Tag: travel

Island Life: Spending Four Divine Days on Ischia, Campania, Italy

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn italy3 Comments

Getting there

Ischia was the second destination of a holiday following two days in Naples, and what an impression it has left.

After booking the flights, we knew we would want to spend some days at a calmer pace on a nearby island but the only one we knew of was Capri. Capri looks stunning and attracts millions of visitors each year for good reason, however, we had read about the crowds and we wanted something quieter.

Zooming in on Google Maps, we saw two small islands to the south-west of Naples, in the Gulf of Naples / Tyrrhenian Sea, called Procida and Ischia. Both looked beautiful but Ischia seemed to offer more in the way of good restaurants and had better reviews in blogs we read, so we booked the boat and an apartment and were set for what would make one of all of our favourite holidays to date.

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Forza Napoli! Two Memorable Days in Naples, the Capital of Campania, Italy

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn italy2 Comments

(In this blog entry, I am going to use both Naples and Napoli interchangeably)

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In Italian, the word vespa means ‘wasp’.

In Naples, the Vespa rules the roads; motor-wasps darting around and causing people to jump out of the way in alarm, warned by the ever-present revving and droning in the air.

Seconds after leaving our apartment for the first time on the main road of Corso Umberto I in the Centro Storico of Napoli, a Vespa crashed into the back of a car, halting traffic, which allowed us to cross the chaotic road but resulted in both drivers having to swap details. We took this as an early warning to be extra-mindful when crossing the roads in Naples.

Enjoying an espresso on the apartment balcony listening to the traffic on the street below

The constant buzz and rush of traffic and honking horns is the soundtrack to Napoli, and while it means that wearing earplugs at night is vital for a decent night’s sleep, it also mingles with laughter, jovial sing-song by workers, the ding of a bell to signify a pizza is ready, shouts of “attenzione” or “Forza Napoli!” adding to a general sense of hilarity, zest for life and rolling with the unpredictability in the best-humoured way.

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Jūrmala, the stunning beach town on the Baltic Coast in Latvia

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn europe, solo female travel2 Comments

[You can read Part 1 of my Latvia trip here.]

I was in Riga and although I easily could have spent another day or two there, when I learned that Riga is only half an hour away from the coast, I did a bit of investigation and as soon as I saw photos of Jūrmala, (pronounced Yurmala) my mind was made up- I had to go.

How to get there

Head to Rīga’s Central Station and take the train that heads in the direction of Sloka. I bought my ticket online at https://www.vivi.lv/en/ for about 1 euro 50! The journey lasts around 30 minutes and you get off the train at a station called Majori. From there, you cross the main road and walk under an arch and then you are on Jūrmala’s high street, Jomas Ieri.

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What to do in 24 hours in Riga, Latvia, as a solo female traveller

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn baltic, europe, solo female travel2 Comments

Welcome to the blog entry on the 30th country I have visited: Latvia!

Long ago, when I first fell in love with travelling abroad and seeing as much of the world as I had time for and could afford, I saw pictures of Riga in a city break brochure (remember travel brochures?!) and thought it looked stunning and have long kept the idea in mind but for years, I was put off by the unfair Stage/Hen do reputation and other places had presented themselves as holiday destinations until now.

So, in May 2025, I found reasonable flights to Riga from Manchester and booked them without much idea of what there would be to see and do there apart from pretty architecture. This is what I love about booking a trip- the research can then commence and the excitement builds as you uncover more and more of what will be waiting for you once you arrive.

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Discovering the Beautiful Channel Island of Jersey!

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn Channel Islands, solo female travel1 Comment

After travelling through Spain in July and August, I was not ready for summer to end even at the end of September.

I didn’t know much about Jersey therefore hadn’t ever thought about visiting, until I saw my mum and dad’s photos in spring 2023. I was sat at my desk in Ormskirk (where I was working at the time) looking out of the window at bleak grey skies while they were sending over photos of unexpected azure blue skies and sea views from their hotel room’s window.

Wow- I had no idea! The food, vibe, and people they described made me chalk it up to my wish list, along with countless other places.

About 18 months later, in September 2024, I was browsing EasyJet’s early autumn sales and was reminded of Jersey. I entered dates to stay for two nights and saw I could fly there for £47 return! Booked in the blink of an eye.

On Sunday 29th September, I drove to Liverpool Airport and parked up, had a coffee then took off into the calm sky for a 1 hour flight.

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