10 TRAVEL GUILTY PLEASURES
‘Guilty Pleasure’
Something, such as a film, television programme, or piece of music, that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard.
In my humble opinion, anything containing the word pleasure cannot be preceded by guilty therefore I proclaim, I do NOT feel guilty for experiencing pleasure and that’s no exception when it comes to travel. Take a look at some of my guilty pleasures whilst travelling and I’m sure you’ll agree…
1. BRUNCHING LIKE A QUEEN
With a much more relaxed schedule and time on my hands, the most important meal of the day can be enjoyed a little later and with much love. I like to start with a freshly squeezed juice, followed by some coffee, which I top up throughout the carefully executed ritual. Next I introduce the food such as fruit, yoghurt and muesli, usually followed by something cooked, possibly an omelette, pancakes or French toast. Well they do say breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
Fancy knowing more about some staycation breakfasts? Have a peruse below…
2. EXPERIENCING THE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP CULTURE
Obviously, this coffee fiend has a priority list of dropping in and out of coffee shops in between visiting sites and taking in the local culture. Part of that local culture is trying the coffee of course. So if we’re talking some of my favourites, obviously Italy is a supreme contender as is Costa Rica, Tallinn and Thailand.
Lets not forget my home city of Leicester who has a fabulous coffee culture offering…
3. INDULGING IN FINE DINING
You’ve been following me long enough to know one meal at least when I’m travelling will be ‘THAT’ uber special meal. Usually something along the lines of ‘Michelin-starred’ if the purse-strings allow and one of my recent favourites has been ‘La Bottega del Buon Caffe’ in the renaissance city of Florence.
MICHELIN STARRED DINING AT LA BOTTEGA DEL BUON CAFFÈ, FLORENCE
4. SAMPLING NEW TOILETRIES
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who loves this one. After checking out the bed and view from my room, the next thing is usually to go and have a look at the bathroom amenities. I adore the special feeling those little bottles, sachets or to be more eco-friendly, those ceramic vats are filled with. Personally I feel like it’s a little indulgent treat and a little spa of my very own on location!
5. SPA TIME
Most of my travel itineraries are jam packed with adventure but when I see the opportunity to book into a spa, I often take it. The Six Senses Spa is one of my favourites and apart from their humungous sustainability efforts, I chose the Evason Six Senses Spa in Hua Hin to stay over on festive period because of their world-renowned spa facilities. It’s not often I get the opportunity to feel pampered so this is real relaxation time. This can’t be coming into the guilty pleasures category?!!
6. GLOBAL ESPRESSO MARTINI
Ok, so maybe I have a bit of a problem with Espresso Martinis or should I say a huge affinity for them. I will almost always ask for one! Unfortunately, I usually leave in a grump as they are always so sweet but I have to say places in Florence and Lombok have been my utter favourites! Let me know if you want to know more and I’ll give you my recommendations!
7. DESSERT IS OBLIGATORY WITH EACH MEAL
Well of course it goes without saying, if you can’t indulge a little when travelling then when can you! I have to confess though some do leave me feeling a little more guilty than others and that’s because I know I will have to work hard to shift it off my hips later! Anything with lemon, always a winner here!
8. AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS
Is there any other way to kick off a holiday than starting at the airport lounge? When we can, we try and book so we can experience a calm before the storm of long-haul travel with multiple transfers. The bubbly and comfy chairs also help with what one’s back may endure in the fourth coming hours of airplane seats!
9. FAVOURITE TRAVEL PAST TIME: PEOPLE WATCHING
People watching shouldn’t be classed as a guilty pleasure, it’s a very natural thing to do, just don’t get caught!! Markets, train stations and cafes are my favourites, which ones are yours? Sometimes I even make up little stories about the people and give them names! Well surely you already know I have an over-active imagination!! I’d recommend the discrete people watching anyway as long haul transfers in non-English speaking departure lounges can be very interesting…
10. CATCHING UP WITH THE LATEST MOVIES
The one saving grace for me of long-haul flights is most definitely the entertainment selection. Most airlines have this covered with a fabulous selection of movies and TV programmes which keep you occupied and often this is my only chance to catch-up on the new blockbuster releases. Also the music selections can often be great to help me catch those all-important zzzzz!
OK folks, you got it, my travel guilty pleasures! Just to clarify don’t technically feel guilty for them but anyway it’s over to you now, share away, what are yours?
Á Bientôt…
PIN FOR LATER
Neha
Yes very true about the guilty element. That gourmet breakfast- how can anyone say no to that. Airport Lounges are wicked but some better than others. No 1 is always winner
Bejal
NehaGlad you agree! Breakfast with a view is always a winner isn’t it and yes do like a No. 1 lounge!
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN)
These are some of my travel guilty pleasures too! Like you I actually enjoy the build up to the flight and getting to relax on the plane (though not sure how much relaxing I’ll be doing long haul with a baby :))
Bejal
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN)Yayy! You’ll just have to wait for your relaxing long haul trips once little baby Oscar is a little bit older, although he’s such a jetsetter!
summersholiyay
So I deffffffo think we are very compatible holiday partners, as our guilty pleasures are so similar!! Loved reading this post! Sammy xxx
Bejal
summersholiyayI think I tend to agree with you Sammy!Thanks for reading and I think it’s time to plan our getaway!!!!
Binny
Love these and agree about the lounge!!
Bejal
BinnyThanks Binny and yes absolutely! Lounges are the best!!