Up until a “penny drop moment” last year, we’d been so obsessed with the idea of trying to see as much of the world as possible (outside of the UK)  that we’d completely overlooked what was in our own “back garden”. The UK is a treasure trove of amazing sights to see, things to do and … Continue Reading

Brittany is one part of France that has always fascinated me; and for very good reason. For starters, there’s that name – Brittany, which to the uninitiated would sound like it was linked in some way to Great Britain. And they wouldn’t be wrong either. In addition to Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall and the Isle … Continue Reading

1.) Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: I expect Elsa to burst out singing from this castle at any moment! 2.) Bamboo Forest, Japan: The pure essence of calmness and serenity. 3.) Pena National Palace, Portugal: Looks like the birth place of adventure and summer romance! 4.) Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland: Somewhere in here is a princess (or … Continue Reading

Europe is an incredibly stunning, eye-catching and diverse continent to explore; with heaps of beautiful cities all across the countries. That being said, there are well over eight hundred of the prettiest cities in Europe to visit and choose from; a bamboozling choice for anyone of us!  Over the years, we’ve visited hundreds of European … Continue Reading

Some are near, some are far. Some are oldies (but goodies), some are newbies. Some are quite specific, some are more general. What they do have in common is that these are the 15 places that I would looooooove to visit. ✈ Edit: Now, I’ve been able to visit quite a few of these stunning … Continue Reading

Hi! I’ve been meaning to put a quick update about the travel plans we have confirmed so far for this year. We’ve booked plans for just the first few weeks of the year so far which is exciting as that means there’s still a lot of room on the calendar to visit more places! I … Continue Reading

Photography is an art form in itself I believe and so it doesn’t, nor should it, comply with rules. Some people say things like always take photos with your back against the sun (so that your subject is properly illuminated) but I have seen very powerful and moving photos where the opposite of that advice … Continue Reading

The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, are perhaps almost single-handedly to blame for my obsession with visiting cold countries. Don’t get me wrong, coming from the UK, where it’s never really cold enough and never really hot enough (not for too long anyway), the scenery in so many cold destinations is nothing short … Continue Reading

Seattle is one of my favourite American cities. Im fact, it reminds me of Edinburgh in the UK in a lot of ways. Not in terms of the architecture or anything else fairly obvious, more in terms of the vibe of being in a city. It’s big enough that you don’t feel claustrophobic, yet small … Continue Reading

Compared to our neighbours on the continent (France and Italy, I’m looking at you in particular), British food sometimes gets a bad rap and doesn’t always get the praise it deserves. French food is renowned for being so sophisticated yet utterly-delicious and Italian food is regarded as real comfort, indulgent food all across the world. … Continue Reading

You’re getting hitched! Congratulations! Mazel tov! The question has been popped and you’re both almost going to run down that aisle! It’s a pretty exciting time that’s filled with lots of emotions, memories and a pinch lot of stress. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best honeymoon destinations to visit … Continue Reading

A guide to the Faroe Islands is always helpful, especially if it’s your first visit. Nestled in between the tip of Scotland and Iceland, this tiny island nation is one of Europe’s most picturesque countries to explore. The Faroe Islands may well look a million miles away, but it’s a lot closer (and more accessible) than you might … Continue Reading

You didn’t think we’d head off into the New Year without a round up of 2015 now, did you? 😉 This year on Hand Luggage Only has been quite special in so many ways – we’ve gotten to travel to so many amazing destinations, made so many new friends, eaten so many delicious meals, had so … Continue Reading

Having lived in Edinburgh for quite a few years, it’s easily one of my favourite cities in the UK and with good reason too – it’s absolutely pretty, has such a strong history, amazing traditions, really friendly people and is a traveller’s delight – which is also why it makes sense that it the most … Continue Reading