Wednesday Women: Elle from Dressing Danishly

Elle in CopenhagenMeet Elle.

Hey, I’m Elle, currently working as a digital marketer in Nottingham in the UK, but dreaming (and saving up!) for a move to Copenhagen, my favourite city in the world!

My two main passions in life are travel and fashion, and I love combining the two wherever I can. During the weekends, you’ll often find me travelling through Europe, searching out the best shopping, and sipping some amazing cocktails!

What inspired you to go travelling?

When I was growing up, my parents would take my brother and me on holiday every year – usually, it was your standard fortnight summer holiday in Greece.

Then, when I got a bit older, we discovered the joy of cheap flights that is Ryanair and went on our first city break to Gothenburg, Sweden.

I loved being able to explore a new city – there was so much more to do than just simply lying around on a beach. After school, I’d spend a lot of time on Ryanair pricing up flights to different destinations and convincing my parents we just HAD to visit all of these different countries… and usually they’d cave in and agree with me!

Living in the UK, we have the rest of Europe right on our doorstep, so why would we waste that opportunity of getting to travel and see different cultures, even if it’s just for a weekend at a time?!

What is your travel style?

I wouldn’t say I’m budget or luxury: I fall right in between. Personally, I don’t like roughing it and have never stayed in a hostel (and never will!).

So I’d say my travel style is a mixture – I like luxury for less: if I’m going away somewhere, I’ll book a nice, reasonably priced hotel or apartment (a private bathroom is a must!).

As I travel quite a lot, I’m quite savvy when it comes to accommodation costs, and know roughly what price to expect in different European cities. For instance, when I’m in Eastern Europe I’ll usually book an apartment, as they’re a fraction of the price of hotel rooms, and you get so much more space – and your own cooking facilities.

When it comes to physically travelling, I’m a huge advocate of budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizzair. I know a lot of people who turn their noses up at the likes of these; but these airlines opened up the ability for me to travel to a range of city destinations.

There’s no way I could have afforded to have done as many trips as I have done on a national carrier (I would, however, LOVE to fly first class one day!).

Elle in Budapest

If you had a one-way ticket, where would you go?

Without a doubt, Copenhagen, even though it’s only 90 minutes away! I’m absolutely in love with the city and am making plans to move there. So a one-way ticket would convince me that I may as well make the move now!

What’s your favourite destination?

Aside from Copenhagen… it’s a tough one!

I’d probably say Oslo – especially in the summer. It has such a lovely, laidback atmosphere, the nightlife is good and the locals are friendly. I just got a really nice feeling about it when I visited for the first time.

I’d also give a special mention to Vilnius in Lithuania. Whilst the city may not be as pretty as Tallinn or Riga, again the nightlife is amazing, and it’s such a cute little place. I’ve been twice, and I’d love to go back again!

Do you prefer solo travel or with a group?

I’ve yet to travel solo by myself, and whilst I’ve heard amazing things from solo travellers, I’m not sure it’s my thing… I think I’d like to share those experiences when travelling with family or friends.

Saying that, I don’t particularly enjoy travelling with a large group of people because I think you have to make a lot of compromises and if you’ve only got a short amount of time whilst on holiday, it can get quite frustrating.

My favourite way to travel is with a close friend who has similar interests to me – that way, we both get to do everything we want to, without worrying we’re boring the other one!

Elle in Trondheim

Who’s your ideal travel mate?

My ideal travel mate would have similar interests to me, so we wouldn’t be arguing where to go and what to do!

I’m quite organised and like to plan in advance what I’d like to do, but I appreciate it when others help too and don’t expect you to do all of the work!

However, I think it’s important that alongside the planning, my ideal travel mate would also have a sense of adventure and like to be spontaneous sometimes because that’s often when you have the most fun.

… So not too much to ask for then!

How long have you been a blogger?

Not very long! I set up my own blog when I was at University back in 2012 (it was a .wordpress blog), but my posts were very sporadic, and I didn’t have a content plan in mind – I was merely blogging for blogging’s sake.

I decided to give it a proper go at the beginning of the year, and Dressing Danishly was set up in February 2017 with the help of a friend.

Having worked in digital marketing for the last few years, I’ve managed company blogs in all of my jobs, so I’ve had plenty of experience and know the do’s and don’ts in terms of writing interesting copy, SEO optimisation and the importance of social media.

It’s been nice to be able to take what I’ve learnt professionally; and create my own blog where I can write about what I’m truly passionate about: travel and fashion.

It is however, a lot of hard work and long hours – but you kind of forget about that when you enjoy it! I’m really looking forward to building my blog over the coming months and years.

Elle at the Winter palace, St Petersburg

How do you like to plan adventures?

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m quite an organised person; and because the majority of my trips are short city breaks, I like to have a clear plan in mind as to the things I’d like to see, so I don’t waste my time.

I’ll do some research a few weeks before I go away: the sights to see, the shopping, the bars… to be honest, I spend most of my time researching the best cocktail bars! Then I Google map the distance of the bar from my hotel so I can plan which heels to take with me, and whether I can walk or will need to order a taxi!

I hate not being able to go on holiday for any longer than three months at a time; and I always make sure that I’ve booked another trip so that I don’t go away on holiday with nothing to look forward to when I’m back!

I spend a lot of time researching where to go next and trying to convince people to come with me… I’d love to go to Kiev, it’s just a case of finding someone else who wants to go too!

Elle in Vilnius

Do you think there is any difference travelling as a woman?

As a woman, you’re taught to be more careful when you travel: but I think in terms of a different experience, it all depends on the countries you visit and the culture there.

My family went on holiday to Morocco when I was 14 and I hated it – despite being a child, men in the streets leered at me, made rude gestures and even spat at me. It was awful, and I hated leaving the hotel. My dad and brother however, had a completely different experience, and weren’t treated with such disgust.

Visiting European cities however, I can’t imagine that I would have any different experience to men. I think you need to be careful about things like walking alone at night and getting into taxis by yourself – but that’s just the same as being back at home.

Do you have any advice for female travellers?

I’m aware I’m sounding like a broken record, but I think you just need to be careful! Let friends and family know where you’re travelling to, and don’t put yourself in a situation where you could be vulnerable.

I think the worst thing you can do is be put off travelling (especially solo travelling), as it’s such an exciting thing to do. But be careful!

Want to learn more about Elle?Elle in Copenhagen

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Wednesday Women: Isabel

isabel-leong-ghent-belgium-street-artMeet Isabel.

I’m Isabel and I’m a freelance travel writer and travel blogger at Bel Around The World. I work full time at a digital agency specializing in social media. Pulling from my own world travels and lessons, I give tips on Bel Around The World about how to make use of student travel perks and stretch every penny while traveling experientially. 🙂

What inspired/inspires you to travel? 

I got inspired when I set off on a one-way ticket to Europe through my school’s international exchange in 2015. This program allows university students to do a semester of classes abroad in any host country.  Through exploring Europe on my own for 6 months, I’ve grown to love the idea of exploring the unknown and discovering new places.

Since then, I’ve only taken traveling in my own hands and begun seriously pursuing it, both with my blog and setting time and money aside to do it throughout the year.

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Where is your favorite destination to date?

I usually go for scenic destinations since I’m based in a city. My favourite city is New York, beach destination is Maldives, and the best place I’ve been for a road trip is New Zealand!

isabel-leong-athens-greece

How do you prefer to travel? 

I love experiential traveling – trying new things and pushing my limits. This includes bungee jumping in Phuket, watching hot air balloons at sunrise in Cappadocia and trying out Couchsurfing in Europe.

 

mount-titlis-switzerland

Solo or With a group? Why?

Everyone should have an experience doing both. I enjoyed solo travel for the freedom it gives and how it opens more doors to making new friends. It’s an experience you will not get so readily if you are traveling with a partner. Traveling alone also builds your resilience and independence – both of which are very essential qualities in a person!

Yet, traveling with a partner or a group injects more fun in the trip. You would dare to do more things than if you were to travel alone, like going to a pub for instance. I wouldn’t dare to visit a pub alone in a foreign country, especially since I’m a girl! Having a companion also means an extra pair of eyes to watch out for you.

Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman? 

It definitely is much more dangerous especially if you’re traveling alone. That said, it can sometimes be easier also – you get accepted by hosts more readily on Couchsurfing and you receive help more readily by passers-by!

How do you plan your trips?

I will Google the places not to be missed for that particular area, and map it on Google Maps. Further to that, I will export it to an app called Maps.me so that I have easy access to it through my phone and offline when I’m on the go! More on this feature in How To Export Your Google Map Itinerary To Your Phone & Use It Offline!

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When is your next one? 

Bali in April and Hokkaido in May to catch the cherry blossoms.

Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers? 

Yes! One of it is to be bold and never do anything (or the lack of) you would regret – you may only have that one chance to visit a place or try something foreign. More tips for first-time travelers in this post: 10 Tips For New Travellers.

 

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Where Should I Move?

First: Sorry for using a selfie as a featured image. I know it has nothing to do with the post, but I ran out of images. Ha.

I’m at such a weird crossroad in my life. I know that I want to leave the States, but I also know that I want to be smart and right now I should be patient and make the most out of my days here.

“I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me. ”

-Tracee Ellis Ross

So with that being said, I am creating something beautiful out of this space I’ve been given. Creating art, making money, dismantling my flaws, reinventing myself and being still. But just because I am still, does not mean that I am not planning my future. I will be moving in the fall of this year… I’m just not sure where!

 

I could go back to Italy and finish out my Italian courses. Go to Portugal and learn Portuguese and live out that fantasy. Go to Spain and focus on my writing and find muses to finish out this collaborative book that Muneek and I started. Or go to Germany and obtain my Master’s.
Oh, then there is always Morocco. 🤔

Who tf knows? Help.

Walk With Me: Cologne Cathedral

While shopping in Cologne,  we stumbled into the beautiful Cathedral. With the sun shining down on the Cathedral it made for a very colorful and picturesque interior ( with the assistance of the stained windows that told stories of Christ).

Even if you’re not religious, its nice to visit these building with such intricate design constructed all the way from the mid 1200’s. You get lost. Take a walk with me.

Designer vs. Destination

Have you ever had to decide between the two? I have. Its not an easy decision either. Especially with me becoming an adult now, sometimes I think “Do you really need those Guiseppe’s?” “Do you really need to take off work for a month and travel Europe?”… Crazy!! The decisions you have to make being a 20 something year old in the city!

 

So I did a little comparison. Lets say one month you buy another pair of Louboutin’s Pigalle Follies  (August, $675 ) and then the next month you plan out a month long trip in Europe for the same price. Which one do you think is more expensive? Would you be surprised if I told you that I actually spent less on the Europe trip than the Louboutins? This isn’t to deter you away from purchasing your luxury goods, because even with this information, Im still going to splurge when I can. haha. I just wanted you to see what else you could be doing if for one month the money you spent on shoes, bags, and shades were spent on a trip.

Here is a look at my itinerary for my October-November, Europe (and Africa) trip.

Germany to Milan                                                                                $11 


1 night stay in Milan                                                                             $75


Milan to Marrakesh                                                                            $51


4 night stay in Marrakesh**                                                             $113


Marrakesh to Madrid                                                                          $31


3 night stay in Madrid**                                                                    $80


Madrid to Cologne                                                                              $32


Total                                                                                                     $393

** accommodations split between 2 people, does not reflect entire cost.

Thats insane, right? I still have money left over! Im thinking of adding a weekend trip to Portugal, or maybe the Amalfi Coast, who knows. The world is my oyster, with these affordable prices it can be yours too.

If you’re wondering how accommodations and flights can be so cheap, check out my guide to Making Your Dollar stretch in Europe!

Making Your Dollar Stretch in Europe

People ask me all the time “How can you travel so much?”, “Where can I find cheap flights?”, “What do I need to do to be able to travel as much as you do?”. While most just assume I have a sugar daddy somewhere, unfortunately I don’t haha.

So I decided to make this list as a reference for those curious. Below I will list most, if not all, my secrets to getting to, through and beyond Europe for the low and how to make your money stretch.

 

Flights.

I have become a pro at this in such a short period of time, seriously! My first European trip, my bestie and I spent $800 each on a round trip ticket. Phew! I was still in school at that time and not nearly making as much money as I am now, 800 dollars was a lot to me. But it’s no point in living in the past, especially because since then  I’ve scored roundtrip tickets for less than $300. Young grasshopper has grown.

Skyscanner I live by this app. I love the search filter. You’re able to choose your departing city and select everywhere as your destination. That allows you to play around with your destination and get creative on how to get to your next one.

For example, say you really want to go to Paris, but you find a cheaper flight on skyscanner going to London. Don’t splurge on the flight to Paris! Stop by London and take a train to Paris, they run daily and if I’m not mistaken every other hour. 

Do your research and get creative. Europe is easy to travel. Start googling planes, trains, buses, ferries and ships.

Accommodations.

This will depend on the person. I personally love splurging on hotels, especially when I grab a super cheap flight! But I am no stranger to Hostels and Airbnb. When I am in a new country and I don’t have any friends, I hostel it up. I usually check on Hostel World. It has reviews from other hostelers ( don’t know if that is a word, just go with it) and you can price check a bunch of them. If you’re not a fan of sleeping with 7 other people, you can always book a private room. Sometimes the private rooms are cheaper than booking a hotel and you can still mingle with your peers outside of the dorms.

Airbnb, the best way to live like a local.Its nice feeling like you’re home even when you’re miles away.

I love airbnb-ing in Paris, haha, I feel like a true Parisian every time I wake up.

But if you go the hotel route, sign up for as many point rewards as possible. I book all my hotels through Hotels.com, with every 10 nights, you get 1 night free. I travel a lot for work and leisure so its super easy for those nights to accumulate.

Last but not least, how keen are you on the idea of sleeping with strangers? Couch Surfing. It’s a free way to hop around and have a place to stay, but should be used to experience ones cultures and not to just be cheap. I’ve only used it to meet locals, but I have a friend Mandi , who swears by it. So there is always that.

Getting Around.

As I mentioned before, Europe has some pretty solid ways to hopping around country to country. Like the infamous low cost carrier Ryanair. Its like Spirit in the states… But instead of going state to state, you’re traveling country to country for less than $50.

Have you heard of BlaBlaCar??? I just found out about it! Its like Uber but for long hauls. You can ride with someone who is going from country A to country B for a fraction of the price of a plane ticket. It sounds super cool, I haven’t used it, but I plan on using it when I have a less structured itinerary.

While you’re in the city? LEARN THE UNDERGROUND AND BUS SYSTEM. Fortunately, you can map out everything on Google and it will provide you with step by step directions. It’s much cheaper than a cab/taxi.

If you rely on Uber? Don’t. It’s becoming popular here. I’ve only used it in Milan and Paris, but it’s still cheaper to walk or take the train. I’m in Germany right now, and Uber is not happening. haha. I think thats why the people here are so skinny. They walk and cycle everywhere.

Also, walk. Stop being lazy, just walk.

Money.

Here is to actually making your money stretch. Very simple and straight forward. You’re an adult.

Cash? Always exchange a little before reaching Europe. It’s not good to walk around with all that money, don’t be stupid.When you’re running low, take out cash at the ATM.

Credit Cards? Try to find one with low or no exchange rates. *** Not to pressure you or anything but my Capital One Journey card is amazing for traveling***

Oh…

And avoid dining, shopping and all things that cost $$$ near tourist areas. Prices are increased, and you are not getting a deal, trust me.

The End.

Hopefully this helps you save a little bit and you can spend it on some nice shoes or that cooking class in Rome.

Ciao