VISITING BELFAST: EPIC BELFAST BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

May 15, 2025 2 Comments

VISITING BELFAST: BUCKET LIST AND TRAVEL GUIDE JAFFA MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN

What do YOU think of when you think of Belfast? For me all I could think is a troubled past, Titanic and the well known natural phenomenon Giants Causeway. Other than that I had no idea what I was going to discover on my visit and my expectations were low, which is a good thing, but what’s better is that they were exceeded. Like through the roof!

As you may know, Belfast is in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom, my current home. What I loved about visiting Belfast was that I needed to hop on a plane so it gave me the feeling I was travelling abroad when I actually wasn’t. That might be you too!

Nowadays Belfast is my second home, as I own short term accommodation properties in the city. I’m constantly advising and engaging tourist so I do dare say I know a lot. So if you are visiting do me a favour and stay in one of them… wink, wink!

VISITING BELFAST: BELFAST BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE — GRAND OPERA HOUSE

VISITING BELFAST: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Belfast City is quite small and fully walkable, there’s buses of course, but frankly you don’t even need them. However, I do encourage you to get a rental car so you can independently visit the rest of Northern Ireland which is also very small so you can use Belfast as your base. Book your rental using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires. If you are not renting a car, should you require an airport transfer, I always use WelcomePickups.

Tours / There are countless tours on Belfast but these are the most popular ones, and the Giants Causeway one is obligatory if you should you not rent a car:
Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
Belfast: Political Taxi Tour
The Titanic Experience with SS Nomadic Visit
Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour
Belfast: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Stay / We own various properties in Belfast so you can find one that suits your needs here. Our properties have 5 star reviews across the board and are perfect for families and groups of 4/5 people, while still affordable and walking distance from the city centre. If you are looking for something smaller or we don’t have availability (which is more frequent than not) then check out these hotels:

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast $$$
The Merchant Hotel $$$
AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast $$
Bullitt Hotel $$
Malone Lodge Hotel $$
Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre $

Eat / My top recommendations for each meal:
Brunch/Breakfast: Neighbourhood
Coffee: Established Coffee
Dinner: Jumon & OX Belfast

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Belfast, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Luggage storage / You might need to store your luggage before checking in to your hotel, you can use this website which has spots all across the city!

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST

Hop-on; hop-off Belfast’s main sites

A great way to start your trip is to take a hop-on; hop-off bus across all Belfast city top attractions. It’s the perfect way to get started and get an overview of the city if you are short on time and an efficient way to get around the furthest away sites. I took this one with Belfast City Tours and loved it. It stops on 19 sites (many which I feature below) and pricing wise it’s great. Book it here, or below:

London, LONDON IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

LONDON’S BEST IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES [updated October 2025]

April 18, 2025 2 Comments

Looking for immersive experiences in London? Well, good, because I’m the UK’s biggest independent immersive experience blogger. Whenever an immersive experience launches in London, I’m there no matter how weird it is. I have visited more than 100 so far!

Below London’s best immersive experiences that I have tried and tested, organised by type. This article gets updated regularly, check the last published date for the latest update time and you’ll find 30+ immersive experiences here at all times.

Something needs updating? Give me a shout in the comments, or on Instagram (@travelwithpau).

THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHT

Race Across the World: The Experience

Race Across the World: The Experience, is the official live experience of the award-winning hit TV show, brought to life in a high stakes adventure across London where strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking are key to success. The streets are your playground. Every route you take, decision you make, and virtual penny you spend will change the outcome. Will your team’s choices make or break your race? Book now – weekends are going fast!

LONDON’S IMMERSIVE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCES

Traitors Live Experience

This is one of the most exciting immersive experience launches of 2025! The official live, playable experience based on the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning TV show, The Traitors is set to launch in London’s West End, Spring 2025. The Traitors: Live Experience will allow players to dive into the world of the hit TV series as they take a seat at ‘The Round Table’, participate in missions and work together to uncover the Traitors. Tickets are already on sale here.

Acid Bath Murder Experience

The Acid Bath Murderer Experience invites you to re-live the life of the notorious serial killer: John George Haigh. The journey will take you through a number of 360 degree immersive sets full of special effects. You won’t just be a bystander though. The Acid Bath Murderer Experience is fully interactive, featuring Escape Game style challenges and puzzles to deepen the narrative. Hounds who are behind it, are an award winning immersive-experience-meets-escape-game production company. Their previous experiences are amongst the Top 500 escape rooms in the world, and I can see why! Their venue in Crawley is super easy to get to them from London via a quick train, and I can guarantee you that you won’t regret it. Book it here.

Candlelight

Concerts illuminated by candlelight? I’m definitely in! Fever has recently launched Candlelight, affordable and intimate concerts performed by live musicians in some of the most iconic venues in London that transport you to a fairytale. I had the chance to attend a concert in the beautiful conservatory in Syon Park to listen to City String Ensemble play Movie Soundtrack Disney classics, and I might have shed a tear or two. Book it here.

Fashion

VIVAIA BOOTS REVIEW: ARE THEY WORTH IT? MY HONEST THOUGHTS

November 29, 2025 No Comments

If you’ve been here a while, you know I’m a huge fan of VIVAIA — sustainable, comfortable, stylish footwear that actually looks good with real outfits. I recently added three new pairs of VIVAIA boots to my wardrobe, and after testing them out on long walks, travel days, and everyday wear, here’s my honest review.

1. VIVAIA Ryan Chelsea Boots – The All-Season, All-Outfit Boot

Model: Slip-On Square-Toe Ankle Chelsea Boots “Ryan”

These boots quickly became a staple. The square toe adds a modern edge without being flashy, and the slip-on design is so practical. They pair with everything — jeans, trousers, dresses, skirts — and are perfect for rainy city days thanks to their water-repellent finish.

Sizing: True to size; forgiving upper for wider feet.
Best for: Everyday wear, travel, changing seasons.
Why I love them: Stylish, practical, and surprisingly weatherproof.

2. VIVAIA Filipa Knee-High Boots – The Chic Winter Staple

Model: Round-Toe Stretchy Wool Knee-High Boots “Filipa”

These boots instantly solve the struggle of finding knee-high boots that actually fit your legs comfortably. The stretchy wool shaft hugs your calf without squeezing, and they’re warm without being heavy. They somehow combine the sleek look of a classic boot with the comfort of a sneaker.

They’re incredibly elegant with dresses and skirts, but they also slip perfectly under wide-leg trousers. The silhouette is timeless, and the wool material adds that cosy winter touch without compromising style.

Sizing: True to size; very calf-friendly thanks to the stretch.
Best for: Winter outfits, cool-season travel, everyday wear.
Why I love them: Warm, flattering, and comfortable for real walking — not just posing.

3. VIVAIA Everly Chunky Platform Boots – The Statement Travel Boot

Model: Round-Toe Chunky Platform Travel Boots “Everly”

These are the boots you choose when you want a little attitude with your comfort. The chunky platform sole gives height and a bold silhouette, while still keeping things stable and easy to walk in. The rounded toe and smooth finish make them surprisingly versatile — they work with skirts, dresses, straight-cut jeans or wide-leg trousers.

They also feel significantly sturdier than some of the more delicate knit-based styles, which makes them ideal for travel, city exploring, or days where you might be on your feet a long time.

Sizing: True to size; platform sole gives a confident, grounded feel.
Best for: Travel, work, street-style outfits, colder seasons.
Why I love them: Bold, comfortable, and durable enough for many seasons of wear.

FINAL VERDICT — ARE VIVAIA BOOTS WORTH BUYING?

Yes — all three VIVAIA pairs deliver on comfort, style, and practicality:

Want a classic everyday boot for city life? → Ryan Chelsea Boots
Need elegant, warm boots for winter? → Filipa Knee-High Boots
Want a bold, sturdy boot for travel or statement outfits? → Everly Chunky Platform Boots

Day Trip, England, London

LONDON DAY TRIP: DORSET & THE JURASSIC COAST

May 21, 2025 12 Comments

VISITING DORSET & THE JURASSIC COAST: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The Jurassic Coast is best explored by car — the sights are spread out, and driving gives you freedom to stop where you like. Book your rental through DiscoverCars, my go-to for all international hires. If you’re not driving, train into Weymouth and join a guided tour to reach highlights like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Old Harry Rocks.

Tours / Some of the most popular and worthwhile tours include:
Fossil Walks in Lyme Regis
Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour
Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove Coach Trip
Poole: Jurassic Coast Circular Cruise

Stay / Options range from coastal hotels to countryside manors. Top picks include Moonfleet Manor ($$$), Heights Hotel ($$), and YHA Swanage ($).

Eat / My top recommendations:
Lunch: Crab House Café, Weymouth
Dinner: Catch at The Old Fishmarket, Weymouth

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Belfast, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

LONDON DAY TRIP: DORSET & THE JURASSIC COAST

Just over two hours from London by car, the Jurassic Coast makes a perfect day or weekend trip if you’re after stunning seaside views, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns.

Wait… Jurassic Coast? Am I going to see dinosaurs?

Sadly, no! But you will be walking along 185 million years of geological history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches 154 km from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. The cliffs reveal rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, with fossils and seashells still visible in the stone today.

Greece

THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET IN MYKONOS

May 20, 2025 3 Comments

THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET IN MYKONOS: CAVO TAGOO MYKONOS

One of my favorite rituals in Mykonos was chasing sunsets. Every evening followed a rhythm: leave the beach two hours before golden hour, get ready, snap some golden-glow pics, savor a beautiful dinner, and then—party. Watching the sun melt into the Aegean became more than a routine… it was an experience.

Whether you’re a photographer, a romantic, or just someone who loves a scenic drink, here are the most iconic (and Instagrammable) places to watch the sunset in Mykonos—plus a few hidden gems you don’t want to miss.

THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE SUNSET IN MYKONOS: 180 SUNSET BAR

Spain

SAN AGUSTIN, GRAN CANARIA TRAVEL GUIDE: TOP THINGS TO DO & WHERE TO STAY

May 16, 2025 No Comments

San Agustín is the calm, grown-up cousin in Gran Canaria’s south coast family. Just a few minutes east of Playa del Inglés, it trades wild nights and party strips for peaceful walks, soft sand, and a slower pace of life. It’s the kind of place where you hear the ocean at night, and where the most stressful decision of the day is choosing between the pool or the beach.

This is a destination for people who want to do less, better. Mornings are for long breakfasts and sun loungers. Afternoons mean coastal walks, maybe a massage, and the occasional lazy sangria. And evenings? Dinner with a view, with the sound of waves in the background.

San Agustín is relaxed, quiet, and low-key — especially compared to nearby Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas. It’s popular with Scandinavian and German visitors (some of whom live here part-time), and it’s definitely not a party town. It’s about sea views, casual walks, good food, and the occasional spa day.

You won’t find big shopping streets or all-night bars. Instead, you get coastal promenades, mellow beaches, and restaurants that don’t rush you. It’s a great fit for couples, solo travellers, families and anyone who wants to avoid the chaos without being completely isolated.

VISITING SAN AGUSTIN, GRAN CANARIA: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / San Agustín is very walkable — you can get to the beach, shopping centre, and restaurants on foot. There are local buses that connect you to nearby areas like Maspalomas or Las Palmas, but if you want to properly explore Gran Canaria, renting a car is the best move. The island is small and easy to drive, so you can comfortably do day trips from here. Book your rental using DiscoverCars, the comparison site I use for all international car hires. If you’re not hiring a car but need an airport transfer, I recommend WelcomePickups — more reliable than local taxis and you can pre-book in English.

Tours / If you’re not driving or just want an easy day out, book a tour — these are the most popular and worthwhile experiences in Gran Canaria:
Catamaran Morning Cruise with Water Sports
Explore Las Palmas, Volcano & Botanical Garden Tour
Gran Canaria Highlights & Hidden Gems
Rum, Wines & Bananas Tour
Dolphin Watching Cruise

Stay / Accommodation in San Agustín is mostly mid-range, quiet, and close to the beach. These are your best options:

Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel $$
The biggest and most well-known hotel in the area, with sea views, multiple pools, and a well-rated spa. The rooftop restaurant, Gorbea, is a popular dinner spot even for non-guests. This is where I stayed and loved it!

Hotel San Agustín Beach Club $$
Corallium Beach by Lopesan Hotels $$ (Adults Only)
Don Gregory by Dunas $$ (Adults Only)
Apartamentos Buganvilla $

Eat / My top recommendations for each meal:

Dinner:
Loopys Pizzeria
Addio Mare
Ice Cream: Helamore

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Spain, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

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