Holiday fever!

Not even spring yet and already most of us are having that holiday feeling. 

It isn’t long until the summer months when we can escape our day to day lives for a weekend, a week, or for the lucky ones, even longer.

For us students, there’s two weeks left until the Easter Holidays which is the reason I’m feeling slightly fed up and like I need a holiday!

Everyone loves a break away, whether it’s sightseeing a historic city, relaxing on a beach somewhere exotic or skiing in snowy mountains.

This has got me thinking about the memories I’ve had on holiday, and my favourite places which is why I have decided to share my experience with you!

During my two years at sixth form, I was fortunate enough to have various opportunities to travel to different countries experiencing foreign cities and new cultures.

Studying an Art and Design A Level took me to Italy, and the beautiful cities of Venice and Rome, while Business Studies offered an amazing trip to New York.

I remember begging for extra shifts during weekends and half terms to afford the spending money!

But it was worth it.

Venice, November 2009

To leave the drab school halls behind and embark on a journey to an incredible city like Venice was so exciting.

But the anticipation was nothing compared to the experience I look back on now.

Visiting numerous museums and exhibition was as unforgettable as walking the back streets surrounded by canals and amazing views.

Along with the sightseeing and eating yummy food, my coursework required me to actually produce some work whilst away!

In the environment, my studies seemed much less of a chore, and sitting amongst the bespoke buildings and landmarks made my work come to life.

Being out of the hotel and busy by 8am everyday was tiring, but it was stimulating to be creative during the day and be able to enjoy the company of friends and classmates in the evening at Italian restaurants and bars.

Who said you can’t burn the candle at both ends?

Venice, November 2009

My time in New York was also crammed full of activities from touring Wall Street to ice skating at the Rockefeller centre.

Only ever having lived in villages and small towns, I’ve grown up desperate to experience city life.

The atmosphere and buzz of a remarkable city like New York is something which can’t be explained.

The 13 hour flight and jet lag didn't faze us once we landed in JFK and stepped out onto the snowy streets. 

No matter how tired I was I couldn't stop looking out of the window for five minutes as we travelled over Brooklyn Bridge and into Manhattan. 

I loved every second of my five days spent in the Big apple. 

American style pancakes for breakfast in Soho, Times Square at night, shopping on Fifth ave, Liberty Island in the snow are just a few of my favourite memories.

New York, February 2011

Although I love visiting native cities, where you are moving at 100 mph, taking everything in as you speed past sight after sight, it is sometimes nice, when having time off from work or education, to relax in different surroundings, without having a jam packed itinerary. 

Whether it’s the coastal towns of the UK, or sunny beaches in Greece and Spain, it’s always nice to get away and make unforgettable memories.