by Mollie Millington | Mar 17, 2025 | product review, ski, travel
Spring skiing offers a unique experience that can’t be beaten. Blue skies, warmer temperatures, and abundant sunshine elevate your mood while on the slopes. A ski holiday is always a great time, but add in the opportunity to enjoy a cold drink under the sun, and it feels like you’ve found the perfect balance between a mountain getaway and a beach vacation. (Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!) If you’re considering a spring ski trip, Cervinia, Italy, in the Aosta Valley, is a must-visit destination. Known for its reliable snow and breathtaking views, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy skiing in Italy while soaking up some spring sunshine.
Never-ending season
Sunshine was not what I was expecting when we planned a trip to Italy to ski. We chose Cervino Ski Paradise based on a friend’s recommendation that you are guaranteed for there to be snow. At an altitude of 2600 metres, the temperatures should stay cold enough during the winter months to allow skiing without any risk of brown patches. And now Cervino Ski Paradise boasts a never-ending season. Open 11 months of the year (with September off for lift maintenance), there is never a bad time to hit the slopes. From 4 May, 2025, summer fares will be offered with skiing primarily limited to the Plateua Rosa glacier on the Swiss side and accessible by three chair lifts.
Our trip to Cervinia
We had a five day trip planned, with two travel days and three days to ski. Flying in and out of Turin, we ended up hiring a car rather than booking transfer to Cervinia as the car was slightly cheaper and gave us more flexibility. With a 7pm flight on our last day, we were tempted to plan a 4th day of skiing before heading home. Unfortunately, I had a pretty bad fall on the Sunday which meant no skiing on Monday.
From Turin airport, it was about a 2 hour drive to Cervinia. As we got higher up into the mountains, more snow started to appear along the roads. In the last few kilometers to our accommodation, we had to put on tire covers/socks (instead of chains) to give us enough traction to climb the hill (we only got stuck a few times before this). We rented a studio apartment through Booking.com that had parking, a ski equipment room, and was ski in/out. When we travel, we usually just look for a place to stay that are convenient, safe and clean. We are normally out all day so just needed a place to eat, sleep, and shower. While this place was a tight squeeze (we ended up using the bunk buds instead of the pull out couch to sleep), it was perfect for us to make breakfast, pack snacks for the mountain, and then have dinner. Even thought it could sleep four, I can’t imagine how everyone else would have fit.
It was a short walk downhill to get to Cieloalto lift, where we could strap on our gear (sadly, James is a snowboarder) and ski about 90% of the way to Breuil-Plan Maison lift. Our first morning, we tried to leave the flat ‘early’ but it took us some extra time to get organized. Once we got to the main ticket office, we learned that high winds were keeping the slopes shut and no lift tickets were being sold until the lifts opened. The Cervino Tourism board kindly provided me with a 3 day lift pass, so I was able to pick that up while James had to wait. It totally makes sense not to sell the lift tickets unless they are sure the mountain will open up. We waited over an hour, to the point where I badly needed a Red Bull or Diet Coke. I went up the road to try to find a shop or cafe which would help me get some caffeine into my veins. The ticket office had numerous vending machines but they were stocked with coffee, tea and healthy snacks whereas I was after sugar. Because we arrived so late the night before, we didn’t have time to stop at store to pick up any fizzy drinks for me. I made sure we did at the end of the day. Soon thereafter, the winds resided and we were able to make our way up the mountain to meet our friends and their kids.
The choice for families
Our friends, The Williams, have been to Cervino Ski Paradise twice, one time booking everything themselves in 2024 and this year they came as past of a package holiday with Crystal Ski. They are a family of five and it is because of their recommendation we booked our trip to Cervinia. Serendipitously, they were there on holiday at the same time we were. It was much easier having someone familiar with the mountain and village to guide us around to the all best spots when we were not there for very long.
In 2024, the Williams, Jenny, Chris, Max, Milo, and Penelope, stayed for 10 days at Basecamp Apartments at Cieloalto lift. While this is a ski in/out lift, you have to be fairly advanced (and good at planning) to make it back on your skis by the end of the day. There is a bus that runs from the city centre up to the Cieloalto lift (and beyond). We also used this bus to get back to our flat because it would have taken forever to walk back uphill while carrying our kit. While the skiing in/out is convenient, Jenny said they wanted to be closer to the lifts and village centre (thus not needing a car), so they booked a package holiday for the following year before they had even left from their first visit.
How did the package holiday compare? First off, it was slightly more expensive than their DIY apartment and for only 7 nights instead of 10. But the benefits outweighed that. The kids ski lessons, the airport transfers, and daily breakfasts were all included. The Williams still paid for their ski hire, ski passes and for Jenny’s private lessons. Staying at the Hotel Europa, they were 150m from the Cretaz lift – the closest they had ever been to a lift when skiing. It made things so much easier if they had to go back to the hotel to fetch something like extra layers. The hotel had a spa and pool (which they used each day). As the hotel was bed and breakfast only, they went out for dinner each day in the village and enjoyed lunch on the mountain. One tip Jenny has to share is to book restaurants ahead of time for dinner as they get busy in the evenings (because all the tourists are eating dinner out). I would add that if you want to enjoy time at a spa during your visit to Cervinia, be sure to book a hotel that has one. We could not find a spa with public access in the town.
Eat. Ski. Sleep. Repeat.
It is hard to show you here in photographs just how impressive the valley looks with blue skies surrounding you. Aside from the windy first day, the others were a repeat of: ski in the sun, stop to enjoy a morning coffee in the sun, ski some more, stop for al fresco lunch admiring the Matterhorn (should have worn more sunscreen), few last runs, apres ski drinks, and then bed. Keeping in mind that the Matterhorn is the world’s most photographed mountain, I did what I could to preserve this title. You will have to pop over to my Instagram to see some video footage of our trip because as I have said, these photos do not do it justice.
Things to know about the region
- New chairlift in Goillet area, which is a 6-seater with individual footrests, heated seats, and a transparent bubble to protect you on windy days
- To encourage younger people to ski, there is a new pricing scheme for those under 24. A regional agreement in the Aosta Valley aims to make skiing more accessible by giving those under 24 years old a 20% discount and under 16s a 30% discount.
- The 3S Matterhorn Alpine Crossing opened in July 2023 and connects Testa Grigia with Little Matterhorn, linking Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt (which are only separated by the Matterhorn
- We enjoyed the Cretaz treadmill, which is protected by a clear tunnel and serves the baby hill. No ski pass required!
- The SnowXperience Plateau Rosa has snow tubing and a beginner’s slope.
- Other winter activities in the local area include: freeriding or heleski, cross-country ski, ski mountaineering, and snowshoeing.
For couples too
Even if you are just travelling as a duo, as compared to a large family, I would say Cervinia is still an ideal destination. It was easy for us to get around with our ski/in out accommodation with options to ski, walk or take a bus. Our studio flat was big enough for two of us and gave us the option to save some money by eating in. Lift passes were very affordable at 172 Euros for three days*. Although we had a big breakfast and packed snacks, we did enjoy lunch on the mountain each day. The first day, we ate near a lift because the wind caused it to close temporarily. We also lucky enough to enjoy lunch at Love* and Les Skieurs D’Antan*. One night, we had dinner out with The Williams in Cervinia village at Jour Et Nuit. There seemed to be a variety of restaurants and food trucks, from steak to Thai to pizza, that everyone should find something they like. Although we bought pasta and a few other bits for dinner, the lunches on the mountain were so filling we managed without dinner the other nights.
Exploring Aosta Valley
Unfortunately, on our last day of skiing, I had a nasty fall which ended with me taking a taxi (at a flat rate of 20 Euros) from the chairlift back to our apartment. I had to lie on the couch with ice on my leg for the rest of evening, which wasn’t much fun. The following morning, we had to be out of our apartment by 9am. As my leg and arm still hurt from the day before, we decided to explore Aosta Valley a bit more by driving over to Courmayeur for lunch to see Mount Blanc rather than squeeze in another day of skiing. We quickly left the snow behind as as we descended. Driving through Aosta Valley was beautiful with all the mountains off in the distance. And of course, the windy roads were fun to drive along. Before we returned to the airport, we stopped at the Turino Outlet Village because they had a Salomon and Ferrari outlet stores (and many high end brands). With longing memories of snowy mountains, we returned the car at the airport and boarded our plane.
This was my second time skiing in Italy (last time was in the Dolomites a long time ago). Both times I had blue skies and plenty of open piste to enjoy. Next year, I am going to forget about the French Alps and explore more of the Italian ski scene. After all, the coffee is much better in Italy (so I am told). Care to join me?
*My lift pass and our lunches at Love and Les Skieurs D’Antan were complimentary. Thanks to Cervinia Tourist Office for their support. All views are honest and my own.
My ski jacket is #gifted from Tog24. It was warm and toasty, as well as making it easy to spot me on the slopes.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2025 | ski, travel
Winter ski season is here and many people will be headed out soon for quality time on the slopes. It can be hard to know what to pack and how to maximize your luggage space, especially when the airlines keep changing the rules, so I though I would share my tips on how and what to pack for a skiing holiday.
Tip #1: Check airline regulations for baggage. Some airlines consider ski boots and skis to be one item, while others count them as two bags. Don’t forget to check how much a checked bag is when booking flights on budget airlines. It may be a better value to pay for a flight that includes one hold bag if you are earning airline miles rather than paying for each little extra (like a reserved seat, drinks, and snacks). Be sure to read the luggage and sports equipment policy of the airline you are flying with. Snowboard bags can usually hold boots too so you just need to check your bag falls within the allowed oversized luggage dimensions.
A recent tip I saw on Instagram was to use a double ski bag even if you only have one pair of skis. For example, British Airways says the maximum ski/snowboard bag size you can have is 190 x 75 x 65cm. This expandable ski/snowboard bag (with wheels!) measures 145-175 x 17 x 32cm. Use this massive luggage allowance to your advantage and all you need to do is stay within the maximum weight. If you are feeling generous, feel free to send me the Tramline Quad 170 Hardside (in pink, of course). Measuring 180 x 35 x 22cm, it has built in compartments for your helmet, poles and clothes.
Tip #2: Use clothes to pad equipment. If you don’t have a hard cased ski bag, pack your soft goods (long underwear, ski socks, snow pants, comfy clothes, pajamas, and swim suit) in your ski bag. By wrapping the clothes around your skis and poles, you know your kit will be protected from damage in the hold. Toiletries and sneakers can go into your boot bag (which can be used as a carry on) which limits the need to check an additional bags for an added cost. It is much more fun to spend that money on the après ski.
Tip #3: Wear snow boots and helmet (read my tips on how to choose one here) on plane. You probably know this, but wearing your bulky clothes on the plane will save room in your luggage. If you have big boots for the snow, you should wear these along with your ski jacket and any other big layers. Of course you can remove the extra layers once the flight is underway but this tactic will save space in your luggage. Also, it is best practice to carry your helmet on the plane with you. Checking it in the hold puts it at risk for damage from being crushed or banged up which means it will be less effective or need to be replaced sooner.
Tip #4: Dress for the weather. You never know what the weather will be like in the mountains. Be sure to pack outerwear that is versatile, such as being breathable and waterproof. You need to be warm as you ride the chair lift but then also cool as you make your way down the hills. It is usually best to wear layers in case the weather changes. Merino wool allows for temperature regulation and comes in a variety of thicknesses to suit the climate you are in. The other great thing about merino is that it doesn’t smell after a few sweaty wears. That means you can pack less for longer trips (although it is good to have a back up in case you get wet).
If you don’t ski often enough to justify buying ski clothes, check out Ecoski. They hire out ski gear and also sell used kit in w wide variety of sizes. They only sell sustainable brands so no matter what you purchase or rent from the site, you know you are making an eco-friendly choice.
Tip #5: Think about snacks and an easy lunch. We make GORP (equal parts peanuts, raisins, M&Ms and granola) to eat on the mountain and pack protein bars too. Food and drinks on the mountain can be very expensive and take a long time to queue for before struggling to find a seat. I prefer having portable snacks I can eat on the chair lift, or a large sandwich, to maximize my time on the slopes. A hot breakfast and proper dinner balance me out. The trails and lift lines tend to be empty while everyone is getting lunch, so I prefer to be on the slopes from 11am-1pm. I suggest you plan your day around that window.
Tip #6: Don’t forget the little things. Even thought I wasn’t in Girl Scouts for very long as a child, I still like to always be prepared. Tissues, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a water bottle, hand warmers, a battery pack with cable, and sunglasses are the essentials I like to have on hand when I am out skiing. By wearing a small rucksack, I have everything with me to prevent trips back to the hotel room. A bag is also handy to hold your hat, gloves, and goggles when walking around the resort village.
These are my top tips on how to pack for a ski trip. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can do laundry and pack even less. I prefer to bring two changes of long underwear and regular clothes in case something gets wet.
Did I forget anything? What do you always pack when you are headed towards the slopes?
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by Mollie Millington | Dec 10, 2023 | product review, running, travel
If I counted up all the miles I have run in the last 10 years, I would say there have been a fair few. Since moving to the United Kingdom in 2011, I have started running routinely, as well as travelling more. By combining the two, I refer to it as active travel (not to be confused with running or cycling to work). Believe it or not, Europe is so much more accessible from London rather than Michigan. My passion for running started as a way to fundraise for an American charity close to my heart. The more I ran, the farther distances I had to go to encourage more donations. My first international race was in Paris for a half marathon in 2013. I traveled alone from London and stayed with a friend’s sister (who not only I had never met, but also wasn’t there, so I actually stayed with my friend’s brother-in-law). The only other time I had been in Paris was in 2005, so it was amazing to explore the city with fresh eyes while on foot. Road races tend to take you through neighborhoods you might not otherwise see. Moving at a relatively slow pace (compared to a car) and above ground (as opposed to a subway), you see things from a different point of view. An added bonus is runners love talking about all things running which means even if you head to the start pen on your own, you will make friends shortly after arrival. This trip to Paris was a long weekend and as it was my first ‘big’ race, I was cautious drinking too much wine or eating too much cheese until after I had crossed the finish line. Now, I am quite not as cautious if the race is only a 5 or 10K.
Since 2013, I have run in 12 countries and ten states as part of my goal to run in every country and state that I visit. While I have memories from each, I have been looking for a way to commemorate these trips. Luckily, I have discovered El Camino Bracelets.* With each race, I have specific memories of the time and place, and now I also have a physical representation i can wear on my wrist. The half marathon I did in Auckland, New Zealand was seven loops in a local park with a hill, which my husband reminded me each time I passed him that I was slowing down. My first marathon was in Prague and I had a few days to wander the city on my own beforehand. As a souvenir, I bought a small red garnet (the national gem) to wear on a necklace that said ‘26.2’ (the number of miles in a marathon). The first time I went to Disney World was at the age of 36 for a half marathon with a charity entry. Charity entries start in the back due to lack of estimated finishing time and everyone ahead of me was walking due to the Dopey Challenge (four day event which starts with a 5K and ends with a marathon). It took me six miles to move ahead of the walkers and find a steady pace. I slept under the stars in the Jordanian desert while completing a 5 day ultra marathon in 2018. During the Rock-N-Roll half marathon in Dublin (which was hillier than I thought it would be), the deer in Phoenix Park ran across the course as we neared the finish line. I was too slow to get my phone out for a photo.
Hanging my race medals in the spare bedroom isn’t too inspiring when I am training or conversational when visiting friends and family. Those of you who know runners know we love to talk about running! When I learned about El Camino Bracelets*, I saw this travel-inspired accessory to be the best way of reminding myself of what I have achieved and therefore what I still am capable of. With a ‘Step’ from each country I tick off, along with the colorful Steps to categorize my race distances for ‘5k’ to ‘marathon’ to ‘250km ultra’, I can wear this bracelet day in and day out, including when I am training, as a reminder of how many memories I have made by simply running. El Camino Bracelets are made in the UK and meant to be worn while exploring. The hand polished surgical grade stainless steel holds up against salt water, sweat, and a range of temperatures. The spacers are all made from sustainably sourced woods and coconut. Typically, I don’t wear jewelry because it is too inconvenient to take it on and off daily for exercise, dishes, my ‘real job’, showering, etc. The big appeal to me was I can leave this bracelet on and only take it off after I have run somewhere new.
Even though El Camino has created categories for their Steps (animals, regions, continents, sea, oceans, etc), you can create your own code to make the jewelry meaningful to you. I wanted to use traffic lights as inspiration for my distances. You can use your creativity to find a custom Step designs too, to capture weddings, birthdays, travel with your besties, adoptaversaries of your pets, etc. You are only limited by the 29-32 character space. Adventure Steps illustrate your jewelry with small symbols. I chose the airplane and arrow adventure Steps (not the footprint because I don’t like feet), then added on the following the countries and colorful Steps: 5K (green/South America): USA; 10K (orange/Tiger step): South Africa, Portugal; half marathon (blue /Australia region): Scotland, New Zealand; marathon (red/ North American region): Czech Republic; other (purple/Baltic Sea): Jordan. I love this bracelet so much, it is listed in my 2023 gift guide and I have asked for the rest of the countries I have run in (see map above) for Christmas. Fingers crossed that Santa got my letter.
These last 10 years have had ups and down both physically and mentally. Running has played a huge part in helping me get through it all (even though it is sometimes a love-hate relationship, I always feel better after a run). My next marathon is in Tokyo in March 2024. This trip has been booked since 2020 and rescheduled twice. The last time I ran a marathon was in 2021 as a virtual race (it may be the only way I ever get a Boston Marathon medal). I am anxiously looking forward to finally running this race after several start-stops over the years. As I enter my second month of training, I am starting to recall all the tips and tricks that have worked well for me in the past (daily protein shakes, weekly osteopath appointments, early morning runs in the dark, long runs with friends). It will be my 5th World Marathon Major which leaves me with Boston, the hardest one to gain entry to. The reason I chose a double El Camino bracelet was so that one string can be for the World Marathon Majors (London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and Boston) as custom Steps with the years I ran them. What a tremendous day that will be when I get that Boston small Step on my El Camino bracelet (and then never have to run a marathon ever again!).
What will be next 10 years of active travel bring? I have already set my sights on a European road trip for August 2024. If I plan it correctly, I should be able add the following steps to my bracelet: Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark and/or Luxembourg. There are over 190 countries which means I have a long way to go. And probably a few bracelets (or necklaces) to fill. One thing I am thinking about is signing up for a polar race, even though I ran a 5k in Colorado on New Years Day in 2022 (in a few inches of snow!). And I want to SUP around the island of Jersey. My plan is to keep putting one foot in front of the other while spending as much time outside and exploring. While I am back home training, I will have a constant reminder of just how far I have come.
How do you keep memories from your travels? Do you print a photo book? Keep your airplane tickets? Buy a magnet? Get a tattoo? Let me know in the comments below.
*El Camino bracelets gifted me this bracelet and steps. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 24, 2023 | gift guide, outdoors, product review, travel
Are you looking for the perfect gift to give the travel and outdoor enthusiast in your life? Whether they love hiking, camping, running, or exploring, we have a variety of gifts at different price points to help you tick their name off of your nice list. For this Black Friday blog post, I have tried to feature British small businesses, as well as those with a sustainability-focus. Remember that you vote with your GBP (or dollars) so be mindful when shopping. Support small businesses, knowing your purchase will directly help someone and their family. Below, you will find gadgets, ways to relax, cozy apparel, travel accessories, and supplements in this gift guide, we have something for everyone! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one who loves to travel and be outdoors, keeping reading. You will also spot a discount code to Deakin & Blue.
Gadgets
Body Lite Gear’s Night Vision LED Belt is perfect for those who like to walk or run no matter what time of day (including dog walks!). It features a small amount of storage, so you can pack your keys or fuel. Only 90 grams of weight so you will barely notice it when you wear it.
Lumi Mini is a must if you are missing natural sunshine during the winter months. I have a large seasonal affect disorder (SAD) lamp and it takes up a lot of space when I am using it and when I am storing it in the summer. Using the Mini will help boost your mood, alertness, and daytime energy by emitting 10,000 lux at a distance of 12 cm. Have it shining when you eat your breakfast or while reading a book to make the winter months more bearable.
Travel
El Camino bracelet* is something I am super excited about. My bracelet is waiting for me back in the UK. I am telling my ‘running in every country’ story with large and small steps on my El Camino bracelet. You can also customize the steps to commemorate adventures and achievements that you are proud of. The bracelets are designed to be durable, which means I don’t have to take mine off to run, swim or work. Each one is unique to the wearer and I cannot wait to show you mine (so far!).
Your Family Travel Wallet is a PU leather wallet comes that comes in both teal and tan Colours. It can hold everyone’s passports (up to 7) and other important travel documents, such as plane tickets. The handy wrist strap will ensure you don’t drop or loose it as you make your way from check in to security to the gate.
D-Robe roll up rucksack is 35 liters of storage (including a laptop sleeve). The material is durable, waterproof, recyclable and biodegradable TPU, which means the bag can take a beating and still keep your gear dry. The thing that I think makes it unique is the air valve to compress the bag down (and make it fit in the overhead bin!). Internal storage pockets also make it easy to stay organized while traveling.
Outdoors
Amazing Jame thermal half zip is thermal lined, making it versatile for both autumn and winter depending on whether you want to layer it. The fabric is sweat-wicking and stretched four ways while compressing. There are thumb holes, hidden pockets, and a shaped hem for a flattering hem. Did I mention it is named after Mary Earps?
D-Robe Beaufort Outdoor Robe is something you will never want to take off. I wear my outdoor robe at home while on the couch instead of turning up the heat. I take it camping to stay warm around the campfire, during an early morning dog walk and if the temperatures dip overnight. If you like being warm, dry, and/or cosy, this jacket should be at the top of your list.
Deakin & Blue long sleeve swim suit comes in three styles: Hendricks (shown here), Monroe, and Hepburn. Covering your arms may help keep you a bit warmer and reduce risk of sunburn (still wear sunscreen, ok?). There is built in bust support and a back zip to make it easier to put on and take off. If you are an open water swimmer, why not grab a 2litre dry bag too (in pink or blue) to store your wet stuff after your dip? Deakin & Blue have kindly given my readers a special 10% discount off full price items using the code MOLLIEPT. Enjoy!
EcoSki is a platform that allows you to rent, buy, or repair outdoor clothes. What a fantastic way to be sustainable as you hit the slopes this winter. EcoSki makes an effort to feature sustainable brands and sells pre-loved kit too. Another selling point for me is the size inclusivity. The site offers skiwear sized from XXXS to 4XL for women and from XS to 4XL for men. The platform is also stocking a range of kit for skiers and snowboarders who prefer a longer or shorter cut in the leg or arm. So if you struggle to find outdoor gear that fits your body, definitely have a look. The Halti Planker Jacket and pants are what you see here.
1000 Mile’s fusion double layer socks are always the perfect stocking stuffer. This padded sock offers reduced friction and blister protection, making it perfect for long hikes or runs. I personally love how the design protects the Achilles, which is something I definitely need. The ventilation zones helps to keep the foot cool meaning you can stay out all day without issue.
Relax
Amazing Jane tie dye pajamas are a great option when taking a day or two to recharge at home. Designed and manufactured in the England but a female owned business, you can wear in bed or as loungewear. The relaxed fit with a brushed fabric make these both comfy and cosy.
Earth’s Secret sleep mask* will help you block out light when sleeping at home or when traveling. I have been using it at my mom’s and will be trying it on my overnight flight home. The eyes are cupped so you don’t need to worry about your eyelashes as you sleep. The fabric is breathable and you can adjust the band, as well as cup placement.
The Munros: The complete collection of maps from HARVEY maps looks great on your coffee table and can help you plan your next Scottish adventure. For those who don’t know, a Munro is a hill over 3000 feet. Not only can you use the book as inspiration, but you can also use it to capture memories for the hills you have climbed.
Supplements
Osavi joint and bones collagen* has been my favorite collagen product to try this year (and one of these days, I will tell you about them all). The powder is taste-free so I add it to my juice, yogurt, porridge, whatever I am having for breakfast. The bioactive collagen peptides have helped relieve me of my mystery shoulder pain that I have attributed to perimenopause. My hair quality has also improved (according to my hair dresser). I have also tried tendons and ligaments and am currently making my way through hair and nails (which I won as a prize).
Planthaya Lion’s Mane* I have been taking on and off all year. These 1000mg capsules help improve cognitive function (something I have been struggling with is brain fog) as well as promoting a calm and relaxed mood. I am hoping to be diligent with these for the rest of the year to help me cut back on caffeine consumption. It is time I kicked that habit!
I have written several gift guides over the years and know that there are plenty of other things out there that my readers would like. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below and let me know. Or come back after Christmas and let me know what Santa brought you.
* Item was kindly gifted to me as a PR sample. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2023 | travel
It is week halfway through January 2023 and I am finally comfortable again in ‘normal life.’ For three weeks over Christmas and New Year’s, I was away from home, doing my own thing in Argentina (my 5th continent) and Antarctica (6th, leaving Australia). Without a husband or needy dog, my schedule was my own and as a bonus, I didn’t have to cook. Truth to told, I took a lot of naps but I also had a lot of adventures. Last week, I starting sharing the highlights of each day over on Instagram (@ptmollie), but here on the blog I will get into the nitty gritty. So many questions have come through from friends and family – what did I wear, did I get to walk on land, what the food was like, what animals did I see? It is my aim to answer them all over the next few weeks across a few posts. Here are the key points and some thank you’s for the brands who supported me on this amazing expedition.
First things first, I traveled with Intrepid Travel. They are currently having a sale on upcoming trips booked by 23 February 2023. And if you mention my name when booking, you will get $150 onboard credit (not an affiliate link/program). Although I will also give you some tips on how to book a cheap trip to Antarctica (clue- you will need to be flexible with the travel dates) in the near future. Originally, I booked my trip for 40% off in August 2020 to go on a WWF whale migration trip in February 2021 (the best time to see whale migration), which was postponed due to Covid. Twice. I had to redeem my trip by 2023 to keep the 2020 pricing valid which caused a diary clash. If you read my blog, you will know that my 2020 Tokyo Marathon was also cancelled/deferred several times and I had finally secured March 2023. Work wasn’t keen on two long holidays so close together, so I went for Antarctica over Christmas. This meant I saved a few days of annual leave and my inbox would not be too full (hopefully) upon my return. While I didn’t see as many whales as I would have liked, I met some amazing people from all over the globe that I now call my friends. And am now tempted to return to Antarctica to see the whales when my bank balance allows it.
The best coincidence of the trip was being in Buenos Aires for the World Cup final. This sporting event wasn’t on my radar at all and luckily for me, it did not negatively affect my travels (I cannot day the same for others on the expedition who were unable to travel between airports in Buenos Aires during the national holiday). It was so much fun to watch the game with thousands of cheering fans in the local park. Of course, as a solo female traveler, I had to be careful in large crowds traveling to and from the park, as well as experiencing the celebrations later that day around my hotel (more on that later). I was very fortunate not to have any incidents. My nephew even asked for a Messi jersey from Argentina as a Christmas present (which I will send to him this week!).
Of course, traveling to South America in their summertime meant I needed to be able to dress for 28 degrees C weather while also being ready for whatever Antarctica would throw at me. We could not have been luckier with the weather. Aside from the morning after camping, the majority of the time we had sunshine and blue skies. Yes, sometimes there were larger swells which kept us on the boat and strong winds, but for the most part, we were very blessed. As a skier, I had a lot of outerwear and base layers I could use on the trip (some I had to buy in bigger sizes due to recent weight gain). Being a blogger, I am very fortunate to work with brands by reviewing their products while on adventures such as this. I would like to thank Lucy Locket Loves (activewear and warm hat), Artilect Studio (merino base layers), Swarovski Optik (binoculars), Leki (trekking poles), and ON Running (tracky bottoms to wear around the ship), and Darn Tough (merino wool socks) for supporting this trip by gifting me the items listed. A packing list will definitely be one of the posts I share in the future. Luggage weight is very important when traveling to Ushuaia and you will need a lot of things for two weeks at sea. I will also be editing some of my 360 degree video footage at some point for my YouTube channel, but first I want to go through the 1000s (not an exaggeration!) of photos I took first.
If there is anything specific you want to know about traveling with Intrepid, going to Antarctica, or visiting Argentina, please leave a comment below. I will do the best I can to answer. Don’t forget to check out my Instagram highlights for day by day highlights in the meantime.
by Mollie Millington | Dec 7, 2022 | travel
Recently, I found my old blog that I started in 2006 when I moved away from my hometown to earn my Masters degree. What memories it brought back from my time in Michigan and Alaska. Turns out, I also reviewed restaurants and outdoor activities so I guess I have been at this for a while. My husband and I also had a blog with videos during our three week road trip across America before moving to the UK. This blog was in no way perfect and made me realize I should take the pressure off myself to create epic blog posts on a weekly basis. This is my side gig after all, so I cannot expect it to be at the same level as a full-time content creator.
Since the last time I posted, I am feeling a bit more relaxed now that the conference at work is over (it went well!) and the move to our new house (finally!). Now, we are trying to decorate, organize and unpack all at the same time. We stripped the bedroom wallpaper and an interior designer came over to review our choices. We have arranged for electricians and decorators, as well as finalized all the colors and fabrics. We had wanted it to be completed before Christmas, but like many big projects, it has seen some delays.
In other suburban life news, James bought a car. We went with a Skoda Octavia as we have hired this make/model for our camping trips and always managed to fill it up with our toys and Maple. James is keen to go on many weekend adventures with his bike and I hope he is able to in the new year. Although I don’t think we needed it quite yet, it was a great deal (one owner vehicle with super low miles). We have already been using it to leave town for an early Christmas away as we will not be together for Christmas this year.
My big news is that I am headed to Buenos Aires and Antarctica in December with Intrepid Travel. In August 2020, Intrepid had a huge sale on their trips. We were stuck home and not spending much, so I figured YOLO. Antarctica, along with Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands, have been on my bucket list for a long time (I am a marine biologist after all). Originally, I booked a WWF affiliated whale cruise for February 2021, which was postponed to February 2022. Then February 2023, which conflicted with the Tokyo Marathon (postponed from March 2020). I couldn’t be in two places at once, so luckily I was able to nab a spot on this Christmas and New Years trip.
Things are starting to feel real now as I start to pack and get all the paperwork in order. It will be 28 degrees C in Buenos Aires and cold in Antarctica (currently around 0 degrees C in Rothera at the British Antarctic Territory but I am not going exactly there). From what I understand, it will be quite warm on the ship so two wardrobes will be needed. I have been blessed to have several brands support my trip with the following kit (all gifted except binoculars are on loan):
Leki Sherpa poles
Artilect base layers
Lucy Locket Loves leggings, hoodie, and hat
ON Running active pants and active leggings
Swarovski Optik binoculars
Darn Tough socks
NGX are also supporting me on this trip by continuing to supply my with body fuel. While I have only lost two pounds and zero inches, I am continuing to make better food choices when hungry. Unfortunately, I am struggling not to let fresh vegetables go to waste. Frozen fruit and veg are proving to be life savers.
If you are thinking Antarctica would be cool, there are still spots available on this cruise and many cabins are on sale. Why not #joinme for a Christmas you will never forget?
Thanks to all these amazing outdoor brands for supporting me on this epic adventure.
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