Featured blog posts
I’ll see you at the bookshop!
Quotes About Life from The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
Published in mid-2026, The Midnight Train is the latest book by Matt Haig and is set to be one of the year’s biggest books.
The story features a bookseller called Wilbur Budd, who’s life has gone dramatically off track. After he dies, Budd boards The Midnight Train, which gives him the chance to reflect on his life and, if he rebels, make corrections where things went wrong.
The book is set in the same world as The Midnight Library, and follows a similar reflective tone with cameos from a few of the characters. While the first book is an exploration of life’s potential, and the different routes that are open to us depending on the choices we make, The Midnight Train is more about regret and fixing mistakes from the past.
Comfrt Hoodie Review and Discount
I first discovered Comfrt while scrolling on social media, and was intrigued by their unique travel hoodies. As someone who loves to travel, I’m always on the lookout for new gadgets that will make my journeys easier and more comfortable.
I liked how these Comfrt hoodies were fitted with handy pockets for stashing travel essentials, as well as an eye mask, and was excited to get my hands on one to wear on my own travels.
Vendula London Bag Review and Discount Code
I’ve been a fan of Vendula London for many years, so I was really excited to work with them again to show you some of their gorgeous new range, Bookshelf Boulevard.
I actually have an entire collection of book themed bags. I have quite a lot of them now, but my original bag, the Old Bookshop Grab Bag, is one of my all time favourites. Featuring the shopfront of a fictional bookshop, this bag has accompanied me on many adventures over the years.
Naturally, I couldn’t wait to test out a bag from their new collection.
Matt Haig Books in Order
An internationally bestselling author, Matt Haig has written over 20 books and has been translated into more than 50 languages around the world.
He’s known for writing deeply personal work, with many of his books inspired by his own struggles with depression and anxiety. Reasons to Stay Alive is Matt’s memoir, which stayed in the top ten of the British chart for 10 weeks. His fiction book, The Midnight Library, contains similar themes and has sold more than 10 million copies, winning a Goodreads Choice Award in 2020.
Matt Cain Books in Order
Originating from Bury and growing up in Bolton, Matt Cain is a fantastic writer and commentator on LGBTQ+ issues.
He has worked for ITV, Channel 4, and was previously Editor-in-Chief of Attitude magazine between 2016 and 2018. Queer stories have long been the subject of his work, having produced programmes about Freddie Mercury and Ian McKellen during his time at Channel 4.
Despite this, Matt’s third book The Madonna of Bolton struggled to find a publisher, receiving more than 30 rejections due to its LGBTQ+ themes. Instead the book was crowdfunded using Unbound, and became the company’s quickest ever funded title, having reached its target in just 7 days.
P&O Iona Cabins To Avoid (And The Best Cabins To Book Instead)
Entering service in 2021, Iona is one of P&O’s newest and largest ships, with a total capacity of 5,200 guests and 1800 crew.
I sailed on Iona for a Norwegian Fjords voyage in 2022 and had a wonderful time. Not only is the ship gorgeous, but the itinerary was amazing and had me completely hooked on cruising. Yes - this was my first ever cruise!
Something I didn’t know at the time was that all cabins are not created equal, and it’s important to do some research prior to booking. We were lucky and stayed in a great inside cabin on deck 4, which was stable in the rough North Sea and quiet throughout the night.
Who Owns Ambassador Cruise Line? CFC Merger Explained
The UK’s newest cruise line, Ambassador recently merged with French line CFC, and renamed themselves the Ambassador Group. While the company’s overall ownership hasn’t changed, this merger combines the leadership team and offers new itineraries for the British market.
Currently, the majority stake is still owned by Ambassador’s existing shareholders, Njord Partners, with Cheyne Capital taking a minority stake. Ambassador’s existing CEO, Christian Verhounig has stayed in place and will continue to lead the company, alongside CFC’s chief operating officer Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt.
Best & Worst Cabins on Ambassador Cruise Line
The UK’s newest cruise line, Ambassador provide good value voyages for a low cost, promising guests ‘the warmest welcome at sea’.
Choosing the right cabin can really make or break your trip. It all depends on what’s important for you - do you want to be close to the elevators and bars, or do you want a quiet spot away from the action? Where are you sailing to, and do you want a view from your room?
Consider whether you experience travel sickness, and whether you want to choose a cabin that is least likely to make you feel unwell.
Pokémon x Natural History Museum London Review: Is It Worth Visiting?
Announced in late 2025, the Pokemon Natural History Museum pop-up opened to the public in January 2026. It’s been hugely popular, with tickets selling out almost immediately, leading it to be extended multiple times.
The pop-up event will now be continuing beyond the 19th of April for a limited run - although no closing date has been announced.
It’s important to remember that this experience is definitely more of a pop-up shop than an exhibition, and although there are a few things to look at, these are not extensive.
This blog post will include photos from my own experience, and help you decide whether it’s worth visiting for yourself.
P&O Arvia Cabins to Avoid When You Book
Here is everything you need to know about the cabin types on P&O’s Arvia.
Arvia is P&O’s newest ship, having entered the fleet in December 2022. She’s very similar to her sister ship Iona, although there are a number small differences.
I loved sailing on Arvia, and found the ship to be very comfortable during my two week cruise around the Caribbean. I was really lucky with my cabin, 11317, which I was allocated after a successful upgrade bid, and had no complaints about it at all.
Ambassador Cruise Line Deals (Updated 2026!)
Ambassador is Britain’s newest cruise line, known for its affordable and good value cruises which depart from a variety of regional ports.
Their first two ships, Ambition and Ambience, carry out no-fly voyages to destinations all over Europe, including the Mediterranean, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords and more. Whether you’re looking for your next summer holiday, some winter sun, or exciting exploration somewhere new, you’re bound to find it with Ambassador.
In 2025 Ambassador gained another addition to their fleet, Renaissance, which now hosts fly-cruises around the Caribbean for a British market.
If you’re thinking about booking your next cruise, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post I have handpicked some of the very best deals, spanning a wide range of categories and updated for 2026 and 2027.
Ambassador Cruise Line: A Complete Guide
A UK focused cruise line specialising in no-fly voyages, Ambassador begun operations in 2021 with just the one ship.
Their cruises are adults only (although they used to host a limited number of multi-generational voyages) and are particularly popular in the 50+ demographic - although you definitely don’t have to be this age to sail with them. I travelled with Ambassador at 30 years old and had a really fun time!
The small size of ambassador’s ships means that they are able to dock in a variety of regional UK ports. This really sets them apart from other lines, allowing them to run itineraries from places like Cornwall and Scotland.
Craft Club Co Review and Discount Code
I’ve always loved the idea of crafting, but I’ve never been very good at it. I’m the kind of person who will buy craft kits and never finish them, leaving a trail of unfinished projects.
This is where Craft Club Co came in. I discovered their kits on Instagram and was instantly intrigued. They claimed to be suitable for complete beginners, offering clear, step by step instructions for a range of projects. Eventually, when their coaster kits were on sale, I purchased one and was delighted with the results.
Ambassador Cruise Line Dress Code: What to Wear
As a relaxed yet traditional cruise provider, Ambassador generally has a chilled vibe, and all dress codes are optional.
Despite this, it is important to be aware of the dress code so you know what to expect. It can be really fun to join in with formal nights, but I know they’re not for everyone. By planning ahead you can avoid any surprises and know how to fit in with the other passengers.
This guide will be useful for both first time cruisers and seasoned travellers who are planning to sail with Ambassador Cruise Line.
Crystal Cruises vs Viking Cruises: Which Is Better?
If you’re trying to decide between Crystal Cruises and Viking Cruises, then you’re in the right place.
While both lines offer premium, high end experiences, they have a different vibe and suit different cruising styles. Personally, I have sailed and loved Viking and Crystal, but can definitely see how each company would suit a different type of cruiser.
In this blog post I give a clear, side-by-side comparison and explain which cruise would be better suited for your tastes. Whichever you pick, you’re sure to have an amazing time!
Best & Worst Cabins on Viking Ocean Cruises (What to Book & Avoid)
This is an important part of your vacation that you need to get right before you even set sail!
As a premium line with modern ships, all of Viking’s cabins will be similar in quality, but the location of those cabins will come with various benefits and drawbacks.
This guide will help you to avoid some of the common mistakes people make when booking a Viking cruise, and select the stateroom that is best for you.
What Costs Extra on a Viking Cruise?
One of the many great things about Viking is that their cruises really are an almost all inclusive holiday.
While the cruise fare might be slightly higher than you would find with other lines, an impressive number of services are included in the price. This includes all of your food, drinks with meals, and even your toiletries, so you really don’t need to spend any extra money.
This blog post outlines what is included in the base fare of a Viking cruise, as well as any optional extras that you may want to budget for.
Viking Ocean Cruise Packing List
Packing for a vacation can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t need to be that way.
This blog post outlines my top tips for anyone preparing to embark on a Viking ocean cruise, including clothing, cabin accessories and excursion essentials.
Hoping to play bingo? Pack your bingo dabber. Have a tendency to lose your cruise card? Get yourself a lanyard so you can wear it instead.
Read on for my complete guide to packing for a Viking ocean cruise!
What Is It Like On a Viking River Cruise?
Viking Cruises Dress Code: Complete Guide
If you’re not sure what to pack for a Viking cruise, then you’re in the right place.
Understanding Viking’s dress codes can be confusing, as they often differ from other mainstream cruise lines, with conflicting information shared by cruisers online.
Fear not! In this blog post I will outline the differences between a Viking river cruise and a Viking ocean cruise, and clarify which types of clothing are needed for each voyage.
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.