Researching a holiday destination used to be where I either did absolutely nothing and arrived completely unprepared, or went the opposite direction and ended up with a spreadsheet of restaurants, beach clubs and day trips that made the holiday feel like a schedule I had to follow rather than something I was meant to enjoy.

Now I’ve found a middle ground.

I still do research, but it’s loose, flexible and focused on giving me options rather than a strict itinerary I feel guilty for not sticking to.

Think of it as building a map of ideas, not a timetable.

The mindset shift: I stopped trying to plan the perfect holiday

The biggest change in how I research holidays is accepting that I don’t need to know everything in advance.

I used to think I needed:

• A fully planned itinerary

• Every meal booked

• Every activity scheduled

• Every day mapped out

  
  

But the truth is, the best parts of holidays are usually the things you didn’t plan.

Now I aim for something much simpler: I just want to arrive with a shortlist of places I might like to visit.

That’s it.

Step one: I start with Google Maps, not blogs

The first thing I do is open Google Maps and drop pins everywhere that looks interesting.

I look for:

• Beaches

• Restaurants

• Cafés

• Beach clubs

• Bars

• Pretty streets or viewpoints

This is the least stressful part because it’s purely visual and instinctive. If something looks good, I save it.

I don’t worry about order or planning at this stage. It’s just collecting options.

Step two: I check a few trusted sources (not everything)

I used to go down a deep internet rabbit hole reading every blog, review and travel forum possible.

Now I keep it limited.

I’ll usually check:

• A few recent blog posts

• Instagram location tags

• TikTok searches for the destination

• A couple of honest reviews on key places

That’s it.

If I overconsume information, I end up second-guessing everything. So I deliberately stop before I reach that point.

Step three: I build a loose “must-visit” list

Once I’ve saved enough places, I narrow it down into a simple list.

I usually split it into:

Restaurants I really want to try

Not ten options. Usually three or four that stand out.

One or two beaches

I don’t try to visit every beach in the area. I pick the ones that look the most appealing and leave room to discover others once I’m there.

A few activities or day trips

Anything that feels interesting, but not essential.

This becomes my loose plan, not my strict schedule.

Step four: I accept I will discover things while I’m there

This is the part I used to forget.

No matter how much research you do, you will still:

• Walk past places you didn’t see online

• Get recommendations from locals

• Find cafés and restaurants by accident

• Change your plans because of weather or mood

  
  

So now I intentionally leave space in my planning for spontaneity.

If something looks good in the moment, I go there. Simple as that.

What I no longer do (and it changed everything)

I don’t over-plan daily itineraries

I don’t assign activities to specific days anymore. It removes pressure and makes everything feel more relaxed.

I don’t save hundreds of places

Too many options becomes overwhelming. I now focus on a small curated list.

I don’t try to “do everything”

Holidays are not competitions. I don’t need to see every attraction or eat at every recommended restaurant.

My simple research system now

If I had to sum it up, it’s this:

1. Save places that genuinely appeal to me

2. Keep the list short and flexible

3. Focus on food, beaches and a few key experiences

4. Leave space for spontaneity

That’s it.

It’s not complicated, but it works.

Why this approach actually makes holidays better

The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that I enjoy my holidays more when I’m not trying to stick to a plan.

Instead of thinking:
“I need to fit everything in,”

I now think:
“We’ll see what we feel like doing today.”

And somehow, I still end up doing all the best things, just without the pressure.

Final thoughts

Researching a holiday destination should make you excited, not overwhelmed.

A bit of preparation is useful. It helps you avoid missing out on things you genuinely want to do.

But overplanning takes away the spontaneity that makes travel feel like a break in the first place.

Now I go in with ideas, not obligations.

And honestly, that balance has made travelling a lot more enjoyable.

That’s the end of this mini series on holiday preparation. I’m now just a few weeks away from flying off on holiday, and the planning is officially shifting from preparation mode into anticipation mode.

When I am back, I’ll be sharing all the  restaurants, beaches, cafés and little hidden places that I would recommend!

Molly

Packing holiday outfits used to be where everything went wrong for me.

I would stand in front of my wardrobe and suddenly forget how holidays work. I’d start planning outfits for completely imaginary scenarios like “romantic beach dinner in a breeze” or “casual daytime yacht situation” despite the fact I was going somewhere where I would realistically wear shorts and a loose dress for 90% of the trip.

Now I keep it simple. Not boring, not minimal for the sake of it, just realistic.

These are the holiday outfit ideas I actually wear, broken down by what I genuinely live in while I’m away.

The mindset shift: I stopped packing outfits for a fantasy version of myself

The biggest change in my approach to holiday outfits was accepting this:

I am not going to suddenly become someone who changes outfits three times a day or wears things that require effort in 30-degree heat.

On holiday, I want:

• Comfort

• Easy outfits

• Things I can repeat without overthinking

  
  

Once I accepted that, packing became much easier.

Now I build outfits around what I will actually reach for, not what looks good on a packing list.

Travel day outfit: comfort first, always

I now treat travel day as its own category.

My go-to is:

• Leggings

• Oversized t-shirt or light top

• Trainers

• Light cardigan or hoodie

  
  

The goal is simple: be comfortable for sitting, walking through airports, and dealing with unpredictable temperatures.

If I feel even slightly restricted, I won’t wear it.

Beach and pool outfits: repeat on rotation

This is where most of my holiday time is spent, so I keep it very straightforward.

Swimwear

I pack a few swimsuits or bikinis and rotate them throughout the trip. I don’t overthink it anymore.

Cover-ups

• Loose shirt dresses

• Lightweight kaftan-style cover-ups

• Oversized shirts that double as outfits

  
  

These are the real MVPs of holiday dressing because they work for beach, pool bar, and walking back to the room without needing a full outfit change.

Daytime outfits: easy, breathable, repeatable

For daytime exploring, I stick to simple combinations.

My go-to combinations:

• Shorts and a loose top

• Light sundress

• Co-ord set that doesn’t need styling

• Linen trousers with a basic vest or t-shirt

  
  

The key here is fabrics that don’t make you feel like you’re melting five minutes into walking.

I also make sure everything mixes and matches so I’m not creating “outfits” as much as I am rotating pieces.

Sightseeing outfits: practical but still put together

Sightseeing outfits need to work a bit harder, but not too hard.

I usually go for:

• Trainers (non-negotiable for walking)

• Comfortable shorts or trousers

• Lightweight top

• Crossbody bag

  
  

This is where I remind myself that no one cares what I’m wearing, and I care more about not sweating through something complicated.

Evening outfits: simple “dinner and drinks” rotation

Evenings are where I used to overpack the most.

Now I limit myself to a few easy options:

• 2–3 relaxed dresses

• A nice co-ord

• One slightly dressier outfit “just in case”

  
  

In reality, I usually end up rotating between two outfits depending on how hot it is and how much effort I feel like putting in.

I’ve stopped packing outfits for “what if we go somewhere fancy” unless I actually know we are.

What I don’t pack anymore (but used to overpack constantly)

This is where I’ve really simplified things.

Statement outfits I never wear

The “just in case I feel like going all out” outfits always stay in the suitcase untouched.

Too many evening options

Two weeks does not require ten different dinner outfits.

Uncomfortable shoes

If it needs breaking in, it is not going on holiday.

Extra outfits for every possible mood

I used to pack like I had multiple personalities. Now I don’t.

My packing system now: outfits built around repetition

Instead of packing full outfits, I now pack pieces that work in rotation.

For example:

• Two or three tops that work with multiple bottoms

• One or two bottoms that go with everything

• Dresses that don’t need styling

• Shoes that match multiple outfits

This means I’m not packing “days”, I’m packing options.

And somehow, I still end up wearing the same favourites most of the time.

The real truth: no one remembers your outfits

This was a big mindset shift for me.

On holiday, I used to think every outfit needed to feel “different enough”.

Now I realise:

• No one is tracking what I wore yesterday

• Repeating outfits is normal

• Comfort always wins

  
  

And honestly, it makes the whole experience so much easier.

Final thoughts

Holiday outfit planning used to feel like a styling challenge I needed to win.

Now it’s just about packing things I actually enjoy wearing.

A few easy outfits for the day, a few relaxed options for the evening, and a focus on comfort over perfection.

It’s not about packing less for the sake of it. It’s about packing better so you actually wear what you bring.

Next up: how I research my holiday before I go so I don’t miss the best restaurants, beaches and hidden spots once I arrive.

Molly

When you think of Thailand, your mind probably goes straight to turquoise waters, tropical beaches, bustling markets and bowls of food packed with flavour. What you probably don’t immediately picture is a sunny weekend in the middle of Guildford however, a couple of weeks ago, the Magic of Thailand Festival at Stoke Park managed to bring a little slice of Thai culture to Surrey.

As someone who loves travel, food and finding little pockets of something different closer to home, this was exactly the kind of local event that caught my attention. A festival promising Thai food, performances, culture and cocktails? Obviously, I had to go and investigate.

First impressions

Held at Stoke Park in Guildford, the festival had a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived. Unlike some larger festivals where you spend half your day just navigating crowds, this felt much more manageable - big enough to feel like there was plenty going on, but small enough that you could actually wander, browse and enjoy yourself.

There was a lovely community feel, with colourful market stalls, food vendors, entertainment throughout the day and plenty of opportunities to experience different elements of Thai culture.

The whole thing felt like a little escape from Surrey life,  a few hours where you could pretend you’d swapped the Surrey streets for a Thai street market.

   

The food: the highlight of the day

Let’s be honest, when you visit a Thai festival, the food is always going to be one of the biggest attractions.

Walking around the food stalls was probably one of my favourite parts of the day. The smells alone were enough to transport you somewhere warmer: fragrant herbs, spices, curries and sizzling street food filling the air.

After much deliberation (because choosing from a festival full of amazing food is genuinely difficult), I opted for a veggie Thai green curry and it did not disappoint. Creamy, fragrant and packed with flavour, it was exactly the kind of comforting dish you want when you’re looking for a proper taste of Thailand rather than just a quick festival snack.

Of course, no festival day is complete without a drink to match, and we also enjoyed cocktails from the Full Moon Cocktail Bar. With tropical flavours and holiday vibes, it was the perfect addition to the afternoon and definitely helped create that feeling of being somewhere much further away than Guildford.

Entertainment and atmosphere

The Magic of Thailand Festival wasn’t just about eating (although that alone would have been a pretty good reason to visit). Throughout the day there were traditional performances, music, demonstrations and cultural activities that helped showcase different aspects of Thailand.

One of the standout performances was the ladyboy show, which was an incredibly high-energy addition to the day. Full of colour, music, dancing and plenty of personality, it was certainly an interesting watch and brought a completely different atmosphere to the festival. It was a fun and lively performance that captured the entertainment side of Thai culture and had the crowd engaged throughout.

From traditional dancing to martial arts displays, there was plenty to watch while wandering between stalls. It felt like a celebration of Thai culture rather than simply a food market with a theme.

The relaxed atmosphere also made it an enjoyable day out for all ages, whether you were there to try new foods, browse the stalls, enjoy the performances or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely - especially if you’re looking for something a little different to do without having to travel abroad.

The great thing about the Magic of Thailand Festival is that it tours around the country, bringing Thai food, entertainment and culture to different locations throughout the year. So, even if you missed the Stoke Park event, it’s worth keeping an eye out to see if it’s coming somewhere near you.

It’s a brilliant option for a relaxed day out as a couple, with friends or as a family. Whether you’re a huge fan of Thai food or simply curious to experience something new, it’s a fun way to spend a few hours.

It’s also a lovely reminder that you don’t always need to book a flight to experience a different culture. Sometimes you just need to follow the smell of Thai street food, find a cocktail bar and let yourself be transported somewhere else for the afternoon.

Final thoughts

The Magic of Thailand Festival at Stoke Park was a colourful, tasty and enjoyable celebration of Thai culture right here in Surrey. While it obviously can’t replace the experience of actually visiting Thailand (sadly, no festival can recreate those beaches), it did offer a fun little escape and a very good excuse to eat your way through some incredible food.

Would I go again? Definitely. Although next time I might need a better strategy for choosing what to eat, because picking just one dish when surrounded by Thai street food is genuinely the hardest part.

Molly

I used to think travel essentials were obvious.

Passport. Phone. Wallet. Done.

And then I had one too many flights where I was either freezing, dehydrated, bored, or quietly regretting every life choice that led me to a 7-hour journey with nothing useful in my hand luggage.

Now I’ve got a proper system. Not overly complicated, not influencer level overpacked, just a realistic set of travel essentials that make flying a lot more comfortable.

Whether it’s a short European flight or a longer haul journey, these are the things I genuinely never fly without anymore.

The mindset shift: comfort beats overpacking

The biggest change I made with travel packing was realising I don’t need more things, I need better choices.

I used to pack for every possible scenario:

• “What if I get cold?”

• “What if I get bored?”

• “What if I suddenly become a person who journals on planes?”

  
  

Now I pack for one goal: making travel day as comfortable and low-stress as possible.

The travel documents I double-check obsessively

Let’s start with the obvious but still somehow stressful part.

• Passport

• Boarding pass (digital and sometimes printed, because I don’t trust myself)

• Travel insurance details

• Accommodation details

• Any transport confirmations

I now check these about five times before I leave the house, even though I know I’ve already checked them.

My in-flight comfort essentials

This is where the real difference to travel day happens.

Headphones or AirPods

Non-negotiable. Whether I’m watching something, listening to music or trying to ignore turbulence-induced overthinking, these are essential.

Kindle

My absolute travel must-have. I will always, without fail, finish more books on holiday travel days than I do at any other point in my life.

Neck pillow (if it’s a longer flight)

I resisted this for years thinking I didn’t need one. I was wrong. It makes a huge difference on anything longer than a few hours.

Eye mask

Especially for longer flights or if I’m trying to trick my body into a nap at 10am local time.

Light layer

A jumper or cardigan always goes in my hand luggage because planes are either freezing or aggressively unpredictable.

The small things that quietly save the day

These are the items that don’t seem important until suddenly they are.

Lip balm

Cabin air is brutal. I always have one within reach.

Suncream (small size)

Especially if I’m heading somewhere warm straight after landing. It saves me from immediately forgetting skincare logic after a flight.

Hand sanitiser

Airports are a reality check.

Wet wipes or tissues

Always useful. Always forgotten if I don’t specifically pack them.

Reusable water bottle

I take it empty through security and fill it up after. It sounds small, but it makes a long flight noticeably better.

Snacks (because airplane food is unpredictable)

I now always pack something to eat, even if I think I won’t need it.

Usually:

• Something salty - popcorn or crisps

• Something sweet for a morale boost

• Chewing gum

  
  

There is something psychologically comforting about knowing you are not fully reliant on airline snack timing.

Tech I always bring

This is the category that saves me from boredom and mild panic.

• Phone and charger

• Portable charger

• Charging cable

• Plug adapter (if I’m connecting or arriving tired and need to charge immediately)

  
  

The portable charger is especially important. I’ve learned this the hard way more than once.

Airport bag essentials

I now think of my hand luggage as a separate category from my suitcase. It needs its own logic.

My airport bag always includes:

• Passport

• Phone

• Wallet

• Kindle

• Headphones

• Lip balm

• Hand sanitiser

• Snacks

• Water bottle (empty until after security)

• Light jumper or scarf

If this bag is organised, the rest of the journey feels manageable.

Things I used to overthink (and now don’t pack)

There are a few things I’ve stopped bringing entirely.

Too many entertainment options

I used to pack books, magazines, downloaded shows, and still end up scrolling on my phone anyway. Now I just bring my Kindle and one downloaded show.

Overly bulky travel pillows

Some are just not worth the space. I’ve learned to keep it simple.

Full beauty routine in hand luggage

Now it’s just basics. No full skincare setup on the plane.

My travel rule now

If I wouldn’t miss it within the first two hours of a flight, it doesn’t go in my hand luggage.

It keeps everything focused and stops me from overpacking “comfort items” I never actually use.

Final thoughts

Travel used to feel slightly chaotic for me. Not because I was unprepared, but because I was overprepared in all the wrong ways.

Now I focus on the small things that actually make a difference: comfort, hydration, entertainment, and not forgetting the basics.

It doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to work.

And honestly, a calm airport experience starts long before you get there — it starts with what you decide to put in your bag.

Next up: holiday outfit ideas, including what I actually wear on beach days, evenings and everything in between, without packing my entire wardrobe “just in case”.

Molly

I can’t quite believe we’re already halfway through 2026. This year has somehow managed to feel like it’s flying by, while also feeling like so much has happened.

Looking back over the last six months, I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is how much I’ve been enjoying the little joys - the everyday moments that make life feel exciting. Not necessarily huge, life-changing events, but all the things that add up to creating a life you genuinely love.

A big part of that has been settling into married life. After all the excitement of our two weddings last year - our registry office ceremony surrounded by our immediate family and my bridesmaids (who are basically family anyway), followed by our bigger celebration with our wider family and friends - it’s been really lovely moving into the next chapter and just enjoying being husband and wife.

There’s something really special about the everyday side of marriage; making plans together, working on our home, going on adventures and creating memories along the way. The wedding celebrations were amazing, but it’s the ordinary moments afterwards that make up the life you’ve been so excited to start.

One of the things I’m most proud of this year is bringing my blog back properly. After taking a step back, returning to blogging and creating content has reminded me just how much I’ve missed it. I’ve loved writing again, sharing our adventures and having a creative outlet that feels like me.

We’ve already packed plenty into the year too. We’ve had two camping trips and a staycation, and I’m hoping to squeeze in another camping trip or two before the year is over. Camping has become one of my favourite ways to escape the everyday, even if it does involve a questionable amount of arguing with tent poles and trying to remember where everything is packed.

At home, we finally had our kitchen redone, which has been one of those projects that completely changes how you feel about your space. Seeing it all come together and making our home feel more “us” has been such a good feeling.

I’ve also unexpectedly become someone who knits. I’m still not entirely sure how this happened, but I’ve embraced it. There’s something really satisfying about learning a new skill and having something creative to do away from a screen (even if my first attempts are very much a work in progress).

Work has also been a big focus this year. Continuing my apprenticeship alongside my role has meant balancing studying, assignments and my usual workload, which has definitely been a challenge at times. But I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it, continuing to learn and finding a way to make it work alongside everything else going on.

One of my favourite parts of this year has been celebrating the people around me too. I’ve loved watching my friends and family have their own exciting moments - one of my sisters buying her first house and conquering her fear of driving one approved route at a time, my other sister winning Employee of the Month, my best friend getting engaged and another friend absolutely smashing it at work.

Their achievements have genuinely made me so happy, and I feel really lucky to have so many amazing people around me to cheer on. Sometimes the best moments aren’t just your own milestones, but getting to watch the people you love achieve theirs.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, there’s still plenty to be excited about. I’m hoping to fit in another camping trip or two, hit my goal of reading 100 books this year, enjoy our Spain holiday and embrace all the cosy Christmas plans when the time comes (yes, I know it’s July, but I can’t be the only one already thinking about it).

If this year has taught me anything, it’s that the best parts of life are often found in the things you choose to make time for - hobbies, adventures, home projects, books, friends, family and the moments that make you smile.

Here’s to the second half of 2026 and plenty more little joys.

Molly