This is our third travel fashion advice installment for those travelling in Europe, now in the winter season, which is upon us!

Are you touring Christmas Markets, drinking hot wine and counting down to the new year? Or maybe you're skipping the craze of the Christmas holiday travelling and going in January-February, one of the coldest months of the year. Either way, we've travelled quite a bit in the winter, and we are doing it again this year! We've made mistakes and learned from them and now are sharing those fashion tips and outfit suggestions with you!

I love winter, but I HATE feeling cold. It's uncomfortable, unpleasant, and usually leads to colds and sinus problems. So, if you're like me, you love keeping warm and toasty as much as possible. But if you're very much like me, you also want to manage to look stylish and cute in your travel photos. Let's figure out how to do both, because the beauty of winter in Europe is that you don't have to choose between stylish and warm!

So grab a hot cup of cocoa, a warm blanket, and stay tuned for wardrobe ideas AND a brand new packing travel list that is perfect for this winter season that you can download for FREE!

I may not have ever told you this, but Portugal was almost our honeymoon destination besides Paris. Even though we changed our mind and did Belgium instead, Portugal had been on our list of quite some time, and it was exciting to finally go there!

Lisbon is the bustling, charming capital of Portugal. It is a coastal city with all kinds of amazing sites and beautiful scenes to witness, and probably an ideal place to begin exploring the country of Portugal. If you haven't already, take a look at the photo essay we did, which visually captures a taste of the wonderful character of this city.

We loved this city, though we had little time there, and we hope to go back one day to explore more of it! Let us give you a quick breakdown of what to see, do and try in Lisbon.

The Basics

Lisbon is a coastal town. So when it comes to weather, it is fairly humid and windy. We went in early August and it was quite warm, but a pleasant hot, not the kind where you feel like you're melting as soon as you step outside. In the winter it can get fairly chilly, so be sure to dress appropriately, and not show up in board shorts and flip flops!

Portugal is part of the EU, so they use euros as currency like most of Europe. Prices in Portugal are also relatively cheap compared to many countries in Europe, we especially noticed the difference when we later went to Barcelona, where food and lodging is a lot pricier. So that makes Portugal budget friendly!

The national language is, of course, Portuguese, so brush up on a few key words and phrases to be a polite traveler. If you know Spanish pretty well, you should get by without too much difficulty.

Things to Do

Walk down Augusta street: This is a long pedestrian street that begins at Plaza Dom Pedro IV and goes all the way to the Praça do Comércio, a large square you enter through the archway of Augusta, and faces the coast. Along rua Augusta there are are shops and restaurants galore, as well as churches and attractions near by. Meanwhile, the Praça do Comércio is surrounded by museums and is where large social events and parties are held.



Visit the Castle:

I hope you're in good shape, because this is quite a climb from the city to the mount the Castelo de S. Jorge sits on. Strap on your best sport shoes, bring some water, and make your way up the many, many stairs, but don't go too fast! Not only because you might pass out, but because there are many neat things to see as you go up. Beautiful streets, charming little restaurants, and eye-catching urban murals. There is a tram that gets you you most of the way there, so if you can't physically make the trip, then you can take the tram from the city center. Be warned, it runs a schedule and there are dozens of people lined up to get on, so you might have to wait a while longer to get on the tram.

Once you do get the castle, the entry is 8,50 euros, not bad! The area the surrounding the castle grounds are breathtaking. Luscious, crawling greenery and crumbling architecture of an era gone by, along with an incredible 180 view of the city from above. It certainly makes the work out worth it. There is more climbing of stairs as you tour around the castle to the different towers and sections, but take your time and discover all the little nooks and crannies!

 

Walk down the shore: There is a beautiful coastal walkway with gorgeous views of the water, bridges and land masses on the other side. There are museums and some drink carts, restaurants, and many people taking advantage of the relaxing atmosphere.

Visit Cathedrals: No one can deny the architectural beauty that are cathedrals, and each one is so distinctly unique and of their own character that you really can't say that if you've seen one, you've seen all. The Jerónimos Monastery is an exquisite piece of gothic and renaissance beauty, and is listed on the World Heritage site, and therefore definitely worth a look.

Walking Tour: While we didn't get a chance to do a walking tour in Lisbon, there is one through Sandeman's New tours, and if you've read enough of our posts, you know we are big fans of this walking tour company! Always fascinating, always fun, always a great way to get to know a place.

See Belem Tower: If medieval times are your passion, you can take a quick little trip along the coast to see this medieval defense tower. We could see it while on our way to Cascais, but sadly could not simply hop off the train to take a picture and hop back on.

Where to Stay

Lisbon is not short on hotels, hostels and airbnb options that meet all kind of traveller styles and needs. We chose a an airbnb that was like a personally run hostel. The location was great, very close to the metro and to Barrio Alto, but the room was terribly warm at night and the bed was not the most comfortable (but we are very spoiled when it comes to our bed back home...).



We did have our own full bath, which was great, as well as a shared kitchen where we could store our snacks and cook if we wanted. Once we discovered a fan, the nights became much more bearable, and Yasemin, the young lady who runs the place, is extremely sweet and helpful. I had made no real research before arriving to Lisbon, so she gave us a lot of direction and suggestions. So if you're made of tougher stuff and not travelling in the middle of summer, I do recommend this place if you are travelling in a pair or group.

If you're looking for budget-friendly options with a social atmosphere, you can check out these top rated hostels in the city.

Places to Eat and Drink

Restos in city center - We ate in a small resto right along rua Augusta, and while it didn't blow us away, the meat and beer were good, which is what any active tourist needs on a hot day. If you are looking for Portuguese cuisine, you can try Restaurante Belcanto, known for its chic haute cuisine. Or if you're in the mood for a gourmet burger, have a go at Cafe de Rio. Just beware of 'siesta', a time of day where many restaurants close down for a few hours before opening up again in the evening, usually between 4 and 7 pm.



Breakfast Brunch - With a hike to the castle and a second beach day in mind, we went on the hunt for a good breakfast place to give us the energy we needed. We found an adorable brunch restaurant named Breakfast Brunch. It had bright and cheerful decor, and a relatively large menu. Everything was delicious and we noticed many tourists coming in, so it is quite popular as well. Probably because it is merely 3 blocks away from the Arc de rua Augusta! So it's convenient and easy to find!

Drink cart - Just want to relax by the water, watch the sunset go down while the waves turn from a bold blue to a seafoam green as they crash on the shore? You can do this all with a yummy drink in your hand. There is a neat little drink card called "Pitcher Cocktails" where you can buy a hard lemonade that is fresh and makes you feel just a little bit fancy, and super chill.

Day Trips

Cascais: We have already told you about this precious little beach town that stole us away for most of the time we were in Lisbon! You can read all about it here in our previous post.

Sintra: If you have time, please book in a day trip to this gorgeous town at the foot of the mountains. It takes a little longer to get to than Cascais, but it is quite a stunning and charming city with some fascinating pieces of architecture and a castle of its own! If you want a country-side, small town feel to your holiday, this is the place to visit! This place is one the reasons Portugal is high on our "must-return to" list.



That's the quick scoop on what to expect when you visit Lisbon! Stay tuned for one more Portugal post from the northern city of Porto!



Is Portugal on your bucket list? Have you been to Lisbon? What did you love about it? Let me know in the comments below!

We spent four days in Qatar, which is more than enough to see all that Doha has to offer. The city is clean and very modern with new high-rises going up all the time, and of course there are preparations under way for the FIFA world cup. That being said, there is not a great many things to see and do in Doha, particularly if you are a budget traveller or really enjoy more authentic cultural experiences.

Lisbon is grand. A wonderful city to explore with so much to see and do... But while we were staying there we made, not one, but two day trips to the coastal town of Cascais!

What started as just a beach day became a love affair. We simply were head over heels about this adorably quaint beach town where we not only caught some sun and waves, but had some of our best meals in Portugal!



HOW TO GET THERE



When it comes to public transport, Europe never let's you down. Cascais is an easy 35-45 minute train ride from Lisbon. The train departs from the station at Cais de Sodre,  which is at the end of the green metro line, s you simply have to exit the metro and make your way to the train station. The tickets are not pricey (as you will find with many things in Portugal! Budget travelling for the win!)



The train ride itself if lovely because it runs along the coast, so you get to see some lovely scenery on your journey. You can stop at just about any stop between Lisbon and Cascais and find some kind of beach. If you're in Portugal long enough, you might even want to go off the beaten path and randomly explore one of these less popular beaches for a quiet day on the shore.

Once you arrive to the final stop, the beach is a mere 5 minute walk from the train station. Along the way you can find a few souvenir shops (this is where I found my FAVOURITE pair of sunglasses ever! See my Instagram to see my obsession...) that also provide beach supplies you may not have had room to pack or forgot to bring. Umbrellas, towels, or beach balls and more.

THE BEACH



The sand is crazy hot while the Atlantic ocean waters is quite cold! It takes some getting used to but it's fun to push yourself physically through these extremes. Even though it was still very much summer tourist season, the beach was not ridiculously crowded. Busy, yes, but you could easily find a nice patch of sand to lay out your blankets and soak up the sun. The water front is more populated, but if you brave the cold ocean waters and venture out just a little further, you have much swimming space to yourself.

There is a bathroom, though it is discouraged to use it as a change room so try to come with your bathing suit underneath. Don't forget to bring 50 cents, because that's how much it costs to use public bathrooms.

In terms of safety, the beach felt perfectly safe. Everyone there is a tourist, and there are no vendors trying to sell you cheap sunglasses, bracelets, etc. It was nice not to feel a panic or constant worry when we would leave our things behind (inside a bag and under a towel no less! Out of sight is still a good precaution!) and really enjoy the beach.

THE TOWN



If you read our photo essay, you will know that Lisbon is incredibly charming in it's own unique way. Cascais is even MORE charming, the same way how a golden lab puppy will be even more adorable than a full grown one. Small winding cobbled streets lined with shops and cafes are the kind of sights that make one fall in love with Europe, and Cascais is no exception.

From souvenir shops to high end shoe stores, from artisan shops to creative window displays, there's a  lot for your eyes to take in. Portugal is known also for their ceramic art, and they like to remind you through the striking patterns of the roads, and Cascais has it's own unique wavy pattern that maybe alludes to the waves of the Atlantic...Now, let's move on to my favourite part, the food we found down these very streets!

RESTAURANTS



Amorgueria : Before this, we thought one of the best burgers we ever had was in Lucille's in Cairo. Now, this place definitely holds the title, at least for me! Even though I felt I had to add salt to the burger, once I did, it exploded with flavor! I went back to Lucille's not long ago, and the de-throning was official, because I thought of that burger in Cascais. I still think about it...The sangria was very delicious, the location is lovely for people watching into the cobbled street below, and the waitresses were very kind, but then again nearly everyone we met in Portugal was very friendly! While we didn't like the chips that complemented the burgers (we just found them very hard as opposed to crispy) chips is a popular side dish in Portugal. I still highly, highly recommend this place! My mouth is salivating just writing about this...

(Indian & Thai) Totally regret not catching the name of this restaurant... A representative was standing on the main road and called to us and asked if we were looking for Indian food. We didn't know what we were looking for, but Indian food is one of our favourites! It was an instant yes. When we looked at the menu we realized it was a Thai restaurant as well, and I finally dived into the world of Thai cuisine and ate coconut green curry with pork and noodles. Thai food, WHERE have you been ALL my LIFE!? Everything was absolutely delicious and bursting with flavour and spices. The first sangria we had was very light, so they brought a much darker one the second time and it was a great improvement.

There are dozens of restaurants of all flavours in town, even if you don't eat at the ones we went to, chances are you will discover a foodie gem!



So when you're ever in Lisbon, hopefully you are there long enough to take one of the best day trips to this charming, historical town of Cascais. We had a wonderful time there, hence why we went twice in a row!



Have you been to Cascais? Are you planning a trip to Lisbon or Portugal? Did you find some incredible restaurants there? Let me know and you are always free to ask me questions below!

Like you, I have read many articles with the over-confident titles: "10 Ways You can Travel for FREE!", because who doesn't want to travel around at no cost? But each time I read them I think, sure, I could get a job working in the Arctic saving polar bears, or do manual labor on an organic farm, and buy ALL the air miles-collecting credit cards...but do I actually want to?

The short answer: no. I have a different lifestyle in mind. Now, I don't mind travelling cheaply! That I'm all over. To me, it's a lot more doable, and there are plenty of options.

Now, I will preface by saying that my suggestions might not fit your lifestyle choices or fit to your specific situation. If you're like me, you want to  travel often enough, and you don't mind being budget-conscious.



Whether it’s joining your high school choir on its annual music trip, or taking a job overseas teaching English, I have found ways to travel within my own country and abroad. This post is mostly for Canadians, since that was my jumping point to everywhere else, but there are points in here for everyone else too! Now, I will walk you through the three main phases of my travel life starting with when I was a teen in high school, to when I was a University student, to now in my adult life.

Hopefully, there is something in here that will give you an idea, some inspiration, motivation or a push in the right direction to get you closer to your travel desires!

When I was a Teen

Explore Program:

The first solo trip I did out of my own was when I was 15 years old. I discovered something called the Explore program, which is a Canadian-wide program that offers intensive, immersion language schooling over the summer. If you want to learn French, they place you in a French community. If you want to learn English, same deal.
Now, in this case my parents paid for everything (thank you again!), but there are ways to apply for financial help, and between the time you apply, get accepted and actually go, you can save up money with a part-time job and by collecting money through Christmas and birthdays (it’s going to an educational cause!) and not only do you get to explore another part of Canada, you learn another language and part of the rich, diverse Canadian culture! Wins all around! (Interested? Click here!)

School Trips:

When I was 17, I really, really wanted to go on the Chicago trip with my high school choir and band. To help raise money, I had to sell cheese. Weird, I know. It was kind of hard, too! I walked around in the winter time during the Christmas season doing the old-fashioned door-to-door sales. I had some really nice neighbors who clearly did it just to support me. It was a great experience and I fell in love with the city very quickly! Still meaning have to go back one day…Many public schools offer students a chance to go on a trip, some will be more expensive than others, but don't let that discourage from taking at least one trip! There are always fundraising events you can do, and if you're creative enough, you can raise a lot of the funds!

Family Road Trips:

Because of our central location in the prairies, my family did road trips to Minneapolis, South Dakota, and we even drove all the way down to Florida to visit family a couple times. Never underestimate the joys and fun times of family road trips! Best part? It’s part of the family budget. Yay!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS TO TRAVEL:

• Volunteer: Maybe you’re young, or you really don’t want to commit to a job long-term abroad. Volunteering will bring great experience, look great on a resume, and you can choose how long you want to go. You will likely have to finance your way there and back, but usually the organisation takes care of the rest once you arrive.

When I was a University Student

Teacher Assistant in France:

I was getting restless during my first year of University, when I came across an ad outside the French department to teach English in France. Paid accommodation, a salary of 800 euros a month, a chance to travel Europe: I was in! The catch: You had to be 21 years old and have at least 2 years complete of University, as well as proof of enough French proficiency. (These are the requirements for Canadian citizens, and it varies from country to country).

I put my plan into action and throughout the next year, did everything I could to make sure I would get accepted. I found a job with the Festival du Voyageur (best job ever!), I got my French professor to vouch for my proficiency, and then I got my first long-term job in the summer working custodial services at an outdoor theater. Probably the worst job I ever had, but I was able to save 3,000 dollars working part-time.

This is a program run by the French government, and it’s goal is to place native language speakers in schools to interact and teach French students in that language, in my case, I taught English. It was, by far, one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Not only did I catch the travel bug, I made life-long friends, some who were my bridesmaids later on, and I grew incredibly as a person.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO TRAVEL

Au Pair: If you like kids, are single, and want to travel, this combines all three. Getting hired as an au pair means you are basically a nanny, you help with taking care of young children, it may include helping them with school work, but basically you are a glorified babysitter and chances are you get to stay in the home of the family who hires you or they take care of your rent elsewhere. I've heard a couple bad experiences, but overwhelming amount of GREAT experiences. Many families will take their au pair on family holidays, bring over to social gatherings, so you get a very authentic local experience with some savings and time off to go venture on your own once in a while!

Volunteer: There is no age limit to being a volunteer, and it's incredibly rewarding with many, many opportunities world-wide! One example is Canada World Youth, which has been running for over 40 years in over 60 countries around the world. (Click here for more info)

Farm Work: Organizations such as WOOF and the like. I have a good friend in Australia currently working on a farm so she can get a second year extension on her visa, because she loves it so much there!

Missions: Whether you do YWAM, or through another organization, if you are a person of faith, missions is a great way to grow in so many ways at so many levels. This is not going to be your typical chic Euro trip, but it is always life-changing and eye-opening.

University Exchange: Check to see if your University has a program that involves an exchange, or a partnership with another University abroad. For myself, I could have taken an Education practicum abroad, but I had to plan my wedding...

Internships: You can find these through your University too, particularly if you're doing Business, Engineering, or maybe something in the realm of Political studies. But there are many, many, many other areas to intern in! Try to find one with some perks, like paid lodging. But don't expect too much! Afterall, you are doing it more for the experience than the money.

As an Adult

One of the easiest and most sustainable ways to travel as an adult is to find a job abroad. One of the most accessible jobs is teaching.

Teaching Abroad

After my experience in France, I was determined to come back to Canada, finish my BA, and go back out into the world of teaching English abroad. I had my eyes on Russia. But, love happened. So I stayed until I got my Teaching degree, then we got married, and moved to Egypt!
Three years after returning from Europe my desire to travel abroad probably only grew stronger as time went on, so I was so happy when Wayne, my now husband, agreed to change his home-boy ways to travel with me. Since we’ve been hitched (and wrote this post), we’ve been to 9 countries (8 of which are new to me!) and he’s got the travel bug too!

Other Top Travel Jobs for Adults

• Flight attendant - the travel might be short, but you'll get little snippets of one or two days nearly right away!


• Cruise crew worker - that can be cleaning crew, maintenance, health and fitness, kitchen staff, the options are endless!


• Tourism and Hospice work - this can mean being a tour guide or working in a hotel or hostel


• International Business - may take some years of schooling and finding the right company, but chances are trips will be fully covered!


• Translator/Transcriptor - put those language degrees to good use!


• Online work - maybe an online business, an editor or journalist, a YouTuber or consultant. Making money on the internet has become a growing reality.

There are plenty other job positions that can help you with your travel goals, these are simply the most common and popular careers. Do some research, join some travel groups, see what other occupations make travel possible! In fact, here are 50 JOBS that involve travel!

Extra Tips for Finding Opportunities to Take You Abroad:

• Learn another language: If you’re in high school and you’re not taking a foreign language class, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Opportunities will not only open up but not seem so scary if you can speak the language of said foreign place.


• SAVE Money: this one is obvious, and many people seem to think they will never save enough. I have talked with several friends, some who genuinely really want to back-back Europe, but never took the leap because someone else didn’t come through, or they decided to buy a car instead, or they’re going to 5 concerts a year and buying gym memberships. I can’t help but shake my head, because so many of these people could have seen 5 countries with the money they have spent on things like car parts and festivals. Money won’t magically add up by talking about, any more than you can lose weight by talking about working out. It has a to be a priority and it will require sacrifices. You think I wanted a custodial night job? No. But I had a goal and I worked for it, and it changed my whole life.


• Live with Your Parents: This is still on the ‘save money’ trend, but if you’re young, still going through school or a recent high school graduate, don’t rush into finding a place of your own. Unless your parents hate you or you weren’t the nicest kid, chances are they would be very willing to let you stay home if you pull up your pants and assume some more responsibility to live rent-free. Offer to do their lawn services, clean their windows, help with dinner once in a while, take care of the dishes, or vacuum once a week. Your parents will appreciate the help and you may possibly help them save some money in the process. It’s a win for everyone!


• Live life MINIMALLY: It is SO easy in our North American culture to get obsessed with accumulating so much stuff and having the biggest and newest. Go without the latest iPhone. You can survive. Trust me.


• PLAN FOR IT! It won't just happen. It took me a year and a half of planning before I went to France. It has to be something you work toward if you want it enough.

Well, if you've made it this far, you are probably fairly serious about satisfying your travel bug!

I'm not going to pretend like travelling is easy to afford, I know how hard it can be for many people. But there are ways to make it cheaper and a possibility! It comes down to your choices and your priorities. I hope you are encouraged to start planning, making goals, keeping an eye out and ear open for opportunities, and taking advantage of anything that comes your way!



Are you an avid traveller? How do you save up or make money while on the road? What tips or advice would you give to those who have the passport, have the luggage, but still need those last few steps to make their travel dream a reality? Did any of these tips seem helpful to achieving your travel goal? Let me know in the comments below! I am totally up to answer any questions to help out!

I want to try something different today. Because I can, and I like to try new things!

As you may know, we spent 5 days in Portugal this summer, 3 of which were in Lisbon.  There are a million things I want to say about Portugal, and for that reason I want to do a photo essay, since we all know 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. So let's see if I can't make you fall in love with Lisbon by the end...

History, arts and culture - you can find ample exposure to all of these in Paris, the capital city of France.

I have always enjoyed history, from a young age I loved the prehistoric era, ancient Greece, and Medieval times. I also love art, as it is my long-life hobby. It is no wonder that Art museums are my favourite kind of museums to visit, along with science museums because of their interactive displays!

We all know the Louvre, home to thousands of art pieces of huge fame. The "Mona Lisa" is the main attraction, and is usually jam-packed with tourists taking dozens of ridiculous photos, holding up their babies and attempting selfies.

Forget the Louvre, at least for today. I have three lovely little museums that will thrill any art or art history lover and appreciator.

It's not like the movies, is it? The main character flies across the ocean in record time and comes off the plane looking just like they did when they got on 10+ hours ago. While I can't give you tips to make your very long overnight flight go any faster, I discovered some ways to come off the plane after 13 hours of travel and still look surprisingly refreshed!

There are some challenges that come with trying to look great when you step off a plane, such as no access to a shower on board, having to pack away all your great products into your checked bags, and dealing with an environment that is not exactly relaxing. But fret not! Next time you have a long flight of 7-15 hours long, just follow these simple tips and steps to make sure you step off that plane looking pretty amazing.



First off here are two things you can do before your flight:

1. Get Your Nails Done

If you are travelling for business and you need to look sharp, a nice manicure days before your flight will automatically add a polished look. If you are prone to chipping your nails easily then gel or shellac nails might be necessary. Treat yourself! This will also help you feel more positive about your upcoming flight and travels.

2. Shower Right Before

Try to have a shower as close to your flight as possible, with time to do you hair, and get ready without stress. Because you likely won't see a proper bathroom for nearly a day, this is your best shot at keeping grubbiness at bay.

Alright, now for the real battle. Here my 7 tips for how to endure your long overnight flight and come out at the other end feeling and looking fresh!

1. Remove Your Make Up

You probably did not expect that. The air inside a pressurized plane will suck out any moisture and your skin will have a hard time. Don't put more strain on your skin and pores. Pack nice make-up remover wipes with health boosting benefits and allow your skin to breath. About two hours (no more) into your flight, remove all facial makeup or watch in horror as you age ten years in a matter of hours...

2. Moisturize

In the words of Lady Cassandra, "Moisturize me!" (Hollar in the comments if you recognize the reference). As soon as your face is nice and clean, moisturize! Not just your face, but hands and any exposed part of your body, including your lips with a good quality lip gloss! This is not only great for your skin care, but will make you feel more comfortable while sitting in an economy seat for hours on end.

Read Also: products I swear by to combat dry skin!

3. Drink Water

See a pattern here, yet? Airplane flight = very, very dry air. So anything you do to counter its effects will benefit you. Make sure to drink at least one cup of water every 1-2 hours! This will keep you hydrated inside and out. Don't be shy to drink a little more than usual, water is good for you! And if you are having alcohol, it is imperative that you have some water to combat dehydration!

4. Braid Your Hair/Don't Brush

If you live in the places that get very cold, you know that cold dry air means more static. Guess what kind of air is in a plane? Yup. Dry and cold. If you hair is long enough, just put it in a braid or bun so you don't have strands that will cling to your face, chair, or simply stick up in the air. If you have short hair, like myself, resist the urge to brush or comb through with your fingers, you'll just cause friction which causes more static. And above all, do NOT go into the bathroom and wet your hair! There aren't many hair products that come in travel size, but resist any heavy creams or styling oils, since this can weigh down your parched hair and make it greasy faster.

5. Pamper Yourself

This is not a very necessary step, but if you are prone to baggy, puffy eyes, then you might want to do this. Pack along a gel eye sleep mask, ask an flight attendant for a cup of ice, and let the sleep patch sit in the ice before applying it to your face. This will help keep your eyes cool and refreshed, so you don't look tired and ragged after your flight, regardless of if you actually get some decent sleep...

6. Doll Yourself 1 Hour Before Landing

About 1 hour before landing (no sooner) you can head to the bathroom with your whole beauty army. Re-do your make up (though I would stick to a natural look!), re-braid your hair, re-touch your deodorant, add a touch of body spray, brush your teeth and use lip gloss to moisturize your lips. I personally like tinted lip glosses to add a bit of color as well. If you really want to wear lipstick, wait for the lip gloss to get absorbed into your lips first!

7. Adjust Or Change Your Wardrobe

Maybe you flew in sweatpants and a tee, which is totally cool. But if you intend to step off the plane and get straight to work or play, then you might want to do something about your wardrobe. Here are three things you can do an hour before you land to be ready to tackle the day:

1. Keep your outfit change in your carry-on : a summer dress or a pair of black tights and new shirt are two easy, comfy, semi-casual outfits you can easily slip into and you will feel so great changing out of the clothes you just spend the last 10+ hours in!


2. Hat Disguise: if you're worried that your hair is not on fleek, nothing better than a stylish hat to hide the greasy roots or flat hair!


3. Add Some Sparkle: A cute pair of earrings, a few bracelets or a lovely necklace will make you look effortlessly fab. Check out my friend's gorgeous jewellery collection for your next travel outfit over at Pretty Little Details!

Wardrobe Ideas





That's it! Those are my beauty suggestions for how to survive a long overnight flight and to look great at the other end!

Gift Giveaway

Now, I am very excited to announce that we are having our very first Travel Beauty Giveaway! This is a package that is great not only for girls looking out for their health and beauty, but travel enthusiasts who love cultural beauty items!

Giveaway is Finished!

Our winner has been announced over on Instagram (here). Thank you to everyone who participated!

Stay tuned for future contests and giveaways! If you haven't yet, subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss any exciting and new things happening at W+H!

Just when you think you've got this whole travelling and packing thing down to a science, you mess up. Nothing huge, but you can't help but shake your head and face palm yourself. Or maybe you do get just a bit exasperated. These moments usually happen to me when I realize I have forgotten to pack something fairly important. Not passports, money, or underwear, but still something you would really like to have and need during your trip.

I decided to make a list of all the little things that travellers, like myself, have forgotten during several trips, in hopes that you, dear travellers, will not make these silly mistakes.

ALSO, at the end of the blog post there is a small gift for you guys! Stay tuned.

It’s no secret that finding a teaching job in Canada is a struggle, especially a permanent job. I hear teachers from all across the provinces complain about the same issue. So why not take a crack at teaching abroad? In fact, why not teach in Egypt? I know what you’re thinking, because you’re probably watching the news. In case you didn’t know, the news doesn’t show the whole story. Egypt is a great chance for Canadian teachers to develop their profession, to grow, and to have an incredible adventure. Here are just 10 reasons why Canadian teachers should come teach in Egypt:

One of the most popular questions travellers ask themselves about their destination and travel plans is "is it safe?". The question of safety can cause people to be anxious and filled with worry. Worry is the ultimate kill-joy. But it doesn't have to kill the joy out of your holidays and travels.

There are some very simple, practical things to be mindful about and to do to put your worries at ease so you can travel safely and enjoy it to the fullest. Whether you are travelling alone or with someone, or even in a group, here are tips to keep you and your belongings safe while you travel, so you can have a good time!

It feels like half of the world is travelling during the summer and Europe is one of the top most popular destinations. Personally, I think summer is not the most ideal time to travel, but I’m a teacher…so I have little options! While summer means everywhere will be super busy and pricier, it is a great time to enjoy the sun, the heat, and feed off the buzz! Because let’s face it, Europe can be surprisingly cold up until mid-May! When summer hits, you can finally ditch the three extra layers and work on your tan!

What makes picking and packing outfits for Europe so nice is that no matter how many countries you are visiting, in general the whole continent has similar weather and temperature averages, but double check the forecast just in case. Here are some ideas and key things to keep in mind as you pack up for a trip in the Summer.

It's mid-June and most schools are either done or wrapping up! Something I really like to do as the school year starts to wrap up, is have a 'real' moment with the kids. With grade 12's I find and read articles about life after high-school and do anonymous Q and A's on topics that would concern a high-school graduate. They love it.

With grade 6 this year, I did something similar to a fellow teacher, because I loved the concept. I call it Whiteboard Words. It is meant to build up your students and end on a positive note. You will probably need two periods to complete this, and all you need is a class full of students, a whiteboard and a marker (traditional chalk board would work just as good!)

Step One: Being Creative

To begin, every student gets a piece of paper. On that paper they have to come up with a neat name that alliterates, such as Cool Craig, or Fabulous Felicia. Then you collect all these names and put them in a container of some sorts. You will be picking the names out randomly, and who ever you pick must step outside for a couple of minutes while you write their neat name on the board and then get the rest of the class to contribute positive, describing words about that person.

Describe the activity to the students, emphasize that ONLY positive adjectives and descriptions are acceptable. You can warm them up by having students list some of their favourite and unique adjectives. Words and phrases like "awesome, polite, cool, trustworthy, fun, great dancer, friendly, outgoing, enthusiastic" etc.



 

              Step Two: Positive Vibes

Once you have about 6-8 words (you can do more!) then ask the student to come in and come up to the board. I have my students read the words out loud, because speaking them out loud has an even bigger impact than just reading the positive and encouraging words. After they finish reading, I usually ask them, "How does that make you feel?" And they always reply "Good!" and sometimes with a big or sheepish smile on their face.

Sometimes, you will have some students that is harder to come up with positive words for. This is why I prefer the teacher to control the marker and write the words out, because then I can insert a word once in a while, to make sure all students get at least 6 positive words written about them.

Step Three: Record the Moment

To finish off, I take a quick photo on my phone, and maybe because this is grade six, but not ONE student has refused to stand by the board and have their picture taken, and only ONE who wanted to hide their face. There are three reasons I believe other grades (particularly higher ones) shouldn't have too much trouble with this either:

1. Because all of the class is doing this, the more shy and insecure students don't feel like they are being particularly singled out


2. After they read the positive words about them, there is usually a boost in confidence and self-image, which allows me to take a quick picture which at another time, I probably wouldn't be able to.


3. I strategically choose the shier students a little later (not so random after all!) so they have a chance to see many other students do it before they do. If you pick a shy or insecure student right off the bat, it will be too much for them and it will set the precedent for the following students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, the students really enjoy this activity, and other classes were excited to do it once they heard another class had done it. No matter how the year went, and how your students did, it's activities like these that students will remember the most, and if what they remember is their classmates think they are creative, smart, kind, and friendly, then that's a good thing!

 

What kind of lessons or activities do you do at the end of the year? Do you have similar activities that maybe you do at another time of the year? I'd love to try some new things for next year! Let me know in the comments below!

In May we spent 4 amazing days in Greece, two days in Santorini and two in Mykonos. We already shared what it was like on the island of Santorini in our previous post, and now we shall talk about the most popular island of all: Mykonos.

Have you ever been so excited about stuff that you couldn't wait to share it with others? Not just friends and family but everyone? I've been feeling that a lot lately. I enjoy taking care of my skin and health overall, and when I find something that makes life easier, healthier and happier, than I can't resist sharing it.

Clicking on the product pictures or links will take  you to where you can purchase and order them yourselves! Some of these links are affiliate links, which help run this website with the newest and best features to keep bringing  you the best content I can! I only recommend things I use myself and love!

Alright! Let's start with beauty and make up products!

Greece was nothing like how I always imagined, but it is absolutely wonderful, and has become my husband's top favourite country so far! The islands of Greece are a rugged type of beauty, full of rocky cliffs, breath-taking sights, and winding roads. The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and the lifestyle on the islands is different than anything I have yet experienced.

Santorini vs. Mykonos:

We went to both Santorini and Mykonos, and I will state right off the bat that there is no way to compare these two islands. They are both very different in their vibes, culture,  and lifestyle; even the way the islands are geologically shaped affects their character. This is a two-part blog series that will focus on each island individually, and today we begin with our first stop: Santorini.

So, you want to spread your wings and chase after your wanderlust? Thinking about backpacking across Europe? Or maybe South America? Maybe you’re going everywhere!

But how do you start? How do other people do it? How much planning is involved? Is it for me???

Today I am joined by a fellow travel girl and friend, Scarlett. She is a fellow Winnipegger, a travel enthusiast and has been way more countries than I have! Jealous? Maybe... One of my favorite memories is when we met up in Edinburgh, Scotland one evening and went on a Ghost Tour. We both happened to be backpacking through the UK at the time, and our paths crossed.

Together, we will share the basics of what Backing packing is, what it entails, some tips, and how you can make it your own kind of travel journey. Let’s begin!

I got lasers shot into my eyeballs! And I'm going to tell you all about it.

I had lasik surgery on April 30th. It was something I had been thinking about for at least 5 years, and seriously considering it for the last 2 or 3 years. It's a bit crazy how I ended up finally saying 'yes, I'll do it' and taking the plunge!

Basically, I just went to an eye clinic (here in Egypt) because I thought there was something wrong with my right eye. One doctor checked, said everything was normal with my vision (or as normal as it could be with near-sightedness) but I wasn't convinced so they took me a specialist.

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you will know that we spent a lovely week back on the Red Sea! This time, in Sharm El Sheikh!  I am here to tell you everything about it, and how it can be a wonderful beach getaway holiday for you too! Get your swim suit, and let's dive in, shall we?

Hello fellow travellers and wanderers!

You are on my old blog, where it all began, but fret not!

You can find all previous posts and all future posts over at:

www.wanderlustandheart.com

Here are the ways I, personally, feel I have become a better version of myself through travelling, and why I recommend it to anyone willing to try it.

Everyday it seems we learn something new about this hot (except in winter) and strange land, and some of it simply boggles our minds! Egypt has been getting a really bad rep in the news and media, and it is so easy to have a small, shallow perspective of what kind of a place Egypt really is. Here are 10 quirky and unique things we've learned about Egypt.

Winter in Russia is not for the faint of heart...or the under-dressed. While we spent about 4 days in Moscow, we did not get to see quite as much as we wanted due to our bodies being totally unprepared for the weather. But, we still saw some absolutely stunning architecture and symbolic monuments. Russia definitely filled up my memory card! Here is what we were able to do during our cold, but really neat stay in Moscow:

Today I tell you about our last stop in Germany, the capital city, and how we spent our precious 48 hours in Berlin.

Between Munich and Berlin, we spent time with family and friends for Christmas in a small town about an hour away from Cologne. It was very relaxing and by far our laziest days of the trip!

One of our most active days, however, was our first day in Berlin. We arrived in Berlin late at night, which meant that we would wake up with two full days to explore the city.

It is located in the small town of Fussen, which is about 2 hours by train from Munich. Most people choose to visit the castle as a day trip from Munich, but you can also stay in Fussen itself. To make the best of your trip there, here are 10 things you should know when you plan your visit to this late 19th century castle.