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  1. Hi Kiki!
    Amazing blog post! I’m trying to plan my 5th year anniversary this year. Do you know how much +- will cost the whole itinerary? Would it be worth going the first or second week of September?

    Sincerely,
    Jazmín

    • The Blonde Abroad

      Hi Jazmín! Thank you, thank you! The budget for your trip completely depends on accommodations and how much you’re spending on meals, and fuel.

      For our Garden Route road trip, we spent between R1500-3600 per night on luxury family-style accommodation. There’s a variety of accommodation for all budgets along the Garden Route from hotels to campsites to self-catering guest homes.

      We spent on average R150-240 ($10-18) per person per meal at some of the best restaurants along the Garden Route. However, you can eat for MUCH cheaper, especially if you stay at self-catering accommodation and cook for yourself!

      Petrol will be one of your biggest expenses that you’ll need to budget for when planning a Garden Route road trip. We spent between R4500-5000 (but keep in mind that I drive a heavy 4×4 Land Rover Defender). You could rent a much more economical car and spend about half what we did.

  2. Matt

    Who did you hire the land rover through? Thanks

    • The Blonde Abroad

      Hi Matt, didn’t rent it—that’s actually my car! 🙂

Instagram

I found foodie paradise… and it’s in New England 🦞🍩🍺
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More specifically, Portland, Maine!

Last fall I took a roundtrip around New England for some leaf peeping, fall frolicking, and most importantly, for all of the eats. And while there are a LOT of incredible places to eat around New England, it’s Portland that has some of the absolute best foods.

From sweet potato donuts to fries made in duck fat to some of the best oysters I’ve ever had, this place is literally heaven.

Some of our fav spots:
@holydonutmaine 
@eventideoysterco 
@duckfatmaine 
@highrollerlobsterco 
@twelvemaine 
@_rose_foods_ 
@allagashbrewing 
@js_oyster 

If you want even MORE of the best local food spots around all of New England, I’ve compiled an extensive guide.

Let me know if you want the MAP and I’ll be sure to send it your way!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#newengland #portlandmaine #visitmaine #foodie
These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨ 
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Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better. 

We brought with us:

• The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips!
• The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options!
• The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast!
• The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible.
•The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need!

Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more
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#noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking
#EGAmbassador Wondering where to plan next year’s adventures? 🗺️ 
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If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation destination, one that’s not all over your feed or overrun with tourists, then @expedia’s got you covered!

Expedia just launched Unpack ’26, their definitive guide to emerging travel trends for the year ahead, powered by first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, and enriched by global insights, Unpack is designed to help travelers explore more consciously and creatively.

Some of these were a HUGE surprise, but I wasn’t shocked to see The Cotswolds made the cut! I traveled there last fall and fell in LOVE! So much so that I’m planning a month-long stay with Ollie so he can enjoy all of the cute lambs and cozy cottages too!

The Cotswolds are a region in the UK compromising of over 100 villages and 300 towns! There’s so much to be discovered here, but these are the 7 villages you have to visit if you’re planning a trip to The Cotswolds this fall and beyond:

•Castle Combe
•Bourton-on-the-Water
•The Slaughters
•Stowe-on-the-Wold
•Broadway
•Snowshill
•Bibury

For more amazing, best-kept travel secrets, check out @expedia’s Unpack ‘26 list (in my stories) and hurry to book your travels before these less-explored gems become part of the beaten path!

Have you been to The Cotswolds? Which were your favorite villages?
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#UnpackTravelTrends #autumn #TheCotswolds
Raise your hand if Autumn is your favorite 🤚
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I don’t know what it is about the magic of Fall foliage, but the whimsy of apple picking and leaf peeping is just too strong to resist!

If you find yourself wanting a similar adventure, I have something just for you: My New England Map & Autumn Travel Guide 🍂

Last year, I did a ton of research in anticipation of my dream road trip across this area for the best of the best when it comes to fall foliage, farms, orchards, scenic drives, tasty eateries, cozy inns and picturesque towns. And I want to pass that knowledge onto you!

Let me know below if you’re interested with ‘MAP’ and I’ll make sure to send it your way 🍁
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#fallfoliage #newengland #autumn
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