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YOUR LAPLAND GUIDE ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฎโ„๏ธ

Everything Iโ€™d want to know before planning a winter trip to Finnish Lapland โ€” where to fly, whether you need a car, what to do in Rovaniemi and how to see the Northern Lights.

โœˆ๏ธ GETTING THERE

Fly to Rovaniemi for Santa Claus Village, Lapland Winter Park and many of the main activities. If you want to travel further north, look at flights to Kittilaฬˆ or Ivalo.

๐Ÿš— SHOULD YOU HIRE A CAR?

You donโ€™t necessarily need one if youโ€™re staying in Rovaniemi and booking organised activities.

A car is worth considering if you want to explore several areas, stay in a remote cabin or travel further into Lapland.

โ„๏ธ EXPERIENCES TO ADD TO YOUR LIST

๐ŸŽ… Santa Claus Village 
๐Ÿบ Husky rides and forest safaris 
๐ŸฆŒ Reindeer experiences 
โ„๏ธ Lapland Winter Park 
๐ŸŒŒ Northern Lights hunting 
๐Ÿ”ฅ Saunas and cosy Arctic stays

๐ŸŒŒ ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

You donโ€™t always need an organised tour. I saw the Northern Lights from the hotels I stayed at in Rovaniemi, so check the forecast and look outside whenever the sky is clear.

A tour can still be useful if you want to escape the city lights, but sightings are never guaranteed.

๐Ÿก WHERE TO STAY

Iโ€™ve shared the hotels I stayed at, together with more Lapland accommodation recommendations, on my website.

You can find them through the link in my bio under **Hotels โ€” Lapland**.

Save this for planning your trip. ๐Ÿค

Would you visit Lapland for the Northern Lights, the winter activities or the Christmas atmosphere?

#Lapland #Rovaniemi #FinlandTravel #VisitFinland #LaplandWinter taken in Lapland, Finland by @visualsofalexandra
70
7 days ago
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Postcards from the Cotswolds ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ“ฎ๐ŸคŽ

A little collection of moments from some of the prettiest corners of the Cotswolds: Bibury, Castle Combe, Nailsworth, Little Badminton and Biddestone.

From honey-coloured stone cottages and charming village streets to peaceful countryside views, every stop has its own character. Thereโ€™s something about exploring the Cotswolds that feels like stepping into another world. โœจ

Some of these villages are well known, while others feel like quieter little gems โ€” which makes discovering them even more special.

If youโ€™re planning a Cotswolds road trip, looking for a countryside escape from London or simply searching for beautiful villages to visit in England, save these places for your list. ๐Ÿ‚

๐Ÿ“ Bibury 
๐Ÿ“ Castle Combe 
๐Ÿ“ Nailsworth 
๐Ÿ“ Little Badminton 
๐Ÿ“ Biddestone

Which one would you put at the top of your Cotswolds bucket list? ๐ŸคŽ

#Cotswolds #CotswoldsEngland #VisitCotswolds #EnglishCountryside #UKTravel taken in The Cotswolds , England by @visualsofalexandra
39
13 days ago
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Castle Combe โ€” one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds ๐Ÿค

Often described as an English village frozen in time, the historic centre has had no new houses built since around the 1600s โ€” which is why walking through its honey-coloured streets feels like stepping into another era.

This is the kind of place where you donโ€™t need a long itinerary. Just wander slowly, admire the stone cottages, cross the little bridge, look inside St Andrewโ€™s Church and stop for photos along the village lanes.

A few things to know before you visit:

โ€ข Castle Combe is a small, living village, so please be respectful of residents.
โ€ข Arrive early if you want to enjoy it more peacefully and take photos without the crowds.
โ€ข Wear comfortable shoes โ€” the streets can be uneven.
โ€ข Parking is outside the historic centre, so allow time to walk into the village.
โ€ข Donโ€™t block roads, entrances or private driveways when taking photos.

Save this for your next Cotswolds day trip and send it to someone who would love to visit Englandโ€™s most charming villages.

Have you been to Castle Combe yet?

#CastleCombe #Cotswolds #CotswoldsEngland #VisitEngland #UKTravel taken in Castle Combe Village, Cotswolds by @visualsofalexandra
79
18 days ago
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Not just a beach day โ€” the Sardinian escape Iโ€™d book again. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

This is Torre delle Stelle, a peaceful corner of southern Sardinia surrounded by turquoise water, Mediterranean greenery and beautiful beaches.

It feels like the kind of place you go to when you want a slower Sardinian escape: swimming in clear water during the day, long lunches by the sea, an afternoon by the pool and quiet evenings surrounded by nature.

Torre delle Stelle has two main beaches to discover:

๐ŸŒŠ Gennโ€™e Mari โ€” a beautiful sandy beach with clear, shallow water and a relaxed atmosphere.

๐ŸŒŠ Cannโ€™e Sisa โ€” another stunning beach nearby, surrounded by the natural scenery that makes this part of Sardinia so special.

It is also a great base if you want to explore more of the south of the island, while staying somewhere that feels quieter and less overwhelming than some of Sardiniaโ€™s most famous beach destinations.

The villa with the pool featured in this video can be found on my website:

www.visualsofalexandra.com โ†’ Hotels โ†’ Sardinia

Save this destination for your next Sardinia itinerary and send it to the person you would escape here with.

Would you choose a day at the beach or an afternoon by the pool? taken in Torre Delle Stelle, Sardegna, Italy by @visualsofalexandra
38
19 days ago
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Slow living in the Cotswolds ๐Ÿ‚๐ŸคŽ

Quiet country lanes, honey-coloured cottages, little villages, cosy corners and nowhere to be in a hurry.

Thereโ€™s something about the Cotswolds that makes you want to slow down and notice all the little details. Wandering without a plan, stopping for coffee, admiring every cottage you pass and taking the scenic route just because you can. ๐ŸŒฟ

These little moments were captured around Bibury, Castle Combe, Nailsworth, Little Badminton and Biddestone, each with its own version of that quintessential English countryside charm.

If youโ€™re dreaming of a peaceful escape from London, a Cotswolds road trip or simply a slower weekend surrounded by beautiful countryside, this is your sign to go. โœจ

Could you see yourself living this Cotswolds life? ๐ŸคŽ taken in Cotswolds by @visualsofalexandra
31
25 days ago
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Hereโ€™s everything you need to know before visiting La Pelosa in Sardinia ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

This is one of the most protected and beautiful beaches in Italy โ€” and once you see that impossible shade of turquoise in person, you completely understand why.

From above, the water looks unreal. In person, it is even better.

Save these tips before you go:

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ BOOKING IS REQUIRED

During the regulated season, from 15 May to 15 October 2026, you need to reserve your place online and receive a QR code before entering. You cannot simply arrive and expect to get in.

The official reservation website is spiaggialapelosa.it โ€” be careful of unofficial booking websites.

๐Ÿ’ถ ENTRY COST

Entry is โ‚ฌ3.50 per person. There are 1,500 places available per day, and once the beach is full, it is full.

Children under 12 do not need a reservation. Each reservation is for a maximum of four people, and you can make one reservation per day.

โฐ BOOK EARLY

Some places can be booked in advance, while the remaining daily places are released two days before the date you want to visit. The official website says those reservations open at 9:00 AM.

Access checks take place from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so make sure you have your QR code ready when you arrive.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ BRING A BEACH MAT

You cannot place your towel directly on the sand. You need a suitable mat underneath it, so bring one or check whether you can hire one locally.

๐Ÿšญ THERE ARE STRICT BEACH RULES

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Dogs are not allowed, and you should not take sand or shells home. This is a protected beach, so the rules are taken seriously.

๐Ÿš— PARKING IS LIMITED

Parking near the beach can be difficult during busy periods. Arrive early or look into the shuttle from Stintino before you go.

๐Ÿ’ก MY BEST TIP

If you want to avoid the busiest part of the day, visit early or later in the afternoon. I was there at the end of May, when the beach bars and sunbeds were noticeably cheaper than during the peak summer period.

Would you visit La Pelosa? taken in La Pelosa - Sardegna by @visualsofalexandra
34
25 days ago
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Save this Patmos mini guide before planning your Greek-island trip ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท

Patmos is for travellers who want clear Aegean water, whitewashed villages and beautiful historyโ€”without the atmosphere of the most crowded Greek islands.

Here is what you need to know:

๐Ÿ“ WHERE TO STAY

Choose Skala for the harbour, restaurants, shops and easier transport. Choose Chora for historic streets, atmosphere and beautiful views.

โœจ DO NOT MISS

โ€ข Wander through Chora without following a strict route.
โ€ข Visit the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse.
โ€ข Walk to the historic windmills.
โ€ข Spend an evening around Skala harbour.
โ€ข Leave one day free for a beach or boat trip.

Chora, the monastery and the cave form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving Patmos a character that goes far beyond its beaches.

๐Ÿšข GETTING THERE

There is no airport on Patmos, so you will arrive by ferry into Skala. Check the ferry schedule before confirming your accommodation, especially if you are combining islands.

๐Ÿ›ต GETTING AROUND

The places you will want to see are spread around the island, so organise transport rather than expecting to walk everywhere. Check the wind before choosing your beach and ask locally which side is most sheltered that day.

๐ŸŽ’ USEFUL TIPS

Bring comfortable shoes for Choraโ€™s cobbled lanes, a light layer for breezy evenings and something appropriate for visiting religious sites. I would allow at least three nights so the island does not feel rushed.

Patmos is beautiful, but its peaceful atmosphere is what stays with you: tiny shops behind bougainvillea, cats sleeping on white steps, long lunches beside the sea and the Aegean appearing around every corner.

Save this guide for your Greece trip ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท taken in Patmos Island | ฮ ฮฌฯ„ฮผฮฟฯ‚ by @visualsofalexandra
37
a month ago
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Less than 2 months until London looks like this again and I genuinely cannot wait. ๐Ÿ‚

Autumn in London is something completely different. The parks turn every shade of orange and gold, the streets fill with pumpkins and ivy, the air gets crisp and the whole city just feels more magical somehow. It is the best season to be here.

If you are planning a trip to London and have not considered autumn, let this be the sign. October and November are genuinely some of the best months to visit โ€” the summer crowds are gone, the light is incredible and the city is at its most beautiful.

Some of my favourite spots for autumn in London:

๐Ÿ‚ Regentโ€™s Park โ€” the leaf canopy along the paths is stunning and the colours are unreal
๐Ÿ‚ Notting Hill โ€” the colourful houses look even better surrounded by autumn leaves
๐Ÿ‚ Knightsbridge โ€” the shop fronts and flower displays go all out for the season
๐Ÿ‚ Any London park at golden hour โ€” just go, you will not regret it by @visualsofalexandra
58
2 months ago
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This little corner of Sicily feels like a dream โ€” and not enough people know it exists. ๐ŸŒŠ

Tonnara di Scopello is one of the most beautiful and unique spots in all of Sicily. It is a historic tuna fishing village built right into the rocks on the coastline, with ancient stone buildings, rusted maritime anchors, crystal clear turquoise water and dramatic sea stacks rising straight out of the sea. It looks completely untouched by time.

The water here is some of the clearest I have seen in Sicily โ€” you can see straight to the bottom from the rocks. There are no sandy beaches, just stone terraces and natural rock platforms to swim from, which somehow makes it feel even more special.

Here is what you need to know before you visit:

๐Ÿ“ There is an entrance fee to access the Tonnara โ€” make sure you have cash just in case.
๐Ÿ“ You get there by car โ€” the road down is narrow so take it slowly. Parking is limited so arrive early, especially in summer.
๐Ÿ“ It gets very busy in July and August. If you can, go in May, June or September for a much quieter experience.
๐Ÿ“ Bring your own food and drinks โ€” there is not much on site.
๐Ÿ“ Combine it with a visit to Scopello village just above, which is a beautiful little hamlet worth exploring.

It is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away when you first see it. If you are doing a Sicily road trip, this is non-negotiable. ๐ŸŒŠ

Have you been to Tonnara di Scopello or is it going on your list? Drop a ๐ŸŒŠ below! taken in Tonnara di Scopello by @visualsofalexandra
43
2 months ago
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This view in Naples cost me less than you think ๐Ÿฅฐ

The hotel is called B&B Art Suite Santa Brigida and it sits right above the Galleria Umberto I, one of the most beautiful 19th century galleries in Italy. That glass and iron ceiling, the ornate architecture, the marble floors โ€” and you are looking down at all of it from your room. It is genuinely one of the most unique views I have had from a hotel anywhere.

The room itself is full of character โ€” think painted headboards, gold curtains, high ceilings and that old Naples grandeur that you just cannot replicate in a modern hotel. It felt more like staying in a historic palazzo than a B&B.

The price? ยฃ100 per night. In the centre of Naples, overlooking the Galleria Umberto I. I could not believe it either.

If you are planning a trip to Naples and want a stay that actually gives you something to remember โ€” the history, the location, the view โ€” this is the one. Walking distance from everything: the seafront, Spaccanapoli, Piazza del Plebiscito and the best pizza in the world. ๐Ÿ•

๐Ÿ“ B&B Art Suite Santa Brigida, Naples

I have linked it in my bio under Hotels so you can find it easily and book directly. ๐Ÿ™Œ

Would you stay here? taken in Naples, Italy by @visualsofalexandra
36
3 months ago
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POV: you rented a private boat in Procida for ยฃ189 and it became the best day of the trip. ๐Ÿ›ฅ๏ธ

Procida is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples and honestly the most beautiful. Less touristy than Capri, less crowded than Ischia, and those pastel pink and yellow buildings along the marina are like nothing else in Italy. But from the water you see a completely different side of it โ€” hidden coves, sea caves, cliff faces and spots you simply cannot reach on foot.

The whole boat is ยฃ189 / โ‚ฌ225 for up to 6 people. Split between a group that is barely anything for what you get.

Here is everything you need to know before you book:

๐Ÿ“ You drive it yourself โ€” no sailing licence or experience needed.
๐Ÿ“ Up to 6 people per boat.
๐Ÿ“ There is a petrol charge at the end depending on how much you use โ€” ours was an extra โ‚ฌ50, so factor that in.
๐Ÿ“ Book in advance especially in summer โ€” it fills up fast.
๐Ÿ“ Procida is 35 minutes by ferry from Naples. Easy day trip or overnight stay.
๐Ÿ“ Best months: May, June and September for good weather without the peak crowds.

I booked this through @getyourguide โ€” I have linked the experience in my bio so you can find it and book directly. Use code visualsofalexandra5 for money off your booking. ๐Ÿ™Œ

Save this for your Italy trip ๐Ÿ‘‡

Have you been to Procida or is it going on your list? Drop a ๐Ÿ›ฅ๏ธ below!

@getyourguide @getyourguidecommunity 

#getyourguide #getyourguidecommunity taken in Procida Island, Naples, Italy by @visualsofalexandra
54
3 months ago
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Alexandra & Nick - A Movie With A Lot of Love

Bride: @visualsofalexandra 
Groom: @nycsin 

Photo: @sayido.ro
Video: @damianfilms & @dianaagop 
Venue: @polizumanor 
Decor: @orzeventdesign 

#damianfilms #reel #videography #travel #weddingfilm taken in Conac Polizu by @visualsofalexandra
36
3 months ago
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