Where To Head On Your Honeymoon In 2018



Studies have discovered that 99% of couples who choose a traditional wedding go on a honeymoon. In the UK, the average honeymoon costs just over £3,500. Considering that the average cost of a summer holiday for a family of four costs close to £1,000, its clear to see that couples certainly splash out for their after-wedding vacation.
Many people get inspiration from their friends and family for a honeymoon. In fact, an outstanding 80% of honeymooners in the last 5 years used social media to research their ideal destinations.
There is a lot to consider before you decide on your dream destination. Here to ease the stress, Angelic Diamonds, retailers of beautiful engagement rings, tell us the top luxury honeymoon locations of 2018 and how to perfectly plan your romantic trip there (down to the pound).

A look at the top destinations of 2018

Kuoni, a luxury travel operator, revealed their top booked honeymoon destinations.

  1. Maldives

Situated in South Asia, this destination is a dream holiday for many. It’s made up of more than 1,000 coral islands and is famous for its sugar-white sand beaches, private islands and luxurious resorts. It oozes magnificence and romance, no wonder it was revealed to be the top honeymoon destination of 2018.

Cost of flight: £474*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £110 - £290
Mid-range: £220+
Top-end: £545+

A must-do:
Head over to the Piano Deck at Baros. This is a platform built in the heart of the ocean that can be hired for a few hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner or spa treatments. Why not treat yourselves to a sunrise breakfast for £235.

  1. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has only recently become a popular tourist destination, but it’s clear to see why. With eight UNESCO sites and many opportunities to have memorable experiences, it’s an amazing place to visit.

Cost of flight: £346*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £10 - £17
Mid-range: £17 - £42
Top-end: £42+

A must-do:
Travel to the World’s End by foot. This is a sheer cliff situated in Horton Plains National Park which looks over tiny villages and tea plantations. The round trip is around 7.5km by foot, and many say that you won’t regret it (and it costs under £20).

  1. Mauritius

Mauritius is well-known for being luxurious. There’s plenty to do in the way of activities but, of course, you can lie on the beautiful beaches all day if you’d prefer — take your pick…
Cost of flight: £369*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £35 - £66
Mid-range: £70 - £133
Top-end: £133+

A must-do:
Take time out to go to the Chamarel Waterfall. Surround yourself with luscious vegetation instead of the sandy beaches you may have become accustomed to and explore the southern side of the island.

  1. Thailand

Kuoni’s booking figures revealed that Thailand is the second most popular honeymoon destination for LGBT couples and fourth for straight newlyweds. It’s become popular with backpackers over the past decade but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of hidden gems and romantic spots.

Cost of flight: £279*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: £13 - £23
Mid-range: £23 - £91
Top-end: £91+

A must-do:
Adventure around the Phi Phi islands. Considered to be some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia, you can reach them by a short speedboat journey from Phuket or Krabi. Discover true paradise and turquoise-blue waters with your partner.

  1. Indonesia (Bali)

Visitors to Bali always comment on the unforgettable culture and landscapes. The people are friendly and the beaches are one-of-a-kind — we’re not surprised it made it into the top five.

Cost of flight: £345*
Accommodation cost per night:
Budget: less than £36
Mid-range: £36 - £109
Top-end: £109+

A must-do:
Take to the waters and head to the Gili Islands. Take the fast boat over from Bali to the islands and sit on the famous Datu Swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset with your loved one as the sun goes down.
When you’ve decided where you’re going, you just need to get packed. Make sure you budget for the following — according to one survey on wedding couples these are the items most likely to be bought before honeymoon travel:
  • New wardrobe (70.1%)
  • Swimsuit (69.9%)
  • Sunglasses (69.9%)

*At time of research — based on cheapest month to fly and cheapest return ticket.  


*Photos via Pexels


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All You Need To Know About Probate And More*



*This post is in collaboration with Media Buzzer*
Probate is a legal term for a process in which a person’s last will and testament is proven and accepted as a valid legal document, on which a deceased person’s estate will be distributed. A probate court would decide if there are any will contestations, something that happens a lot more often than you might think. A family member might feel that they have been unfairly treated and dispute the contents of the will, and this would be something for the probate court to consider.

The Executor

This is the nominated person who is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the person who wrote the will, and in some cases, a beneficiary might feel that the executor is failing in his or her duties and can dispute the will on these grounds. These are cases for wills and probate lawyers, who can easily be contacted via an online search. If you live in a city, there will be several law firms that you could approach for a will contestation, and most would give you a free assessment consultation.


Unfair Influence

A will beneficiary might feel they have been unfairly treated and this could be due to another person exerting unfair influence on the person who made the will. The role of the probate lawyer is to help their client put forward a strong case, and this might take the form of letters or witness statements, and if the court agrees that a third party did exert unfair influence, the will can be amended. There are comprehensive explanations of probate online, which might help you to better understand this complex legal process.

Left Out Of A Will

A family member might be expecting some inheritance and when the will of the deceased person is made known, they find they are not mentioned. In such a case, it is possible to contest the will and you would be strongly advised to first consult an experienced probate lawyer, who can evaluate the circumstances and give you a clear indication of what to expect. Law covers many different fields and probate lawyers specialise in contesting wills, and one should make contact with an experienced law firm before doing anything.

No Win No Fee

There are occasions when a lawyer feels the client has a strong case for disputing a will and might offer to represent on a “no win no fee” basis, which gives you peace of mind, knowing that you will not have a large legal bill to settle in the event the claim is unsuccessful. People are often reluctant to take legal action, for fear of ending up with a huge legal bill, and if you can find a lawyer who will represent you on a “no win no fee” basis, you are maximising your chances of success.

If you, or someone you know feels that they have been unfairly treated in a will, the best thing to do is make contact with a wills and probate lawyer and after an initial consultation, you would have a clearer idea of your chances of making a successful will contestation.


*Image source Unsplash


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Essentials For A Day In The Sun ft. PAGO*




*Written in collaboration with PAGO*


Now that the warmer weather has finally arrived, it's time to make the most of it. Grab a few essentials and get yourself outside to soak up some rays. Whether you choose to head on down to the beach or decide to spend an afternoon relaxing in the garden, some sunshine will do you the world of good. Sunlight boosts not only our vitamin D levels but our serotonin levels too. Just remember to be sensible though, too much sun can cause sunburn, heat stroke, premature ageing and skin cancer.


Sun Screen


Although many people find sun cream a faff, it really is a necessary one. Both my grandparents had skin cancer and this really opened my eyes. Remember that the higher the SPF, the longer you'll be protected for. If like me you're prone to burning then I'd also recommend wearing a sun hat. You can be safe and still enjoy the sun.


Sun Lounger Or Blanket


Wherever you're enjoying the sunshine, being comfortable is a must. I particularly love reclining sun loungers so I can really kick back and relax. These are great for the garden but can be somewhat cumbersome to carry around if you're out for the day. Who wants to be lugging a bulky sun lounger along the beachfront? Not me. Inflatable sun loungers are a great alternative as they're portable and are easy to inflate wherever you are. If you're on a tight budget then take a blanket or large towel instead.


A Treat For Your Taste Buds


When you're out and about enjoying the warmer weather there's nothing more refreshing than an ice cold beverage. It's also really important to drink plenty so that you avoid dehydration or any heat related illnesses such as heat stroke. Pack plenty of water and other drinks such as Pago Fruit Juice, ideally in a cool bag and you'll be good to go. 



Pago Fruit Juices are a firm favourite of mine and are a great indulgent treat. They're full of juicy flavour for maximum taste and are produced from only natural ingredients. Flavours such as Cloudy Apple and the popular Multivitamin Tropical are packed with vitamins for added health benefits. There are also several other delicious flavours available which are; ACE, (Orange, Carrot & Lemon) Blackcurrant, Cloudy Cherry, Cranberry, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Grapefruit, Strawberry, Tomato and finally, Rhubarb & Pear. My favourites are Mango and Pink Grapefruit as pictured above.


Snacks


Snacks are another must-have if you're going to enjoy a day at the beach. I love having a variety of picnic or finger food such as cocktail sausages, melon slices and crisps. Keep an eye out for the ice-cream van too, who doesn't love a Mr Whippy? 


A Book To Read


Not everyone loves to read but for those that do, a book is an absolute essential when you're chilling in the sunshine. If you're stuck for choice then browse the current book chart or do as I do and read reviews on Goodreads. My latest read and recommendation is Giovanna Fletcher's Some Kind Of Wonderful. 



*Photos via Pexels. Pago images my own.


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Three Great Dating Ideas In Hampshire*



*This is a collaborative post*


Hampshire is a beautiful place situated on the southern coast of England and if you didn't already know, was home to two writing greats, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens! If you're planning a day out then you definitely won't be short of things to do here as there are many popular tourist attractions. If you're dating in Hampshire and are looking for unique dating ideas then look no further because today on GirlGoneDreamer we're sharing three of the best! (I wonder what Jane would make of modern dating sites?) 


Day Out At The Zoo


If the sun is shining then make the most of the nice weather and get yourself down to Marwell Zoo. This 140 acre zoo is owned by Marwell Wildlife, a charity with conservation programmes in the UK and Africa. Home to a huge range of animals including many endangered species, you'll come across the usual favourites such as giraffes, tigers, penguins and meerkats. You'll also see snow leopards, rhinos, hippos and even a sloth! Once you've spent your morning strolling through the zoo, why not enjoy a spot of lunch in the on-site cafe? There's also a brand spanking new tropical house which features two levels of exotic plants and wildlife. If you want to give your weary, tired feet a rest then take a romantic train ride through the park. 

Driving Experience


If speed is more your cup of tea then how about a unique Hampshire dating experience at the UK's fastest race circuit, Thruxton Motorsport Centre? I've actually been to a few track days and have had the opportunity to get behind the wheel on a circuit not dissimilar to this one. It was truly one of the most exhilarating experiences I've ever had and I was talking about it for days afterwards. This dating idea would certainly give you plenty of laughs, lots to talk about and could be an excellent bonding idea. Choose from many of the latest supercars including the McLaren 570S, the Ferrari 458 Spider and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430. If you're after an entry level driving experience then I'd go for the 'Porsche Cayman Thrill.' If you fancy giving this a go but are feeling slightly apprehensive, don't worry, the experts are on hand to brief and teach you.

For The History Lover


Slowing the pace back down again, this dating idea is perfect for Hampshire singles or those who love beautiful countryside and have an appreciation for all things historic. Portchester Castle is apparently the best preserved roman fort in Northern Europe. It was from this medieval castle that Henry V launched the invasion of France in 1415. Medieval kings would use the castle as a meeting point before crossing the channel. When you've taken in all that there is to see, why not enjoy a romantic picnic on the Outer or Inner Bailey? 

There are indeed many other things to do and places to visit if none of the above tickle your fancy. Hampshire is also home to beautiful national parks, farmers' markets, heritage trails, cycle trails, art galleries, beaches, museums and of course several pubs! 


*Photos via Pexels  

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Jet-Set Style On A Budget - Guest Post By Mia Taylor


If you’re one of those girls who pay a lot of attention to their outfits and fashion choices – welcome to the club! We completely understand you, and we’re here to teach you how to come up with a fabulous jet-set style on a budget. Here are five useful tips on how to make that happen, so check them out and nail your combos like a true fashionista!

Understand that money doesn’t define your personal style


Dressing expensive has more than one connotation, which means that you really don’t have to spend a lot of cash in order to look good. Of course, there have always been people who identify personal style with money, who are willing to spend thousands of dollars on expensive designer items that don’t even look good on them. Once you realize that you don’t need to spend a month’s rent on a brand new outfit, you’ll learn that your personal style comes from within and isn’t necessarily linked to your bank account.

Know where to shop



 The previous point brings us to this one, as knowing where to shop is an essential step when you wish to look glamorous but still want to save some money at the same time. Even though a lot of people consider second-hand shopping quite weird, trust us that it isn’t – there are many such stores that offer brand new and even designer stuff for a fraction of the price, so you can end up with a vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress for just a couple of dollars. Off-the-rack stores are also a good choice, as well as thrift and consignment stores. All you have to do is to wash the clothes properly and they’ll be as good as new!

Invest in quality basics


You’ve probably already heard of the concept called ‘capsule wardrobe’ which incorporates basics like fitted blazers, simple T-shirts or V-necks, quality jeans, button-downs in neutral shades, and other similar garments. The main goal of creating a capsule wardrobe is to shorten your decision-making process by simplifying your outfits in general, since everyone knows that such combos look most glamorous and luxurious. If nothing else, you should definitely invest in quality shoes and bags, as owning these pieces is a characteristic of an impeccable personal style. However, if you can’t afford to buy designer pieces, you should opt for a minimalist leather handbag and match it with a pair of classy loafers – these will definitely do the trick and help you look like true jet-setter!

Shop on sale whenever you can



 Shopping on sale is one of the best ways to get luxurious (designer) items at reasonable prices, which is of the utmost importance when you’re on a budget. This goes for all parts of your wardrobe, from basic pieces to accessories, but it particularly applies to seasonal items like swimwear or ski clothing. Buying such clothes on sale is exactly what you should go for, as these are the pieces you’ll wear for a limited amount of time throughout the year, which is why you shouldn’t spend hundreds of dollars on them. For example, fashionistas from the Land Down Under know that their swimsuit should always be on point since Australian summers are quite hot and they spend a lot of time at the beach or by the pool. So, buying affordable designer swimwear in Australia is an absolute must because spending too much money isn’t an option for everyone. Just make sure to complement your beach look with some simple yet effective accessories, and you’ll undoubtedly look fabulous!

Always, always keep it real


Stylish ladies who really mean business should always give their best to keep it real, which is essential for one simple reason – fakes are often easily spotted, and that’s why they won’t ever allow themselves to be seen wearing such pieces. If you don’t have enough cash to buy an extravagant leather coat at the moment, don’t buy one made from fake leather either. Instead, save some money and get a leather jacket which costs a lot less, but is still genuine. The same goes for designer bags and shoes – never opt for fakes if you can’t afford the original pieces, but find their counterparts made from quality materials and you’ll look equally glamorous and sophisticated, without any doubt!

As you can see, coming up with stunning jet-set looks is definitely possible, no matter if you’re on a budget or you have thousands of dollars in your bank account. Just remember that your personal style shouldn’t be based on money and designer items only – but on your ability to put together an ordinary clothing combo and still look flawlessly fashionable. That’s exactly how it should be done!


Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Travelling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on the lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips. Twitter | Facebook


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A Couple Of Tips When Writing Your CV*




*This is a collaborative post*


The Dreaded Job Search: Is Your CV Up To Scratch?

While working as a recruitment consultant in London a few years ago I had to process thousands of applications. A huge part of this entailed looking through people's CVs and deciding whether or not they were what we were looking for. Most of the roles I was recruiting for were graduate-level sales jobs based predominantly in the Greater London area. The reason I mention that we recruited for quite a specific sector of the market is because we were looking for a certain type of person with a particular type of qualification and background. Half of the applications would fail basic criteria at first glance, honestly you'd be surprised how many people have spelling mistakes and glaring errors on their CV. It is so easy to overlook such issues. It is also fairly evident that many people have never ever looked at a CV template as an example of how to layout and format their working life's story.

There all kinds of ways to format, layout and write a CV so for those of you who might be unsure it can do no harm in looking online at some examples. If you have access to the internet, make use of it's resources. As well as finding all kinds of great information and advice from professionals across all industries, there are also firms which operate within this field on a professional basis. TMI Resourcing are actually running a campaign at the moment all about the best CV tips out there for people currently in need of help with their CV. Click here to also read more about their vacancies.

One of the best pieces of advice I received regarding CV writing was to avoid the clichéd terms which everyone else uses, for example, please refrain from saying things like; 'I have excellent time management skills', 'I am hard-working', 'I have great interpersonal skills' etc. It is much better if you can include your selling points within the text. So you might be better off saying; 'I worked 40 hours a week in a local supermarket, as well as 30 hours blogging for clients online, as well as this I play football with my local club side twice a week and I do 5 gym sessions per week as well as raising 10 children and 12 foster children'. Obviously this is just an example, but you can see how anyone reading such a description would easily begin to deduce that you are indeed hard-working, time-efficient and the team sports hints that you would most likely have a decent level of inter-personal communication skills etc.



You Can't Handle The Truth!? (Sorry, I Couldn't Resist A Little Jack Nicholson Reference)


You might think this is a bit of a daft one, but I am sure we are all guilty of embellishing our CV at some point, I know I have. However, I would also say, try not to veer from the truth too much, if you tell blatant lies you will - more often than not - be caught out at some point. Usually, if you have told some porky pies on your CV, you will be found out at the interview stage as recruiters have a special way of finding out the truth of a person's history and can tell when things just don't add up. In such cases a couple of well directed questions can leave you flustered, flummoxed, turning a deeper shade of crimson and with a feeling that you'd like the ground to open up and swallow you.

Obviously the job market is highly competitive but in my opinion it is best to tell the truth. One of my best friends a few years ago secured a job with a financial firm in London and survived for the best part of a year before losing a couple hundred thousand dollars of the company's money on a bad day at the London Stock Exchange. This prompted an investigation and it was soon discovered that he had lied on his CV about his degree classification among other things. He was swiftly elbowed out of the company. If you have any queries related to any part of the job search you can also find a tremendous amount of free information online.


*Post written by Michael David of A Classic Gent. *Images via Pixabay. 



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Knowing The Big Moments That Will Cause You Anxiety In Life*



*This is a collaborative post*

As we gain life experience, many of us will feel anxiety in all of its forms. The transition as we go from child to adult, or making the next step up the rungs of the ladder of life, is always going to cause stress of some sort. As we get older, the bigger events in life become more commonplace. If you are concerned about the effects of anxiety, remember that knowledge is key. Here are some of the big events that can cause stress and anxiety;
Marriage
Of course, the journey to marriage is an exciting one, but during the process of preparing for the big day, you will begin to ask yourself questions about your real friends, especially when it comes to deciding who you want there. Who will support you and who is there just for the free drinks? There are many questions you will also ask about your self-image because it's you that is the centre of attention after-all, but relax, the marriage and wedding industry is an industry that comes with many professionals. There are suppliers like Fairytale Brides, that work with brides to make them feel less self-conscious. Don't forget that the act of wedding planning can itself cause a lot of anxiety but this needn't be the case as you can always hire a wedding planner. Finances and relatives are also things that tend to cause problems, especially when it comes to deciding who to invite and who not to invite. This as you can imagine can cause a lot of family conflict. While you may want to enter into marriage, it's important to know that the process leading up to the big day can be pretty stressful and as a result some people don't find their wedding day to be the happiest of their life. However, if this is something that does cross your mind, you simply have to re-gain perspective, specifically between you and your partner.

The Death Of A Loved One
As we progress through life, we inevitably will start to lose more and more people we love. Earlier on in life, you may have had a grandparent pass away, but as you get older, the feelings of mortality may dawn upon you, and the realization that people closest to you could pass away is an unbearable thought. However, while it's a cliché to say that death is a part of life, the act of grieving is something that we appear to put off these days. Some people ignore it completely and think it's best to continue doing what they do, whilst others embrace this grief which is an incredibly therapeutic process. Grief is a process that everybody goes through differently, and as a result, if this happens to you, you shouldn't feel that you have to go back into the real world just yet. Take time to process it, after all, we process it in our own way, and we are all different. If you really struggle, there are people on hand such as The Samaritans who can help to see us through our darkest times. Remember, it's okay not to be okay!
Stress is a big part of life nowadays, but the trick is to learning how to cope with it. With enough practice, using breathing exercises and calming techniques, you can teach yourself how to remain calm in almost any situation. Obviously the big events in life will cause more anxiety and indeed you might find that you struggle, but just remember that you are only human and that these things take time.

*Contributed by Sam Jones. *Image via Pxhere


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Let's Get Thrifty - Bargain Hunting*




*This is a collaborative post*

I love a good bargain and any reader who has been following GGD since the beginning knows it! There's something highly satisfying about grabbing a freebie or purchasing an item that's been slashed to half price but is still in perfect or near perfect condition. If you're trying to be more frugal then why not take a leaf out of my book and check out the best places to find bargains. Who knows, with the money you save you could end up treating yourself to a last minute summer holiday!

Clothing - Charity Or Second Hand Shop


Don't knock charity or second hand shops until you've tried them. Getting thrifty doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be buying a moth eaten hand knitted cardigan that belonged to someone's grandma! These days charity shops have all sorts of knicks, knacks, trendy costume jewellery and modern clothing. I suppose this is because so many of us are now donating to charity shops once we've had a wardrobe clear-out. Obviously up-cycling and recycling is much better for the environment and if it keeps clothes away from landfills then I'm all for it. Here's a blog challenge for any fashion bloggers who are reading; visit your local charity shop and put together an 'outfit of the day' post. Don't forget to tag me on Twitter once your post is live so I can see the results. 

Books - Libraries


Libraries are so underrated these days and it's really sad. As a child - and right up to being a twenty something year old - I used to pop to the library on a regular basis. Who needed to buy books when you could simply borrow several for free? Granted there were frustrating times when I couldn't get my hands on a book - usually when a brand new best seller had been released and I'd have to wait for it to come in - but for the most part the local library had everything I needed and was my quiet haven away from life. The library near me closed down from what I heard but it's worth checking out the library in your area if indeed you have one.

Makeup And Free Samples - UK Freebies Websites 


UK freebies websites such as Gratisfaction are ideal when you're in a real bargain hunting mood as they have a constant steady stream of UK consumer offers, free samples, freebies, money saving coupons and voucher codes. There's usually something for everyone and if you have a look at the Gratisfaction website you'll notice a categories section on the left hand side. Whether you're after makeup, skincare, tea samples, chocolate, free kindle books or something else entirely, there are various offers to choose from. If music is your life then you won't want to miss out on this website for cheap vinyl records. There's even a price alert feature that you can set up if you don't want to miss any price drops.

Almost Anything - eBay


I'm going to be completely honest and say I have mixed feelings about eBay. For all the good experiences I've had with them, I've also had my fair share of crappy dealings. Just a few years ago I bought some Chanel perfume which turned out to be fake and I had to fight tooth and nail to get my money back. Having said that, overall I've had mostly positive experiences and I've bought some fantastic bargains over the years! 


Where do you go bargain hunting? Can you recommend any good thrift shops or freebie websites?



*Photos via Pexels



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