PERIPATETIC.LIFE

On the path to minimalism

February 27, 2018

I believe minimalism and travelling go hand in hand. The less you own, the easier it is to pack up and leave, allowing the world to become your oyster. Here I will be explaining some tips which I found useful in decluttering which many of you will hopefully resonate with and understand the many benefits that are owning only a little has done for me.

Why you should try minimalism:
1) You become more sceptical about wasting money

2) You can move from one place to another with less hassle

3) It allows you to concentrate and not to become distracted by material things

4) You realise majority of what you buy you don’t even need, and we only believe we do because we give them importance

Tips on decluttering:
1) Place all your items in boxes and use only the things you need

2) Just keep wardrobe pieces that can be worn on many different occasions and a few of your absolute favourites. If you want, try living with only 30 items for the first month, and it could help you to realise what a small percentage of your wardrobe you use.

3) Don’t buy something you think you need straight away, take time to think twice about it, or else you may end up just throwing it away and wasting your money

4) Place your money into your savings for things you genuinely wish to have, helps you from spending it on unnecessary items and allows you to buy the product straight away without having to worry about monthly bills.

If you have any extra tips or want to share advice from your minimalist values, then please share them in the comment section below. And remember minimalism isn’t a competition about how little somebody can own, but realise that you do not need material things to live a fulfilled life. Only keep the items you truly want and bring you purpose in your life. As always, I wish my fellow travellers, happy travels! If you try any of these tips for yourself, please share if you would like to and inspire others to live a more purpose-filled existence.

(Cover photo taken from minimalism.life)

Remember, travelling is a privilege

February 20, 2018

Many times too many of us forget this simple point. Travelling sure is a privilege, and not everybody in the world is greeted with the wonderful opportunity to explore the vast beauty our world has to offer. Of course, many of us may tell others to save their money, but in today’s world where rent prices are increasing, and work can be challenging to find at times, obtaining enough to pay for your daily needs can be a struggle never mind adding travel to the list.

There can be shortcuts to saving cash, for example, buying cheaper food and only buying necessities, can get some money in your piggy bank. However, for those in developing countries, affected by war or famine, many cannot find the money even to explore their own country.

So even though this article is short, I just wanted to remind my fellow travellers about how awesome it is to be travelling the world and changing people’s lives one day at a time. Do not forget to be grateful about the little things, and the big, and although travelling can be stressful and a tiring task at times do not forget to smile because you have been greeted with a beautiful opportunity, many may never have the ability to do.

Private tours vs group tours; which to pick?

February 15, 2018

A great topic of discussion that was given to me by a subscriber on my latest article ‘How to see any country on a budget’ stated how tours play a big part of visiting a country. Deciding to pick between selecting a group tour or private tour while travelling can be a considerable task to overtake, especially if you are planning your flights and hotel. Having taken various tours, both individual and in a group, I will be talking about the pros and cons of both private and group tours, to help you decide when you take your next trip hopefully!

Private tours:

1) Cost
The number one factor why many opt for group tours instead of private tours is the price. It can be double sometimes triple the amount just to take a private tour. However, you get what you pay for and can have the day fit your wants and needs by the tour guide.

2) You can gain more knowledge
Your travel guide has more time to explain and share their expertise on a particular subject when its a one on one basis, or a small group of friends. Mostly you do get more interaction for your money.

3) No need to stop at tourist shops
Not all of the group tours that I have been on have done this, but a few have, and it does take out a chunk of time away from seeing and learning about the given culture you went to see. However, some stores do sell beautiful artisan products, and you may not have known about it if you had not gone with the tour guide.

Group tours:

1) You meet new people
When visiting a new country, going on group tours especially if you are a solo traveller, gives you an excellent opportunity to meet new people and potentially create new friendships.

2) Cost
If you are on a budget, but still wish to learn more about the country, then going on a group tour is great to expand your horizons and have a fun day out.

3) Limited time
Take into consideration that when you are on a group tour, you may be with more than ten or twenty other people, depending on the tours limit and this means the tour guide has more work on their hands. You may be limited on time and rushing around to complete the given activity list, so it may not be ideal if you are looking for a relaxing holiday.

Hopefully, whichever type of tour you decide to be a part of on your next adventure, that you have a great experience and learn more about the country’s treasures. As always I hope you have many happy travels, and if you have any experiences on either private or group tours and would like to share in the comments section to help fellow travellers feel free to do so.

Make the most out of your vacation

February 7, 2018

Being a tourist can be hard work sometimes. Rushing from each attraction to the next in our limited amount of time, trying to see a whole city with centuries of history in 168 hours can be a daunting task.

On many occasions, I have taken on way more than I can chew, and my holidays were more hectic than my average day to day life at home. However, with some practice, I have managed to cut down on stress when visiting any country. That is why I am here to remind you all to take your holiday seriously and relax and to not worry about completing the tourist manual.

1) Leave your work at home.
You have worked hard to save your money to get to your dream destination in the first place. There is no need to become even more stressed once you have arrived. Many of us find it difficult to switch to our holiday mode, and if you work online, may find it difficult to leave your work for a few days or weeks. However, as soon as you get on the plane, pull out your favourite book, put your headphones in your ears, switch your phone to aeroplane mode and remember your holiday has already begun.

2) Make sure to plan, but don’t over plan.
There are some world wonders which everybody should visit at least once in his or her life if you find themselves lucky enough to be in the city. However, do not just follow the crowd and conform to what everybody else is doing. Be selective about what you want to see and why. Not everything is a must see for everybody. Also, incorporate new thing/experiences that you know you will love to do.

3) You will have a more enjoyable experience if you take your time.
The best holidays I have, have not been the ones where I wanted to see every landmark, rushing around on my aching feet under the blazing sun. My favourite holidays were the ones where I spend hours sitting in a cafe, admiring the people walk by and appreciating the taste of the coffee. The little things are what make a holiday memorable, and those are the things we all seem to forget.

4) Time is of the essence.
We can never run away from the clock. Spend more time learning about the particular landmark you wish to learn about, rather than merely admiring many landmarks in your given time, only to take a picture and leave. It is far more interesting once you dig deeper into the surface of the given place.

5) Don’t forget you have finally left your troubles behind.
Holidays are a fantastic time to rejuvenate and relax. There can be nothing to worry about, as all your problems are no longer have been left at home. Spending time in a different country, experiencing a different culture and eating all the delicious food until your heart is content is the best way to improve yourself. Take the time to look at life around you and all the things you have at home that make you grateful. For me, that is what travelling is all about, self-discovery and improvement.

I hope you enjoyed reading my article, and find these five pieces of advice useful to you. I know many of us forget what travelling is and how much of a luxury it can be to escape your day to day battle at home. A luxury many do not have. Therefore everybody should take each day as it comes and to not overfill each day with specific tasks. Holidays are made for relaxing, not the opposite. As always I wish you all many more amazing future travels!

Top things to do in Turin, Italy

February 1, 2018

Turin, home of the best coffee that I have ever tasted and also their famous chocolate, is undoubtedly a great place to visit when in Italy. Luckily all the attractions are close to one another, so you most likely not get lost. However, if you are searching for a cash machine, you may need to wander for a while as that is the only scarcity Turin has to offer. Here I have composed a list of things to see and do when in Turin which will hopefully give you some inspiration to plan your trip.

1) Museo Egizio – Egyptian Museum
Turin is home to the second largest Egyptology museum in the world, so is indeed worth a visit especially if you are keen to see and learn more about the Egyptians. For 15 euros you have admission to the museum and exhibition, so it equates to a fun day out.
Its opening times are Mondays from 9 am to 2 pm and Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6:30 pm. With last entrances being 1 hour before the closing time.

2) Teatro Regio di Torino – Turin’s Theatre
Its season runs from October to June with the presentation of eight or nine operas given from five to twelve performances of each, so if you happen to be visiting the city during that time and wish to relax and unwind, then this is a great treat to pass the time.

3) Shop
You do not have to battle through large crowds in Turin, as you most likely would in Milan, and with Turin boasting many designer shops on every street corner, this is an excellent place for a weekend getaway when all you wish to do is relax and spend your money on beautiful items.

4) Biblioteca Reale di Torino – Royal library of Turin
A world heritage site, this wonderfully decorated library is home to centuries of literature and information, from the Italian royals to Leonardo Da Vinci’s self-portrait. However, the public is unable to view it publicly for the time being. With its free entry, feel free to have a look at the rich history that is embedded in the building from 8:15 am-1:45 pm and again from 2-6:45 pm.

5) Mole Antonelliana, Museo Nazionale del Cinema – National Museum of Cinema
The Mole Antonelliana is a significant landmark building in Turin and is named after its architect, Alessandro Antonelli. A mole in Italian is a building of monumental proportions and is the tallest masonry building in Italy. Not only is it home to the Museum of Cinema, but you can take the panoramic lift to see the whole city from 167 metres high.
It is open every day, apart from Tuesdays, from 9 am until 8 pm, with Saturdays being an exception and closing late, at 11 pm. Tickets start at 8 euros.

6) Palatine Towers – Roman age city gate
Free for all, these Roman ruins can be found right in the centre of the city. Every aspect of Turin is coveted in history. If you are visiting in the sunny months, why not enjoy a nice picnic while admiring Roman history.

7) Turin’s Christmas Markets
Of course this can only be done in the month of December, but if you are around to enjoy a winter vacation in the North of Italy, then Turin’s magical and quaint Christmas market is not to be missed. You can find glorious Christmas gifts alongside delicious food.

The city of Turin is overlooked by many, but I think it should definitely make it to your bucket list! If you have already visited Turin, please comment below any other fun things to do which I may have missed out. As always, I wish you all happy travels!

Why you should visit Turin, Italy

January 30, 2018

Branded as the forgotten city, due to the fall of tourism it has received throughout the years, Turin boasts elegance, as well as culture and scenery. Your eyes will thank you when you visit Turin!

Situated close to the French border, the charming small city of Turin is a Northern Italian treasure. Easily accessible by train, in particular, the frecciarosa, Italy’s high-speed train, you can see yourself in Turin from Milan is just an hour.

Having visited in winter, the temperature during the day was a disappointing one-degree Celsius; not even my layers could helping me overcome the cold air. However, it is a prime spot for skiing and makes for a magical Christmas as the amount of falling snow was beyond beautiful. I had the pleasure of walking through the snow all day.

This quaint city is home to 896 800 inhabitants and many delightful designer shops for everyone to enjoy. Your shopping experience will be taken to a new level when you are in Turin. Luckily I had the pleasure of pondering its Christmas market when I was there and had to say it was a better than in Milan.

Fun fact, Turin boasts the occupation of having the second largest Egyptian museum in the world, The ‘Museo delle Antichità Egizie’ is the only museum apart from Cairo that is solely dedicated to Egyptology. A place all Egyptian historians should most definitely take the time to visit.

Hopefully, I have inspired many avid travellers to experience Turin, at least once. I would recommend spending 2-3 days in this wonderful place to soak in their whole atmosphere. My next upcoming post will be my top things to do in the city to have a memorable experience. As always, wishing everybody happy travels!

How to see any country on a budget

January 24, 2018

Travel can be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be. You do not have to spend thousands of pounds to see the world and have a great experience. Here are some tips I have accumulated throughout my cheap travelling days travelling around South America and Europe.

1) Reside in an apartment or hostel
Sharing accommodation will always be a cheaper option, although you have to sacrifice your privacy if you are travelling solo, it is a great way to meet likeminded globetrotters like yourself. If you wish to have your private place then booking an apartment or apartment hotel will give you the liberty to cook your meals rather than spending much money in restaurants.

2) Buy food in supermarkets
Instead of buying small snacks you find along your way throughout your day, buy snacks for your trips by visiting the supermarket. I tend to buy biscuits and nuts mainly as they are tasty and give me plenty of energy to continue my exploring. Living like a local can ave you a bunch of money!

3) Research free tourist attractions
There are many free tourist attractions; you just need to look out for them. Do your research before visiting the country, and you will be amazed at the list that you have conjured.

4) Walk around the city
Is there anything better than wandering around aimlessly and admiring the city’s presence? I do not think so, and that is why I am addicted to it. For me walking on a new street, breathing in the city’s atmosphere and taking in all its unique beauty is the main reason to visit the place. Of course, visiting the landmarks which they are famous for is also an honour, but if you wish to see the authenticity of the city, just walk and take it easy.

5) Use travel apps/websites to get deals
There is an increasing amount of apps and websites that can help us to plan a great getaway. Apps such as Expedia, Kayak, Skyscanner, Kiwi can help us all to plan an affordable trip, alongside sites such as Trivago and Booking.com. If you wish to get deals on tourist attractions too, I recommend using ‘tiqets’ to book your attraction tickets in advance for less. Another great app I love to use in maps.me, as it navigates me without the need to use my data, which can become costly.
If you wish to save some money on your next booking via booking.com, click here so that we can both get a £15 discount from our stay!

6) Plan in advance
If you plan even a month prior to your trip, it can prove to be very beneficial to you when it comes to saving money. You are more exposed to better flight and hotel deals, therefore, you can save up your money to spend later.

7) Pack thoughtfully
Packing light means you do not have to pay for luggage fees at the airport. By many low-cost airlines, you are allowed to take a small suitcase and a carry on bag. Even for a week of travelling that is more than enough space for you to take clothing and toiletries. By carefully planning, you can decide which items of clothing to take and what to wear each day, in regards to the weather forecast.

8) Public transportation over taxis
It may be a bit more of a hassle to carry your luggage and squeeze yourself in a bus rather than taking a taxi, but at times it is worth it. Taxis are a more comfortable and relaxed manner to get from your airport to the hotel, but if you have a map then taking the bus or train from the airport into the city centre may be a good option that can also save you a large sum of money.

Although many of these tips may be common sense, I hope that you find some inspiration in this article to try budget travelling and see how far you can stretch your money on your next adventure. Being conscious about cash can help you realise some things are just not worth paying, and with the more money you save, the more you can travel the world! If you have any other tips for budgeting while travelling, please leave a comment, and as always I wish everybody happy travels!

What to do in Milan

January 17, 2018

The second time around I was measurably more prepared than the first time. I researched and planned out exactly what to do each day, leaving some space for a few last minute trips to see other things which I had not previously known about. If you want to fit a lot in within a few days, a structured plan is the way forward. I will be writing an article about how I plan each of my journeys, which have until this date have worked very efficiently.

Milan is famously renowned for its fashion week and shopping district. Not to mention the gorgeous architecture, and delectable dishes they serve. Honestly walking around the Piazza del Duomo on a beautiful, enchanting evening is my favourite past time while in Milan, but I can not fault their famous tourist attractions, so here is a list of my favourites.

Duomo di Milano – Milan’s Cathedral

The most famous Milanese landmark is the Duomo. Placed beautifully in the centre of Milan, merely gazing it from outside is a treat for the eyes. However, for 9 euros you can climb the short narrow staircase and feast your eyes on the city from 150 meters high. You will get a more in-depth sight into the masterful architectural years of work that has gone into the Cathedral and be able to take mesmerising photos of the whole city.
Alongside climbing to the top of the Cathedral, for a quarter of the price, at 3 euros, you can step inside and admire the structure from the inside. A great place for meditation and prayer and to soak in the beauty of the entire building.
The best times to visit the Duomo would be early morning as soon as they open their doors 8 am and in the evening two hours before closure, around 5 pm. There are fewer people around that time, so you can have a more enjoyable experience and catch the sunset during the winter period.

Museo del Novecento – 900 museum

With its 5 euro entrance price for EU members over the age of 25, this gallery is home to a beautiful variety of modern art and renowned Italian artists such as Boccioni and Severini to name a couple. With its walls meticulously decorated with abstract, realism and surrealism paintings, I would recommend that you will require approximately 3 hours of your day to immerse yourself in the inspiration it exploits. Its doors are open from 9:30 am, excluding Monday when they open at 2:30 pm and closing at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Tuesday, and the remaining days of the week it closes at the later time of 10:30 pm.

Pinacoteca di Brera – Brera art gallery

This structurally pleasing museum, situated in the art district known as Brera, was open in Milan in the hopes of becoming the ‘Italian Louvre’. With it housing fantastic classical pieces from the likes of Caravaggio and Bellini, it is a beautiful place to wander and discover Italy’s richness in 15th and 16th-century art. Tickets cost 10 euros. Entry hours throughout the week are from 8.30am and closes at 7.15pm. The gallery is home to an array of some of the most exquisite art and would advise you take your time when viewing. Average time spent is between 3 – 4 hours.

Castello Sforzesco – Castle

This gorgeous 15th-century castle was built by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. With its free entrance to have a wander around the beautiful exterior, there is a lot to learn about the place. It is home to a selection of museums which are opened every day except Mondays, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, with tickets costing 5 euros. A beautiful piece of history which you should try to take the time to witness for yourself.

Santa Maria Della Grazie – Church

This church is very may be very simplistic in design, but this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting. Entrance to the church is free, but if you want to be lucky to witness the world famous piece of art, you need to book tickets months in advance, as they sell out very quickly and they only open their doors to see it on certain days. A museum is also present, but you have to also book in advance before turning up.

Palazzo Lombardia – Observation Deck

With its opening being every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, you can view the whole of Milan for free! Unfortunately, nothing could go 100% as planned and the only Sunday that I was in Milan the tower was going through maintenance so I could not go and view it for myself, but I am trying again next time!

San Vittore Al Corpo – Church

With its minimalist, sincere exterior, it is rather easy to miss this place, but easy to find once you know where to go. It is located beside the National Museum of Science and Technology. Don’t be fooled by it’s dull facade as once you step inside, you are transformed into a surreal world of beauty! It is by far my favourite tourist landmark in Milan! With its tranquillity and gorgeous interior design, I say it is a must to visit! You can visit it on certain days, depending on date and time. Usually, on Saturdays and Sundays, they are open for public viewing from 9.30 am until 13:30 pm and then its reopened at 5:30 pm. On Mondays it is accessible to the public at 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.

I hope you found this article helpful, as these are my top picks of what to see when you are in Milan. I will be posting more in the upcoming days, including how to enjoy Milan when you are on a budget. There are a few free sights included in this list, but there are many other great things to do in Milan for cheap! As always, keep travelling and wish you all the best for your upcoming adventures. If you have visited Milan, tell me what your favourite tourist attraction is!

This article has been featured on storyteller travel

A Milanese Christmas

January 12, 2018

Sorry for my absence, but with all the commotion lately I just had to recalibrate in order to get back to blogging, but here I am with a lot of content that I will be sharing throughout the next few weeks, so I hope you find it interesting!

So, what should be the number one travel rule, when you find cheap flights? You book them and worry about everything else later! Let’s start with my last trip I took to Italy. I sure love Milan and had to revisit during the Christmas season. With lively music on the Piazza del Duomo until the late hours of the night, and the cold air gently caressing the frozen features on my face. I stop to look at the Duomo in all its glory, the centre of attention, as the lights beneath it light up and frame its beauty for everybody to see. However, all I could think about were my frozen toes. I wish I knew that when they meant it would be cold in Milan during December, I would have believed, as temperatures can go as low as 1 to 0 degrees Celsius during the day. You sure have to layer up pretty heavily if you decide to take a trip to Northern Italy in the winter months.

DSCN4720 — Piazza del Duomo at night. Just as vibrant as it is during the day!

The cold never stopped me before! So throughout those six days, I bundled up tightly and roamed the streets in search of beautiful and free tourist attractions, which I will write about in an upcoming article. Many a time, people believe travelling has to be expensive, that you have to eat at a restaurant every evening, and everything that the specific country offers is costly. For me, I enjoy the little things about travelling. The simplicity of walking down a street that I have never seen before fascinates me and sipping on some warm roasted coffee while I watch the people from afar and take in the beauty of life itself are my top reasons to travel. Sometimes all we need is change, and that is priceless.

DSCN4899 — Inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, decorated to perfection for the Christmas season.

Although I visited in the second week of December, the sensation of Christmas was apparent, with beautiful Christmas lights shining in the streets, to store windows decorated in the Christmas spirit. However, the main highlight has to be the decorations in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The building itself is a feast anytime of the month, but during Christmas, you feel transported to a new dimension. The decor is exquisite and worth a flight to Milan in itself. The Christmas Markets in the Piazza del Duomo began on the 12th of December, and the beautifully decorated market stalls were selling everything from delicious Italian pastries and chocolates to gifts for family and friends and is a great way to kill time and get into the festive spirit.

DSCN5177 — The Italian Christmas markets beside the Duomo di Milano.

Seeing Milan during Christmas time was a fantastic experience, and one I would love to do again, even though I came back home with the flu. The festivities sure are taken seriously in the fashion capital, but try to make as many coffee stops as possible to warm yourself and make it through the day. Until next time, happy travels everybody and I wish 2018 to be filled with them!

DSCN4791 — Milan is always busy! Especially during weekends.

Exploring Peru’s tastiest restaurants – #2 KO

December 7, 2017

Peru has a great amount of Japanese influence and history brought by the vast amount of Japanese migrants in the late 1800s. One of my favourite worldwide cuisines is Japanese; After all, I am 1/8th Japanese, so I simply had to go in and treat myself to one of my favourite cuisines. When I discovered an authentic Japanese restaurant near me, located in Larcomar in Miraflores, I had to have a taste! I certainly was not disappointed.

My main dish was the tasty salmon teriyaki, accompanied by roasted vegetables and a sweet sauce to balance the exquisite tenderness of the salmon with the side dish of rice. The taste was authentic and reminded me of one of my favourite Japanese restaurants at home, Wagamama’s, the price range was similar, although the Wagamama’s can be seen to be more generous with their portion sizes compared to this dish.

For dessert, I opted for something more ‘european’ and had a chocolate cake topped with a vanilla ice cream, boring but my favourite dessert of all time.

Finding different cuisines in Peru is easy! Moreover, there are many restaurants accommodating every taste bud across the entirety of the country, so you are never left hungry! You are treated to a huge variation of delicious food especially if you are missing some of your favourite dishes from home! I hope you get to travel Peru one day and to sample the delicious multicultural cuisine that it is home to.

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