5 Tips for visiting Guernsey

This summer. Channel Islands. After successfully managing to avoid spending the summer holidays on a Channel Island (although not intentionally), this might be it. This summer might be the summer I spend my holidays on a British island. The winner? Guernsey, of course! Summer is the best time to visit this island, just off the coast of France because everything is in bloom. St Peter Port is busy with other tourists and while I won’t be the owner of one of the yachts in the harbour, I do hope to get a chance to ride on one… or at least a dingy that floats. The really attraction to this place though are the pretty rugged cliffs, its quaint countryside cottages, beaches and the people, open and gentle.

Spend time at the beaches… and not always the same one

The island has some great beaches and I do plan to visit a lot of them, if not ALL! Vazon, Cobo, Chouet, Pembroke… there’s no doubt that the west and north coast are the best for beaches, all accessible via bus from St Peter Port. Another must, is enjoying a brew at sunset at one of the beach-side cafes.

Explore Herm & Sark

Both of these small islands can be reached by boat and they’re completely car-free. It’s quiet and they’re more small enough to explore on foot, at least Herm. Sandy beaches and a little restaurant and hotel. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes from the port. If you have, bring your bike since the only other form of transportation is horse and buggy (which sounds lovely).

Say, “I love you” at the Little Chapel

Quite possibly the smallest chapel in the world, Little Chapel at Les Vauxbelets ins absolutely adorable and there’s nothing like pronouncing your love at a place like this (ha!). It’s walls are decorated with tiny shells, broken glass, pebbles and old pieces of bone china.

Walk along the South Coast cliffs

Plan some hiking into your trip. The cliffs along Guernsey’s southern coast can be reached from many points but the view is always the same. Stunning. Most days you can see Herm, Sark, Jethou and Jersey clearly, even France if it’s especially good weather. The area is in danger of erosion and visitors are asked to stick to the paths and avoid trying to climb up or down the cliffs.

Rediscover your childhood self at the Rocquaine Regatta

I’m most excited about this event that takes place annually in July at Rocquaine Bay. It takes place on the last Saturday of the month and features a day long of sand castle building competitions, tug of war games and other treats… even prizes to be won! It’s like the county fair goes to the beach! All I need now though is a spade and a bucket, my sun hat and some good ideas for my castle

I’ve already secured by trip there, I found cheap flights to Guernsey with Flybe. I’m always really surprised at how good their deals are. Anyways, even in peak season you can fly there for less than £100… bonus! Where are you heading this summer? Any plans to visit the Channel Islands?

 

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Eating street-side in Bangkok

There’s hardly any reason to cook for yourself while visiting Bangkok. This city’s a mecca for cheap eats on the streets and the flavours will leave you craving for more. Don’t worry, eating out while on holiday has never been cheaper than in Thailand. As far as Bangkok is concerned, there’s nothing you can’t find! Don’t believe me? Grab some flights to Bangkok and find out!

If you only eat at one marketplace in the entire city, let it be Or Tor Kor market near the Chatuchak Park metro stop. You’ll find stall upon stall of delicious treats, succulent soups, stir-fry, grilled sausages and fresh noodles. If you want to try some of the local delicacies, don’t miss sai grop (fermented port sausage) that is slowly cooked over a charcoal barbecue.

An essential part of every Thai day is tea time. Tea is drank with anything and everything, even with their daily cup of coffee. At most places when you request a glass of water, they’ll bring you a cup of tea. For breakfast, try a cup of coffee with deep-fried Chinese bread.

You’ll quickly realise the more you walk through Bangkok that the locals love to eat and everything else that happens during the day is just time spend while waiting to eat again. Even the streets look more like food-lined hallways instead of pedestrian walkways. There are more food carts than people sometimes! It just goes to show though that if you want to eat, the easiest place to do it is on the street. If you’re a market newbie, don’t let the rude and rather abrupt style of the markets scare you. Stand tall and get in there!

images: oksidor, lookslikeamy / flicrk cc.

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