Latest news with #ChelseaDickenson
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
I'm a travel expert — this European city with £15 flights from UK is the most underrated destination
Cheap Holiday Expert Chelsea Dickenson is always on the lookout for destinations where you can get more bang for your buck - and she thinks this city break should be on your radar Travel guru Chelsea Dickenson is always on the hunt for ways to cut down travel costs, whether that's finding loopholes in airline baggage fees, sharing packing tips, or swapping popular holiday spots for lesser-known destinations. Chelsea, better known as Cheap Holiday Expert, recently highlighted underrated city breaks that should be on your radar, especially if you're looking to save a few bob without skimping on the thrill of travel. Chelsea recently teamed up with Boots to put together ready-made bundles containing all the essentials for festivals, beach trips, and adventures so customers can get everything they need in one go, without having to shell out a small fortune. Being a lover of a good deal, Chelsea is always scouting for destinations where her money will go further. There's one European city Chelsea reckons is grossly underrated, despite the country receiving heaps of praise for its coastal spots in recent years. Speaking to the Express, she said: "So one place I think should be on more people's radar, it's really interesting, because Albania has been getting lots more attention, but more for their Riviera...I'm saying their capital Tirana is absolutely gorgeous." Nestled in the heart of Albania, the capital city Tirana is surrounded by mountains and hills, including Dajti. The city was established by an Ottoman Albanian general in 1614 and became an independent nation in 1912, nearly three centuries later. Chelsea praised Tirana as a haven for those who love green spaces, boasting numerous outdoor areas to unwind in during the sunny summer months. She suggested that when the weather is favourable, one should delve into the local cafe and restaurant scene. Chelsea added: "They have such a brilliant cafe and restaurant culture, so there's so many outdoor places to sit. I was getting their traditional pastries for I think 45 pence each. So you can eat super affordably." The city is brimming with Balkan pastries, with an Albanian local highlighting treats like borek, kadai and baklava. Another speciality to try is kompekaj, akin to the well-loved baklava. A Tirana local offered some tips on the best culinary spots. Kernace Zgare Fatosi is the go-to for fans of kofta, breads and yoghurt. For an extra-special experience, they recommend visiting at twilight for a truly magical atmosphere. If you're keen to sample some traditional Albanian cuisine, make your way to Restorant GjinoKastra for some authentic pacha - or stew - featuring some surprising ingredients... like sheep head, if that's your cup of tea. They also suggest trying some Turkish coffee, though be warned that these coffee shops are invariably rammed. For some cultural exploration and attractions, consider Skanderbeg Square, Kalaja e Tiranes (Tirana Castle), the New Bazaar in Pazari i Ri, and Sofra e Aruit, a bear cafe with bears within arm's reach. Chelsea also highlighted the city's drinking scene, such as Blloku. To savour a tipple whilst soaking up panoramic views of the city, the rooftop at the Xheko Imperial Hotel is "amazing". Another perk of visiting Tirana? The bargain flights. Chelsea flagged up the Albanian capital as one of the rare destinations where you could bag a return flight for roughly £40 during quieter periods. A flight from London Stansted with Ryanair in September could see you fork out just £15 each way. Chelsea managed to keep costs down, spending only £100 on a three-day, two-night break in the city. "You know, holidays are getting more expensive," Chelsea said. "It's one of those places that you can go and do not have to spend a fortune."
The Sun
01-07-2025
- The Sun
Five great hacks to master hand luggage packing and save serious cash on plane tickets
YOU can save serious cash on plane tickets by opting for hand luggage only. However, this can be tricky when you have to fit a lot of stuff into a small case. But there are a few tricks to master packing to avoid additional baggage fees. Here's what you need to know… LIST FIRST: Make a list of what you need. Keep it on your phone and quickly adapt it for each trip, says holiday expert Chelsea Dickenson. If you need a quick reminder of which toiletries to pack, she has created shoppable lists at as well as bundles for specific trips like hikes or festivals. DRESS TO COMPRESS: Packing cubes help flatten down your clothes. You can get an organiser bag with compression features for £5 from Flying Tiger. 'Not got a compression cube or just trying to squeeze in a few extra garments? Roll, don't fold. It saves so much space and means fewer wrinkles,' advises Chelsea. And look to fill all the gaps in your suitcase. Chelsea says: 'Socks go in shoes, belts line the edges, jewellery tucked into sunglass cases.' DECANT: Rather than buying expensive miniature toiletries to take on holiday, decant your favourite lotions and liquids into reusable travel containers. Also, make further savings by packing any beauty samples you receive as they are perfect for travels. PILLOW TALK: If you're seriously short on space, Chelsea says you could try taking the stuffing out of your travel pillow and fill it with socks, pants and even pyjamas. Fashion stylist reveals top packing tips for your next holiday - and fits everything in hand luggage- She adds: 'No one at the airport will know, and you've just bought yourself extra space in your case while still getting a comfy pillow.' CAP IT OFF: You should always pop shoes in bags, so dirty soles don't mark clean clothes. Or Chelsea suggests making the most of shower caps from hotels and popping them over your footwear. All prices on this page were correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability. 7 Deal of the day JUST lie back and relax with this hammock and stand, down from £90 to £60.30 at Argos. Cheap treat SIP your favourite drink from this glass mug with lemon design, £2.50 at B&M. What's new? SUSHI and bento chain Wasabi has a new summer menu, including dragon rolls – crispy crunch prawn rolls with a wasabi mayo. Top swap GIVE your skin a makeover with Glow Recipe's watermelon dew drops, £35.40 from Sephora. Or brighten your complexion with Aldi's watermelon serum, £4.99. Shop & save ADD some summer style to your outfit with these raffia flat sandals, down from £50 to £30 at River Island. Hot right now GET KFC's Zinger Kickin' Deal delivered. It's £14 for two Zinger burgers, two regular fries and a bottle of drink. Until July 20. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Independent
30-06-2025
- The Independent
Travelling with carry-on? How to pack light and avoid extra luggage fees
As summer travel gears up, the prospect of lengthy baggage queues at airports is a familiar dread for many holidaymakers. Yet, a growing number of seasoned travellers are bypassing this frustration by mastering the art of carry-on travel. Whether jetting off for a quick weekend getaway or determined to condense a long-haul journey into a single bag, packing light doesn't necessitate sacrificing style or essentials. Instead, it demands a more strategic approach. Travel experts, having honed their methods over countless journeys, are now offering invaluable insights into maximising space and efficiency within the confines of a single carry-on. Here are their tips. 1. Pick a suitcase with exterior pockets Picking the right bag makes all the difference. 'Choose a carry-on case with exterior pockets for items you will need in transit,' recommends Fiona Spinks, solo adventurer and founder of Following Fiona. 'A book, snacks or the clear liquid bag can live outside the main compartment so you are not opening the whole case in a crowded queue.' 2. Make a master list 'Start with a master list and tailor it for each trip – beach, city, festival, whatever,' suggests Chelsea Dickenson, the founder of Holiday Expert, who has partnered with Boots to create packing tips to help Britons get organised this summer. 'I keep mine in my phone notes and update it before every holiday. You only need one extra outfit – not five emergency dresses and 10 pairs of spare knickers.' 3. Invest in some packing cubes Packing cubes free up valuable space. 'One cube holds tops, another holds bottoms and a third keeps underwear separate,' says LP Maurice, travel expert, backpacker and CEO and co-founder of travel website Busbud. 'The cubes act like drawers when you open the bag. Press down on each cube before you zip it to push out any trapped air.' 4. Try the travel pillow trick This creative packing hack has gone viral on TikTok and is a great way to sneak some extra socks and pants onto a plane. 'Take the stuffing out of your travel pillow and fill it with clothes – socks, pants, even pyjamas,' recommends Ms Dickenson. 'No one at the airport will know, and you've just bought yourself extra space in your case and still get a comfy pillow. Just try and stick to the cleaner clothes for your return journey.' 5. Roll your clothes 'Rolling each item instead of folding sounds simple, yet it makes a surprising difference,' says Ms Spinks. 'Rolled clothes stack snugly along your case's length and come out with fewer creases, so you spend less time hunting for an iron at your hotel. 'This method also lets you spot gaps where you can tuck socks or underwear using every corner of the bag.' 6. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes 'Footwear is always the bulkiest offender, so wear the heaviest pair for the journey so the lighter pair can slot along the side of the case,' recommends Ms Spinks. 'Filling the inside of each shoe with chargers or rolled underwear stops wasted space and keeps the shoes from collapsing.' Make every little bit of space count. 'Fill the shoes with rolled socks and chargers to stop dead space,' recommends Mr Maurice. Dickenson agrees and says that little things like lining the edges of your suitcase with belts and tucking your jewellery into sunglasses cases can make all the difference. 8. Wear the bulkiest items 'A jacket with deep pockets can carry your phone, headphones and a paperback book,' highlights Mr Maurice. 'That choice removes about 1 kg from your bag and could help you stay warm in an air‑conditioned cabin.' 9. Decant your toiletries into mini bottles 'Switch full-size toiletries for reusable mini bottles and solid versions wherever possible,' recommends Ms Spinks. 'Decanting shampoo and moisturiser into 80ml containers satisfies airline liquid rules and saves you from paying extra for checked baggage just to carry large bottles. 'Solid bars of soap or conditioner slip into any spare corner and never leak over your clothes.' 10. Buy a flat lay makeup bag 'If you're anything like me and tend to spread your makeup and toiletries everywhere, a flat lay bag makes life so much easier,' says Ms Dickenson. 'You just open it up and everything's laid out and visible. No more rooting around for your mascara or leaving half your makeup behind.'
The Independent
25-06-2025
- The Independent
Ten packing hacks to avoid airline carry-on fares this summer
As summer travel ramps up, the prospect of lengthy baggage queues at airports looms large for many holidaymakers. Yet, a growing number of seasoned travellers are sidestepping this common frustration by mastering the art of the carry-on bag. Whether you're jetting off for a weekend getaway or determined to squeeze your long-haul trip into one small suitcase, packing light doesn't mean you need to sacrifice style or essentials. Instead, it demands a more strategic approach to packing. Travel experts, having honed their methods over countless journeys, offer invaluable insights into maximising space and efficiency within the confines of a single carry-on. 1. Pick a suitcase with exterior pockets Picking the right bag makes all the difference. 'Choose a carry-on case with exterior pockets for items you will need in transit,' recommends Fiona Spinks, solo adventurer and founder of Following Fiona. 'A book, snacks or the clear liquid bag can live outside the main compartment so you are not opening the whole case in a crowded queue.' 2. Make a master list 'Start with a master list and tailor it for each trip – beach, city, festival, whatever,' suggests Chelsea Dickenson, founder of Holiday Expert who has partnered with Boots to create packing tips to help the nation get organised this summer. 'I keep mine in my phone notes and update it before every holiday. You only need one extra outfit – not five emergency dresses and 10 pairs of spare knickers.' 3. Invest in some packing cubes Packing cubes free up valuable space. 'One cube holds tops, another holds bottoms and a third keeps underwear separate,' says LP Maurice, travel expert, backpacker and CEO and co-founder of travel website Busbud. 'The cubes act like drawers when you open the bag. Press down on each cube before you zip it to push out any trapped air.' 4. Try the travel pillow trick This creative packing hack has gone viral on TikTok and is a great way to sneak some extra socks and pants onto a plane. 'Take the stuffing out of your travel pillow and fill it with clothes – socks, pants, even pyjamas,' recommends Dickenson. 'No one at the airport will know, and you've just bought yourself extra space in your case and still get a comfy pillow. Just try and stick to the cleaner clothes for your return journey.' 5. Roll your clothes 'Rolling each item instead of folding sounds simple, yet it makes a surprising difference,' says Spinks. 'Rolled clothes stack snugly along your case's length and come out with fewer creases, so you spend less time hunting for an iron at your hotel. 'This method also lets you spot gaps where you can tuck socks or underwear using every corner of the bag.' 6. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes 'Footwear is always the bulkiest offender, so wear the heaviest pair for the journey so the lighter pair can slot along the side of the case,' recommends Spinks. 'Filling the inside of each shoe with chargers or rolled underwear stops wasted space and keeps the shoes from collapsing.' 7. Fill every single gap Make every little bit of space count. 'Fill the shoes with rolled socks and chargers to stop dead space,' recommends Maurice. Dickenson agrees and says that little things like lining the edges of your suitcase with belts and tucking your jewellery into sunglasses cases can make all the difference. 8. Wear the bulkiest items 'A jacket with deep pockets can carry your phone, headphones and a paperback book,' highlights Maurice. 'That choice removes about 1 kg from your bag and could help you stay warm in an air‑conditioned cabin.' 9. Decant your toiletries into mini bottles 'Switch full-size toiletries for reusable mini bottles and solid versions wherever possible,' recommends Spinks. 'Decanting shampoo and moisturiser into 80ml containers satisfies airline liquid rules and saves you from paying extra for checked baggage just to carry large bottles. 'Solid bars of soap or conditioner slip into any spare corner and never leak over your clothes.' 10. Buy a flat lay makeup bag 'If you're anything like me and tend to spread your makeup and toiletries everywhere, a flat lay bag makes life so much easier,' says Dickenson. 'You just open it up and everything's laid out and visible. No more rooting around for your mascara or leaving half your make-up behind.'
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I'm a packing expert - here's how to really get around Ryanair's strict luggage rules
As someone who 'hates paying for luggage', Chelsea Dickenson has almost perfected the art of packing. 'Ryanair are NOT getting any more of my money,' the avid traveller laughs. Better known as @holidayexpert, Chelsea – who once took a Uniqlo sling bag for three days in Albania - has exclusively revealed to MailOnline Travel her top tips for packing a week's holiday worth of clothes into a 40x20x25cm bag. She also reveals how you MIGHT be able to get away with a bag that's slightly bigger than the strict measurements on budget flights. 'I feel like my life's work is me trying to get away with bigger bags than I should,' she says. 'The main thing is airlines often do not check how big your bag is, and do not care, but I've heard of people being fined, so you can get unlucky, and that's a risk you choose to take. 'However, if you do decide to take anything that's bigger than the restrictions, I would choose a backpack over a suitcase, as the wheels on the floor will instantly make the staff think it's a bit too big. 'So keep your bag on your back and don't be turning and twisting. 'Also, be nice, and have your passport and boarding pass ready, so you don't have to do any scrambling around. You don't want to give them an extra second to think it through.' Another trick is to actually carry some of your luggage on you. In the past, Chelsea says she's taken the cushioning out of her travel pillow and stuffed some of her clothes in there, and she's even gone as far as wearing a fishing vest, which she filled the pockets of. 'They may weigh your luggage, but they don't weigh you,' Chelsea says. 'Your pockets are your best friend!' But Chelsea says you 'don't need as much stuff as you think' – and one of her biggest tips for keeping the luggage light is writing an outfit list on her phone's Notes app. She says: 'I write out what I'm going to wear every single day, because how many times do we pack three or four extra items and 20 pairs of pants? Why do we do it to ourselves? 'It really helps. I have to be really strict with myself, and I let myself have one extra spare piece of clothing that I'm allowed to take with me, and that's it.' Another 'absolute win' for Chelsea are compression packing cubes, some of which are available for £11.99 from Amazon. She adds: 'These are just like standard packing cubes, but with an extra zip that flattens everything down. Toifucos Travel Packing Cubes (Set of 8) Helping keep you organised when packing, the Toifucos Travel Packing Cubes could help save you time and free up valuable space. The set comes with eight different sized bags, including shoes, toiletries and drawstring bags - perfect for separating your dirty holiday clothes. In one TikTok video, uploaded by solo traveller, @discoverwithemma, she said: 'I've seen these compression packing cubes all over TikTok. 'They actually save so much space because they have an extra zip.' £11.99 Shop 'You can then roll all the other smaller bits around these cubes.' Something else Chelsea always makes sure she packs is a little travel health kit she makes herself. She explains: 'Rather than taking the full boxes of all your different medicines, blister plasters, paracetamol and Imodium – which can take up so much space - you can just cut off the right amount that you might need and put them into a little travel pouch in their sachets.' Chelsea packs her toiletries in a similar way – and never uses full-size bottles of her favourite products. 'It's all about the decant,' she says. 'I have a cardboard box under my bathroom sink full of travel minis, stuff I've stolen from hotels, and loads of empty bottles. 'When you realise you can actually take your normal shampoo and conditioner away with you, and you don't have to use the hotel stuff, it's revolutionary. 'Also, remember to keep that clear bag they give you at the airport for your next holiday – don't chuck it away, as that's going to be so helpful in the future. 'If not, a sandwich bag always does the trick.' When it comes to your shampoo and conditioner, Chelsea has even found a hack recently that means it doesn't even need to count as one of your liquids. She says: 'There are these shower caps which have shampoo and conditioner in them, and you can just put them on your head, massage it in, and then brush it out – and you've got clean hair. 'They're usually used for people living in care homes, but they're great for festivals too, as you don't need water! 'Boots sells them for £3.25.' But if you do need bigger bottles of suncream or baby formula, Chelsea recommends ordering online from Boots and doing Click and Collect, so you can pick it up at the airport after you're through security. She says: 'If you're a family and you need four big bottles of sun cream, just get it at the airport instead, and save that space in your luggage, so you don't have to carry it around with you.' Chelsea has teamed up with Boots to create holiday bundles for the beach, festivals and adventure trips – and shoppable packing lists too. The three bundles are £20 each, consisting of five to seven products and with savings of over £10. 'The new summer bundles and online packing lists at Boots make it easier than ever to feel prepared, stay organised, and enjoy every moment of your holiday,' Chelsea finishes. 'And if you do forget something, Boots items via Deliveroo are just a click away with delivery in as little as 20 minutes!' Some other seasoned female solo travellers have also shared their go-to accessories, devices, clothing items and bags that offer practicality, convenience, comfort, and safety during their trip. Recommending travel hooks to her followers on TikTok, @jemmastravels said: 'When I was in Asia I would have wet bikinis, or in Europe I'd have smelly shoes that I didn't want in my bag, and I could just hook them to the outside of my backpack and go from hostel to hostel. Could not recommend them enough.' Another TikToker, @ encouraged fellow solo travellers to invest in soap bar bags, adding: 'I love shampoo and conditioner bars, but I hated dealing with them after a shower.
