat Farm Shop was massive so we gave that a miss, but couldn’t resist waiting in line for a cheeky pint at the Hawkstone Bar. Was it touristy? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

We then checked into the Cotswold Hotel & Spa. A little bit of confusion finding our room, but all was well once we settled in – the room was just what we needed for a relaxing night.

Now for the showstopper: dinner at Alberto’s Pantry. What. A. Treat. From the moment we sat down (right by the chef, which was a bonus) we were wowed. We started with gooey smoked mozzarella, fresh warm bread with oil and balsamic, and a bowl of olives – the dream combo. But the star of the show? The lobster tortellini. Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced. We couldn’t fault a thing. The service was just as lovely – friendly and attentive. It’s definitely earned its spot as one of our all-time favourite dinner dates.

To wrap up the evening, we had a couple of drinks by the fireplace at The Blue Boar, which gave the perfect cosy end to the day.

The next morning, we headed back into town for breakfast at The Old Mill Coffee House – a budget-friendly gem with top-tier food and lovely staff. I went full tourist again and couldn’t resist a visit to the famous MOR Bakery, where I had to try the custard tart. No regrets.

Before heading out, we dipped into a few charity shops and came across the biggest collection of Ladybird books I’ve ever seen!

Our last stop was Bourton-on-the-Water – stunning scenery and postcard-perfect views, but wow, was it packed! We didn’t stay long but it was still worth seeing.

Another weekend away, another set of memories made. Grateful for good food, good company, and the chance to explore more of our beautiful countryside.
April 23, 2025

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A Sunny Weekend with Wildlife & Pub Garden Vibes
There’s nothing better than a spontaneous sunny Saturday out – and this weekend, me and Josh made the most of the weather with a little day trip to Hamerton Zoo in Huntingdon, followed by a pit stop at a gorgeous pub on the way home: The Wheatsheaf Inn in Kettering.

Hamerton Zoo – A Hidden Gem for Animal Lovers
With tickets priced at £20.99 per adult (we paid at the gate, but online booking is available too), Hamerton Zoo was a surprise hit. There were so many animals to see – from raccoons and vultures to a baby camel and even a white tiger! The enclosures are super spread out, meaning you clock up a decent amount of steps while wandering.

Other plus points?
- Huge free car park = no stress parking
- Spacious playground for those with little ones (not for us, but still nice to see)
- Clean toilets (we love to see it)
- Gift shop and ice cream prices were surprisingly reasonable – £2 for an ice cream and soft toys from just £5.99!
All in all, Hamerton was peaceful, full of character, and perfect for a sunny stroll among some fascinating creatures.

The Wheatsheaf Inn – A Pub Garden Dream
On our way back, we randomly stumbled across The Wheatsheaf Inn in Kettering and decided to stop for a cheeky bite (best decision ever). We weren’t super hungry but couldn’t resist a trio of cheesy chips, scampi, and mozzarella sticks. The scampi? 10/10. And the homemade tartare sauce? Absolute game changer.

The pub had:
- A lovely garden – ideal for soaking up the sun
- Crisp cold drinks (nothing better)
- Super friendly staff
- A menu packed with gourmet-style mains – a little on the pricier side, but judging by what we saw coming out the kitchen, 100% worth it. We’re already planning to head back for the full experience.
With clear blue skies and warm sunshine all day, this little spontaneous adventure turned into one of those unexpectedly perfect days – good food, good company, and just enough walking to justify the chips.
April 14, 2025

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A Plea from Paros: Support PAWS and Help Save the Strays
PAWS is a local non-profit doing incredible, tireless work to care for the stray animals of the island. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome the many stray dogs and cats of Paros, giving them a second chance at a life filled with love, care, and dignity.

Every year, PAWS successfully rehomes over 100 animals – and that’s no small feat. They provide vital medical treatment, food, shelter, and, most importantly, a safe space for the animals to heal before they find their forever families. Their dedication doesn’t stop there. PAWS also runs extensive neutering and vaccination programs to prevent overpopulation and ensure a healthier environment for both animals and the wider community.

But now, PAWS is in crisis.

Recently, they shared an urgent message on Facebook: “We need your support and your voice to keep our service running. We do not have the funds to continue, and the Mayor won’t dispense the allocated funds to keep the shelter running.”
Read the full post here

Without immediate support, this lifeline for hundreds of animals is at risk of shutting down.

Here’s how you can help:
- Donate: Just 20 Euros a month can feed 40 dogs for two days or sustain a cat colony for a whole week. You can become a sponsor or make a one-time donation here: https://www.paws.gr/become-a-sponsor
- Share their story: Use your voice on social media, among friends and family, or even in your workplace. Awareness is powerful.
- Follow PAWS: Stay updated and spread the word via their website or on Facebook.
Paros gave me memories I’ll treasure for a lifetime. Now, I want to give back in any way I can – and I hope you’ll join me. The animals of Paros are worth it.

Let’s keep PAWS running. Let’s keep their hope alive.
- Instagram
- Facebook
April 8, 2025

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A Weekend Escape to the Peak District

There’s nothing quite like a weekend getaway to recharge, and our trip to the Peak District was exactly that. Stunning scenery, great food, and a cozy log cabin – we’d go back in a heartbeat!

Our Stay at Sandybrook Lodges

After a two-hour drive, we arrived in Ashbourne and checked into Sandybrook Lodges. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth by the lovely ladies behind reception. Their customer service was second to none – they helped us with everything from local recommendations to sorting out our WiFi, always with a smile. Nothing was too much trouble, and their friendliness made us feel right at home. The lodge itself was absolutely beautiful, equipped with everything we needed, including a sauna and a spa bath! We spent our first evening relaxing, enjoying a few drinks, and truly appreciating the peaceful atmosphere.

Dovedale & Ilam Walk – 10.6 Miles of Beauty

The next morning, we took on the Dovedale & Ilam walk – a 9.2-mile scenic route (which we stretched to 10.6 with some extra exploring). The Dovedale Stepping Stones were a highlight, and we couldn’t resist stopping for a quick pint at The Okeover Arms in Mapleton. The food smelled incredible, so it’s on the list for next time!

A Night Out in Ashbourne

After a well-earned rest back at the lodge, we headed into Ashbourne for the evening. Our first stop was the George and Dragon, a classic pub with friendly locals and great staff. We then moved on to The Bank Cocktail Bar & Bistro – a hidden gem! Their homemade sourdough pizza was unreal, and we had so much fun playing interactive darts. Just a heads-up – taxis in this area are limited, so plan ahead!

The Perfect Send-Off

On our last morning, we grabbed breakfast at BEAR, and I cannot recommend it enough. Aesthetic vibes, great coffee, and incredible tater tots – what more could you want? After some shopping (I somehow resisted buying a Jellycat from Sticky Fingers), we made our way to Chatsworth House.

We opted for garden tickets (£18 per person), which also included the farmyard. The gardens were breathtaking, and the tiny baby goats made the farm visit even better! Before heading home, we stopped at the Chatsworth Farm Shop – full of fresh, local produce and dangerously tempting baked goods.

Until Next Time, Peak District!

This weekend was everything we needed – relaxing, adventurous, and filled with amazing food. Already counting down the days until we plan our next visit!

March 17, 2025

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