Restaurant Gift Vouchers Are the Gift That Keeps on Giving (and Eating!) Let’s face it, choosing a gift can be a nightmare. Socks? Boring. That “funny” tie? Shudder.  But what about a gift that practically guarantees happy memories and full bellies? Enter the glorious world of UK restaurant gift vouchers! These little lifesavers are more than just a piece of plastic – they’re tickets to culinary adventures, perfect for every occasion.  Stuck in a birthday rut?  Vouchers say, “Happy Birthday, treat yourself (or a friend) to a slap-up meal!”  Struggling with an anniversary id ..read more

My third time in Dubai was one trip I wanted to be as bourgeois as possible. But how to do this on a budget one asks? Well, I’m gonna show you. Keep reading!  Where to stay? Five Palm Jumeriah  If Instagram was a hotel, this would be it. Gold bathtubs, sea views and a glittering skyline, this hotel has it all. Did I mention the 60-foot social pool you’ve probably seen on your timeline one time or another. I’m not gonna lie I’m not an “Insta baddie”, my knees hurt BUT I do like to see how the other half live…  But just how much? Prices fluctuate throughout the year but I found t ..read more

Welcome to ‘The Spa with Char’ series where I’ll be delving into the luxurious and lowkey spas I’ve visited across the globe. You can expect the lowdown on where to save, spend or splurge, what treatments to try and where to get the best deals!  Where? The Montcalm East Hotel and Spa (5 min walk from Old street station) Save, spend or splurge? SAVE! I paid £89 for a spa day with 2-Hour Access, 30-Minute treatment and 2 course lunch for one person (Booked via Groupon)  Watch my spa experience below: @char_x.o THE SPA WITH CHAR: MONTCALM EAST HOTEL AND SPA Where? The Montcalm East Ho ..read more

A big shout-out to the amazing folks at Joby and Bleat PR for providing me with these items for my review and use – your support is truly appreciated! One question I often get asked is how I shoot content solo whilst travelling. Honestly speaking, it is all trial and error and I have stopped putting pressure on myself to get the ‘perfect’ shot every time. However for those times I do want to get the perfect shot, either for a brand campaign or simply because I have a vision in mind for a photo or video, these are 5 ways I shoot content solo.  BLUETOOTH CLICKER  I would be nothing w ..read more

Come with me to Machan Kitchen, a Sri Lankan restaurant in Farringdon. Here is what we tried… Standout dishes (I love the with fun names!): The Boss – Tender beef strips marinated in layers of spices. This was spicy and came with a punch! Perfect for those who like to turn the heat up!  The Chicken Situation – Corn fed marinated chicken cooked in coconut milk with various herbs and spices. The right level of spice, the chicken was divine!  Spot the Goat – Slow cooked goat stew cooked in coconut milk with herbs, homemade spices and lemon grass. As delicious as it sounds! The goat was ..read more

Stepping into The Sims 4’s London pop-up experience for the new “For Rent” expansion pack was the place to be for any fan of The Sims franchise! Taking place on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th December, the pop up was set up in an estate agent, or what some would call a real estate office with the Landgraab family taking centre stage. From entering the premises you were greeted with a friendly ‘Sul Sul’ and you were shown the properties you could purchase or rent. Now if only London house prices were this affordable! Check out my experience of the pop up below: View this post on Instagram A pos ..read more

Please note, my meal at Lucky Cat was complimentary. I was invited by the team at Lucky Cat to experience all they had to offer. I should also flag that this was my second time at Lucky Cat, having visited previously in December 2022. I’m usually a try places once kind of person but I was excited to revisit, given my love for Asian food.   Mayfair on a Saturday night is a swanky affair where you’ll find Londoners far and wide dining in some of the UK’s fanciest restaurants. Lucky Cat Mayfair fits this brief to a tee. Nestled on the corner of Grosvenor Square, you’ll know you’re in the ..read more

Ad. When your love language is cheap flights. Back in 2019, I flew to Tokyo from London for £300. This wouldn’t have been possible without the Jack’s Flight Club newsletter (and this was the free version). Since then I have signed up to the premium offering and have flown to Singapore for £450 return and a plethora of other European destinations. Read my experience of Tokyo via the links here: Aeroflot Flight Review What its like solo travelling in Tokyo Don’t tell anyone but check out the link below for a Black Friday deal to try Jack’s Flight Club premium for only £1 for 3 months!  ..read more

Someone asked me for some ‘Christmas’ content and this is all you’ll get out of me because I would like us all to trade Christmas trees for palm trees (just once).    Here are a few ways to make travel smooth over the festive period: Pack patience as your must-have carry-on   Festive travel means queues, more queues, busy flights, children running around the airports and maybe even pets too. Ultimately we are all trying to go somewhere and patience is key to making those journeys a little more ‘easy’. Remember that we’re all human, we’re all prone to stress and handling a situat ..read more

In a world increasingly intertwined with luxury and comfort, travel stands out as one of the most sought-after experiences. From breathtaking locales to exquisite services, the elite traveller often seeks the pinnacle of opulence. Yet, a transformative shift is unfolding. The modern connoisseur of luxury is not just enticed by grandeur but is also driven by a deep-rooted sense of responsibility. They’re no longer content with mere extravagance; they seek meaning, authenticity, and a commitment to the greater good. This fusion of indulgence with ethical choices is redefining the contours o ..read more