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Laura | Fast Travel for Busy Explorers(@ninetoflights)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Laura | Fast Travel for Busy Explorers

@ninetoflights

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✈️ Turning out-of-office into out-of-country
🌎 City breaks & beyond around a 9-5
📍 London | Soon travelling with a +1 🤍
📩 [email protected]
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❌I’m not the aesthetic, flowy-dress type… and I definitely won’t stand in a crowd for 30 minutes just to get the shot. But I’m here, sharing the real side of travel. The messy moments, the overthinking, the planning, the FOMO, and the joy of squeezing adventure into annual leave. This page isn’t about going viral, but about helping you: 📋plan smarter ✈️travel better 🙅🏻‍♀️and stop wasting time on overhyped experiences I work a full-time job. I travel on my own time and dime. And I’m sharing what I wish I had when I started: honest advice, practical tips, and fast-paced itineraries that actually make sense for people like us. So if you’re also a comfy-shoes, Google Maps-obsessed, shy-in-public kinda traveler, I see you 🫶 And if you’re new here… 👋 I’m Laura. Romanian in the UK, travel content creator in progress, spreadsheet girly, and cat mum. If you’re here for real travel tips and relatable inspiration, I’d love to have you around. Let’s be internet friends 💕 #travelinspiration #travel taken in London, United Kingdom by @ninetoflights
170
a year ago
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Forget the usual Christmas markets for a second… 🎄✨ If you’re planning a European Christmas market getaway, save this one for later! 📌 Riga might just be one of Europe’s most underrated festive destinations. Think cobbled streets, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, cozy cafés and a Christmas market right in the heart of the Old Town. 🎄 The main Christmas market takes place in Dome Square, surrounded by some of Riga’s prettiest historic buildings. ✨ And the best part is that you get all the festive atmosphere without the same level of crowds you’d expect in places like Vienna or Prague. Would you swap the famous Christmas markets for a trip to Riga? Follow @ninetoflights for more European city breaks, hidden gems and travel itineraries ✈️ #riga #latvia #christmasmarket #christmastree taken in Riga, Latvia by @ninetoflights
33
a day ago
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📌 Save this for your Cappadocia trip & share it with your travel buddy! One of my faveee places in the world right here and October is the perfect time to visit! 8 experiences I wouldn’t miss when in Cappadocia: 🎈 Watch hundreds of hot air balloons at sunrise 🥾 Hike the valleys - Ihlara, Pigeon, Rose, Red, Love & Devrent 🌅 Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride 🪔 Make your own mosaic lamp 🏨 Stay in a cave hotel 🛍️ Go souvenir shopping 🕳️ Explore an underground city - Derinkuyu & Kaymaklı are the most famous 🐈 Feed the stray cats, obviously 😂 Honourable mentions to things I wanted to do but I didn’t get to: horseback riding through the valleys and a pottery workshop in Avanos. Cappadocia is so much more than the balloons, give yourself a few days to actually explore it. Follow @ninetoflights for more itineraries & practical travel tips ✈️ #cappadocia #cappadociaturkey #cappadociatravel #turkeytravel #turkeyitinerary taken in Cappadocia, Turkey by @ninetoflights
52
5 days ago
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Share this with the person who would stop for every single cat 🐈 One thing about me: I will find the cats wherever I go. And Cappadocia was particularly dangerous for this habit because they were EVERYWHERE. Outside shops, at bars and restaurants, on trails, chilling around Göreme, and obviously I needed to say hello to every single one. At this point, sightseeing is just what I do between cat encounters. Follow @ninetoflights for more travel moments, itineraries & places worth adding to your list ✈️ #cappadocia #cappadociaturkey #goreme #turkeytravel #catsofinstagram taken in Cappadocia, Turkey by @ninetoflights
42
10 days ago
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😭Share this with someone who needs Cappadocia on their bucket list!! There are very few things I’ll happily wake up at 3am for. This is one of them. 🎈 Sunrise in Cappadocia is every bit as surreal as it looks with hundreds of hot air balloons taking off over the valleys. A few things worth knowing if you’re planning to see it: 📍 You don’t have to be in a hot air balloon to get the iconic views. There are several sunrise viewpoints around Göreme where you can watch them fill the sky. 🎈 Balloons don’t fly every morning. Flights depend on weather and wind conditions, so give yourself at least 2-3 mornings in Cappadocia if this is high on your bucket list. ⏰ You’ll need an early start. Balloon preparations begin well before sunrise, and getting there early means you’ll catch everything from the first balloons inflating to the sky filling up. Balloons are in the sky around 5am! Follow @ninetoflights for more itineraries, travel tips & bucket-list places around the world. ✈️ #cappadocia #cappadociaturkey #turkeytravel #cappadociaballoons #bucketlisttravel taken in Cappadocia, Turkey by @ninetoflights
54
12 days ago
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The most perfect city to visit this autumn 🫶🏻 This is one of those cities that gets skipped for the bigger european names, and it shouldn’t be. Some cities lose their charm when the skies turn grey, but Edinburgh isn’t one of them. In fact, the moody weather feels like part of the magic. It’s one of Europe’s most overlooked capitals, yet it’s packed with history, cobbled streets, and gothic corners that look even better under mist and drizzle. Perfect for autumn vibes, and one of my favourite ever places. 🍂And if you’re wondering what to do here, the list is endless… but here are a few to get you started THINGS TO DO: Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, Grassmarket, Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace, The Meadows, Princes Street Gardens, National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Dean Village, Circus Lane, Scottish National Gallery, Scott Monument, Leith & the Shore, Royal Botanic Garden. WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK: Oink (hog roast rolls), Makars Mash Bar, The Dome, Mimi’s Bakehouse, The Scran & Scallie, Howies, The Devil’s Advocate, Timberyard, Mary’s Milk Bar, the Last Drop MUST DO ACTIVITY: Tour the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience Would you visit Edinburgh in autumn, or wait for the sunshine? 🌧️ ✈️Follow @ninetoflights for part-time travel tips, efficient itineraries, and memorable city breaks that help you see more with less time — and save this post to revisit when you’re planning your next adventure #travelinspiration #edinburgh #scotland Things to do in Edinburgh, Edinburgh city guide, weekend itinerary edinburgh, Scotland trip, european capitals, must sees in Scotland taken in Edinburgh, Scotland by @ninetoflights
35
a month ago
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My case for why the Cotswolds is the most beautiful place in England 👇 Spent a long weekend this year for the second time exploring some of the prettiest villages in the country and I’m convinced nowhere else in England looks like this. From honey-coloured cottages to rivers running straight through the middle of town, it’s basically a real-life postcard. Places in this post: 📍 Bibury – often called the most beautiful village in England, and it’s easy to see why 📍 Bourton-on-the-Water – the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” with the little bridges over the river 📍 Stow-on-the-Wold – gorgeous market square and the famous door tree at St Edward’s Church 📍 Daylesford Farm – the dreamiest farm shop and cafe, worth the trip alone 📍 Broadway – wide, elegant high street and the famous tower 📍 The Model Village – a tiny replica of Bourton, built to 1:9 scale 📍 The Feathered Nest - for the most perfect roast Which one’s going straight on your list? 🤍 taken in Cotswolds by @ninetoflights
56
a month ago
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If Busan isn’t on your South Korea itinerary yet… this is your sign 🇰🇷 Follow @ninetoflights for part-time travel tips, efficient itineraries, and memorable city breaks that help you see more with less time, and save this post to revisit when you’re planning your next adventure ✈️ Busan was one of those places that completely exceeded my expectations with a mix of beaches, culture, food, and views, but with a much more relaxed vibe than Seoul 🌊 Here are some of the best things to do in Busan: 🎨 Gamcheon Culture Village – colourful streets, murals, and viewpoints ⛩️ Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – a stunning temple right by the sea 🚡 Blueline Park Sky Capsule – one of the most unique coastal views 🏖️ Haeundae Beach – the most famous beach in Busan ⛰️ Hwangnyeongsan Mountain Viewpoint – one of the best panoramic views over Busan 🌉 Gwangalli Beach – come here at night for Gwangan Bridge views 🐟 Jagalchi Fish Market – for a local (and very authentic) food experience 🍢 BIFF Square & Nampo-dong – street food, shopping 🌆 Busan Tower – panoramic views over the city If you’re planning a South Korea trip, I’d 100% recommend adding Busan for at least 2–3 days, it’s such a nice contrast to Seoul 💙 What would be the first thing you’d add to your itinerary? Follow @ninetoflights for more South Korea travel tips and save this for your future itinerary ✈️ #travelinspiration #busan busan travel guide, things to do in busan, south korea itinerary, busan itinerary 2 days, gamcheon culture village, haeundae beach, gwangalli beach, korea travel tips taken in Busan 釜山, South Korea by @ninetoflights
75
6 months ago
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My honest thoughts about Chichen Itza 😅👇 Follow @ninetoflights for part-time travel tips, efficient itineraries, and memorable city breaks that help you see more with less time, and save this post to if Chichen Itza is on your list! Visiting Chichén Itzá with no filter: ✅Yes, it’s busy. ✅Yes, there are vendors almost the entire way in. ✅Yes, the surroundings feel more commercialised than you might expect. It’s not that hidden jungle ruin you see in perfectly curated photos buuuuut these reviews are harsh 😅😅 It’s one of those places where two things are true at the same time - it’s touristy, and it’s still incredible. If you go in expecting a quiet, untouched experience, you’ll probably be disappointed. If you go in expecting one of the most important archaeological sites in the world… you’ll get it. HOW I’d recommend visiting: ☀️ Go as early as possible (it gets crowded fast) 🎟️ Book in advance to avoid long queues 🚗 Visit from Valladolid instead of Cancun/Tulum if you can 🥵 Bring water, hat and sunscreen, there’s very little shade 👀 Walk around the entire perimeter, most people only stop at the front Let me know if you’ve been and what you thought! #travelinspiration #chichenitza chichen itza mexico, chichen itza honest review, is chichen itza worth visiting, visiting chichen itza tips, chichen itza crowds, mexico mayan ruins, yucatan mexico travel, cancun day trip chichen itza, tulum to chichen itza, el castillo pyramid mexico taken in Chichén-Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico by @ninetoflights
85
6 months ago
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Did you guess the place? 👀 Follow @ninetoflights for part-time travel tips, efficient itineraries, and memorable city breaks that help you see more with less time, and save this post to revisit when you’re planning your next adventure ✈️ This is one of the easiest Mediterranean trips I’ve ever done, but it still feels like a proper escape! You get: ✨ Italian-looking streets without the crowds 🌊 Greek-island style swimming spots 🏛️ Historic cities you can explore in a few hours 🚤 Boat trips to ridiculously clear water 🍋 Seaside restaurants and slow evenings This tiny, full of sunshine island in the Mediterranean means no long travel days, and no complicated planning. In just a few days you can: • Explore Valletta’s streets and viewpoints • Swim in the Blue Lagoon in Comino • Visit Mdina’s quiet old town • See the colourful boats in Marsaxlokk • Watch sunset along the coast It’s the kind of destination that feels like a full summer holiday… even if you only take a few days off work. Would you choose Malta over Greece or Italy? Follow @ninetoflights for efficient Mediterranean getaways and save this for your next sunny escape ✈️ #travelinspiration #malta malta travel guide, malta itinerary, valletta malta, blue lagoon malta, comino malta, mdina malta, marsaxlokk malta, mediterranean islands europe, malta weekend trip, europe summer destination taken in Malta by @ninetoflights
615
6 months ago
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If it’s your first time in Malta, these are the 6 places I’d build my entire itinerary around: Follow @ninetoflights for part-time travel tips, efficient itineraries, and memorable city breaks that help you see more with less time, and save this post to revisit when you’re planning your next adventure ✈️ 🏛️ Mdina & Rabat Mdina is known as the Silent City and… it feels like stepping onto a movie set (because it is, hello, GOT fans!). Go early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and experience that quiet, golden glow. Pair it with Rabat right next door. 💙 Blue Lagoon This is the one everyone sees on Instagram… and yes, the water is unreal. But it’s also the most chaotic spot in Malta if you go at the wrong time. Either get the first boat of the day or book a tour that takes you around Comino with multiple swim stops, and get that pineapple cocktail you keep seeing 😅 🌿 Gozo A completely different pace from Malta. Think rugged landscapes, hidden beaches, and a more local feel. Rent a car if you can. Don’t miss viewpoints around the cliffs and natural swimming spots. 🏙️ Valletta Old Town One of Europe’s smallest capitals but packed with history. Walk it end to end, stop at cafés, and explore side streets, this is where Malta’s character really comes through. 🌅 Upper Barrakka Gardens The best panoramic view in Valletta overlooking the Grand Harbour. ⛵ Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea & Cospicua) Probably the most underrated part of the trip. Same beautiful streets as Valletta, just reaaaally quiet. Malta is truly a European gem and it was my third time here, each visit gets better than the one before it 😅 🇲🇹Have you been to Malta or is it on your list? 😍 #travelinspiration #malta malta travel guide, things to do in malta, malta itinerary 3 days, valletta travel tips, gozo island guide, blue lagoon malta tips, mdina silent city, malta travel planning taken in Malta by @ninetoflights
69
6 months ago
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🍋The cutest town I’ve seen lately 👀 Follow @thetravelbugisreal for part-time travel tips, efficient itineraries, and memorable city breaks that help you see more with less time, and save this post to revisit when you’re planning your next adventure ✈️ Tucked away on the French Riviera, right on the border with Italy, Menton is one of those places that feels almost too aesthetic to be real… Here’s why I think it deserves a spot on your next South of France itinerary 👇 🍋 It’s literally the lemon capital of Europe Menton has its own microclimate, which makes it perfect for growing lemons year-round. They’re sweeter, bigger, and… kind of iconic here. If you visit in Feb/March, you’ll catch the famous Fête du Citron (lemon festival) with insane sculptures made entirely out of citrus. 🏡 The old town looks like a pastel dream Think cascading colourful buildings, narrow streets, and viewpoints that open up to the sea. It’s giving Amalfi vibes… but quieter and way less chaotic. 🚶‍♀️ It’s small enough to explore in a day You can wander the old town, chill by the beach, and stop for a long lunch without rushing. Perfect if you’re trying to make the most of a short trip. 🍝 You get the best of both France and Italy You’re literally minutes from the Italian border, which means incredible food influences (hello fresh pasta + seafood) and even the option for a quick day trip to places like Ventimiglia. ☀️ It’s one of the sunniest spots on the Riviera Even outside peak summer, you’ve got a high chance of good weather, ideal for shoulder season travel when it’s less crowded but still beautiful. If you’re planning Nice, Monaco or the Côte d’Azur… don’t skip Menton. It ended up being one of our favourite stops. Would you add this to your South of France itinerary? 👀 #travelinspiration #menton menton france, french riviera hidden gems, south of france itinerary, cote d azur travel, menton lemon festival, pastel towns europe, nice day trips, europe aesthetic destinations taken in South of France by @ninetoflights
71
6 months ago
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