Trek America Packing List

As many of you know, I recently went on the Westerner 2 BLT tour with Trek America. This was the packing list I created and thought might be handy to share with you if you're considering trek, travelling or just a holiday to be honest!

Clothing & Shoes

• Bras + Sports Bra
• Bikinis x 4/5
• Kaftan
• Light-weight rain coat
• Cardigan x 2 
• Dresses - day & evening (for meals out!)
• Leggings x 1 (ideal for travelling)
• Denim shorts x 2/3
• Pjs
• Pashmina scarf (doubles as warmth, accessory and cardigan)
• Tops - plain t-shirts & tank tops
• Underwear (+ bag to keep dirty laundry) 
• Gym leggings / hiking outfit
• Socks - hiking socks, fluffy socks (for plane) and trainer/sports socks
• Jeans (for San Francisco)
• 1 x 'over the head' hoodie + 1 x zip up (great for the van / travelling)
• Belt 
• Light-weight dressing gown
• Shoes - flip flops/sandals/trainers/walking boots (+ shower cap to keep them in!)

Toiletries 

• Make Up 
• Wipes 
• Cotton Pads 
• Deodorant 
• Ear Buds 
• Hand Sanitizer 
• Lip Balm 
• Mirror 
• Nail File, Varnish & Remover
• Perfume 
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Sunscreen 
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste 
• After sun 
• Zip lock bags 
• Bug spray 
• Tissues 
• Clippers & Tweezers 

Electronics 

• Camera (+ charger & batteries)
• Memory/SD Cards
• USA Adapter 
• Extension Cord 
• Headphones - over the ear + in ear 
• Portable Phone Charger 
• iPhone Charger

Documents 

• Debit & Credit Card 
• Dollars 
• Flight Tickets 
• ESTA info 
• Trek America Vouchers 
• ID – Driver’s License 
• Passport 
• Travel Insurance

Miscellaneous 

• Shoulder bag, clutch & shopping style bag
• GHDS
• Glasses 
• Hair Brush & Tangle Teezer
• Hair clips/bands 
• Bandana (for hiking)
• Jewellery 
• Magazine and/or book 
• Padlocks (bigger ones for hostel lockers)
• Pen 
• Sunglasses 
• Travel Pillow 
• Water Bottle 
• Towel

I think that's everything. I've talked about it more in my video below so be sure to watch that too! 

West Quay Summer Dining Experience #SafariSupperClub

I left my camera and the lovely staff at Ed's Easy Diner left this on it for me! ^^

This week I was very kindly invited to West Quay in Southampton with four other bloggers to enjoy a starter, main and dessert at three different restaurants as part of their Summer Dining Experience! I love the shopping center and visit regularly, but I'd never eaten in all three places that we visited - Yo! Sushi, Handmade Burger Company and Ed's Diner.

I can imagine Yo! Sushi being a great place for a pit stop during a day of shopping. The experience is like no other, you get to pick which dish you like from a little conveyor belt or have something cooked fresh to order. There's lots of variety and the coloured bowls indict the price of each dish. You stack them up at the end and pay, so easy! I'm not a massive Sushi person so tried the Chicken Gyoza which was chicken dumplings in soy & vinegar sauce, and the Beef & Garlic Teriyaki. Delicious!

Moving on to mains and we were treated to wine and burgers (my favourite combination) at Homemade Burger Company. I was so impressed with the variety on the menu but I ended up ordering my own chicken burger with avocado, mozzarella, mix of salad with onion rings on the side. They even had brioche bread which was an absolute win for me. The food was great but what I enjoyed the most was the dining experience itself. The top floor of the centre has a mix of fast food and restaurants but the great thing about Homemade Burger Company is that you almost forget you are in a massive shopping centre and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal here. I can also highly recommend the Wagamama's that is next door too - both equally lovely.

Finally we went for dessert at Ed's Easy Diner. It has that classic American vibe which made me nostagic from my recent trip to the west coast! I do like the little juke boxes at the table and quotes on the walls, great place for kids too. I went for waffles with Hershey's Chocolate sauce which did not disappoint. I also had a sneaky Bailey's Milkshake to drink on my journey home, so good!

Until the end of August, loads of the restaurants, cafés and snack-stops will be offering discounts on food and drink like; 20% off food at Ed’s Easy Diner, kids eat free at Harry Ramsden’s and a free original glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme with any purchase. All you have to do is download the new app called PLUS. Woo!

Massive thanks to West Quay for treating me to dinner, I'll be back veerrrryyy soon as I recently won £50 voucher at the #sotonmeetup so I've got my eyes on Jack Wills, Hollister and New Look to name a few! Plus, did you know Victoria Secret is coming in November?!?!! Way too excited for that too.