As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Tips and Tricks · February 13, 2018

Four Affordable Getaways with Groupon

Searching for affordable getaways should be my middle name or my motto in life as that’s what I spend 90% of my free time on. I am a sucker for a good travel deal and often search sites like Groupon to find them. But those who know me know I rarely search for combined deals (hotel and flights) I prefer to use Skyscanner to find my flights. That’s just how I like to do things and it had served me well for so long but times change and we should evolve with them.

Groupon Getaways

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and instead of staying at home feeling sorry for myself I figured I need good travel deals. Off I went onto Groupon and found these four affordable getaways that have made my heart smile. I love traveling, it’s the only thing one can spend money on and become richer. This is one statement that has echoed in my heart and mind since I started solo traveling and hope to continue years on. So what deals have kept me happier than those coupled up and celebrating Valentine’s Day?

Four Affordable Getaways with Groupon

As much as I love to travel and spend my hard-earned cash, it’s still important to make sure we spend it wisely. For me wisely is finding the perfect deals that will allow me to maximise my travels both home and abroad. I figured traveling abroad might not be possible for everyone but we can all try some home travels at one point. The four affordable getaways with groupon are a mixture of home and abroad.

Cotswolds: 1 or 2 Night stay with Breakfast – Stratton House Hotel {deal} £69

Living only an hours drive from the Cotswolds, this deal would be a perfect staycation present if I ever saw one. I do love visiting the Cotswolds when I can but this would be nice to stay over after a day of exploring. This would also make a very lovely Valentine’s Day or even Galentine’s Day present.

Birmingham: 1 or 2 night stay with Breakfast – Nitenite Hotel {deal} £49

Birmingham is a city which I seem to only go in and out as quick as I possibly can and normally not by choice but circumstance. This stay would be perfect for another staycation with my sister just to explore the city and enjoy its charms.

Groupon - Lake Garda

 

Lake Garda: Up-to 4 Nights with Flight {deal} – £79

Lake Garda is one of the places I am hoping to visit one day soon and I had to include this deal in this post. It’s a place I have only heard about, read about, seen pictures of and enchanted to see it for myself one day. I am ready to soak up the sun, indulge in the local cuisine and live like a local for a few days.

Paris: Up-to 3 Night Break – Hotel Atrium {deal} – £49

I am a sucker for Paris, I can not get enough of this city, can’t even understand why some people don’t like it. I could explore it all year round and this deal is exactly what I needed. It would be awesome to complete this deal with the Eurostar deals which often go on sale around this time.

There are so many affordable getaways on Groupon, definitely make a point to check them out. I always have a look before I book most of my ‘thought out’ getaways and it always pays off. This year I won’t only be doing solo travels but tagging my parents along with me as they celebrate 30-years of marriage.

Disclaimer: This is NOT a collaborative post, I just love Groupon and the deals I saw!

In: Tips and Tricks

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Comments

  1. Nazrin Miah says

    March 20, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    Groupon is one of my favourite apps to use and getaways I feel are such a good gift idea! Who wouldn’t like a paid for mini holiday away with your loved one!

    Reply
  2. Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says

    February 15, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    My in laws have traveled with Groupon to Africa and China. Prior to that I didn’t know anyone that had done so. I want to try it, there are places I really want to go.

    Reply
  3. Two Boys and a Hubby says

    February 15, 2018 at 4:21 am

    Groupon always has awesome deals. Anytime we plan on going on vacation or out to eat I always check to see if they are on there.

    Reply
  4. Dhemz Apdian - Dias says

    February 14, 2018 at 6:17 pm

    Likewise, when it comes to travel and shopping I always look for deals and discounts. I love groupon!

    Reply
  5. Stephanie says

    February 14, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    My husband wants to visit Lake Gard, it looks amazing. I’ve never done a Groupon holiday deal before though

    Reply
  6. Penny Christensen says

    February 14, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Those sure do seem like deals. It is a great reminder to always be checking those sites. If nothing else for future inspiration!

    Reply
  7. Ondo Lady says

    February 14, 2018 at 10:01 am

    Wow! What great deals, Groupon can be a real life saver. Valentines can get people feeling all sorts of way but they need to realise that it is just one day.

    Reply
  8. Sara Welch says

    February 14, 2018 at 6:43 am

    I was literally JUST looking at groupon for a getaway. They really are the best when it comes to getting a good deal.

    Reply
  9. Franc Ramon says

    February 14, 2018 at 2:49 am

    Those getaway deals looks like a real steal as they are really affordable. They can give you a good getaway.

    Reply
  10. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

    February 14, 2018 at 2:01 am

    I have never used Groupon before! I actually had no idea that there were things like this on there, I will have to check it out.

    Reply
  11. Ana De Jesus says

    February 13, 2018 at 11:33 pm

    I love Groupon as well, especially for travel and experience deals, especially since it offers you choices in the UK and abroad which I think is rather lovely. Lake Garda sounds great!

    Reply
  12. Emily, Our house now a home says

    February 13, 2018 at 10:46 pm

    These are all great deals! I use Groupon a lot for meals or day activities, I have never used it to plan our vacation though. I will have to check it out.

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    February 13, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    I love how Groupon has expanded from simply providing discounts on food and goods to now discounted experiences such as travel. It makes Spring Break much more fun of so many families!

    Reply
  14. Sarah Bailey says

    February 13, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    Do you know I have never thought of looking at Group for a getaway! I am most definitely going to have to try and look into it more next time we are looking to headaway.

    Reply
  15. Heather - Heartfully Heather says

    February 13, 2018 at 8:07 pm

    I could use a getaway soon. I’m sicker than a dog, so I’ll have to get better first. Guess my getaway will be my bed. 😉

    Reply

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