[Using Pinterest for Travel]

by Elle Croft Posted on June 2, 2013

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll remember me singing Pinterest’s praises some time ago, and two years later I’m still hooked. Thankfully, the site is no longer invitation-only, and since it opened up for anyone to join it has grown into one of the largest social platforms in the world, and has seen a number of improvements which have made the site more user-friendly than ever before.

Elle Croft Pinterest

Whenever I talk about Pinterest I am met with mixed reactions. Either people are addicted (like me) or they admit that it’s a visually pleasing site, but can’t seem to work out how to get any practical use out of it. I’ll admit, I’ve often been sucked into the endless stream of gorgeous imagery on Pinterest and have lost hours pinning shoes that I never intend to buy, or outrageously intricate cupcakes I will never have the skill to bake, but I have also found the platform to be really useful, especially when planning my travels. So, for anyone who’s been wondering whether Pinterest is for you, here are five practical ways that you can use Pinterest for travel:

1. Pin images from the internet:

Repinning the images pinned by the users you follow is one way of using Pinterest, but don’t limit yourself to just repinning. Take a minute to install the Pin It button and your Pinterest experience will be so much richer as you can pin images from almost any website that you’re browsing. Next time you’re researching a travel destination, pin images from websites and blogs that offer useful information so they are all in one place and you can access them easily. I love Condé Nast Traveller for gorgeous (i.e. pinnable) photos and great travel tips.

2. Use the Pinterest search function:

Pinterest Search Function

Enter your upcoming holiday destination into the Pinterest search bar and browse thousands of inspirational images to help plan your travel. Don’t forget to click the ‘Boards’ option in the top left of your screen, where you will find entire boards dedicated to your search term. Follow some of your favourite boards and any new images added to those boards will show up in your home feed next time you log into Pinterest.

3. Well-categorized boards:

Think of your Pinterest account as a filing system of sorts, and don’t be afraid to create lots of new boards for your next trip. For example, if I was embarking on a round-the-world holiday, I would create a board for each destination, one for packing tips, one for accommodation ideas, etc. etc. Having more boards with fewer pins will help you when you’re looking for something later, so you don’t have to trawl through hundreds of beautiful (and distracting) pictures to find what you’re looking for.

4. Pin images for the future:

Don’t just pin images for trips you know you will take, or which you are currently planning. Start a wish-list board and begin pinning photos of places which inspire you or which you would love to visit one day. Then, when you’re looking for future travel inspiration your bucket list will be in one place (this board will also help get you through horrible Mondays at work when you just need a bit of escapism…trust me!)

5. Edit your pins after a holiday:

Pinterest for Travel

Once you return from your Pinterest-inspired holiday, don’t forget to go back into your boards and edit your pin descriptions – not only is it a great scrapbook that you can look at to remember your trip, but it’ll also help other pinners who are searching for their own holiday inspiration (just make sure to include the destination name in the pin description so it’ll appear in search results). Upload some of your own travel snapshots too, with recommendations of places to go, things to do, restaurants you loved, or just beautiful images which will inspire others to travel to the same destination. Pinterest is a community, after all, and the more you contribute the more you will get back from the experience.

The #PinItForwardUK Campaign:

This post is part of the Pinterest Pin it Forward UK campaign, which I’m hugely excited to be a part of. Pinterest has been available in the UK for some time, but there have recently been some changes which mean UK pinners will be able to find more local and relevant content to them. There are 300 bloggers in the UK who are all writing about how they use Pinterest and what they love about the site. One of these bloggers, who I am very pleased to introduce, is Cindy Eve of 3 Days in London. Please take a minute to check out her travel blog and Pinterest boards, and while you’re over there, check out my own favourite Pinterest board: Mad About Maps!

How do you use Pinterest? I’d love to hear more practical suggestions in the comments below.

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[Flavours of Morocco: Cooking in Marrakech]

by Elle Croft Posted on May 25, 2013

Getting lost amongst the winding, bustling, colourful souks of Marrakech is an essential experience when visiting the city. Spending a few hours wandering through the tiny alleys browsing leather goods, spices and homewares is a must-do, but after a while it can get a little stressful and repetitive. When I travelled to Morocco a few weeks ago I hoped for the opportunity to encounter the souks as a local would, rather than just through the inexperienced eyes of a first-time visitor. This desire, along with my obsession for sampling local food when I travel, led me to book a day of Moroccan cooking with a company recommended by my trusty HG2 guide: Souk Cuisine.

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech The sun-drenched Jemaa el-Fna, the main square of Marrakech, was the meeting point for our group, which was led by Dutch expat Gemma. Armed with canvas bags, a small purse filled with Dirham and a list of ingredients, we wound our way through various sections of the vast souks, but unlike the previous day where I’d wandered aimlessly in the hope of absorbing the atmosphere, this time we were shopping with a purpose. We strode towards specific stalls, at which Gemma regularly buys her groceries, and as we ventured deeper into the heart of the market she explained local customs and how to select the best ingredients (preserved lemons must be ugly as they will be more flavoursome; black olives must be wrinkled or they are just dyed green olives).

Gemma’s spice merchant, who charmed us with his quick smile and educated us about Moroccan spices, was the highlight of our souk shopping trip. We learned about the many uses of everyday ingredients like cumin (great for stomach ailments, we were told), and after we’d been there for a while a spice merchant’s secret was revealed: there is a difference between ‘tourist saffron’ and ‘real saffron’ – the former is corn husks deceptively coloured with paprika. One way to tell them apart is to taste the saffron and check the colour that it leaves on your tongue. The photo below is me with the spice merchant after tasting some of his real saffron (which I later returned to his stall to buy):

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

We stayed with the charismatic spice expert for as long as possible, asking questions and inhaling the aromas from a seemingly infinite number of bottles and jars lining the shelves of his small store, but eventually it was time to move on and visit the vegetable market. This section of the souks was flooded with bright sunlight and bursting with vibrant colours, noisy hawkers and the smells of ripe, fresh vegetables laid out like jewels waiting to be inspected and purchased. We selected the vegetables on our shopping list by hand, exchanged some badly-translated banter with the vendors, and then it was time to stroll to the cool comfort of the hidden riad where we spent the afternoon cooking, using the ingredients that our bags were laden with.

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

We arrived at the riad to discover the most picturesque kitchen I’ve ever seen. Located in the riad’s inner courtyard, the stainless steel benches, sinks and cooktops were dotted around tropical green trees, with a brilliant blue sky as our ceiling. I felt like I’d walked into an exotic episode of Masterchef! As we waited for the vegetables to be washed and the meat to be prepared by the riad staff, we sipped mint tea and chatted with the others in our group, who had come from far and wide and who all, like me, chose Souk Cuisine over other cooking schools for the chance to get into the souks and shop like a local.

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

We were each given a booklet of the day’s recipes and chose a station to work at, where the ingredients were supplied for one dish. Each group began preparing and cooking Moroccan salads, tagine, fish meatballs, savoury pastries or cookies and as we chopped, mixed and cooked (with a little help from some experienced Moroccan women) the riad was filled with delicious smells, clouds of flour and spices, and chatter and laughter from everyone in the class.

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

Before we knew it, the preparation was all done and we were sent up to another area of the riad where we could recline on comfortable seats and enjoy the fruits of our labour. First we were served a medley of refreshing salads, then the tagine, meatballs and pastries, accompanied by a glass of Moroccan rosé. When we finally felt full to bursting, we were presented with more sweet mint tea and biscuits, which we suddenly found a little extra room for. Each dish was as delicious as the last, and we sat around the room complimenting each others’ creations and swapping tips about things to see and do (and things not to see and do) in Marrakech (read my top ten tips here).

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

Flavours of Morocco - Cooking School in Marrakech

It was mid-afternoon by the time we finished our meal and emerged, blinking in the heat and light, from the cool oasis of the riad. With full bellies and a memorable day to reflect upon, we wandered back into the heart of Marrakech’s souks to buy a bagful of spices like a local.

Souk Cuisine:
info@soukcuisine.com
Price: 45 Euro per person

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[10 essential tips for visiting Marrakech]

by Elle Croft Posted on May 12, 2013

Marrakech - Jemaa el-Fna

Having recently spent an incredible four nights in Marrakech, my thoughts have remained in the intriguing and intoxicating Moroccan city, despite having been back at work for a couple of days. It’s a destination that I’d been dying to visit for a number of years, and I found it to be completely unlike anywhere I had ever been before. It’s a city that welcomes visitors with an assault to their senses; there is no easing into the noises, the smells, the traffic, the haggling and the heat. There is just nothing subtle about this beautiful African city.

Although millions of visitors arrive in Marrakech each year and it’s a very tourist-friendly destination there are a number of things to be aware of, which will help you to enjoy your experience a little more. Here are my top ten tips to know before you go:

1. Take cash with you

ATMs are a little difficult to locate within Marrakech’s ancient medina, and the ones that can be found (usually around Jemaa el-Fna, the main square) often don’t accept foreign cards. Many restaurants accept credit cards, but in the souks it’s imperative to pay with cash, mostly in the Moroccan currency (Dirham), but occasionally Euros are accepted. There’s a Bureau de Change in Marrakech’s Menara airport arrival hall so come armed with cash and change it for Dirham as soon as you land in the country.

2. Dress appropriately

Morocco is a devoutly Muslim country, and being in the medina feels like stepping back into a long-forgotten time. From the call to prayer that echoes a loud chorus from towers throughout the ancient walled city five times a day, to the donkeys that plod dutifully through the dusty souk alleys carrying their master’s wares, every aspect of life seems picturesquely traditional. Due to the strictly observed religion in this section of the city, it’s advisable to wear clothes that are more conservative: for guys that means t-shirts rather than tank tops, and for women it’s respectful to cover shoulders, and wear skirts or shorts that are at least knee length. It’s not that there would be consequences if you wear more revealing clothing (and let’s face it, in the Moroccan heat that’s tempting), but it’s always best to be sensitive to the culture you’re in.

3. Choose chilled accommodation

I had a few people recommend that I stay no more than two days in Marrakech, because it’s ‘too hectic’. I believe that these people stayed in accommodation that didn’t offer respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The streets are crazier than anywhere I’ve ever been, and just a few hours of walking around the streets and the souks is enough to exhaust even the most energetic tourist. Choose your accommodation wisely, and ensure it’s a calm, quiet and peaceful place to escape to at the end of a manic day.

Accommodation I recommend: Zaouia 44 (more info about this wonderful riad coming soon)

4. Don’t bother following the signs

Marrakech Souks

Even someone with the keenest sense of direction is guaranteed to get lost in the twisting, turning, unmarked streets of Marrakech. In the area around the Jemaa el-Fna, brightly coloured signs helpfully point the way to the main square…except…the signs are wrong! Instead of leading wanderers to the central point they are seeking, the markers lead in circles even further into the winding alleys of the souks. It’s best to just ask for someone to point the way for you. Just make sure to keep in mind tip number five:

5. Don’t accept directions from strangers

Chances are, if you are walking around Marrakech, even if you don’t look lost someone will stop you and suggest that you follow them. Their destination could be an amazing Saharan Berber market, or a ‘festival of colour’ (the former leading you to the guide’s friend’s store, and the latter taking you to the pungent smelling leather tanneries). Everyone who’s been to Marrakech has a similar story of their own, each with one thing in common: an end result of confusion, obligation to pay someone for something you didn’t want, and time spent away from all the other amazing things to see and do in Marrakech. If you need directions, ask a policeman or someone working in a shop to point the way…but don’t let them lead you there!

6. Be alert

Traffic in Marrakech

Not only are there cars to watch out for on the streets of Marrakech, but there are also bicycles, motorcycles, donkeys, horses, donkeys with trailers, horses with carriages, stray cats and plenty of other pedestrians to contend with. There are no footpaths, no lanes and very few traffic lights. Chaos is the only way this scene can be described; absolute chaos, so keep your wits about you as you’re walking around the streets.

7. Catch cabs

If you’re not keen on walking on the hectic streets in the hot sun, grab a cab to your destination. The area inside the medina is quite small, so getting from the southernmost point to the northernmost shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. Although travellers on a tight budget might choose to walk or take public transport, the cabs are very affordable (keep in mind that I’m comparing this to London taxi prices!), and a fare within the medina shouldn’t cost more than around 40 Dirhams, which is less than £3.50. Being a passenger of a taxi is an experience in itself, as the crazy traffic can be observed from a whole other perspective!

8. Haggle

If you are catching taxis in Marrakech, make sure you haggle to get a reasonable price, and agree on the fare before you get in. If a taxi driver sees you are a tourist, they will try to charge you more than double what the fare really should be. Aim to spend 30-40 Dirhams to get anywhere within the medina; if the driver won’t budge on price just tell them you’ll find another cab and they will usually relent. The same goes for goods in the souks; bargaining is a part of the Moroccan culture, so don’t be shy about driving the price down, but do it with a smile and a sense of good fun, because that’s what it is!

9. Spend before you leave

Marrakech Souks

The Dirham is a closed currency, which means you can change your money for Dirhams when you arrive, but you won’t be able to change it back on your way out. Try to plan ahead by not taking too much cash out (but do keep in mind tip number one; you may struggle to locate an ATM). Of course, if you do find yourself with a little extra money on your last day, head to the souks where the stall owners will gladly take it off your hands in exchange for leather goods, spices, rugs, tagines or hundreds of other beautiful and exotic items.

10. Get to the airport two hours before your flight – at least!

Despite the hectic streets, people in Marrakech are extremely relaxed, and the pace off the roads is always unhurried. The airport is an especially good example of this, as each step of the process seems to take longer than the last: check-in, despite a relatively small line, takes longer than a hammam treatment, the gender-separated security line inches forward at a glacial pace, as does the immigration queue. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is a small airport; allow plenty of time to get through to your departure gate.

Have you been to Marrakech? What other tips would you add?
If you’re visiting Marrakech soon, what else would you like to know before you go?

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[where to eat and drink in Porto]

by Elle Croft Posted on April 28, 2013

It takes no more than a few seconds after arriving in Porto to realise how colourful and eclectic the Portuguese city is. Every other building boasts a kaleidoscope of colours on its tiled façade, and next to it stands a concrete wall turned graffiti canvas. There are contrasts everywhere in Porto; the food being no exception. The lightest dish of freshly caught seafood happily sits side-by-side on a menu with a hearty rabbit stew; dessert can be a simple shot of espresso or a buttery, custard-filled pastry, and zesty green wines are sipped moments before a glass of rich, ruby port appears.

If ever you find yourself in Porto (and I strongly recommend that you do), be sure to explore as much of the food and drink as you possibly can. Here’s a guide to whet your appetite:

For upmarket coffee and cake

Majestic Café:

Majestic Cafe Porto Portugal

Majestic Café‘s Art Nouveau interior alone makes it well worth a visit; elegant mirrors adorn the walls, while diners sip coffees and people-watch from the comfort of intricately detailed leather chairs. Thankfully, the beautiful surroundings are not the only reason to visit this historical café; the menu offers plenty of delicious choice. Indulge in a veritable feast with the Majestic Café’s signature breakfast, or simply sip on a creamy coffee and nibble a pastry while planning your day’s itinerary. Don’t expect exceptional service, but the food and setting more than make up for the somewhat surly staff.

Majestic Cafe Porto Portugal

For exotic tea in the sunshine

Rota do Chá:

Tucked between galleries in the heart of Porto’s art district, Rota do Chá offers a quiet oasis in a serene, Chinese-inspired garden. The smells from the kitchen don’t inspire confidence in the menu, but the impressive selection of world teas makes this the perfect sunny respite from gallery hopping. A tea shop stands at street-level, where all teas from the menu, as well as any tea accessory you could want or need, can be purchased.

Rota do Chá Porto Portugal

For grungy mid-afternoon beers

Café Ancôra D’ouro:

Frequented by students from the nearby university, Café Ancôra D’ouro was the first café in Porto with electricity, and allegedly where revolutionaries used to sit over a beer or a coffee to discuss politics. Although not dripping with historical charm like Majestic Café, this casual meeting spot has atmosphere aplenty, and will provide you with cheap beer and bar food to sustain your wanderings through the nearby gardens and shops.

Cafe Ancora D'ouro Porto Portugal

For a glass (or bottle) of wine with a view

Wine Quay Bar:

Perched above the buzzing Cais da Ribeira riverfront area, Wine Quay Bar offers an extensive wine list and an array of cheeses and meats to nibble on. Although the service can be a little illogical (don’t come here if you’re in a hurry), and there are only enough seats for a handful of people, if you’re lucky enough to score a table you’ll be rewarded with perfect recommendations of wine and tapas. Watch the sun set over the river, glass of wine in hand, before moving onto a new location for dinner.

For the feeling you’ve discovered a hidden gem

Solar Moinho de Vento:

Not a restaurant you’d be likely to stumble upon at random (a local recommended it to us as we wandered around lost, looking for an authentic dinner option), Solar Moinho de Vento is packed with locals which is always a good sign. The English menu hinted that it is popular with tourists, but that hasn’t tainted the feeling that this is an undiscovered gem. The food is fresh and flavourful, and the friendly wait staff can be trusted to recommend items from the menu. The prices are good, the dishes faultless and the staff attentive…visit this restaurant now while it’s still relatively unknown!

Solar Moinho de Vento Porto

For an outstanding seafood meal

Adega sau Nicolau:

Adega Sau Nicolau Porto Portugal

Restaurants in Porto’s riverfront area, Cais da Ribeira, may be considered overpriced and touristy, but Adega sau Nicolau is a firm exception to this rule. Sit outside on tiny, precarious wooden tables that look down a narrow stone alleyway to the Douro river. For the ultimate lunch experience, ask your waiter to choose your menu for you; the catch of the day will not disappoint, nor will the perfect wine recommendations. Seafood should be your order of choice, as it’s all freshly caught just metres away from the restaurant’s kitchens, and on sunny days enjoy the musicians busking around the tables. Adega sau Nicolau offers an experience as well as a meal, and it’s one you will never forget.

Adega Sau Nicolau Porto Portugal

And finally, a must-try when in Portugal

Pastel de nata:

Don’t leave Portugal without trying one of these famous pastries; the pastel de nata. A rich, vanilla-spiced custard fills crisp, light, flaky pastry to create a not-to-be-missed treat. The quality of the pastry is what one would expect from a French patisserie, and even custard-haters will agree that this is an essential culinary experience for any visitor to Portugal. Ask a local where to find a good pastel de nata to ensure you taste the best of the best.

Pastel de Nata Porto Portugal

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[5 Reasons to Stay at Gallery Hostel - Porto, Portugal]

by Elle Croft Posted on April 23, 2013

A cockroach in the shower. Snoring room-mates. Being locked inside a dormitory. Questionable hairs found on ‘clean’ bedsheets. Rooms resembling prison cells. Fear of possessions being stolen. Lights being turned on at 3am. Bed bugs.

These are the images my mind procures when I hear the word ‘hostel’, owing to various experiences I’ve endured throughout my travels. Not all of my hostel memories are negative, but my overriding feeling about this accommodation category in general is that I’m at a stage in life where I no longer need, or want, to stay in hostels.

Gallery Hostel Porto Portugal

When I first heard the phrase ‘luxury hostels’, I scoffed and called it an oxymoron. I read various travellers’ accounts of their stays in such lodgings and although even I would admit that the photos I was looking at were a far cry from the hostels of my memories, I still only considered hotels or B&Bs for my accommodation.

When I found myself booking a last-minute trip with some friends to Porto in Portugal, I booked the same accommodation as them, which happened to be ‘luxury’ Gallery Hostel. The website looked promising but I was nervous about staying in a dormitory with strangers (my friends had already booked a private double room for themselves); although I figured it could be a good chance to see what the luxury hostel concept was about, and perhaps change some of my preconceived ideas.

To say my ideas were challenged after my stay would be an understatement. I loved Gallery Hostel, and would now consider booking a luxury hostel on future trips. Here are five reasons why I fell in love with this place, and why you would love it too:

Gallery Hostel Porto Portugal

1. The staff are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet:

Beginning with check-in, the service at Gallery Hostel is a far cry from a general hotel experience. There is no cold efficiency, no feeling of being rushed and a genuine sense that the staff really care who their guests are and where they come from. A personal tour of the fantastic building and amenities follow check in, and staff are more than happy to provide recommendations for transport, things to do, and places to eat throughout your stay. Interacting with staff at Gallery Hostel feels like being welcomed into a local’s home; one with knowledge of the area, good food and drink to share, and a comfortable bed to lay your head after a day of exploring.

Gallery Hostel Porto Portugal

left: a private double bedroom in Gallery Hostel

2. All the added extras make this hostel amazing value:

Pay just €20 per night for a bed in a dorm and you’ll get not just a bed, but also wifi, a rain shower, towels, sheets, hairdryer, an ample locker, night light, use of the winter garden and access to the cinema room, bar, original displays of art and a roof garden. A huge breakfast is also included in the price, as is a free city walking tour (which I highly recommend). If all of that isn’t enough, you can have dinner in the dining room for just €10 – which includes wine. All in all, the value for money of Gallery Hostel is undeniable…but if you’re still not sure about sharing a dorm room, there are private rooms available for €60, which is still cheaper than most hotels.

Gallery Hostel Porto Portugal

the winter garden: a place for guests to relax outdoors, even in cooler weather

3. Location, location, location:

Nestled between galleries in Porto’s famous art district, Gallery Hostel is close to so many of the Portuguese city’s best features. Crystal Palace and its surrounding gardens is just steps away from the hostel’s door, great shopping is within a minute’s walk, and a 20-minute stroll will take visitors all the way to the beautiful Duoro riverfront. There’s a great choice of food, drinks and nightlife within just a kilometre of the hostel, so there’s no need for taxis or public transport if you’re happy to walk.

Gallery Hostel Porto Portugal

top left: the communal dining area. top right: the kitchen. bottom: breakfast

4. Details make the hostel practically ooze character:

It’s true that one should never judge a book by its cover, but with Gallery Hostel you could. The bold yellow, textured tiles that clothe the 1906 building are a good indication of what can be found behind its thick, wooden doors. Many elements of the traditional house still remain, such as the stunning blue and white tiles throughout the common areas, or the ramp to an underground cellar that can be seen through a glass floor at the hostel’s entrance. They have thought of everything a traveller could want or need, and have created a variety of common areas to suit every mood and personality. Socializing with guests is as easy or as optional as you’d like it to be, but relaxing is practically mandatory.

Gallery Hostel Porto Portugal

 clockwise from top left: the bar, tiling, one of the common areas and original artwork

5. It’ll change your view of hostels forever:

If you think you could never enjoy staying at a hostel, I dare you to stay at Gallery Hostel. Not only is Porto an incredible city to visit, but the accommodation will be memorable and opinion-transforming. There are so many ways in which this little gem of budget accommodation beats an average hotel; I’ve covered a few of the fantastic features available but you really need to experience it for yourself.

Not going to Porto? No problem. Here’s a list of other luxury hostels in Europe you could try.

Have you stayed in any luxury hostels? Are you put off hostels from past experiences? Let me know in the comments below!

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