Featured
Lifestyle
Travel
The Prefect UK Staycation - Breathtaking Cornish Coastline
Turquoise blue water isn't typically associated with the UK but then, most people haven't been to Cornwall. Lucky for me, being a trad climber and a Falmouth University graduate, I've spent a lot of time on some of the most picturesque and untouched stretches of coastline in the southwest of England. So I have picture proof, we do have beautiful beaches here! As lockdown restrictions are being eased, allowing for stay-cations, I felt inspired to write about Cornwall. It's the perfect UK staycation for climbers and non-climbers alike.
Bosigran is a large, granite sea cliff located in West Penwith. It's one of my favourite places to climb in Cornwall... the pictures don't do it justice! Meanwhile, the coastal path makes for an impressive walk. You're likely to spot seals, and if you're lucky, basking sharks in the waters around Bosigran. The abandoned mines dotted along the path add a suitably Cornish feel too.
Cornwall isn't a large county which makes getting to other areas quick and easy, even if you're cycling. My second favourite place to climb is Sennen Cove although you have to abseil in. If you fancy a swim, Kynance Cove is a must and another beautiful place to walk. Then there's Lands End, St Ives, St. Micheals Mount to explore, all within a two-hour drive of each other. Cornwall also has some beautiful gardens which should be opening again soon. Trebah is particularly nice as are Glendurgan and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. There are great restaurants in Cornwall too but given the situation in the world at the moment, I will skip mentioning my favourites. Instead, I have focused on things that can be done outside and socially distanced.
- Kynance Cove, beach and walks.
- Lands End, walks.
- Watergate Bay, beach.
- St Ives, pretty town and the Tate St Ives if it is reopened. A great base for your staycation.
- Minack Theatre
- Port Issac, beautiful little town.
- The Smugglers Harbour of Polperro, another beautiful little town!
- Helford River for kayaking.
- Bosigran, climbing and walking.
- Sennen Cove, climbing and walking.
- Falmouth, pretty town and nice beaches. A great base for your staycation.
My lovely friend Jess, leading a climb called Dong S 4b
This picture is of a particularly famous route known as Bosigran Ridge or Commando Ridge
Featured
Sustainability
Travel
Aviation makes up 75% of the transport industry's greenhouse gas emissions so it is a fair question to ask, can you travel the world sustainably? There are certainly ways to reduce your impact while travelling which can benefit the environment and countries you are visiting. But as we rush to visit places like Venice before it sinks or the Great Barrier Reef before it dies, there is no denying that our wanderlust is contributing to their destruction.
I know I am not alone in feeling guilty when booking flights, fully aware my carbon footprint is about to skyrocket. And while it is our responsibility to reduce our impact on the planet (which is what this post is all about, sit tight!), it also falls to large corporations and governments.
The United Nations named 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. They aimed to work in collaboration with governments and relevant organisations to promote the role of tourism in their Sustainable Development Goals. As this work continues, we can work from the bottom to promote and implement sustainable travel. It's the combination of our efforts that will hopefully reduce the impact of tourism on the planet. Currently, tourism accounts for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions so what can we do to lower the industry's impact?
Can You Travel The World Sustainably in 2020?
Aviation makes up 75% of the transport industry's greenhouse gas emissions so it is a fair question to ask, can you travel the world sustainably? There are certainly ways to reduce your impact while travelling which can benefit the environment and countries you are visiting. But as we rush to visit places like Venice before it sinks or the Great Barrier Reef before it dies, there is no denying that our wanderlust is contributing to their destruction.
I know I am not alone in feeling guilty when booking flights, fully aware my carbon footprint is about to skyrocket. And while it is our responsibility to reduce our impact on the planet (which is what this post is all about, sit tight!), it also falls to large corporations and governments.
The United Nations named 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. They aimed to work in collaboration with governments and relevant organisations to promote the role of tourism in their Sustainable Development Goals. As this work continues, we can work from the bottom to promote and implement sustainable travel. It's the combination of our efforts that will hopefully reduce the impact of tourism on the planet. Currently, tourism accounts for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions so what can we do to lower the industry's impact?
Can You Travel The World Sustainably By Air?
Some major airlines such as Lufthansa and American Airlines have taken matters into their own hands by investing in more efficient aircraft. However, flying is the least sustainable way to travel, closely followed by cruise ship holidays. Trains produce fewer emissions than planes and cars so travelling by train is the best solution for long distances. When booking train tickets in the UK, many companies actually calculate how much CO2 you have saved in comparison to driving to your destination.
Of course, the only way to really travel sustainably, in terms of transport emissions, is to walk or cycle. Travelling the world by bike is growing rapidly in popularity as people fall in love with the sport and the freedom it gives to visit undiscovered areas. There are lots of blogs dedicated to touring by bike which provide solid inspiration for future trips. Simply Cycling is a great blog and 1 Bike 1 World has over on 700,000 followers Instagram. By touring you can travel the world sustainably, without producing any transport emissions.
What is Carbon Offsetting?
If you have to take a plane to get to where you are going, then you can offset your flight emissions. Carbon offsetting is a relatively new concept but such a simple way to balance your impact on the planet. Start by finding an emissions calculator online such as this Carbon Footprint Calculator. Calculate the total amount of CO2 produced by your flight then, using a credible charity such as The Gold Standard, offset those emissions. There are many worthwhile projects to donate to which combat climate change, develop infrastructure in poverty stricken areas and support local communities. There are pros and cons to offsetting, especially when it is used by large corporations to greenwash, which makes it a controversial idea. But on a small scale, it is a great way to reduce your impact.
What About the Social and Local Impacts of Tourism?
Transport isn't all that needs to be considered when trying to travel the world sustainably. The impact tourism has on local communities, business and environments can be extremely destructive too. Thailand's full moon parties have attracted a lot of negative attention in recent years, as over 13 million tourists visit the country each year. Parties on Ko Phangan produce approximately 12 tonnes of rubbish per day, most of which ends up in the sea. Situations like this highlight the reality that sustainable tourism doesn't solely revolve around cutting transport emissions.
Social implications of tourism are broad. Irresponsible travel, directly and indirectly, supports systems like modern-day slavery, dilution of traditional cultures and the violation of human rights. Commodifying other cultures is an issue western countries need to address on a larger scale, highlighted recently by the Black Lives Matter movement. From a viewpoint of what we can do when travelling, being open minded and respectful of locals is an important start. As is supporting local businesses and when in poorer areas of the world, providing support in the right way. Donating to well established and verified charities is, generally speaking, the best way to help locals living in poverty.
Travelling sustainably goes hand in hand with travelling ethically so taking animal welfare into account is also important. A subject close to my own heart, animal exploitation is a huge issue often perpetuated by tourism. Swimming with elephants and petting tigers in Thailand for example. These are not animal friendly activities and should definitely be avoided when trying to travel sustainably.
Clearly, it's a complicated subject with many aspects that could be explored in much more detail than I have in this post. But to summerise I will say, travelling sustainably and travelling generally is an opportunity of privilege. So personally, even though the guilt is still there when I book a flight, I recognise and try to use my privilege to positively affect the environment and communities I encounter. In a way, this makes travelling the world sustainably and reducing our impact as much as possible a personal decision. One I certainly encourage we do to the best of our abilities once travelling becomes an option again, post Covid-19. The pandemic has highlighted that as travellers we need to be as mindful and responsible as possible!
Useful Resources
The Gold Standard - the carbon offsetting charity I use
Carbon emissions calculator - again the one I use
Carbon Offsetting - information on the pros and cons of carbon offsetting
Your carbon footprint calculator - use this to calculate your entire footprint (not just travel related)
Lifestyle
London has the potential to be overwhelming so when the opportunity arises, a trip to Kew Gardens is always a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city and working life. The gardens are just 30 minutes from the city centre but a world apart in terms of air quality and open space (things most Londoners crave, even if they don't realise it!). You feel transported and suddenly in touch with nature as you wander around the beautiful Victorian greenhouses and outdoor parks.
Entry is cheaper when booked online. An adult ticket costs £16.50, local residents pay slightly less and there are concessions and student tickets for £8.00 too. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, Kew is a really inexpensive day out and the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself. I decided to take a day off work a few weeks ago and visited Kew for the first time since I was a child. The trip did wonders for my mental state, so let these pictures inspire you to take some time off for yourself as well.
A Day in London's Royal Botanical Kew Gardens
Entry is cheaper when booked online. An adult ticket costs £16.50, local residents pay slightly less and there are concessions and student tickets for £8.00 too. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, Kew is a really inexpensive day out and the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself. I decided to take a day off work a few weeks ago and visited Kew for the first time since I was a child. The trip did wonders for my mental state, so let these pictures inspire you to take some time off for yourself as well.
Backpacking
Featured
Travel
From the bustling hive of activity that is the central Medina in Marrakesh to the relaxed, cool surf scene of Essaouira, Morocco is perfect for backpackers. The cities are full to the brim with culture, delicious food and interesting architecture and surrounding them are pristine deserts and rugged mountain ranges ready to be explored. There is something for everyone in this North African jewel. I recommend keeping it simple on a 10 day trip, you want to see a lot but get a feel for the places you visit. So here is my 10 day backpacking itinerary for Morocco with a few extra stops which you can add if you are lucky enough to have a little longer to explore.
Morocco has a turbulent history. Constantly being invaded by different countries, each has left behind various influences. You will find a unique blend of Mediterranean, African, Berber, Arab, Jewish and French traditions and people speaking Arabic, Berber, French and Spanish! English is also widely understood and the friendly Moroccan hospitality means you're unlikely to feel out of your depth. However, the cities are an assault on the senses, bartering is expected and if you're blonde you will attract some unwanted attention. It took me a few days to get used to but once I had, I was able to enjoy everything Morocco has to offer!
Marrakesh - this backpacking itinerary for Morocco starts in Marrakesh, where I started my trip. Most international flights, certainly the cheapest when coming from the UK, land in Marrakesh Menara Airport so it makes sense to explore the capital first. I recommend finding a beautiful traditional Riad in the centre of the city near the Medina so that everything is in walking distance. It also means you'll have an easily accessible escape from the intensity of this city.
Where to stay:
Riad Tamarrakecht - beautiful building and delicious breakfasts
Riad Alili - highest rated on Booking.com by guests
Les Trois Cours - amazing location
Ouzoud Waterfalls - The Atlas mountains are definitely worth exploring. From your base in Marrakesh, you can visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls as a day trip. I organised mine through my Riad. The trip, which included transport both ways, a guide for the day and lunch, cost £20. You could go without a guide but in this instance, I'd recommend one unless there is a particular hike you want to do. We stopped multiple times to swim in the rivers, paddled out under the huge waterfalls and saw plenty of beautiful views over the mountains.
Essaouira - especially important for Game of Thrones fans and surfers, you have to include Essaouira in your backpacking itinerary for Morocco! I visited the little port town as a day trip from Marrakesh as I didn't have any surfing planned. However, you could spend longer here and get a later bus back to Marrakesh or further up the coast depending on your plans. It was very beautiful and the fresh Atlantic air was amazing after the stifling heat of the city.
Tangier - from Marrakesh you catch the overnight train to Tangier. Compartments contain four beds (two bunks) so if there are four of you it is ideal. The trains are really reliable, cheap and very fun. In Tangier, finding a traditional Riad is a little harder so here you either stay in a hostel or hotel depending on your budget. There is a lot to do and see in Tangier to keep you busy.
Where to stay:
Dar Chams Tanja - highest rated on Booking.com and almost a Riad
Hotel Continental - where I stayed! Reasonable price and great history
Baytalice - highest rated on Hostel World
Chefchaouen - this is a must do day trip from Tangier and any backpacking itinerary for Morocco. If you have time, it is worth an overnight stay so you can hike to Akchour Waterfalls. The town is located in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco and is famously painted entirely blue. In the centre is a small Kasbah which is surrounded by winding streets, souks and locals weavers on Berber looms.
Asilah - a day spent in Asilah is the perfect, most relaxing way to end the trip. It was built by colonial Portuguese and the Medina is entirely fortified, surrounded by 15th century, whitewashed walls. Here you can enjoy much cleaner beaches than in Tangier. There were also lots of camels cooling off in the sea and locals riding horses along the endless stretches of sand. It is a haven for art lovers as well. Artists from across the globe flock in to paint their murals on the walls of the town.
Clothing - Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country so it is best to cover your shoulders to be respectful especially when entering mosques. I went in September and it was sweltering so I covered up to stop getting burnt too.
Catcalling - As I mentioned before, it took me a few days to get used to all the unwanted attention I received from men during my time in Morocco. They were pretty relentless but you get used to brushing them off. Because I am blonde I also found people were quite interested in my hair but again I got used to it. Overall the catcalling was pretty harmless. Check out my post on dealing with unwanted attention if you are worried.
Morocco is a great place to backpack. In fact this was my first ever backpacking trip which I took with three school friends before starting university. It is well travelled and an exciting country to explore. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time, whatever route you take!
Simple 10 Day Backpacking Itinerary for Morocco
From the bustling hive of activity that is the central Medina in Marrakesh to the relaxed, cool surf scene of Essaouira, Morocco is perfect for backpackers. The cities are full to the brim with culture, delicious food and interesting architecture and surrounding them are pristine deserts and rugged mountain ranges ready to be explored. There is something for everyone in this North African jewel. I recommend keeping it simple on a 10 day trip, you want to see a lot but get a feel for the places you visit. So here is my 10 day backpacking itinerary for Morocco with a few extra stops which you can add if you are lucky enough to have a little longer to explore.
Morocco has a turbulent history. Constantly being invaded by different countries, each has left behind various influences. You will find a unique blend of Mediterranean, African, Berber, Arab, Jewish and French traditions and people speaking Arabic, Berber, French and Spanish! English is also widely understood and the friendly Moroccan hospitality means you're unlikely to feel out of your depth. However, the cities are an assault on the senses, bartering is expected and if you're blonde you will attract some unwanted attention. It took me a few days to get used to but once I had, I was able to enjoy everything Morocco has to offer!
Simple 10 Day Backpacking Itinerary for Morocco!
Base 1 - Marrakesh
Marrakesh - this backpacking itinerary for Morocco starts in Marrakesh, where I started my trip. Most international flights, certainly the cheapest when coming from the UK, land in Marrakesh Menara Airport so it makes sense to explore the capital first. I recommend finding a beautiful traditional Riad in the centre of the city near the Medina so that everything is in walking distance. It also means you'll have an easily accessible escape from the intensity of this city.
Where to stay:
Riad Tamarrakecht - beautiful building and delicious breakfasts
Riad Alili - highest rated on Booking.com by guests
Les Trois Cours - amazing location
Ouzoud Waterfalls - The Atlas mountains are definitely worth exploring. From your base in Marrakesh, you can visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls as a day trip. I organised mine through my Riad. The trip, which included transport both ways, a guide for the day and lunch, cost £20. You could go without a guide but in this instance, I'd recommend one unless there is a particular hike you want to do. We stopped multiple times to swim in the rivers, paddled out under the huge waterfalls and saw plenty of beautiful views over the mountains.
Essaouira - especially important for Game of Thrones fans and surfers, you have to include Essaouira in your backpacking itinerary for Morocco! I visited the little port town as a day trip from Marrakesh as I didn't have any surfing planned. However, you could spend longer here and get a later bus back to Marrakesh or further up the coast depending on your plans. It was very beautiful and the fresh Atlantic air was amazing after the stifling heat of the city.
Base 2 - Tangier
Tangier - from Marrakesh you catch the overnight train to Tangier. Compartments contain four beds (two bunks) so if there are four of you it is ideal. The trains are really reliable, cheap and very fun. In Tangier, finding a traditional Riad is a little harder so here you either stay in a hostel or hotel depending on your budget. There is a lot to do and see in Tangier to keep you busy.
Where to stay:
Dar Chams Tanja - highest rated on Booking.com and almost a Riad
Hotel Continental - where I stayed! Reasonable price and great history
Baytalice - highest rated on Hostel World
Chefchaouen - this is a must do day trip from Tangier and any backpacking itinerary for Morocco. If you have time, it is worth an overnight stay so you can hike to Akchour Waterfalls. The town is located in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco and is famously painted entirely blue. In the centre is a small Kasbah which is surrounded by winding streets, souks and locals weavers on Berber looms.
Asilah - a day spent in Asilah is the perfect, most relaxing way to end the trip. It was built by colonial Portuguese and the Medina is entirely fortified, surrounded by 15th century, whitewashed walls. Here you can enjoy much cleaner beaches than in Tangier. There were also lots of camels cooling off in the sea and locals riding horses along the endless stretches of sand. It is a haven for art lovers as well. Artists from across the globe flock in to paint their murals on the walls of the town.
Optional Extra Stops
The Sahara Desert can be visited as a 2-3 night tour from Marrakesh. Most tours include staying in a Berber village, riding camels and all food. The overnight train from Marrakesh to Tangier travels along the Atlantic coast which means stopping in the famous town of Casablanca is very easy. Rabat is another easy stop on the overnight train. Generally, people seem to think there is more to do in Rabat than Casablanca.Things To Consider
Transport - travelling by train is by far the easiest option and a likelihood in any backpacking itinerary for Morocco. The overnight train I took cost 250 Dirhams which is about £50. I felt completely safe. There are women-only carriages if you prefer or you can buy all four beds in a carriage! I was travelling with three friends so it worked out really well. Travelling by bus is cheaper but would have taken too long from Marrakesh to Tangier. However, the day trips I did from both bases were all done via bus. You can book them through Riads, hotels or hostels.Clothing - Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country so it is best to cover your shoulders to be respectful especially when entering mosques. I went in September and it was sweltering so I covered up to stop getting burnt too.
Catcalling - As I mentioned before, it took me a few days to get used to all the unwanted attention I received from men during my time in Morocco. They were pretty relentless but you get used to brushing them off. Because I am blonde I also found people were quite interested in my hair but again I got used to it. Overall the catcalling was pretty harmless. Check out my post on dealing with unwanted attention if you are worried.
Featured
Sustainability
We are reminded daily in the news, on social media and by our surroundings that the climate crisis is a serious issue. So, the pressure is on to make small changes in the way we live, with the aim of becoming sustainability queens! Keeping the planet in mind, there are simple steps we can all take to be more sustainable in 2020 which won't break the bank or terrify those of us slightly set in our ways (myself included!).
Seven Worlds, One Planet is a BBC documentary exploring the diversity of life found on the seven continents and how it is being affected by climate change. I binge watched over Christmas and found the series incredibly eye-opening. It highlights how fragile environments are being destroyed all over the world due to destructive human activity. David Attenborough does offer a little hope at the end of the final episode, saying that if we determine to do so, we can make positive change. He talks about how extensive conservation efforts have grown gorilla population numbers to over 1,000 for the first time since records began. And the worldwide whaling ban has allowed whale populations to recover too.
So don't be struck down by climate anxiety! We can make a difference and we will. Here are 10 simple ways we can be more sustainable in 2020. (Can you tell, the series has left me feeling inspired!).
How To Be More Sustainable in 2020 - New Year Resolutions
We are reminded daily in the news, on social media and by our surroundings that the climate crisis is a serious issue. So, the pressure is on to make small changes in the way we live, with the aim of becoming sustainability queens! Keeping the planet in mind, there are simple steps we can all take to be more sustainable in 2020 which won't break the bank or terrify those of us slightly set in our ways (myself included!).
Seven Worlds, One Planet is a BBC documentary exploring the diversity of life found on the seven continents and how it is being affected by climate change. I binge watched over Christmas and found the series incredibly eye-opening. It highlights how fragile environments are being destroyed all over the world due to destructive human activity. David Attenborough does offer a little hope at the end of the final episode, saying that if we determine to do so, we can make positive change. He talks about how extensive conservation efforts have grown gorilla population numbers to over 1,000 for the first time since records began. And the worldwide whaling ban has allowed whale populations to recover too.
So don't be struck down by climate anxiety! We can make a difference and we will. Here are 10 simple ways we can be more sustainable in 2020. (Can you tell, the series has left me feeling inspired!).
1. Off-Set Your Flight Emissions
This might be a new one for many of you, the concept of off-setting flights is something I have only recently heard of too. By using an online emissions calculator you can work out how much CO2 was produced during a flight. Then using a charity like The Gold Standard you can donate to a project (such as reforesting in the Amazon) that lowers CO2 emissions, balancing out what was produced by your flight. The more you donate, the more CO2 you can off-set. Genius!2. Walk or Use Public Transport
Walking more is great for so many reasons such as improving your health, saving money and benefiting the planet too. You get to know the area you live better as well. Public transport is the next best option as ride-sharing lowers your personal carbon footprint. If you're curious to see if your carbon footprint is below or above average, check out the WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator.3. Invest in Sustainable Period Products
Sustainable period products are easy to get your hands on. Mooncup offers free delivery in the UK and you can buy reusable sanitary pads on Amazon. Although they take a little while to get used to, it is worth the investment. Having a plastic-free period makes a huge difference for our oceans, currently 2.5million tampons are flushed down toilets in the UK every day.4. Reduce Plastic Packaging Consumption
Grocery shopping makes cutting back on plastic consumption very difficult, everything is wrapped in plastic! 2019 saw supermarkets using 900,000 tonnes more plastic despite promises to cut waste packaging. So if we can't rely on the supermarkets to do it for us, what can we do? Try to buy loose fruit and veg and even better, visit your local markets where it is normally much easier to buy plastic free. You can also find out if there is a zero waste shop in your area so you can take your own containers and pay for products by weight. Usually these shops sell washing up liquid, hair care products, laundry detergent and nuts, spices and grains.5. Switch to Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Another step you can take towards reducing your plastic consumption is switching to shampoo and conditioner bars. You can get them in Lush, Holland & Barrett and many places online. Again, like the plastic free period products, they take a second to get used to but they're actually great and work out much cheaper than bottled products as the bars last 2+ months.
6. Reduce Meat & Dairy Consumption
Veganism is the single biggest way you can reduce your environmental impact on the plant. So even if you can't commit to a fully plant-based diet, reducing your meat and dairy consumption is really important if you want to live sustainably. Check out Game Changers on Netflix if you need the inspiration to go plant based for your health and check out Cowspiricy for inspiration to go plant based for the environment!
7. Reduce Household Energy Use
Turning the thermostat down in your house and popping a jumper on will not only save you a few pennies but is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. The same goes for turning lights off when you're not in the room, using energy saving bulbs and hanging your clothes up to dry instead of in the dryer. All of your household appliances use fossil fuels to run so minimising their impact is important.
8. Stop Buying Fast Fashion
The Fashion and Textile industry is the third largest contributor to climate change, behind agriculture and transport industries. 53 million tonnes of fibre is produced each year and 70% of this ends up in landfill. They are also the second largest industry to support the continuation of modern day slavery. So buying fast fashion and supporting these practises, simply put is bad for the planet and the people on it. Buying second hand and vintage is a great alternative as is upcycling and clothes swapping.
9. Use Less Water
Shorter showers, showers instead of baths, eco setting on your dishwasher and washing machine and turning the tap off while you brush your teeth are easy ways to use less water! Reducing your water usage saves on the energy required to deliver it to your home clean and processed. Droughts are a serious issue all over the world and the planets fresh water supplies are dwindling. It's a scary idea, a future without fresh water but it's one that eventually the planet will face.
10. Recycle
Last but not least, a way to be more sustainable in 2020 is to be a recycling queen! Separate and wash all of your recycling and do it right. Start a compost to recycle your food waste too and use nice jars for storage. Simple :)
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