Tag Archives: Travel

Travel Diaries- Travelling on a budget? Do you compromise on flight or hotel?

Hi there,

Yes its me, its been a little while since I put my finger tips to a keypad.

There is really no reason other than I have been trying to figure things out in the real world. Plus an element of are my write ups actually benefiting anyone. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. If one person reads and benefits from my post… then my work here is done.

We are back on the road to seeing the world and doing it on a budget. I often get asked how I can afford to take so much time off work to travel (I will leave this for another day) and manage the costs associated with travelling.

I often debate with people on whether its best to compromise on the flight or maybe the hotel to make the cost of travel cheapers.

I live in the UK and cheap no frill flights such as as Rynair, Easyjet and the likes of it will probably only get you as far as Europe. These are often a great way of starting you travelling. However, I find that that the cheap flight sold by these airlines can suddenly become expense when you add baggage cost and in-flight food costs.😬.

I prefer to use the British Airways holiday finder to find cheap flight deals. There is always a bargain to be had during off peak seasons. I also find that bigger airlines are more lenient on baggage allowance. Being a British Airways club member, I collect Avios points and can use these to get further discounts on flight. Believe you me .. this is the easiest way of getting discounts and flight upgrades.

Booking Cheap hotels has never been easier thanks to hotel price comparison sites.

With features such as free cancellation, I am able to back a hotel then price watch for better deals. This allows me to lock in any deals that I see. But it gives me the flexibility of cancel if the price drops.

So what am I saying.. you actually dont need to compromise on your flight or your hotel. There is always a deal to be had.

I would like to know your views on whether you compromise on flights or hotels when it comes to saving costs.

Feel free to put your comments and questions in the box below.

Till next time

X😘

Travel diaries -Discovering Africa Sierra Leone – Independence day weekend (lantern Parade)

Am thrilled to be celebrating independence day with my Sierra Leonean friends.  It’s a long weekend and celebrations start with watching the Lanterns at the city centre.

I was not sure what to expect but my host made  a fuss about not taking our phones or valuable’s with us. This made me wonder about the safety. 

I was advised to wear covered shoes to avoid having my toe’s stepped on and to dress down and blend in. No problem! Am 6ft tall and blending is what I do. Lol. 

I kept my dressing simple and put on minimal makeup.

The lantwen show was supposed to start at the Cutting Tree. I am told that this used to be the location of the slave trade. Slaves were taken from Sierra Leone to Banana Island.

The streets were hiving with people. Its like the whole of Freetown was gathered on the street. I would liken this to Nottinghill Carnival except it was in the middle of the night(11pm), there was mess music and more people milling around being very loud. 

I felt very unsettled and just couldn’t get into the grove of things.  I saw lots of kids and was so concerned about there safety. 

After much waiting around we saw 2 poorly constructed floats pass by. ….😩😕😯.

I couldn’t decide if I was more disappointed or confused. At this point I was ready to go.   I was told that through the night various other lanterns/floats would pass and there would be a price for the best float. 

We headed home at approximately 1.30am. The worse part of the night is that I couldn’t take any pictures while out and we came home to NO light !😭😭😭😭

This is a very tired and reluctant Ijay. Nonetheless, I can say I experienced watching the lantern on SL independance day. 

My outfit is pretty basic 

Basic Tee – Primark 

Black high waisted jeans – Dorothy Perkins 

Trainers- Nike 

Kimono -Zara
Thanks for reading to the end. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for regular updates @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X❤

Travel diaries -Discovering Africa Sierra Leone lookbook -day 4

I have noticed that most of the lovely venues and restaurants that I have been to are owned by foreigners.  I am pleasee that foreigners want to invest in Africa as it’s brings growth.   However my prayer is that my people (Africa as a whole) will be united and achieve greater heights. 
We started the day very late and made our way to Lakka Beach.  I have never been to the beach so late. We arrived at approximately 9pm.

 I am glad that I didn’the let my fears and worries get the better of me because I was able to experience the wonderful breeze. I listened to the waves and enjoyed the feel of the cool sand on my feet. 

We ended up at the palm Lakka beach. The owners Peter and Abby were so welcoming. I had my first grilled fish here. It was tasty and well worth the wait.

 My only wish is to return here during the day. My eyes can’t wait to take in all the beauty.

This maxi dress was purchased from Asos Tall.  I Love the fit and grecian style. The long side split adds a little character to it.  Tall girls want there maxi dresses long but this dress was incredibly long. I had to hold it up most of the night. 

Thanks for reading to the end. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for regular updates @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X❤

Travel diaries -Discovering Africa Sierra Leone lookbook -day 3 pt2

There is no doubt on my mind that Sierra Leoneans love to live and enjoy life.  This country has so much history.  From the war that took place approx 17 years ago to the Ebola crisis. I was shock to hear a local say that the Ebola crisis was more devastating than the war. 

My heart bleeds for the people here. I don’t know where they get their resilience from after so many set backs.

My host was keen to show me how they dance their stress and worries away. 

So we hit the night Club 232! 

Apparently, this venue has only been opened a few month. It’s located along the beach front at Lumley.  

We managed to pull some strings, jumped some queues and landed in the VIP area. 

The DJ played a great selection of music.  I heard lots of Nigerian music so I felt right at home  😊.

We danced till our feet couldn’t anymore. I loved this experience, however if there is one thing I could change…. it would be for there to be no smoking in the club 😥. 

I am wearing the following 

Velvet dress- River Island 

Black Shoes – Primark 

Handbag – Tory Birch 

Thanks for reading to the end. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for regular updates @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X❤

Travel diaries -Discovering Africa Sierra Leone lookbook -day 3 pt 1

Hey guys… things have been pretty non stop.  My host has been so fabulous and her friends and family have gone the extra mile to ensure that am having a great time.  

I was so tired from the concert.  Am begining to understand that Sierra Leoneans like to party till the early hours of the morning. 

After a very lazy morning we headed out to a place called Family Kingdom for a kiddies party. Not sure how to describe this place.  It is almost like a hybrid resort with guest houses, pool,  function areas and kids play areas. 

I really should never have worn this dress. The neck line is wayyy too high for the heat. But you live and you learn, plus I liked the low back.

Dress- Marks and Spencer 

Mules – Primark 

Handbag – Zara

Thanks for reading to the end. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for regular updates @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X❤

Travel diaries -Discovering Africa Sierra Leone lookbook -day 2 pt 2

I still can’t get over how nice people here have been.  In some countries I have found the people to be very hostile.  That is far from the truth here.

I was offered a ticket to the Alonzo concert, a Sierra Leone artist. Who am I refuse such an offer.  I have never heard of Alonzo and don’t listen to much Salone music, but while here I really wanted to support the ‘made in Sierra Leone’ campaign. 

The concert took place at the Bintumani Hotel. This is currently the best hotel I have seen in Freetown. From talking to the locals it was built by the government’s but following the war it’s been redeveloped and it is currently being managed my foreigners.

The little that I got to see of the hotel looked impressive. Marble finish, swimming pool and great outdoor space.

OK back to the reason why I was at this venue.

When it comes to afrobeats, there is no doubt in my mind that Nigerian and Ghanaian music has dominated the scene. However, I love to see other countries partake in this genre of music. 

I had absolutely no expecting for the night and I thing that’s what allowed me to enjoy the evening all the more.  I gave great for the artists here, particularly Alonzo who owed the stage and did his thing. 

I was most impressed by the fact that he was performing with a live band.  

Before I sign out for the day. Of course am going to share my outfit.  This dress was an unexpected find. It fitted like a glove and I loved every minute wearing it. 

My feet wear a little swollen from the heat and travels, but it did not stop me from wearing these gorgeous shoes.
Thanks for reading to the end. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for regular updates @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X❤

Dress- Newlook 

Shoes-Steve Madden 

Handbag- River Island

Travel diaries -Discovering Africa Sierra Leone lookbook -day 2 pt 1

I woke feeling so tired today. I think all the travelling and excitement has caught up to me.

I took a well  needed nap after breakfast before heading out to the sea front.

I can not get over these cute mules. I will soon be sharing how I customised this.  For now am just going to leave this right here. 

We had dinner at Montana by Lumbly beach. The breeze here was so refreshing. Apparently Sierra  Leonians are night crawlers.  Despite leaving the venue at 9.15pm there was hardly anyone at the restaurant. However at 4am when we passed the area again it was a road block.  

I am still making the most of this Zara dress. The hem is so much fine and it moves with the wind.

Frilled hem dress- Zara

Mules -Dorothy Perkins

Handbag- Zara

Follow me on Instagram for regular updates

 @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X

Travel diaries -Discovering Africa Sierra Leone lookbook -day 1

I am somewhat used to the Africa heat but damn it’s hot hear in Sierra Leone.  Deciding what to wear has not been easy. 

Trying to avoid mosquito bite has been number 1 for me.  So I tried to balance this task with managing the heat.

Lace camisole mets palazzo trousers. I travel with at least one pair of palazzo trousers to every holiday.  They look great and super easy to wear.

Today we we went for lunch at Crown in Freetown and then relaxed to have icecream at Gina’s which was next door.

Thank God for Gina’s.  WiFi and icecream …yum yum. 

I always worry about having icecream in Africa.  Expecially with the heat and unstable electricity.  That said… the milkshake and frozen yogurt bought from Gina’s was delicious.

I think I have just found my daily hangout.  👍

-Camisole from Marks and Spencer

-Palazzo trousers from Zara

-Mules from Primark

-Handbag from LV
Follow me on Instagram for regular updates

 @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X

✌&❤

Travel Diaries Discovering- Sierra Leone

Greetings from Sierra Leone. I have always wanted to explore Africa and I have started in SL. 

I had so much anxieties about going to an African Country other than Nigerian.  Only God knows why I chose Sierra Leone but am here now. 

Can I just say that I have met some of the nicest people here. Everyone has been so helpful and just NICE.

Sadly, there are direct flights here. So I made a stop at Amsterdam on a KLM flight.  

I loved that the airport had LIGHT and was air-conditions. … yes we count the little things too.  To top things off all my luggage arrived.

My biggest shock came when I learnt that we need to use a speedboat to cross to the mainland. Scared is an understatement.

I didn’t come out here to die! 

What would my mother say. At this point I couldn’t go back so I braved it. I could hardly see where I was going. Clenching my friends hand and prayers in my heart, one step at a time I made it over the long shakey bridge and onto the speed boat.   There was AC … I live for AC in Africa and entertainment.

We were offered refreshments which helped to make the 45 mind ride go quick. This was verthe bumpy ride. Not for those who suffer from sea sickness.

I was so impressed by the way they carried all our luggage from the airport to the mainland.  Nothings went missing.

I really can’t help but compare Sierra Leone with Nigeria.  A part of me things that they are better organised here. I had to remind myself that this is barely day one.  I will keep you guys posted on how I get alone.

The internet is not great. I will do my best to write and post as much as I can.  

Follow me on Instagram for regular updates

 @ijayheavens I post there regularly. 

See you soon. 

X

✌&❤

Travel diaries – City bike tour

Yes guys…. City bike tour.  I love becoming a total tourist when on holiday.  Learning the city or the country and of- course taking a ton of pictures.

This time, we did things differently.  I have always wanted to trade my car for bicycles.  So i dived at the opportunity of a city tour.  It was so great having the wind and.. rain ..(dont ask) beat on my face.

I literally cycled back to my youth.

The bike and a tour guide cost approximately £20.  I would recommend renting E- Bikes to avoid over working your leg when cycling up hill.

What I loved most was the ability to quickly hop off my bike, take some pictures and off to the next location.  No weather

Despite getting rained on, I was so pleased that I managed to keep up with the 3 hours city tour.

Your probably wondering what to wear.  I figured that it I was going to be seen riding a bike, I wanted to look by best.  I had on dda  full face of makeup, hair curled and the cutest autumn leaves print wrap dress.

Comfortable shoes is a must!

I would also recommend packing a jacket or some outer wear  so no matter the weather you can have a good cycle.

Thanks for stopping by.  I had such a great time with the city bike tour.  I would love to hear your experiences of a bike tour in the comments box below.  Next  I would like to try a segway tour.

Connect with me @ijaykheavens on instagram. 
✌&💝