Barcelona

There's nothing more exciting yet terrifying than taking a risk.

A few months ago, I decided to leave my stable, 9-5 career focused job in fashion to take some time out and reflect on what I really wanted to do with myself. Naturally, my first thoughts were to travel. I had planned to spend a month away from London, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and really sit down with myself and re-evaluate. My country of choice was the nature island, Dominica.

On my last day at work, I felt some what relieved knowing that I would no longer dread mondays, the hideous commute into central London and the sitting at my computer all day long. I'll take any excuse to celebrate, so my boyfriend met me after work as he promised me cake from Konditor & Cook would be a completely acceptable way to celebrate this small yet significant decision in my life. After all, this would be the longest time I've spent away from home.

However, I was surprised with a little more than cake. This dreamboat had booked us a holiday to Barcelona and we were leaving the NEXT DAY! Me being the socially awkward turtle that I am, thanked him repeatedly whilst grinning like the cat from Alice in Wonderland.

Now let me tell you, packing for a holiday the night before is not easy, but the excitement it brings is so worth it. The following morning we jetted off to sun, sand and sea with my smile still going intact.

Barcelona is a beautiful city; the history and culture that resides in the streets, architectures, beaches and people is somewhat magical. The whole experience from the surprise, the apartment we stayed in and food to the Venezuelan biker who took us on a tour, tasting grappa for the fist time and me getting the chance to brush up on my GCSE spanish, was one that will always remind me of the beauty that can be found from travelling and it's the icing on the cake when you get to do it with someone you love.