After 18-months of not being able to travel, you might be able to spend a bit more on a holiday than usual, so why not splash on a luxury holiday? Here are some travel ideas to get you started:

Stay in a water bungalow in the Maldives 

The last holiday we had cancelled because of COVID-19 was a 10-day trip to a private resort in the Maldives. We’d booked a water bungalow for some R&R and it was an all-inclusive package, bliss! Sadly, we ended up not going due to travel restrictions, but it’s still high on my list of places to visit. 

The Maldives archipelago consists of 1190 tiny islands scattered across the Indian Ocean with more than 100 resorts. So, if you’re dreaming of a quiet holiday away from the crowds, the Maldives might be the answer! It’s the perfect place to unwind, have a massage, and do a spot of snorkelling. 

Hire a yacht and explore Greece

Picture this: You’re sunbathing on a yacht, sipping champagne, as you bob on crystal-clear waters. Nothing screams luxury more than hiring your own yacht and exploring the Greek islands. The yacht experience isn’t the only reason you should consider a private charter yacht – it offers flexibility and access to more destinations.

Greece has many beautiful anchorages only accessible by yacht, as well as off-the-beaten-track coves to spend your days soaking up the sun. There is no better way to explore the beauties of the Greek Islands and the coast of mainland Greece than on your own private yacht. 

Trek to Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas 

If you want a bit more adventure, then a trek to Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas may be more up your street. Depending on your fitness level and how long you have to commit to the trip, there are different routes you can take. You don’t need any special skills to join these trips, but it’s no easy feat. 

Along with your team, you’ll hike through mountain villages, stay in tea-houses, and meet locals along the way. Your legs will ache for days but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the tallest mountain in the world. This is certainly on my to-do list but I’ll need to get some training in first!

Sleep under the stars in the Sahara

One of the most memorable trips I’ve ever been on was a trip to Marrakesh 5 years ago – you can read about it here. I fell in love with the souks, the hustle and bustle of the city, the smells that flowed through the street and hearing Arabic on every corner. There was something about the city that made me feel at home. 

The highlight of our trip was a camel ride into the Sahara desert before having a traditional dinner and sleeping under the stars. In the morning, we watched the sunrise over the dunes and it was incredible. I couldn’t recommend this trip more. I rarely go back to places more than once, but I loved it so much that I had my hen do there in 2019. 

The post Luxury Holiday Ideas For a Post-Lockdown Trip of a Lifetime appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Planning a hen party isn’t easy but it’s really fun – I planned one for my best friend a couple of years ago. Keeping the bride and all the bridesmaids happy along with ensuring it’s the best experience EVER can be a little intimidating. I found it hard enough planning a hen locally, let alone planning one abroad, so I couldn’t be more thankful that everybody has pulled together to throw me an epic hen. I really have the best friends.

If Marrakech isn’t your jam (no idea why it wouldn’t be! ) then there are tons of other destinations that are perfect for a hen holiday. Whether you’re inspired by Kate Moss’s hen party on the Isle of Wight or are after a wild themed hen do in London a little closer to home, it’s time to get planning. So if your friend has a taste for all things fancy, here’s where you can host a celebrity-inspired hen do for your stylish bride-to-be.

Mexico

No time to siesta, it’s her final fiesta! Bustling cities, fantastic weather plus beachfront resorts reverberating with fun and glamour rank Mexico right at the top of celebrity hen party destinations. Mexico is one of the most popular party places in America with a rich culture and art.

The stunning and the beautiful bride-to-be can relax at the country’s stunning beaches and lagoons. You can also plan photo shoots for the bride-to-be around the pyramids of Tulum and Chichen Itza. The notable must-visit attractions are the Mesoamerican ruins, colonial cities, nature reserves and cultural festivals.

Julianne Hough’s hen do was one for the books of Mexico. Hough’s BFF Nina Dobrev, Cindy Crawford, and other friends mad the most of their hen weekend in Cabo San Lucas. The girls went out to the beach for a morning workout session and sunbathed before the party night.

Miami

Who’s ready for the beach? The most populous county of South Florida, Miami is one of the hottest spots to host the ultimate fling before the ring. The beautiful beaches and Cuban-inspired eats make Miami one of the most fantastic hen party destinations.

Apart from the incredible nightlife, Miami enjoys a vibrant and rich culture that is influenced by population from all around the world. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Miami include the South Beach, Lincoln Road, Bayside Marketplace and Downtown Miami. The Art Deco District in South Beach is famous for its beaches, historical buildings, nightclubs and shopping. It is best for a relaxing, fun-filled hen weekend!

Coleen Rooney took her close pals away for a spot sunbathing in Miami. The bride to be and her hens spent the weekend lounging in the sun and partying in the Florida beach resort.

Las vegas

Las Vegas Hen Party is the definitely the best way to wave goodbye to the single life. Las Vegas does everything bigger and fancier than any other city in the world. For the bride-to-be who wants to blow off the steam in the celebrity style, the Sin City is definitely the entertainment capital of the world.

Las Vegas has an amazing nightlife. The Bellagio’s club, Hyde Bellagio, offers a range of hen dos to make your night memorable. Even if all night clubbing isn’t your thing, you can consider a sophisticated dinner at the Society Café, Encore. It is only in Las Vegas that you can ride a roller coaster at the top of a hotel in the middle of the desert.

The singer, Rihanna organised an epic hen do for her best friend Katy Perry in Las Vegas. She hired Cirque du Soleil, one of LA’s top acts, in keeping with the theme of Katy’s wedding.

Hen it up!

If your best friend is getting married and you can send her off into the married life by planning her hen do with ultimate style. Deciding for a hen do destination where you can party like a celebrity can be tricky. So, if you were confused about where to host the hen do or about how to live up to the expectations of a stylish bride, then you can choose from the above ideas and be rest assured, it’ll turn out to be the best party.

The post 3 Amazing Hen Do Destinations Where You Can Party Like A Celebrity appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

While some trails can be tackled by beginners with little or no experience, others require a higher fitness level. Planning for these trips includes assessing your fitness level to ensure you’re in good shape before you set off.

We did a fair bit of hiking in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia and Italy our recent 2 month road-trip around Europe (and can you blame us?! Below is a photograph from one of our rest days when we were in Austria, just WOW! ). Planning on going hiking? Here are some tips on how to physically prepare for a hiking trip.

1. Plansee, Austria. If you’re looking for untouched natural beauty, you’ll fall in love with Austria.

Plan before you set off!

Are you just starting out, and looking for something to “test the waters”? Maybe you’re a little more experienced, but looking to take things up a notch? Did you find your previous hiking trip a little too much, or perhaps a bit boring? 

Every hike is different, and the physical preparation will differ, too.

If you’re booking through an adventure travel company, you can always ask them what fitness level is required for the routes that interest you. They will often be able to help you assess if the trails of interest are suitable for you.

Know your fitness level

Assessing your fitness level before setting out on your first hike – or any hike, for that matter – is highly recommended. Not all days trekking will be the same, but that’s what makes it exciting!

If you regularly walk to work and back, play football on the weekends, and go to the gym three times per week, you’d be safe to class yourself as fit. More advanced trails are certainly on your radar, however, shouldn’t be underestimated.

Where a walk to the local chip shop is your primary form of exercise, you’ll need to better prepare your body!

2. The Dolomites, Italy were truly epic! The Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is perfect for beginners.

Get some training under your belt 

The obvious way to train for a hike is to get out and walk as much as you can. Anywhere you can reach on foot is an option – so ditch the car in favour of a walk to the local supermarket. In fact, carrying some shopping bags back from the shops will help you, too, as it is likely you’ll need to carry heavy bags with your belongings while hiking.

If hitting the gym, you’ll find that many treadmills feature an incline setting. For most people, these are simply a way of increasing intensity and adding “variety” to otherwise boring cardio workouts. For others, this setting offers a great tool to prepare for real-world hiking adventures.

Most treadmills max out at around 15% incline. This is pretty good, but if you’re looking to hike up demanding hills and mountains, you’ll likely want to try out a dedicated incline trainer.

An incline trainer is the same as a treadmill, however, is designed with a much steeper running deck. With incline percentages up to 40%, these are perfect for increasing the stamina needed for steep treks and mountain climbing. 

Although not cheap, you can easily save yourself some money by comparing gym equipment prices before you buy an incline trainer.

3. Little further up… Glacier summit shot @ Gornergrat, Switzerland – Feeling on top of the world!

Keep hydrated on your hike

With so many variables to consider, it’s impossible to produce a definitive list of things to do while on your vigorous walk. That said, water and food are things we can accurately estimate.

Before setting off, you’ll no doubt have map of the route you’re taking. You should work out how many miles you’ll walk and calculate how long this will take.

Regarding hydration, a good rule of thumb is to drink a litre of water for every two hours walking. If it’s a hot day, with lots of uphill climbing, this should be the minimum you shoot for.

Remember, the more water you carry, the heavier your bag will be. For this reason, it’s important to accurately estimate how much water to take, to ensure an optimal fitness level.

4. Views of Matterhorn from Riffelsee, Switzerland (Yes, that’s the Toblerone mountain!!)

Re-assess your fitness level after the hike

No matter how well you initially assessed your fitness level, or how much you physically prepared your body, you will now know the reality of how fit you are. Did you smash it? Was it a walk in the park (excuse the pun) or maybe it was more physically demanding than you imagined?

Those who found their most recent hiking trip difficult might add weight training to their preparation for next time. If you found it less demanding, you can aim for something a little tougher while having a “feel” for what areas you might need to address to ensure you’re at the right fitness level to tackle it.

5. One of the most jaw-dropping hikes I’ve ever done, the Pragser Wildsee loop in the Italian Alps

Last but not least…

Physical preparation is an important part of hiking. When booking or planning a hike, ask experienced hikers and tour company advisors about the required fitness level.

Once you’ve shortlisted suitable trails, pick exercises to help you reach the right level: walk to the local shops if you’re a beginner; train on an incline trainer if you’re more experienced; and lift weights if you feel your strength needs improvement.

In addition to preparing you for the hike, these exercises and training methods will also keep your body in great shape for everyday life, too.

The post How To Physically Prepare For a Hiking Trip (+ 5 Epic Hike Ideas!) appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

One style of furniture which has boomed in popularity as of late is that of French style furniture. People seem to fall in love with the unique and picturesque style of furniture this option possesses.

A distinct style with lots of character

French furniture possesses a style that is very distinct and is filled with character. You can guarantee that this is the sort of furniture that will add a wealth of personality and energy into the room in which it is placed.

This style is very much suited to those who take great pride in their homes and consider themselves to be a bit of a fashionista. Despite the fact that you can buy French furniture from lots of different places, each item seems to possess an individual and unique quality which makes the furniture look as if it is one of a kind.

It possesses an expensive and lavish quality to it, which can instantly upgrade a room and make it look luxurious. A final point worth noting with regards to style is that French style furniture is very much fashionable at the moment because it contains the vintage quality which is bang on trend.

Transform a room with ease

Because French furniture has such a distinct appearance, it only takes one piece of furniture to instantly enhance and change the vibe and mood of the room in question. This is great for those who are looking to revitalise a certain room but do not have the money to completely change the entire appearance.

Whilst this may be a very specific style of furniture, there are actually lots of different styles and options available. This means that there is something to suit all tastes and all rooms in question.

It’s not as expensive as you think

An additional point worth noting is that because of the boom in the internet and online shopping, French style furniture is a lot cheaper than it used to be. This means that it is something that is generally affordable to all, and so if you look around online you are bound to find some fantastic deals.

Cheap rugs are easy to find online, as are living room chairs and other adornments that will make a massive difference without requiring you to completely revitalise the room.

All in all, it is not hard to see why French furniture is such a popular choice today. Its style and character is something so unique and beautiful, meaning you will find it very difficult to replicate this feeling through another style of furniture. If you use the internet to your advantage then you will be able to find some great deals too.

The post Why I’ve Just Had a ‘French-inspired’ Interiors Shopping Spree appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

In these instances, taking a gap year can be a wonderful time. This is your chance to learn more and experience the world around you, becoming more familiar with who you are, and your ever-developing tastes. No matter who you are, you should see the value of a gap year. This can help you in a myriad of ways. We’d like to suggest what those ways are, as well as recommend some wonderful tips for you to experience your gap year in style.

You’re only young once, and responsibilities are surely headed your way at a million miles an hour. Just be sure to enjoy the ride, and take some time for some inner reflection.

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  Is A Gap Year Program Right For You?

Backpacking

Backpacking across a continent, especially Europe, can be a very cost-effective and excellent method of travelling during the first few months of your gap year. Not only will it give you a humble way of traversing cultures, but you can extend your time able to do this by working in select destinations. Not only that, but purchasing an interrail pass on the train system will give you plenty of freedom to explore countries at your wish. One pass is valid for a whole bunch of European countries, giving you plenty of time to explore and get absorbed in cultures that neighbour your own.

You can do this alone, but it’s much wiser, much more fun and safer to take a friend or two and head across the great landscapes of Europe together. Here, you can look out for each others safety, and become more absorbed and interested in the whole pursuit.

Holiday Homes

After your time saving up during the initial stages of your gap year, what better way to ring out the entire year than to celebrate in a gorgeous location in a beautiful holiday home? Not only will this provide you with a luxurious landing pad from which to explore your country of choice, but it will certainly be a far cry from the quiet struggle of interrailing and travelling around. Here, good old fashioned fun, sun, sand and seas are the only things you need to concern yourself with.

Spain holidays can help you get all three of these and more. Many young people are also very interested in experiencing a holiday in Spain, because let’s face it, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Some exported club brands have made their way here too, so if you truly need to get down and release some steam, this gorgeous country could be the place to do it. Not only that, but the history and culture here could take several lifetimes to explore and become fully versed in, so if you prefer a cultural slant to your holiday, you will be well catered for.

In the drudgery of experiencing life at home, looking after employment, grades, studying and family or relationship life, a large trip to this locale could be the only thing you truly need.

  Things Every Solo Traveller Needs To Know

Take Time To Assess

While exploring, travelling and getting more in tune with yourself in the presence of new cultures is very important, it’s not all that’s required. Simply taking time to walking around in the local park, spending time in nature (away from the constant pull of digital entertainment and smartphones,) can help you finally grasp time to assess what it is you truly want.

A gap year is not simply a superficial time where you can explore and evade responsibility for a little while. It’s a time where you should have the space to become more in tune with yourself. Who are you, and what do you really want to experience? Sometimes we feel pushed into a certain direction by our parents, or by our peers. Sometimes, the thing we really want to try and achieve is blurred underneath this layer of expectation.

When you’re caught up in the development of your schooling or college experience, you might forget what your original intention was. Even if you’ve completed a degree before taking a gap year, you shouldn’t worry about choosing a path you truly would like to experience. Your degree or training may come in useful in more ways than you know, on a path that makes more sense to you.

Get Experience

Again, while a gap year is a time to relax and feel more comfortable (this space is important to gather your thoughts,) getting experience should be your secondary pursuit. When you have properly identified what you want to do, taking your free time and pushing it in a positive direction can do you a world of good. For example, if you want to work in marine biology, could you volunteer in an Aquariums bio-environment team to get some necessary forefront knowledge?

Having this on your CV will not only help you apply to better universities, but it will give you that foot in the door you may need. Of course, the experience can be defined in many many ways, so you shouldn’t feel pushed in one direction over another. Depending on your experience level, you could really do some wondrous good in making sure your experience is a force for future benefit, and not the opposite. Don’t be afraid to ask for payment if you’re conducting a responsibility which other paid staff should be carrying out, and don’t sell yourself short.

However, if you time this well, you could introduce yourself to a team who are more than happy to take you on prematurely, or when you finish your degree studies. These potentials make the effort of reaching out to these firms more than worth it.

With these tips, you will find that your life becomes much-expanded thanks to the efforts in your gap year. From experiencing new cultures to becoming more at one with your goals, all these pursuits will contribute and build together to develop you into a better person at the end of the year.

The post Taking A Gap Year? Kick It Off In The Right Way appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

People laugh when they learn that I have a YouTube playlist full of all my favourite commercials. I don’t care though because, to me, advertising is so much more than a corporate activity to make more money; advertising influences our behaviours and shapes our society. One of the most inspiring lectures I attended when I was studying at university was semiotics – the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation. Naturally, ever since this session, I’ve never been able to look at an advert in the same way.

There are so many adverts that I feel I could pick holes in, but hey, who am I to judge!? But there’s always been something that really grinds my gears. Whenever you see an advertisement for periods, why is the ‘blood’ blue!? This doesn’t make any sense. I assumed it was to do with branding until I noticed multiple brands doing this. I also noticed brands using flowers or something else (other than the forbidden colour, red) to illustrate a period.

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  Do you believe there is still a stigma surrounding periods?

Bodyform have highlighted this issue as being detrimental to the perception of periods, and subsequently heightening womens anxiety. Nadia Mendoza, from The Self Esteem Team, comments on how campaigns such as #bloodnormal will have a vital part to play in paving the way for future generations. She comments: “Have you ever seen a woman bleed blue liquid? No. So why is this still the image that so many associate with periods?

When you observe the ads from a semiotic perspective, you can see why they’ve chosen to go with blues (associated with trust and freshness). But seriously, in this day in age, I’m sure we can handle seeing a little bit of blood. This marketing strategy is so severely outdated that it’s actually having a negative impact on their audience; 61% of women agree that the portrayal of periods in feminine hygiene advertising is unrealistic.

Mendoza continues… “The use of blue liquid to represent period blood can be damaging. It not only suggests that period blood is unsightly, shameful and something that should live firmly behind closed doors, it also paints a wholly unrealistic picture for young girls who are yet to start their periods. Starting your period for the first time is hard enough without the fear associated with the unexpected sight of blood. It’s scary. It’s unsetting and it’s unnecessary.”

Daring new #bloodnormal campaign tackles the “period taboo” head-on by realistically showing periods in feminine care advertising for the very first time. You go Glen Co Co! The new #bloodnormal campaign brings this to life by realistically showing periods in feminine care advertising and helps redefine the norm by simply depicting something that is seen by so many every month. It’s just a little blood, and it’s completely normal.

With a severe lack of realistic representation of periods in mainstream culture, Bodyform hopes its new film will be instrumental in leading these conversations and breaking the silence. Traci Baxter, the Marketing Manager at Bodyform, comments:

“We were so shocked by the results of our research that we publicly vowed to address the continued silence around periods. We know that the “period taboo” is damaging. It means people are more likely to struggle with the effects of period poverty, whilst others struggle with their mental health and wellbeing. As a leader in feminine hygiene, we want to change this by challenging the taboo and ultimately removing the stigma, making it even easier for anyone to talk about periods, now and in the future. This is exactly the reason why we launched #bloodnormal.

“We believe that like any other taboo, the more people see it, the more normal the subject becomes. So for Bodyform, after showing real blood and a real, in-situ sanitary towel, bringing the two together was a natural next step. In doing so, we remain committed to showing periods in everyday life, truthfully and honestly – because we feel it’s the right thing to do to. Together, we can help make blood normal.”

“Showing a true-to-life representation of period blood might seem like a small step, but it’s one that will be hugely beneficial in helping a new generation of young women to understand that periods are nothing to be ashamed of.”

Along with its new #bloodnormal campaign, Bodyform will also be tackling the “period taboo” in schools with bespoke educational classes run by experts at The Self Esteem Team. The classes, which are provided free to schools, will tackle issues associated with mental health and self- esteem, as well as the taboos surrounding menstruation.

It’s dead refreshing to see a brand doing everything within its power to change the negative perception of something so integral in women’s lives. This is more than a return-on-investment campaign, this is a movement.

What do you think about the period taboo?

Help break the “period taboo” and join Bodyform in breaking the silence online using #bloodnormal: https://www.facebook.com/Bodyform, https://twitter.com/bodyform or https://www.instagram.com/bodyformuk/.

Bodyform, manufactured by leading global hygiene and health company Essity, market a range of feminine protection products that are widely available in all major supermarkets and independent retailers.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The post Bodyform Broke a Pretty Big Taboo Last Month.. #bloodnormal appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.