My time on holiday is probably when I'm at my peak for creativity and I get so inspired by what's around me. There's nothing like traveling to get your mind in a good place, whether you go around the world or just a weekend trip to a town an hour away. On my recent trip overseas, I had the best time blogging about what I did and using what made me happy to write.

I wanted to share how useful it was to use my vacation time to fall head-over-heels back in love with my blog. Prior to going on holiday, I found myself quite mentally exhausted with everything going on and within a few days my creative side was kicking already! Going somewhere new can bring exciting content for your readers and make you excited to write about it too.

Making the most of inspiration 

Before going on holiday, I was constantly stuck for ideas for blog posts. It turns out that getting a change of scenery was the best thing for igniting new ideas and finding my enthusiasm again. There are so many blogging opportunities for wherever you choose to travel to. If you're a foodie like me you could document your favorite places to eat. One of my favorite bloggers Lucy recently posted all the delicious food from her trip to Richmond and I loved reading it! Write about what adventures you go on, what you pack, or anything that sparks your creativity. I put together a list of my Travel Blog Post Ideas if you need some inspiration. 

It encourages you to explore

 I've gotten guilty lately for saying "That will be great for my blog!" and it turns into my main motivation. Of course I like to explore like any other avid traveler, but making the most of my holiday includes finding things I want to write about. Before we left, I researched different Seattle cafes and the best food in Hawaii to help me find new places to see and enjoy. It helped us find a new part of Seattle that we didn't know was there (seriously check out the Arts District there!) And I ate the best acai bowl ever in the cutest township on North Shore, Oahu. If I hadn't sought out things to blog about, we may have never found those gems!

Grow as a blogger

I feel like I've taken a step forward with my blog recently and I owe it to being away from my usual blogging spot. I didn't go over with a blogging plan, I just wrote about my experiences and everything else that inspired me. It forced me to think more about how my blog was going to continue while I was away from the norm, and it helped me grow more confidence in my work. It also gives you time to step back and think about changes you would like to make. Whether it's you blog or just your everyday lifestyle, traveling lets you look back on normal life and you find motivation to make things better.

Record happy memories 

One of the best things about blogging is being able to look back on previous posts and reminiscing on a happy time. I love reading the post I wrote about my 24th birthday last year, almost like it was journal entry. By recording your travel experiences on your blog, you can look back on amazing memories and special occasions any time you want!

Improve your photography 

I think most bloggers always have their camera at hand when traveling, or at least I do! It's so much fun to explore and spot random gems that make for great blog photos or Instagrams. I always find traveling helps me develop my eye for good shots and each year when I look at my photos, my skills have gotten better. Not only this, but travel also helps me grow my passion for photography. I'm constantly looking around me and finding beauty in everyday things. It's the time that I enjoy shooting photos most and every year I just get more passionate about it.

Even though it's tempting to use your vacation as a a blog break (and you probably deserve it!) but if you're anything like me, you can't resist a blogging opportunity! I did take pressure off by not having a schedule, so I got the best of both worlds.

What are your thoughts on continuing to blog on holiday?
Steph x.

Ten Reasons Hawaii Is My Happy Place

You know how most people have a "Happy Place"? Whether it's a far away city, a secret spot you came across when you were young, Disneyland/World, or simply being at home. I never really had one until a few years ago and it's amazing to have a destination that's so special to you.

I have been lucky enough to visit the island of Oahu three times now, and every holiday reminds me of why it's famous for being a wonderful place. Hawaii is full of happy memories for me and every time we return it's like being greeted with a hug from an old friend. I am completely in love with this slice of paradise and I wanted to share with you why it's my happy place!

Holiday Vibes 

We generally stay at Waikiki beach, which is a tourist hub and I love it! There's something so fun about everybody being on holiday. We are all relaxed and having a good time, so there's no tension or judgement going on. Everywhere has this relaxed holiday vibe that can't help but put you in a good mood.

The Food

Oh, the food! If you're a fan of garlic prawns, acai bowls, or poke, then this is the holiday destination for you. It's one of the things I look forward to most when we visit and I never know what delicious creation I'm going to get to try. They make the best grilled ahi (tuna) that you have ever tasted, and the cafes are stocked with delicious treats. If there's good food, I am one happy girl.

Beautiful Beaches

This is definitely something that Hawaii is most famous for, and I can confirm that they are as beautiful as you think they'll be. There's actually a huge variety of beaches to enjoy: some are still and perfect for snorkeling, others have monster waves so you can sit and watch the locals surf. All come with that famuos golden sand and sparkling blue water. It's just stunning to explore each spot and you find something special in each of them. You might even spot some turtles!

Happy Memories

This is exactly why I love to keep coming back to this place. I still remember seeing that beautiful blue water for the first time, and it making us go rush to buy bikinis so we could jump in right away. Or swimming with dolphins on my Mum's birthday and conquering my fear of the ocean. Thinking of Hawaii just brings back so many wonderful memories that makes my time there feel special. 

Body Confidence

I know the thought of wearing a bikini on the beach is daunting for a lot of us (myself included) but there's something about Hawaii that stops you from caring. It goes back to my point on holiday vibes; everyone is in the same boat, and we are all super-chilled because we're on the beach instead of being at work. No one cares what size you are, because everyone is concentrating on their own vacation. Anyone and everyone can strut their stuff down the beach and feel amazing.

Island Exploring

Going on a Hawaiian road-trip is one of my favorite things to do! I'm always glued to my window staring at the beautiful green hills and being in awe of the natural beauty around us. Oahu is small enough that you could explore the whole island in about two days. Both North and South shore have amazing sights and cool stops along the way. We never know what we're gonna find!

Shopping

Hawaii combines the joy of a beach holiday with the fun of American shopping. Some of my all-time favorite places to shop can be found in Waikiki: Forever 21, Zara, Sephora, Papyrus, and Wallgreens for stocking up on beauty items I can't get at home. The Ala Moana mall we always go to is huge and you can spend all day browsing the brands there. I probably do most of my shopping when I'm on holiday, so Hawaii is amazing for spoiling myself a little. 

Tattoo Spotting 

I'm not sure how many others enjoy doing this, but I find it so interesting. I'm super-obsessed with tattoos and I get really curious about what other people have got done. Obviously with Hawaiian weather being a summer dream all year round, everybody is in shorts and crop tops. Which means that there are more tattoos on display! On previous trips I have seen some masterpieces (and cringe-worthy ones too) and it's just awesome to see everyone's artwork that is usually hidden. 

Those Green Hills

I have such an obsession with the famous Hawaiian hills you always see, with their lush greenery and sharp ridges. One of the first mornings I ever spent there I walked outside and saw them for the first time and it hit me where I was. They're just stunning and I'm dying to find a really cool walk that will get me close to them.
 

Rainbows

Hawaii is known for being the rainbow state, and on our last trip is was so clear why. Almost every single day that we were there, we managed to spot a couple of rainbows in the sky. And who doesn't love rainbows!? It makes your whole experience there even more special.



I hope everyone gets the chance to visit this island paradise at some point, and that you love it as much as I do!
Where is your happy place?
Steph x.