What's in my Travel Carry-on?

Depending on the trip, I will always have my usuals packed in my hand-luggage ready for a comfortable plane/train/bus/car journey. Most of them are priorities and some only depend on what the trip is. I am currently writing this post on the flight to Hong Kong and all these items I list are with me in my hand luggage. 

Returning After 10 Years || Day 1 - Hong Kong

It’s that time again to hop on a plane and travel to a new place. It’s not exactly new when you’ve been plenty of times before. However, it’s the first time in about 10 years I am going back to Hong Kong and actually seeing Hong Kong instead of just the airport. I am also reuniting with my best friend from back home after 4 months which sounds like nothing but it’s one of the longest times we’ve been apart. For them to have me over for Christmas is such a lovely gift, better than being stuck in Shanghai surrounded by university and work. It’s nice to have a sense of home when you’re 1000 miles away from it.

Christmas in Shanghai

Shanghai Christmas will never compare to Christmas back home. However, a few friends and I have made the most of keeping ourselves in the Christmas spirit by travelling around Shanghai to find Christmas markets, shops, events, parties and more. Even though it isn't England, and we aren't with our families, we are not being grumpy and sad about it, we are trying to keep it as Christmassy and happy as any other Christmas. I think this is actually the first Christmas I have spent away from my parents. When I say that, it actually makes me feel very homesick, which I have been feeling a bit of lately, but I am travelling down to Hong Kong to spend it with my friends family so at least I am taking a break from Shanghai and have a sense of home from them.

Why It's Important to Have a Break

My life here in China is a bit hectic; fitting in university, work, my sociable life and relaxing (not that I get much of it). It can sometimes get a bit too much. I have occasionally took short breaks during the last year so I don't end up overworking myself and spend time focusing on my life. And sometimes this is what everyone needs.

Compared to my life in England, life here in China is very full-on. Having university everyday 9/10am to 2pm takes a lot of energy out of you and no one really prepare you for it. I actually question how I did this for 13 years of my life?! I got to the point last week when I couldn't remember when the last time I had more than an hour in my room during the day. I don't spend much time in my room anyway because it's not the nicest of places and I am normally out doing stuff until late evening.

What Have I Gained from Blogging?

Isn't it quite amazing how much you can learn and get from just writing about what happens in your life or giving tips or reviews, the list goes on. Blogging is something I love to do, sometimes prioritise it over university work which is bad. I have learnt so much since starting up my blog. A few I thought I'd share if you are thinking of starting one.

How to Keep your Blog Organised?

It has taken a while to finally get to a comfortable stage with blogging where I feel so much more relaxed with organisation behind my blog posts; writing them, scheduling them, publishing them and promoting them, and keeping on top of all of this constantly.

I have picked up a few pointers which hopefully will help you be that little bit more organised with blogging. They have definitely helped me feel a lot more organised.