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I’m always on the lookout for a bargain when I travel, but it’s so easy to get caught out. Those “cheap” flight tickets don’t feel quite so cheap once you start adding on baggage fees. That’s why I usually travel with hand luggage only as it saves money and hassle.

Recently though, I’ve noticed airlines like Wizz and EasyJet getting stricter. At the gate, they’re checking bag sizes more often, and if yours doesn’t fit into the sizing basket, you’re suddenly hit with an extra charge. Stressful, right? Especially if, like me, you’ve got a trusty old backpack and you’re crossing your fingers it’ll squeeze in.

To make things even trickier, not all airlines have the same rules. British Airways allows a generous 56x45x23cm, while Ryanair has just increased theirs to 40x30x20cm in line with the EU standard. So it really can feel like a bit of a lottery.

On my last trip, I decided enough was enough. No more playing the “will it, won’t it fit?” game at the gate. I searched for bags that definitely met the EU hand luggage size, and after a bit of research, one stood out: the Track Hack Underseat Cabin Bag from CabinMax.

It ticked all the boxes – stylish, durable, with clever storage, and best of all it was on special offer at just £35. A proper bargain.

If you’re fed up with the stress of hand luggage roulette, this could be the solution. I’ve filmed a couple of videos with my first impressions and a review – take a look and see if it might make your travels a lot smoother too.

Monday was a day to treasure —an epic adventure exploring Rottnest Island, just 19 km off the coast of Fremantle. With sun on our faces, sea breeze in our hair, and a couple of curious quokkas along the way, it was the perfect island adventure!

The Journey Begins: Ferry with a View ⛴️

We started the day by taking the Sealink ferry from Perth, which took us on a scenic cruise down the Swan River. The onboard commentary highlighted local landmarks, so we got to discover more about the local area—basically, sightseeing without even trying! Once we reached Fremantle, it was full speed to Rottnest, only a 15-minute ride.

Pedal Power & Picture-Perfect Beaches 🚴‍♂️🌊

Rottnest is a car-free island, so the best way to explore? Bikes! We grabbed our rentals and hit the road, weaving through coastal trails under the warm sunshine, with just the right amount of sea breeze to keep things cool.

The beaches? Absolutely breathtaking—think powdery white sands and crystal-clear aqua waters that looked like they belonged in a postcard. We couldn’t resist stopping at a few of these beaches for a dip, which was very necessary after tackling some of the island’s hillier cycling paths! (Let’s just say my legs got a solid workout.)

Quokka Encounters: The Island’s Cutest Residents 🐾

One of the best parts of the day? Meeting Rottnest’s most famous locals—the quokkas! While refilling our water bottles, we spotted a few in the shade. One particularly bold little guy took a serious interest in my rucksack, determined to get his paws on the apple inside. (Nice try, buddy, but no snacks for you!)

They’re absolutely adorable and not shy at all, but it’s very important to resist the urge to touch or feed them—even if they give you their best “feed me, I’m cute” face. You’ll spot plenty around the island, especially near food areas, where they seem to enjoy their role as unofficial restaurant mascots.

Sunset, Beers & The Ferry Home 🍻

After a full day of cycling, swimming, and soaking in the beauty of Rottnest, we caught the 5pm ferry back to Fremantle—tired but completely happy. Naturally, we had to reward ourselves with some well-earned beers before heading back to Perth.

Final Thoughts? Absolutely Do This!

Rottnest Island is a must if you’re in Western Australia. Whether you’re into cycling, beaches, wildlife, or just taking it slow in paradise, this place has something for everyone. 10/10, would definitely bike and quokka-spot again!

After months of anticipation, I’ve finally arrived in Australia! The past few days have been an incredible mix of nature, history, and great food.

Day 1: Wildlife & Waterfront Wonders

We started off my first day in Perth with a walk along the foreshore, enjoying the beautiful scenery and spotting some of Australia’s native wildlife. Seeing black swans gliding across the water and kangaroos lounging in the sun felt like the perfect welcome. There’s something so peaceful about being surrounded by nature, and this walk was the ideal way to shake off the jet lag and ease into Aussie life.

Day 2: Fremantle’s Historic Charm & Creative Spirit

The next day, I went to Fremantle—a town bursting with character, history, and artistic flair. The colonial buildings are stunning. One of the highlights was Fremantle Prison, a must-visit for tourists. You can explore some of the eerie old cells for free, or opt for a paid tour to dive deeper into its fascinating past.

Wandering through Fremantle, I also stumbled upon some beautiful metal sculptures scattered around town. My favorite? “Bella”, a local bather whose inscription reads: “The freedom to be who you are and to enjoy what is.” Such a simple but powerful message!

A Must-Visit: The Shipwreck Museum

For those interested in maritime history, I highly recommend stopping by the Shipwreck Museum. Here, you can uncover stories of shipwrecks from the height of the VOC—the Dutch East India Company era. One of the most chilling exhibits is the remains of the “Batavia”, accompanied by the haunting and brutal tale of its survivors. The museum is free to enter, though donations are welcome, and it’s absolutely worth a visit to step back into this dramatic part of history.

Local Brews & A Sunset Dinner by the Beach

No trip to Fremantle is complete without a stop at the local breweries for a well-earned refreshment! 🍻 The laid-back vibe, friendly atmosphere, and the excellent beer made it the perfect way to relax during a day of exploring.

To top it all off, we ended the evening at Bathers, dining right by the beach as the sun dipped below the waves.  Watching the sunset over the water was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible day.

Final Thoughts

From wildlife encounters to historical landmarks, art, and great food, my first few days in Australia have been amazing. Fremantle has such a unique charm, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting this part of the world. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my trip has in store!

Have you been to Fremantle? What were your favourite spots? Let me know! 😊

As I sit in the Heathrow Terminal 4 lounge, sipping on a glass of wine and indulging in some seriously good food, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. In just a few hours, I’ll be airborne, en route to Perth, Australia, for an adventure filled with friendship, family, and—most importantly—love.

Pre-Flight Bliss

I decided to treat myself to three  hours in the lounge, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. If you’re ever debating whether to splurge on lounge access before a long-haul flight—do it. There’s something about the relaxed atmosphere, unlimited snacks, and free-flowing drinks that turns a stressful airport experience into a mini holiday before the actual holiday. Heathrow and Qatar Airways deserve a gold star for making check-in and security a total breeze. Stress-free travel? Yes, please!

The Long Haul Prep

With a 20-hour journey ahead, I came prepared. My backpack is stocked with essentials: a great book, Audible downloads, and my trusty laptop. A well-packed entertainment kit is the key to surviving long-haul flights with sanity intact. (That, and strategic snack hoarding from the lounge.)

Destination: Joy

The excitement isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the people waiting for me there. I can’t wait to reconnect with friends in both Perth and Adelaide, soak up the Aussie vibes, and, most importantly, spend quality time with my sister. But let’s be real—the biggest highlight will be reuniting with my boyfriend. The past few weeks have been tough without him, and this trip is the light at the end of the tunnel.

So, here’s to smooth flights, good wine, and long-awaited hugs. Next stop: Perth!

As I sit here wrapped in layers, watching the rain against my window, I can hardly believe that in just a couple of weeks, I’ll be trading this winter weather for the warmth of an Australian summer! On February 17th, I’m setting off on my next big adventure to Perth and Adelaide.

I have braved the garage, rescued my suitcase and already half-filled it, mentally preparing for the jet lag. I am daydreaming about long walks, river trips, quokkas and beers in the sunshine.

Since I’ll be walking off that plane straight into summer, it’s finally time to swap my jumpers and jeans for shorts, suncream, and sandals. Packing light has become second nature to me, but I’m constantly refining my system so stay tuned! I’ll be sharing my best packing tips soon. And if you’ve tackled a long-haul journey before, I’d love to hear your advice. How do you survive the hours in the air? What’s the one thing you wish you had packed (or left behind)?

Australia is calling, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Let the countdown begin!