Author: Shared Suitcase

Ten Effortless Travel Habits That Actually Save You Money

Most travel savings advice focuses on dramatic hacks and one-off wins, but the biggest financial impact usually comes from small habits repeated over and over again. These are the quiet decisions that shape every trip, often without you noticing. Done consistently, they reduce stress, cut unnecessary spending, and make travel feel calmer and more controlled […]
Edinburgh Is Relentless in the Best Possible Way

We arrived in Edinburgh the way it feels like you should. By train. Rolling into Waverley Station from Manchester, stepping straight out into the city centre, bags on our backs and the castle looming somewhere above us. It is one of those arrivals that immediately sets the tone. You are not easing into Edinburgh. You […]
From Nyhavn to Nightcaps: 48 Hours in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of those cities that seems designed for exploring at an easy pace. Everything feels connected – the bikes, the waterfront, the food – and you quickly fall into its rhythm. Cycling I (Elliot) visited Copenhagen with a group of about 6 friends. We rented bikes on our first day, and within minutes […]
Deacon’s Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith: Review

We’ve been before but have had Deacon’s Bank on our post-baby list for a while. On a crisp October Sunday, we finally made it, baby in tow, and it turned out to be exactly the sort of lunch you hope for: relaxed, well-paced, and properly cooked food that feels both refined and comforting. Setting The […]
Exploring Northumberland’s Wild Edge

Northumberland is an incredible part of the world, never mind the UK. We recently took a multi-day road trip to see some of the best of what it has to offer! Leaving the Peaks for the Kingdom of Castles We set off from the Peak District before dawn, the kind of road trip where the […]
Limoges: Porcelain, Beef and a City Built on Quiet History

Elliot visited Limoges with a group of friends. We flew direct from East Midlands into Limoges – one of those budget routes you don’t expect much from, but it’s hard to resist when the flight’s cheap and the journey quick. Modest Expectations Limoges isn’t a top-tier French destination, and you can see why. It’s small, […]
Podgorica – Romans to Rakija: 48 Hours in Montenegro’s Underrated Capital

Podgorica isn’t the kind of place that usually makes it onto European city-break shortlists. Montenegro’s capital doesn’t have the instant allure of Dubrovnik or Kotor, and a lot of travellers skip it altogether. But a couple of days here proved it’s more interesting than it first appears – and it’s certainly one of the cheapest […]
Marseille Uncovered: Warmth, Waterfronts and a City with Grit

Marseille…this one was just Elliot – no Kirsty – on a quick solo hop (well, with a cricket team) from Manchester. The flight’s only about an hour and forty-five minutes, barely long enough to finish a podcast before landing in Marseille, where the air instantly feels warmer and saltier than home. Even at the end […]
Review: The Cow, Dalbury Lees, Ashbourne

We’d had high hopes for The Cow at Dalbury Lees. The menu looked polished, the interiors stylish, and reviews online made it sound like a hidden gem near Ashbourne. So, with a group of five adults, two small children, and the lure of a long Sunday lunch ahead, we arrived — a touch early at […]
Zagreb: Heartbreak to History in Croatia’s Capital

Most people seem to skip Croatia’s capital for the coast, but we thought it deserved a stop. What we found was a city with some real charm, a few surprises, and a fair bit of sweat – mainly thanks to August heat and an air-conditioning unit that didn’t work. Museum of Broken Relationships The headline […]
Avoid These 7 Common Travel Mistakes for a Smoother Journey

We’ve all made a travel mistake or two – it’s part of the process (and can actually lead to a great story, let’s be fair). But some mistakes are avoidable, and some are more costly than others. Here’s a list of common travel mistakes we’ve learned to avoid over the years. 1. Overpacking It’s easy […]
Portobello Café: A Taste of Italy Right in the Heart of Hadfield

If you’re looking for a little slice of Italy in the Peak District, look no further than Portobello Café in Hadfield. Owned by Natasha and Alex, who previously ran one of our absolute favourite spots in Whaley Bridge, Portobello brings the same passion, authenticity, and commitment to quality that made their last restaurant so memorable. […]
Review: The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone

Sunday lunch that sadly didn’t deliver. We had high hopes for The Duncombe Arms. It’s got a strong reputation and regularly appears on lists of the best gastropubs in the country – the kind of place you’d expect to knock a Sunday roast out of the park. So we booked in as a group one […]
10 Tricks for Scoring Cheap Flights Every Time

Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it comes to flights. But finding cheap tickets can feel like a game of chance. Thankfully, there are a few tricks we’ve picked up over time that help us grab better prices more consistently. 1. Be Flexible with Your Dates One of the biggest factors in getting a […]
Review: The Barrel Inn, Bretton – A Hidden Gem in the Peaks

We recently stopped by The Barrel Inn in Bretton, nestled high in the Peak District, and it was nothing short of outstanding. The setting alone is worth the visit — perched atop a hill with sweeping, panoramic views that stretch across the landscape. It’s the kind of place where the scenery makes the food taste […]
Perfect Stay at Woolly Experiences: Tranquil Cottage, Beautiful Views, and Friendly Animals

Our recent stay at the self-contained farm cottage at Woolly Experiences was everything we needed and more for the last night of our tour of Wales and (probably) our last night without a baby! Nestled amidst the stunning countryside around Mold, the cottage provided the perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and a true connection with […]
Heartwarming Visit to Woolly Experiences Therapy Farm: The Ultimate Animal Encounter

If you’re looking for a day filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments, a visit to Woolly Experiences Therapy Farm is an absolute must. We recently visited as part of our tour of North Wales (the farm is near Mold) and experienced the Ultimate Package – and what a beautiful way to end our trip. […]
Exploring Prague Castle Complex: History, Majesty, and Iconic Landmarks

The Prague Castle Complex is a sight that defines the city – an architectural masterpiece perched above the Vltava River, casting its shadow over the heart of the Czech capital. Not only is it the largest ancient castle in the world, but it’s also one of Prague’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. The Prague […]
Conwy Castle: The Heart of a Fortified Town

We visited Conwy Castle during our tour of North Wales and would say it’s definitely worth a visit. As English Heritage members, entry was free, which was a nice bonus. We spent about an hour exploring the site, and it was definitely worth making a stop for it. Wall Walk The wall walk was definitely […]
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa – Hotel Review With Video

We recently stayed at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, and it was a really enjoyable experience, with just a couple of small things to mention that could make it even better. The first thing to highlight positively is the location! What a spectacular setting! Room Our room was definitely another one of the highlights. We […]