How To Take Your Driving Experience To The Next Level*

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As the new year fast gains momentum, you may want to make resolutions that will allow you to improve your life in many ways. Enhancing your experience behind the wheel is a good thing, especially if you are an avid road traveller. By mastering the following tips and tricks on car ownership and driving, you could be well on your way to living a much happier and safer life in 2021. 

1. Improve your car's performance

Making modifications to your existing vehicle is one way to improve its performance and boost your driving comfort. For example, consider fitting performance wheels and tires on your car. These can give you a firm grip and traction on the road as you cruise around. Those who regularly drive through snowy and wet conditions may also want to look at the best winter tires. While many car conscious drivers can't do without alloy wheels, carbon fibre wheels are becoming popular as well. These are durable, light and offer a smoother ride. Also, if you think your old car cannot cater to your needs in the new year, be ready to invest in high-performance vehicles such as BMW models, at a local BMW Garage - if you’re truly after a supercar.

2. Steer clear of your motoring back pain

Your driving experience in the new year will no longer be fun if you suffer from back pain. According to the British Chiropractic Association, more than 40% of all drivers experience motoring back pain. Two main factors account for the rising cases of drivers suffering back pain at the wheel — bad posture and extended periods of driving. Besides stress, chronic back pain is another health problem that frequently forces drivers to take time off the wheel. Therefore, maintain the right driving posture and steer clear of back pain.

3. Switch up your car's transmission

Another extraordinary way to improve your driving experience is to shake things up in your vehicle. Tweak your car's main mechanical systems starting with the engine and transmission systems. Switching from manual to automatic transmission or vice versa, depending on your driving strengths and needs, can improve your driving experience. When you opt for an automatic transmission, that could allow you to enjoy your car's features to the fullest. Car owners on manual transmission can consider adding "short throw shifter options". The bottom line is that tweaking your car's mechanics and installing extra features can improve your car's handling and driving comfort. 

4. Reduce your stress

There is no doubt that stress is an enemy to a fulfilling ride. And sadly, an astronomical number of drivers fall victims to road rage once a while. According to Brake, a road-safety organisation, almost three-quarters of drivers lose their focus when engaging in road rage with other road users. If you are stuck in heavy traffic, it pays to keep your cool. Engage all your senses and avoid reckless driving habits such as speeding and texting while driving. 

These are just a few secrets of boosting your driving skills in the new year.

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How To Make Driving Fun Once Again*

There is so much to enjoy about driving - the feeling of freedom and independence, being able to travel where you want, whenever you want, having your choice of music playing, and the sensation of the wind rushing in through the sunroof open windows.

Except, it's not always like that, far from it. Even if you like driving, it isn't always a journey of enjoyment. It may be dull and repetitive, and all of the joy can be drained out when you commute to and from work every day. However, as long as you remember that it can be a fun and delightful activity, you can make it fun and enjoyable again - you only need to mix up a couple of your driving habits and be a little creative. Here are some tried and true strategies for making your driving experience a little bit more exciting when it seems dull.

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Take A Road Trip

Most of the excursions we take in our car are completely practical and required - the commute to work, the school run, dropping the kids off at play dates and sports groups, doing the supermarket shopping. If you are only utilising your automobile for these things, it pulls the car away from being something laced with joy and excitement to just another functional and useful addition to our lives. Sometimes, taking a journey centred totally on happy times is pleasant. Nothing will help you fall in love with your vehicle more than an excellent road trip. Plan a gorgeous route, pack up the car, and set out for a few days of pure pleasure driving.

Change the car

We may blame the commute and the other cars on the road. We might blame the routine tasks we do in our car, but occasionally, it can be the car itself. If we are driving around in a car that we don't adore. There is little wonder that we are not enjoying the experience. The most apparent approach is to hunt for a new automobile that is not only functional but entertaining to drive from Edmunds. If you are not in the position to buy a new car, treat your old one to a complete valet, and some new accessories such as chrome alloys, new car mats, and, if you haven't already had one, a great sound system. You'll find driving to be considerably more pleasurable if you appreciate the car that you're driving about in.

Switch up the commute

One of the biggest things we complain about is getting trapped in traffic. Even the greatest automobile in the world won't be much fun if you are sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, day in, day out. If the commute is making you down, look at shaking things up, and take a new route. Even if it takes a bit longer, it will be worth it if you are no longer dreading the ride.

What are your top tips for making driving a fun and exciting experience once again?

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New To Driving? 12 Reasons To Buy A Vauxhall Corsa*

There’s no denying getting out and about is so much easier if you’ve got access to a car. For a start, you don’t have to rely on other people to give you lifts. Nor do you need to worry about taking public transport, especially in the evening.

The trouble is, with so many different makes and models on the market, how do you know which one is right for your needs? If you’re new to motoring and you want to keep your costs down, it’s worth considering a Vauxhall Corsa. Here’s why:

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1. One of the best-selling cars in the UK

Did you know that, since the model’s inception back in 1993, the Corsa has consistently been one of the top ten best-selling vehicles in the UK? There are hundreds of thousands of Corsa models on Britain’s roads, and you’ll quickly come across one wherever you go.

The Corsa is even a popular vehicle used by many police forces across the UK. These days, the Corsa is now in its fifth generation. It’s still proving to be a popular model for both new and seasoned motorists.

2. Insurance is affordable for new motorists

There is a variety of different engine and trim level options on the Corsa. For example, the ones that have the cheapest insurance groups are the 1.0 and 1.2-litre models such as the SXi.

As someone that is new to driving and hasn’t much driving experience, such examples are ideal for keeping your insurance costs down. Insurers use a variety of factors to calculate insurance premiums, but the main ones are the model and engine capacity.

3. The Vauxhall Corsa is simple to drive

Whether you get an older model or a brand new example, one thing you’ll instantly notice is how easy it is to drive the Vauxhall Corsa. Clutch control isn’t difficult to master in the Corsa, whether you’re driving a 1.0-litre model or something sporty like the 1.6-litre VXR.

Of course, if you’d prefer not to drive a car with a manual transmission, the Vauxhall Corsa is still the right car for you. It’s possible to get Corsas with a four-speed automatic or the clutchless “EasyTronic” gearbox.

4. Parking is a doddle

One of the things that many motorists hate about driving is the need to park their vehicles. One fact you’ll discover as you have more driving experience is how some cars are a nightmare to park!

When you get behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa and look around the cabin, you’ll notice how you’ve got excellent all-round visibility. There are no large blind spots to negotiate, plus the size of the car means it’ll fit in even the smallest of spaces.

5. Corsas are well-built

No-one likes thinking about getting involved in a collision with other vehicles on the road. Yet the sad truth is thousands of people end up in a crash. The Vauxhall Corsa has one of the best safety ratings for vehicles in its class.

According to EuroNCAP, the latest Vauxhall Corsa models score 84% and 86% for adult and child occupants in a crash. Those figures mean the Corsa is one of the safest vehicles in its class.

And when it comes to body repairs, parts are plentiful and affordable. While many people have repairs carried out through their insurance companies, it’s good to know that an official Vauxhall bodyshop is still accessible if you must pay for any repairs yourself.

6. Servicing and maintenance is affordable

Some cars on the market these days might seem cheap enough to buy. However, the real problem is when you need to service those vehicles or carry out periodic maintenance. Some brands charge a fortune for certain parts!

The good news is that’s not anything you must worry about when you buy a Vauxhall Corsa. That’s because the model is so popular and well-known in the UK that parts are plentiful and affordable.

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You don’t have to wait weeks for even simple service parts to get shipped to you; it’s possible to go to any car parts store locally and buy what you need! Did you know that it’s even cost-effective to get your Corsa maintained at a dealership?

Vauxhall dealers usually have special offers or fixed price servicing deals for Corsa owners. You can even spread the cost of a “service plan” at your local dealership, so you don’t have to pay out for a three-figure servicing bill!

7. More smiles per miles in the Vauxhall Corsa

It might seem silly to some people but driving the Vauxhall Corsa is quite a positive experience. Even on long journeys, the Corsa will still leave you smiling and can well end up being one of the best cars you’ll ever own.

The Corsa is available in three or five-door configurations, so you’ve got plenty of options if you travel solo or take everything but the kitchen sink with you on each journey!

8. Low fuel costs

Many people will tell you that only diesel vehicles will return the best miles per gallon. One fact that might shock you is how even the petrol engines in the Corsa range are economical on fuel.

The 1.2 16v engine, for instance, can typically give you a range of around 300-350 miles from a full tank of petrol. If you do plenty of long-distance driving, there are turbodiesel engine options to choose.

If you’re thinking of buying a brand new Corsa, you could even consider going for the “Corsa-e” model - the first fully electric Corsa available on the market in its 27-year history. The Corsa-e has a range of just over 200 miles from a single charge, in case you wondered!

9. Sporty options for car enthusiasts

Are you someone that appreciates the engineering and performance of today’s cars? If so, you’ll love the Vauxhall Corsa. As you can imagine, there are many different trim levels for each generation of the Corsa range.

You’ll be happy to know that there are sporty options for motorists that want a car that has high power under the bonnet and an eye-catching exterior. Take, for example, the Corsa “D” and Corsa “E” third and fourth generations respectively.

You could opt for a Corsa “E” VXR which comes with a 1.6-litre 16v turbocharged petrol engine as standard. It outputs 205 brake horsepower and will get you from zero to 60 mph in a mere 6.5 seconds.

Does that seem like too much of an automotive beast for your liking? If so, there are other less-powerful but still sporty options you can consider. For example, the SXi and SRi models are very stylish and capable for everyday driving.

10. Modern features for the modern motorist

It’s no secret that we all live in an age where wirelessly streaming music is the norm, and hands-free calling is commonplace on the road. As someone looking to buy what is perhaps their first car, you want to make sure you get a car with useful modern features.

Thankfully, the Vauxhall Corsa has got you covered. The latest models offer Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling. Many options also come with DAB digital radio, plus satellite navigation on certain trim levels.

But, that’s not all you can expect from one of Britain’s most popular superminis! The Vauxhall Corsa comes equipped with features as standard such as air conditioning, power steering, and ABS (anti-lock braking system) to name just a few.

11. The Vauxhall Corsa doesn’t cost the Earth to buy

When you’re new to motoring, the last thing you want to do is pay a fortune for your first car. However, you don’t want to spend too little and end up with a vehicle that fast becomes a money pit!

One thing you’ll notice when you look at prices for brand new Vauxhall Corsas is they are significantly lower than similar models from the likes of Ford, Citroen, and Volkswagen. Another fact you’ll soon discover is the low prices of used Vauxhall Corsa examples.

In short, you’ll find a Corsa to suit your budget. What could be better than that?

12. You won’t want to sell your Corsa

As you know, people’s circumstances change throughout their lives. Many people will end up starting a family, for example, and will need a capable vehicle to carry small humans. The Corsa is an ideal car whether you’re driving solo or have to transport your kids regularly.

Even if you decide to get another car, you’ll likely end up keeping your Corsa! Many motorists enjoy the fun driving experience that the Corsa offers. As such, they just couldn’t bring themselves to sell their pride and joy.

Final thoughts

The above reasons are a small subset of why you should buy a Vauxhall Corsa for your first or next car. It’s a fun vehicle to drive, cheap to obtain and maintain, and even the early models from the 1990s still look aesthetically pleasing.

You’ll quickly find the right Corsa for your needs, and you won’t regret your decision!

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How Not To Spend All Of Your Money Running A Car*

There is no getting away from it, owning and running a car can be expensive! Luckily there are some ways that you can keep the cost down as much as possible Something that means you will still have enough in the bank to go on day trips, weekends away, and even holidays as well. Read on to find out more.

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Before you even begin

OK, so before you even get to the stage of running a car, you’ll need lessons, something that can be monstrously expensive. Of course, it's not like you can skip them because you will want to know you are as safe and capable on the road as possible.

Happily, you can bring the cost down driving lessons down by booking them in blocks, as many instructors offer a document if you purchase 5 or 10 at a time.

Additionally, if you can get insured on a family member's car and go out with them for some practice in between lessons you have a much better chance of passing faster, something that can cut the cost of your lessons down significantly.

Petrol

Without adding fuel, our vehicles won't run that is why it is It's a shame that petrol cost so much! Luckily, it is possible to reduce how much you spend on fuel in a few different ways. The first tactics is to track what the petrol stations near you are charging and ensure that you always go to the cheapest one when it's time to fill up.

Additionally, learning to drive defensively can also help you conserve fuel, something that is not only great for your wallet but better for the environment as well.

Insurance

Another essential that you need to have when running a vehicle is insurance. After all, you can't take or even park your car out of the road unless you have this.

The best move to save money here is to go to a company like Geico for an auto quote on insurance. The reason being that provider like these are well known to offer competitive cover at a decent price. Something that can actually save you a great deal of money and ensure they you are better covered in case anything does go wrong!

Buy or lease

One of the most significant costs that you will have to deal with when it comes to running a car is the actual purchase. After all, even the oldest models will usually set you back into the £1000s, with most brand new vehicle costing anything from £10,000+!

Of course, you can circumvent this issue by choosing to lease your car instead of buying it outright, something that will allow you to use a brand new vehicle for an affordable monthly fee.

The best thing about this is is that when you get sick of it, or a newer model comes out you can trade up easily as well without having to find a load of money for your next vehicle! Perfect for those that want to run a car, but don't want to break the bank!

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Driving Lesson Memories*

Do you remember your first driving lesson and your driving test(s)?

I do. *Cue story time music*

September 6th 2011 was my first lesson! I remember being so nervous when Ray, my instructor from RED Driving school, pulled up outside my house. I remember my sister telling me I was going to do fine and not to worry. Once I got in the car (passenger seat to start!) Ray drove us to a nearby area that isn't really busy and has a few basics near by. A hill for hill starts, a few turnings to get used to handling the wheel, and a crossroad for me to get used to traffic a little bit. He explained the car basics to me, what each pedal and gear would do and to use my mirrors 'all the time'. I think this is the bit I forgot the most on my lessons!

I managed to get the speed okay almost right away, but I struggled with the pedals and gears for weeks! I managed to pull away, stop and turn left and right all within the first 2 hours. I was so nervous the whole time - but I was happy I was finally doing it! I had stalled about 20 times on the first lesson, but I had been expecting way more!

After that, I done a lesson every week on a Friday for an hour with Ray. Each lesson was an hour long and £20 a go, so I was determined to do well and learn fast. After about 4 lessons in that quiet area, he let me loose on the main roads near my house and I was so scared. Red lights were a bitch to get used too, and I felt I was always going so slowly.

By December when the snow hit, I was driving alright. I was only stalling a few times a lesson and had the added panic of driving on ice and snow - which put an end to my lessons until mid-January as it was a bit unsafe for me to still be learning. But I was happy with the progress I made.

I was learning my road theory at the time too, and I was lucky enough to pass my theory test on the first try - with the exact amount of points I had needed to pass. Very lucky! That was April 25th 2012, and that meant I could now apply for my test.

The first test I had was at the start of June as I was trying to rush one in before my holiday that year. The route I had was in an area of my town which I'd never been to before and was down a country lane - which I'd not even thought about before. Ray sat in the backseat, and the female examiner was sat in the passenger seat. She failed me as I had gone to fast in a 30mph zone down the country lane... Even though I was doing 20mph as I was scared shitless about how narrow it was. But she still failed me. I cried as soon as I got home as I was so annoyed with her and myself!

The second test was in August, and I knew I'd failed within 10 minutes of the test starting. I was having a bad day as it was and I was in no mood for the test that day. I hit a curb and accidentally cut up a car on the confusing one way system and I saw the male examiner fail me while I was still driving. As I could see I had failed, I just drove how I wanted after that and back to the test center, completely ignoring the directions he'd given me as I just didn't want to be in the car anymore.

I finally passed on September 4th 2012 on my third test! Interestingly, I went on the same route as my first test. The male examiner I had this time was so kind and put my nerves on standby and even when he had to help me on the country lane as a lorry was stuck, he still passed me and I only had one minor. A miracle really...

I got my car, dubbed Betty, on February 18th 2013! My Dad was very very very nice and bought the car for me as he was sick of carting me to and from work at midnight! I've still got to pay him back for it!

I spent about £1200 on all my lessons, theory tests and practical tests in total. Of that, my parents paid about £200 of it when I was short on money that week, but other than that - I forked out about £1000 for the whole thing. It took me just shy of a year to learn and pass my test!

I still have some driving issues now and then, but in the past 3 years I've only stalled a few times and I've managed two trips to Cornwall and back. Something I thought I'd never be able to do.

Have you passed your test, or currently taking lessons? I'd love to know your stories and how you're doing, so let me know! And if you want to look at taking lessons yourself or anything about the tests at all, check out BookLearnPass, which has a lot of tips and tricks for you - plus there is a mock theory test which is super useful!

Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)


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Learning to Drive: My Journey

Do you remember your first driving lesson and your driving test(s)?

I do. Cue story time music...

September 6th, 2011, was my first lesson! I remember feeling so nervous when Ray, my instructor, pulled up outside my house. My sister reassured me, telling me I’d be fine and not to worry. Once I got in the car (passenger seat to start!), Ray drove us to a quiet area nearby. It wasn’t too busy and had all the basics I’d need: a hill for hill starts, a few turnings to get used to steering, and a crossroad to help me get accustomed to traffic. He went through the car basics, explaining what each pedal and gear did and reminding me to use my mirrors ‘all the time’. I think that was the bit I forgot the most during my lessons!

I managed to get the hang of speed control quite quickly, but the pedals and gears were a real struggle for weeks! During that first lesson, I was able to pull away, stop, and turn left and right all within two hours. I was nervous the entire time, but I was so happy I was finally doing it. I stalled about 20 times that first lesson, but I was honestly expecting way more!

After that, I had a lesson every Friday for an hour with Ray. At £20 per lesson, I was determined to do well and learn fast. After about four lessons in that quiet area, Ray let me loose on the main roads near my house. I was terrified! Red lights were a nightmare to get used to, and I always felt like I was driving so slowly.

By December, when the snow hit, I was doing alright. I was only stalling a few times each lesson but now had the added panic of driving on ice and snow. Eventually, my lessons had to be put on hold until mid-January because it was too unsafe to continue. But I was happy with the progress I’d made.

I was also working on my theory test at the time and, thankfully, managed to pass it on my first try on April 25th, 2012 - by the exact number of points needed to pass. Talk about lucky! With that out of the way, I was finally able to apply for my practical test.

My first test was at the start of June 2012. I tried to squeeze it in before a holiday, but the route was in an unfamiliar area of town, down a narrow country lane. Ray sat in the backseat while the female examiner was in the passenger seat. I ended up failing for “going too fast” in a 30mph zone - even though I was only doing 20mph because I was absolutely terrified of how narrow the road was. I was so frustrated and cried as soon as I got home.

My second test was in August, and I knew I’d failed within the first 10 minutes. I was having a bad day, and my nerves were all over the place. I hit a curb and accidentally cut up a car on a confusing one-way system. I actually saw the examiner mark me as failed while I was still driving. Since I knew I’d already failed, I pretty much ignored his directions and drove back to the test centre however I liked. Not my finest moment!

Finally, on September 4th, 2012, I passed my test on my third attempt! Coincidentally, it was the same route as my first test. The male examiner I had at that time was so kind and really helped calm my nerves. Even when he had to assist me on the country lane because a lorry was stuck, he still passed me with only one minor. It felt like a miracle!

I got my car, which I lovingly named Betty, on February 18th, 2013. My dad was incredibly generous and bought the car for me because he was tired of having to cart me to and from where I worked at midnight! 

In total, I spent about £1,200 on lessons, theory tests, and practical tests. My parents chipped in around £200 when I was short on cash one week, but the rest came out of my own pocket. It took me just under a year to learn and pass my test.

If you’re looking to start lessons or want advice on the tests, check out BookLearnPass. They’ve got loads of helpful tips and a brilliant mock theory test that’s super useful!

Have you passed your test or are you currently taking lessons? I’d love to hear your stories and how you’re getting on, so let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :) 

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Hastings With Jodie | Life

Hello everyone!

Today is a little blog on my mini day out with my bestie Jodie! If you follow me on Instagram, then you will have seen some of what I got up to already! It was unbelievably hot, and a little crowded - even for a Wednesday at 11am. So here are some pictures of what we got up to!

A little OOTD to start off with! Top is from Primark at £4, Shorts are £16 from Peacocks and the shoes were £6 from Matalan. My sunglasses were a freebie with Cosmo last month! To top it all off, I wore a lot of suncream!

My lunch!

Jodie's lunch

A nice refreshing drink! Banana milkshake for Jodie and a water for me

We started off with a little walk from the car park and past the mini gold and sea life center until we reach a fish and chip shop for lunch. The place was called 'Old Town Fish Bar' and it was delicious! All together our lunch was less than £12, which is pretty decent for how much food we were both given.

Then we spent some time and a bit of money in the Old Town Arcade next to the fish and chip shop. Had a go at getting a Minion keyring, but that availed to nothing! We did however, both get a 'Me to You' bear and a friendship key ring out of another machine! Was totally worth the £'s we put in! 

Had some delicious doughnuts | Walked under this little bridge with the Hastings Old Town picture painted on it | Walked past the mini golf which was quite busy! | Just a casual windy beach selfie!

Finally we walked along the pebbled beach to go back to the car. My shoes were not a good choice here, as I picked up half the beach in my pumps! The top right picture is of the cliff cable car, which wasn't running... as far as I know it's been out of service for some time! 

After getting back in the car we had an hour's drive home after getting stuck behind numerous lorries and tractors. We (well Jodie) then had a little siesta nap before we had dinner at her place and then I went home! I had such a nice day and was nice to be with my friend all day. I can now report that I have slight sunburn on my back and a little on my head, but nothing to severe! 

Hope you liked this little post, and let me know if you've been anywhere nice in this weather recently. Hope you are having a great day and keep safe :)

My January 2014 | My Life

Hello everyone!

Here is just a little recap of my month :) I've had a pretty good start to the year, so hoping this continues into next month and for the rest of 2014!

• Saw Desolation of Smaug and LOVED it. I didn't realise it had ended until Ed Sheeran started singing the 'I See Fire' song. Cannot wait until the next one now!
• I then spent 9 hours of my life watching the first Hobbit movie, and all 9 hours of special features. Twice.
• I've been out to Pizza hut for a friend's 21st birthday
• Have been really good and ate a little healthier... minus a few pizzas!
• SHERLOCK
• Was witness to the Twitter meltdown on the 18th/19th
• Bought too much beauty stuff!
• I HIT 10,000 VIEWS & 20 GFC followers :D
• Organized a box swap with Abbie 
• I went a little nail art crazy
• My love for devil's traps grew a bit too much
• I've managed to scar my arm
• Learnt more Japanese!
• Had a bowling/drinking night with the girls for Nic's birthday
• Car passed it's first service
• I discovered Flappy Bird and it is SOOO frustrating
• Spending ban was put in place :(

Car tax disc expired | My baby | The current CD in my car!

HO was down for TWO days (twice this month) | My Selfie! | Handcrafted pinwheel

Monthly nails: beach ball | Essie Pink | Rimmel Navy

Morrisons Tex Mex Pizza | MY NEW CAMERA ARRIVED | The annoying driver who blocked me in the driveway before work

Laptop & Window devil traps decor | Nailthins devil traps | My Japanese! [morning musume]

My car finally hit 2000 miles! | My Etsy Haul | Me and the amazing Billy at our friend's birthday dinner!

I discovered Flappy Bird! | Love these MUA eye shadows | The drinks from bowling night!

Well that is it for my month overall! I'm thinking of doing one of these each month as a little round up :) Hope you enjoyed this random post, and keep safe :)

Cornwall Holiday Diary, Day One

Hello everyone!

I got back from my wonderful holiday a few days ago and I took a lot of pictures that I thought I would share with you. We went to Cornwall in the Porthcothan area (near Padstow) for two weeks, and for the first time in about 7 years, it was SUNNY. I mean really, really hot. I have a tan and everything. Glorious! So without further ado, here is my holiday chronicled in a number of blog posts over the next few weeks!

You can watch the vlog of this day HERE.

Obligatory note: I'm not trying to brag about anything we done, or even the holiday itself. I just wanted to share it.

Day One: The 300 mile, 6 hour trip began at 6am! It eventually took us 8 hours to get to the campsite due to heavy traffic near Stonehenge on the A303, and also the three car crash involving mine and my Grandad's car. All caused by a driver behind him who then hit us. Arrived at the caravan/chalet and it was 24 degrees celsius!

On the road | Aftermath of the accident, taken at the road side

Passing Stonehenge after the accident | The caravan where I stayed with Dad, and his car!

Delicious dinner at Fryer Tucks in St. Merryn | Ash on the beach!

Our gorgeous Porthcothan Bay beach. This beach owns my heart, is is so beautiful and has so many memories.

Obligatory group selfie! Grandad, Dad, me and the sister all on the beach!

Other than the really annoying accident on the journey down to Cornwall, the rest of the journey was okay, albeit a little bumpy when we entered Cornwall. The bad weather they got on February has damaged a lot of the little country roads to bits and was a bit hard to navigate down!

Hope you liked day one and will be back with day two soon!

I'm Going Back To Florida!

I've been buzzing to do this post since Easter, and now I finally can! If you haven't guessed yet from the title, I'm heading back to Florida!! Aka, the land of Disney, Universal, sunshine, good food, and more.

We decided last November that we wanted to go again, and after a quick evaluation of the budgeting for it, we were able to pick dates that meant I could save up enough to head back. We started properly planning it all in April this year, and I am beyond excited. We're going in the first half of 2019, so not long to wait for my next visit.

It took a while to get the holiday booked off from work, but so happy it finally came through in September, as it meant I could start booking things.

We're staying at the same villa as last September, as we adored the villa so much. It had everything we needed - the pool is the main fave - plus it was only a 10-15 minute drive from Disney and Universal on a good day of traffic. There is a Walmart, CVS and Walgreens nearby, so we can get everything we need really easily. Due to us having power issues during Hurricane Irma, the people who own the villa have been incredibly nice, and gave us a £200 discount for this trip to make up for it; even though it wasn't their fault and they couldn't do anything, this is beyond kind of them.

We chose to go with British Airways to fly there again, as they are the only company I've flown with and haven't yet had a bad experience with them. We purchased the flights, and the car hire from Avis at the same time back in September as a package deal, and we managed to save £500 for the three of us. We had a silver Chevrolet last time, which I wouldn't mind something similar again, as long as we don't have another spider infestation!

Spiders you ask? Well the car in the above image seemed to have a spiders nest somewhere in the car, and for the life of us we couldn't find it, but everyday a few tiny spiders would be dashing about over the seats or dashboard - until our second week when it was 34°c, there was about 150-200 tiny spiders that just erupted over the backseat, and crawled all over my sister and I... It's hilarious now, but my lord, my heart...

ANYWAY...We're getting our tickets from Attractions Tickets Direct again, as they are honestly the best company to get your tickets from. We're currently waiting to see what the next 'free' attraction is on offer before we buy our tickets, so should be doing that this month! Once that's all done, we only have a few other things to sort out, and we're done.

The tickets we purchased last time, and again for this trip, is the Orlando Freedom Ticket. This enabled you to go to all the Disney parks, Disney water parks, Universal parks, Volcano Bay, Sea World, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens. We've never done Busch Gardens before, so we're going to give this a shot for this holiday, and see what it's like. We're also hoping to do a water park this time, as last year the plans for that were knocked aside due to the hurricane! We also buy tickets separately for Kennedy Space Center, which is another day we all enjoyed last time.

I am soooooooo excited to be going again, and incredibly lucky to be able to go back again, so soon after the last trip. If you have any tips for Busch Gardens, please pass them along as we've not been before and don't know what to expect. What parts of Florida would you also recommend visiting? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)


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