Land • Sea • Beauty

Hi, I'm Lisa
Sharing our travel recommendations and tips

Hi, I’m Lisa, sharing real recommendations from our adventures across land, sea, and beautiful escapes. You'll also see featured heavily, my husband Scott, and Benson, our short black Labrador.Travel with LSB is a part-time passion project built on making the most of precious time off — from long weekends to big getaways. I share:
✨ Smart stays with a splash of style ✨
✨ Honest, first-hand tips ✨
✨ Travel-friendly finds & destination inspo ✨Many links are affiliate, so if you book or buy through them, it helps support my next trip — at no extra cost to you!Browse for the travel tools, places, and picks I genuinely rate.Don't forget to follow on Instagram!

Destinations

Useful buys - links below

The small is the exact size of Ryanair's current free carry on bag - I've done a full week of beach time from this, and a few wintery Dublin days! Promise it can be done - capsule wardrobes are winners!

Packing cubes are essential for carry on only travel! The ones I've been using for years aren't available, but these are identical and highly rated!

Mini bottles for liquids - you'd be surprised how little foundation etc. you actually use - these 10ml bottles are ideal!

It's just easier to always guarantee you've got decent lighting for the times you do want to do your makeup!

This is an odd one, but if you are doing the freebie carry on only, these are amazing for a quick sink wash (or in the washing machine if you get access to one)

Great for any creams etc. you need away with you - genius hack for saving valuable liquid space!

Slightly obsessed with scarfs atm - got two of these as handles on a bag from Primark, but they're so thick and a great size, I'm probably going to order more! Honestly everything I've had from the seller Prinfantasy has been amazing quality!

Poolside essential for that girls trip 🏖️
These were under £7 each, great quality, and perfect for travel.

I'm a fan of a hat, although obviously this can be used to clip all sorts of things on. I often use this on a belt loop or a bag!

Liquid packing essentials for any perfumes/aftershaves

I'm not a fan of Havaianas - I prefer a fabric toe post and these are very comfy!

My go to face sunscreen - beautiful glow and sits over make-up if needed

For those who need light blocked out to sleep!

And if you need something to listen to to sleep - I'm really liking these

Bargain find 👚✨
These t-shirts were so soft and comfy – perfect for a trip but also ideal for lounging at home!
And at under £2 each, I’m definitely stocking up on more 🙌

Travel tips

Little things that make a big difference — from packing smarter to finding hidden gems (and saving £££ along the way).

🧳 Packing & Planning

📦 Packing cubes are your friend — roll your clothes to save space and keep things organised.
🧴 Order toiletries for post-security collection at UK airports to skip liquid limits and miniatures.
🧾 Check TopCashback before booking anything — you’ll be surprised what gets you a little kickback!
🚙 If online advice says you need a car – believe it. Hiring one can completely change your experience.
📱 Download offline Google Maps of the area you're visiting — lifesaver if signal disappears.

📶 CONNECTIVITY

🌍 Airalo is a brilliant option for affordable eSIMs — skip the airport SIM stalls and connect the moment you land.
🔌 Bring a multi-port USB charger instead of loads of plug adapters – ideal for hotel rooms with few sockets.
💬 WhatsApp is essential abroad – it’s what locals, drivers, and even hotels tend to use for communication.

🚖 TRANSFERS + TRANSPORT

🚖 Check which local taxi app is used most in your destination – it’s usually cheaper and quicker than transfers.
🧾 Compare airport taxi quotes with what’s offered in official booths – sometimes haggling gets you a better deal.
🚍 Public transport can be painfully laid back in some places — always factor in extra time for buses or ferries.
🚘 Car hire = freedom on most islands or remote destinations — don’t rely on public transport alone.

🍽 FOOD + FINDING GOOD SPOTS

🌟 Google Maps “Top Rated” filter beats TripAdvisor when you're hangry and hunting nearby.
👨🍳 Ask waiters what to order — they’re usually dying to tell you what’s best, and they’re rarely wrong.
🧁 Yes, you can take food through security! Pack sandwiches, snacks, or even treats — your wallet and the cabin crew will thank you.
🍱 Pack an emergency snack or bar in your carry-on — it saves you during delays or long transfers.

✈️ CONNECTIONS + AIRPORT SAVES

🧴 Flying carry-on only? Order toiletries for collection post-security — full size, no stress.
💧 Bring a refillable water bottle to skip airport prices and stay hydrated.
🧁 Yes, you can take food through security!
💳 Double-check if your layover airport accepts card — getting stuck with no cash and no snacks is the worst.
🧍 Boarding last = less stress — there’s always space for your bag and less time in the queue.

Barcelona - girls trip edition

Hotel

Lovely stay in the heart of Barcelona!
We had a great experience at this hotel – the staff were so friendly and helpful, and the location just off Las Ramblas couldn’t have been better. I was a bit worried it might be noisy, but it was surprisingly peaceful.The rooms were ideal for our girls’ trip – spacious with big mirrors (a must when getting ready for nights out!). The pool area was a real bonus – quiet, with loungers and towels available from reception, and the cocktails were stronger than expected 🍹 ...try not to accidentally order 4 Margheritas at a time, like I did! Oops!We paid around £250 per person for 3 nights in a twin room – great value for the location and quality.
Would definitely recommend!

Bars

Barcelona nightlife highlights 🍸✨
We had a brilliant time at all three of these – each one offers something a bit different, so here’s what we loved:Carpe Diem – Gorgeous beachfront setting with stylish décor, great food and cocktails. Don’t be put off by the small entrance – it opens out into a stunning space right on the sand.Gatsby – Perfect if you're after a glitzy night out. Live performances, upscale vibes and a dress code that’s strictly enforced – we saw people turned away, so make the effort!Go Beach Club – We didn’t get to enjoy the outdoor space due to the weather, but the indoor club still delivered. Great music, super attentive bar staff, and a fun atmosphere.
💡 Tip: To get the best value from the minimum spend, go for a mix of drinks – prosecco/wine plus Desperados or canned cocktails worked out well for us.Highly recommend all three depending on the vibe you’re after!

Croatia

Tisno/Murter island

Food recommendations

🥐 Breakfast in MurterBreakfast spots are a little limited – you’ll find plenty of places for a good ☕ coffee, but not many offering food. Our top tip in Tisno? Head straight to Pekara M024 (the local bakery) and stock up on pastries.✨ What to try:Chocolate & vanilla pastries – rich, flaky, and perfect with coffee.Cherry slice – layers of pancake-like pastry piled with cherries and topped with a golden crust. You’ll know you’ve got the right one because it feels heavy with fruit! 🍒Meat & potato pastry rolls – almost sausage-like but wrapped in soft pastry. Super filling and very tasty.Take your pastries down to the harbour wall to enjoy the sea view (maybe even spot a fisherman at work 🎣), or grab a seat at a café and order a coffee to pair with your treats. Simple, affordable, and the perfect Jezera morning. 🌊

🥩 Rio Churrascaria Steakhouse – MurterA hidden gem with an elevated view 🌅 and some of the best steak we had in Croatia. The restaurant was almost empty when we visited, which meant super attentive service. Don’t be fooled by the simple décor and menus (it seems to be part of an apartment/hotel) – the food was excellent.Both cuts of steak were perfectly cooked, and the grilled veg and Brazilian rice sides were incredible – so flavourful despite looking plain. Small menu ✅ but that means everything is done really well.We paid just under €100 for two steaks, sides, a bottle of prosecco, beers and water – great value for the quality. Highly recommend heading here instead of queuing for the busy places across the bridge.

🍸 Prova Restaurant – TisnoOne of our favourites in Tisno – the sunset views here are magical 🌅. We didn’t have a reservation, but the staff kindly found us a cosy spot by the little bar at the end, which felt nicely private.The food and drinks were excellent – sesame tuna cooked to perfection and lamb chops full of flavour. Cocktails were a highlight 🍹, and overall the setting couldn’t be better for a relaxed but special evening.For two mains, three cocktails, beer and water we paid €94 – very reasonable for the quality. Would happily return with no hesitation.

🦑 Konoba Brošćica – MurterThis popular spot has a lovely setting, especially if you can grab a corner table at dusk 🌅. We almost went next door, but we’re so glad we ended up here!The standout dish was the grilled squid with potatoes and Dalmatian chard – a generous portion and perfectly cooked. Honestly one of the best meals of the trip 🦑✨. The mixed meat platter for one was also tasty and came with a lovely tomato rice and red pepper dip on the side.Service was friendly, the atmosphere lively but not chaotic, and the bill came to €58 for food, drinks and water. Highly recommend!

🥂 Soha III – MurterBeautifully presented with outdoor seating and a silver-service vibe ✨. Staff were helpful and even made sure we liked the wine before opening the bottle 🍷.Sadly, despite the gorgeous setting, the food was underwhelming compared to other spots nearby. The wait for drinks and dishes was very long, and when the food arrived, it didn’t deliver. We tried the seafood pasta and 16h lamb with chickpeas – good, but not memorable.With a bottle of wine and water, the bill came to €88. Maybe just an off evening (reviews are glowing online), but unfortunately for us it wasn’t worth the hype. 🚫We forgot photos we were so relieved when food arrived!

🍕 Toni Pizzeria – JezeraA fantastic little find in Jezera with a beautiful harbour view 🚤 – perfect spot for a relaxed lunch. We sat outside, but the inside is lovely too, and there’s even an upstairs with what must be an even better view.The pizza was excellent (properly thin and crisp), and the “sardines” turned out to be anchovies – super salty and delicious 🐟. The Hugo cocktail was also one of the best we’ve had 🍹.Would definitely recommend this place for the view + food combo. A real gem!

🍤 Gajeta Beach Bar – MurterSkip the overcrowded beach here 🏖️, but don’t miss the food at Gajeta. The restaurant side was much quieter and came with a beautiful sea view 🌊.The shrimp salad was the star – packed with prawns, mango, orange, cranberries, pine nuts, arugula, and juicy tomatoes, all tied together with a fresh dressing 🥗🍤. The burger was excellent too – soft pillow bun and perfectly cooked patty with a little pink inside.A great stop for a delicious meal even if the beach itself is too busy.

Rava

For when you want to disappear (in the best way)Tiny and wonderfully slow — Rava is everything you dream of when you think "hidden gem".It's the kind of place where:
- Yachts quietly moor up for dinner at the beachfront restaurant
- A parrot keeps you company at the bar
- You paddleboard past dolphins in turquoise water
- You can follow windy cliff paths and barely see another personMy room had two windows overlooking the sea and traditional decor that made it feel like I’d stepped into someone’s summer house. The view over dinner was the kind you don’t forget.💧 There’s a quiet little beach just below the restaurant where you can swim, kayak, paddleboard, read, or just watch the boats anchor in the bay for the night. There's also a lovely floating trampoline and slide out in the water if you want to play. Borrow those kayaks to visit the dolphins!🛥️ It’s also surprisingly easy to get to — the lovely hotel owner will speedboat you over from where the ferry drops you off.Go here if:
You need total peace, but still want incredible food, sunsets, and swims.Link to book our stay below

Plitvice

Visited: July 2022 - but go check the reviews on the hotel, they're still GLOWING ✨I’ll be honest — this trip was a friend’s recommendation and I wasn’t totally convinced Croatia would be for me. I imagined crowds and a bit of nothing… but what we actually found was one of the most magical places we’ve ever been.We stayed for two nights just outside the national park (link above), which meant we could stroll to the entrance for an early start and enjoy the trails before it got busy. The scenery was next level — turquoise lakes, wooden walkways, waterfalls everywhere you turned.The hosts Lucy and Ante (both worked on high end cruise ships, one being the head chef) at our accommodation were amazing, the food was fresh and homemade, and the peaceful setting made it all feel like a proper retreat. Rooms were beautiful! Couldn't do enough to make our stay great!🚶🏽Walking to the park was lovely
🍽️ Food: Highly recommend the evening meals! They also made packed lunches for us to take 😍
🎒 Top tip: Go early for the best light and fewest crowdsThis was part of our first Croatia trip — and it sparked something. We’ve gone back to see different places every year since 🫣

Bali

Ubud

Tucked just off the famous Campuhan Ridge Walk, this was one of the most peaceful places we stayed in Bali — close to central Ubud but was still totally secluded.We had a private infinity pool overlooking lush greenery (you’ll wake up to birdsong and fall asleep to jungle sounds). The outdoor petal bath was a highlight — so dreamy after a day of exploring. No one overlooked our villa, so it felt really exclusive, but still really easy to reach by car or scooter.Breakfast with a view here was something else — we sipped great coffee and a beautiful spread brought to the room for a birthday breakfast, which felt really special. There's yoga in a morning, and you’re right next to one of the best walks in Ubud.The whole place is beautifully styled, peaceful, and just perfect if you want to upgrade your Bali trip for a couple of nights, or book something extra special for a birthday, honeymoon or treat-yourself kind of stay.

Thailand

Starting off with our most recent trip...

A Bangkok highlight

Bookable green poolside daybeds with a 3,000 baht minimum spend (approx. £65–£70), including towels. Arrive for opening at 11am and you might just have it to yourself for a while — it felt like our own private rooftop escape.Perched atop the EMSPHERE complex in Sukhumvit, Tribe brings a luxury beach club vibe right into the city. Think: panoramic views, spotless facilities, perfect cocktails, and beautifully styled interiors.Staff were incredible — they even brought over a brownie and sang happy birthday without being prompted. It felt really personal and special. Whether you're going for a relaxed pool day or one of their party sessions, it’s a spot worth bookmarking.💰Minimum spend: 3,000 baht (approx. £65–£70) per bed
🎉 Pool opens: 11:00
📍Location: EMSPHERE, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Khao sok

A real highlight of our 2025 Thailand trip — we booked a 3-day, 2-night adventure through Seek Sophie and stayed in the Praiwan Rafthouse floating on Cheow Lan Lake.This was pure tranquillity. No signal, no stress — just mornings misting over the lake, monkeys playing in the trees, and kayaking to watch families of elephants. We spent our days jumping into crystal-clear water, kayaking, walking and feeding giant fish (Scott was in his element!).💡 Tip: take advantage of the fish food multi-buy deal before you get on the transfer boat, can also highly recommend the iced teas at the port.We opted for the deluxe floating bungalows, which were simple but comfortable — private bathroom, no hot showers (we already knew this), but honestly, it didn’t matter. Floating on the water, looking out over the board walk, listening to the jungle, was THE experience I was there for!All the transfers and meals were included, and everything was so well organised. The staff went above and beyond, and vegan diets in our group were really well catered for. The raft boat rides to and from the camp were an adventure of their own, particularly in the early morning with a lovely coffee in hand!💡 Tip: we compared prices for transfers and what Seek Sophie offered was the best, and ended up being a gorgeous VIP vehicle with the same lovely driver there and back.This was one of those rare experiences that really makes you switch off and feel connected to nature. Could not recommend more!💡 Tip - look out for the cute little lizards who keep any bugs at bay! Also a rain downpour is more fun than it sounds!

Time For Lime – Koh Lanta (Thailand)

🍋 We booked this Thai cooking class that doubles as a charity — and it ended up being one of the most memorable (and feel-good) days of the trip.Time For Lime runs daily cooking workshops and uses the profits to fund Lanta Animal Welfare (which rescues and rehomes abandoned cats and dogs on the island).Here’s what you get:3 courses using fresh herbs and spices (different menus on different days)Welcome cocktails + full cook-along demoPool and chill area to relax between dishedTransportation to and from the venueThe most hilarious and welcoming hosts who genuinely want you to have an amazing dayThe chance to buy a small spice pack/cookbook to take home (we did – no regrets)💷 Cost: ~£40 per person
⏱ Duration: 5 hours (we did say time but I'd bet the evening one is hilarity)
📍 Location: Koh Lanta, Thailand
🐶 Supporting: Lanta Animal Welfare💡Worth it? Absolutely – even our friends, who had already done it once, loved it just as much the second time and learnt some new recipes.Perfect if you want a break from the beach, do something authentically Thai, and actually make a difference while travelling. The staff really go out and we'd not hesitate to spend another day here!

S'Agaro

🌊 Overview
Tucked above the beautiful bay of S’Agaró on Spain’s Costa Brava, this hotel is the perfect mix of relaxed escape and excellent value. It’s quiet, scenic, and feels like a local secret — you won’t find big crowds of international tourists here.💷 What We Paid
Around £900 for two people in May half term — this price INCLUDED:
✈️ Return flights to Girona
🏨 7 nights in a sea-view room on half board
🅿️ Airport parking🍽 Why Half Board Works Here
The local area doesn’t have a huge choice of restaurants, so having breakfast and dinner included was perfect. The buffet variety and quality were excellent — plenty to please different tastes.🏖 What We Loved
Hotel pool and beaches almost empty during the week
Gorgeous coastal walks in both directions from the hotel
Renting a kayak to explore hidden coves and beaches
Old movie history — plaques tell you which films were shot here
Spacious sea-view balcony to relax on after a day exploring
Complimentary welcome drinks
Games room with pool table and other activities
Shuttle service to the beach (handy if you want to skip the hill)🧳 Practical Tips
Fly to Girona — short transfer to S’Agaró
Carry-on only is totally doable here
Very relaxed vibe — no need to dress up
Perfect for couples or friends who want a calm, scenic base💡 Final Word
A peaceful Costa Brava stay that’s all about simple pleasures, stunning scenery, and unbeatable value. If you want a Spanish getaway that feels like a film set but costs far less than you’d expect — this is it.

Mayrhofen - Snowbombing

If you're looking for a festival that truly stands out, Snowbombing might be one of the most surreal and spectacular travel experiences we've ever had — think raving inside a butcher’s shop, skiing down to live DJs performing from balconies, and catching live bands playing outside bars in the snow.We stayed at Landhaus Roscher — simple, central, and everything we needed. The host was kind and helpful, and the location made it easy to reach both the ski lifts and the festival stages. Some are tucked away in forest clearings, adding to the magic.
One of our favourite things? The unexpected music — you'd be skiing down the mountain or riding a lift and suddenly hear basslines pumping from a fellow skier’s backpack speaker or a DJ playing from a hidden hut. The atmosphere was like nothing else.
During our visit, the lower town was green and sunny, while the slopes above stayed snowsure, giving us the best of both worlds. Mornings on the pistes were especially quiet and peaceful — perfect for soaking up the views. Don’t miss the Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with apple) or the bus up to the glacier for even more incredible terrain.
The journey there is part of the charm. You can get a short transfer from the airport — or take the scenic train ride through the mountains to Mayrhofen, which we’d highly recommend.
We’d go to Snowbombing again for the madness, but for us, Mayrhofen is the real jewel. We actually went back to ski there over New Year — and it more than lived up to the hype. Great snow, stunning views, and that same laid-back charm that keeps pulling us back.

Greece

Why Milos & Paros > SantoriniThis might be an unpopular opinion… but Santorini was our least favourite of the three islands on our Greek trip. While the views were stunning, the crowds waiting around for ‘the shot’ made it feel more like a checklist stop than a relaxing break.We travel to experience, not queue — and Milos and Paros gave us so much more of that.MILOSWe stayed in Adamas, right on the waterfront — with little boats moored up outside our apartment. The location was spot on: a short stroll to great bars, restaurants, and relaxed beach stretches. No faff, just slow mornings, local food, and perfect sea swims. We had a car here which opened up even more remote beaches and quiet spots — highly recommended.Recommended spots:

If you're looking for a festival that truly stands out, Snowbombing might be one of the most surreal and spectacular travel experiences we've ever had — think raving inside a butcher’s shop, skiing down to live DJs performing from balconies, and catching live bands playing outside bars in the snow.We stayed at Landhaus Roscher — simple, central, and everything we needed. The host was kind and helpful, and the location made it easy to reach both the ski lifts and the festival stages. Some are tucked away in forest clearings, adding to the magic.One of our favourite things? The unexpected music — you'd be skiing down the mountain or riding a lift and suddenly hear basslines pumping from a fellow skier’s backpack speaker or a DJ playing from a hidden hut. The atmosphere was like nothing else.During our visit, the lower town was green and sunny, while the slopes above stayed snowsure, giving us the best of both worlds. Mornings on the pistes were especially quiet and peaceful — perfect for soaking up the views. Don’t miss the Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes with apple) or the bus up to the glacier for even more incredible terrain.The journey there is part of the charm. You can get a short transfer from the airport — or take the scenic train ride through the mountains to Mayrhofen, which we’d highly recommend.We’d go to Snowbombing again for the madness, but for us, Mayrhofen is the real jewel. We actually went back to ski there over New Year — and it more than lived up to the hype. Great snow, stunning views, and that same laid-back charm that keeps pulling us back.

PAROSParos gave us that charming Greek island feel. We stayed on Krios Beach — firm beds but the view and location were worth it, especially with a car. Naousa is not to be missed: full of character, sunset spots, and excellent food. Overall, Paros had a great balance of beauty and calm.

SANTORINIWe stayed at Flora’s House & Cave Winery — a beautiful spot with a private hot tub and helpful host who went above and beyond. The apartment was well located for exploring, even without a vehicle — though we’d definitely recommend hiring one if you visit. Public transport across the islands is a little too laid-back if you're trying to stick to a schedule. While the views were great, Santorini felt the most stressful and least relaxing of the three.