Top Fridays: Holidays

I have been very fortunate throughout my life to visit some amazing places around the world with my friends and family. These places hold amazing memories so I thought I would share them with you, alongside any hints and tips that I have picked up along the way. Sometimes holidays aren't always about the luxury. I have visited some of these places on a budget and believe me; it is possible. I have ordered them in regards to my opinion, beginning at number nine. This is in no way bragging- I simply want to take a walk down memory lane!

9. Istanbul, Turkey

I visited Istanbul on a college art trip in 2011 with a few of my best friends, so it wasn’t exactly the same structure as a family holiday. For example, after getting to college at 1am and travelling to catch a flight, flying to Turkey, arriving at the not air-conditioned hotel by about lunch time- we were expected to go sightseeing at the Blue Mosque for the evening, and then walk another few miles to have some dinner. It was exhausting to say the least and I personally wouldn’t have planned it like that. However, Istanbul has got amazing culture, with the Grand Bazaar a place you must visit. I remember buying my Mulberry clutch bag really cheaply and all my friends doing the same! Even though it was an art trip and we all dragged our sketchbooks around with us, I don’t think we did any artwork. We tended to leave the galleries and go sit in a café with a shisha and Lipton peach ice tea!

8. Pas De La Casa, Andorra

Nestled in between Spain and France is Andorra. Unknown to some, Andorra boasts some amazing ski resorts and a wide range of slopes with varied ability levels. The black slopes in particular were quite tame compared to French black runs. I stayed in the resort of Pas De La Casa with my family for New Year and it was hands-down one of the best skiing I have done. The resort itself was geared towards a younger audience with a bustling nightlife, but also fitted the purpose of our family holiday with some lovely restaurants. If I was to go back, I would save some extra money and buy perfume and more alcohol out there because the whole country is tax-free, meaning everything was very cheap. I bought 2 litres of spirits for the equivalent of £15. As you can imagine, I saved money when I came back to uni in the New Year!

7. Val D'Isere, France

I think the main reason I enjoyed this holiday so much is because of the upgraded chalet we were put in because of a booking blunder with the holiday company. Nevertheless, the resort was absolutely beautiful and do the best crepes. At night, the resort is lit with fairy lights which make it look like something out of Sylvanian families. The one downside about going with my family and other families with younger children is missing out on the apres. Val D'Isere is home to The Folie Deuce- the king of apres ski that is famous for it's saxophone dance music, table dancing, and very pricey drinks. I would love to go back with friends and get the whole après experience in Val D’Isere as it did look ah-mazing.

6. Paris, France

J'adore! I had the pleasure in visiting Paris in September 2013 with my best bud, and yes, despite being nearly in our twenties at the time, we did visit Disneyland, and yes, we did wear Minnie Mouse ears for the entire day. No shame. Paris itself is absolutely beautiful and absolutely massive. We managed to do the typical tourist hotspots, like the Eiffel Tower, but we would not have been able to visit everything (including the museums) in the 2 and a half days that we had. Luckily, being the cultured people that we are, we based our plan on what would photograph best so the main landmarks were our best shot. Paris is very expensive, more so than any other city I have been in. The cheapest soft drink in a cafe was 7 euros. I bought most my drinks from a vending machine on the metro and just sat on a wall by the river. Picturesque maybe, but not very glamourous. 

5. Marrakech, Morocco

I visited Marrakech in the summer of 2011 with my family and stayed at the Riu Tikida Resort, which was looooovely. Despite this not being my favourite kind of holiday (I'm not the best at laying around doing nothing- put me on some skis!), it was by far the best sun holiday I've had as it was so relaxing, and I got to see some of the Moroccan culture. The Moroccan markets in Jemaa El-Fnaa square are strangely a nice break from all the laziness, as these are buzzing with tradesmen, tourists, and snake charmers (no thanks). Quite typically, you do get a lot of beggars and unauthorised tour guides trying to get your attention when you leave the bus, but it is important that you just keep clear. These baddies can charge you for even talking to them. So yeah, stay clear and your bank balance won't hate you. Other than that, you are sure to pick up a bargain or two, and also a tan (oh yeah).

4. Orlando, Florida

Literally the happiest place on earth. Being the biggest Disney and film fan, Disneyworld and Universal Studios are so much fun, regardless of your age. I’m an adrenaline junkie so I’ll go on anything, as long as I’m securely strapped in! I went with my family and we stayed in a villa just off International Drive, which is full of hotels and restaurants. Eating out on International Drive is cheaper than eating in the parks, but I wouldn’t rule out trying some of the themed restaurants in the parks because they are an once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is also important to pack a ran mac or poncho that you can quickly put on in a Floridian storm, which can go from spitting to torrential rain in 0-5 seconds. Not exactly the best fashion statement, but when your walking and queuing in the humidity- practicality is key.

3. New York City, USA

It is my life ambition to live in New York for some part of my life. I just love how every corner there is a Starbucks or a breakfast café with about 20 different varieties of muffins. Whilst on the topic of food, there are so many salad bars where you can create a customized salad, which is perfect for lunch on-the-go. My sister and I had one every day and we still say how much we miss them (I’ve just realised how weird that sounds haha). I went in 2010 and again in 2013, so I feel I’ve done all the main ‘touristy’ things like the Empire State and Liberty Island and therefore won’t probably go and do them all again for another 10 years! After all, the queues for all these places are lengthy to say the least. I would say, that if I had to choose between the Empire State and the Rockefeller Centre, I would pick the Rockefeller because there are no queues (hoorah!) and you can get better pictures with glass walls, whereas the Empire State has these metal bars that just get in the way. Also, stay as close to Times Square as you can so most things are within walking distance. We stayed last year at The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel, which was perfect for us- and we got a double bed each, so as you can imagine, we were thrilled.

2. Barcelona, Spain

Quite possibly my favourite European city (bar London- still loyal), Barcelona is absolutely beautiful and has so much to do, whether that be shopping, site-seeing, or trying out the local cuisine. I visited with my friend in the summer of 2013 and stayed at the Acta Mimic hotel, which was about a 5 minute walk from La Rambla and the nearest metro station. This room was on the small side but it suited us fine with its great location and air-con! We did all the touristy things like Parc Guell, Camp Nou, and the Gothic quarters of the city, so by the last day our feet were so sore! As a solution to our throbbing feet, we rented bikes for our last day and cycled to the beach, which was such a good decision. The weather was perfect and the Barcelona beach is pretty easy to find, as well as it being nice and sandy. Easily one of my favourite holidays.

1. Meribel, France

My other home! I did my ski season in Meribel which is situated in the 3 valley area in the French alps. A playground for the rich and famous, but also families, young groups, and seasonnaires. I may be biased, but Meribel is a picturesque and an all-round contender for best ski resort. Meribel is made up of pretty wooden chalets, amazing apres ski bars, and restaurants (which I have to say, are pretty pricey). If your looking for a night out, each night has something going on. On Sunday's at Jacks bar is a night called 'Toss-the-Boss', where if you roll the dice higher than the barman, you get your round for free. I had many Sunday nights where I didn't spend a penny, which is ideal when you have spent too much money on nachos. If you are wanting food out on the slopes, I recommend taking a pack lunch or going into the resort, which you can access easily down the Doron piste to avoid walking up the hill. The restaurants on the slopes are very expensive, so if you are looking for food like burgers, chips, pizzas etc. then the Tavern in the centre, or the Meribar (at the bottom of the Chaudanne) are best for this. The buses in Meribel are also free. If you are wanting to venture further, Courcheval and Val Thorens are either side of the resort and costs 25 euros to upgrade for the day on your Meribel ski pass. This is so worth it, but make sure you know what time the last lift leaves, otherwise you'll have an awkward situation of trying to get back home. From what I've heard, it isn't easy. 


I can't wait to add to this list as the years go on! If you want to know more about these holiday destinations, then feel free to ask questions in the comments below. Now I reaaaaally want a holiday!