"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection" – Buddha _ Checking out the scenic harbour in St Peter Port, Guernsey. _ There's not many photos of me on my Instagram feed since I'm behind the camera most of the time. 📷 But I wanted to pop out to say thank you for following along my journey and writing your lovely comments. It's not everyday that one passes the 100,000 followers milestone on Instagram🏆and I'm grateful for you. _ Sorry for anyone who left a comment in recent weeks as my dog accidentally ate those comments. 🐕 He's playing nicely again so that's all sorted and won't happen again. 🙈🙊 please keep commenting! 😁

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TEMPUR Sleep Mask Review - The Secret To Sleeping On A Plane

Everyone agrees that a good night's sleep is vital, not only for your health, but to provide you with the energy needed every day. Sleeping on a plane isn’t easy at the best of times. Drifting off to dreamland in an upright position is downright unnatural, and then there’s the distracting noises and lights. Fortunately, there is something you can do to help make sleeping on a plane easier and more enjoyable. A simple starting point is wearing a sleep mask.
Read more at our travel blog.

74 Best Suitcase Packing Tips - Master Your Luggage Like A Travel Ninja

Take the hassle out of packing your suitcase with this practical free guide. As a travel expert, I’ve learned each of these luggage lessons the hard way so I can teach you the easy way. I'm confident this guide will transform you from a packing pansy into black-belt travel ninja.
Read more at our travel blog.

"You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space." - Johnny Cash _ Darkened skies over Château de Chenonceau. One of the most beautiful castles in France. _ While in France I used my very handy @tepwireless wifi hotspot. It's available on a rental basis or the device can be purchased outright. _ ** Win ** I'm giving away a Fitbit Blaze on travelwithbender.com right now. Last chance to enter! _ NEWS: This Friday I'll be giving away 3 very cool prizes to Instagram followers to celebrate Black Friday and my milestone of 100,000 followers. So stay tuned to IG stories.

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"All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination." - Earl Nightingale _ Driving through Timna Park in Israel. _ Timna Park is located about 25 km (about 17 miles) north of Eilat in Israel’s Negev Desert. _ This is the location of the world's first copper mine, dating back to ancient Egypt. This area played a critical role in the rise of Egypt's regional influence. _ In addition, the breathtaking geological features are on par with more famous locations like Utah, USA. Hiking trails range from easy to advanced. It's really worth exploring this park for at least a few hours, if not a whole day. _ This week is Thanksgiving in the US. So I wish all my American followers a wonderful week 😊🦃 If you need a little Black Friday inspiration, check out the link in my bio @travelwithbender. 👈👍

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"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging your back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming" _ "The Gallery", located within Château de Chenonceau in France, is 60 meters (197 feet) long, 6 meters (19.7 feet) wide, and lit by 18 windows. Its sandly chalk tiled and slate floor and exposed joist ceiling make it a magnificent ballroom. Beneath this floor runs the River Cher. _ The current Château de Chenonceau was built during the 15th century after the original castle was destroyed. _ Château de Chenonceau, or the "Women's Castle," is the only castle built, decorated, inhabited and saved by women.

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8 Ways The Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa Will Wow You

What pops into your mind when you think of Bali? Is it the historic religious sites and cultural celebrations? Or stunning beaches offering ample activities for everyone in the family? The Holiday Inn Bali Benoa is the best of both worlds – offering the luxuries of a private beachside resort but with easy access to the island’s cultural hotspots and activities.
Read more at our travel blog.

"The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions." - Robert Louis Stevenson _ This quote reminds me that happiness is a habit that is cultivated, and I try to apply that every day. _ This reflection was captured at Lorne Caravan Park in Victoria, Australia. _ I've just got my hands on the new @vanguardworld VEO 235CB carbon fiber tripod which is ultra light and super travel friendly. I can't wait to put it to use on an upcoming road trip next month. _ Check out my latest article on travelwithbender.com or follow the link in my bio @travelwithbender... 🎄27 Christmas gift ideas for travellers. 👈

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Christmas Gift Ideas for Travellers 2017

Buying Christmas gifts for your loved one, family member, friend or even yourself can be tricky at the best of times. Even more so when you’re looking for a travel-friendly gift. So, I’ve done all the hard work out for you – I’ve researched, compared and even tested each of these 27 gift ideas. And they live up to my lofty standards.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Surround yourself with really good people. Because the people you surround yourself are a reflection of you." - Aaron Rodgers _ Cathedral of San Fernando in San Antonio, Texas at sunset. _ A small water feature is located in the plaza in front of the cathedral and I got down on the ground to capture this beautiful angle. _ 🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸 I've just published a new article with 27 Christmas gift ideas for travel lovers. Follow the link in my bio @travelwithbender 🎄 🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸 Which one of these do you want under your tree? Share in the comments below or tag a friend to give them a subtle hint. 😉🤣

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"Remember the Alamo!" - Sam Houston (1793-1863) _ I visited San Antonio, Texas yesterday and took a behind-the-scenes look at one of America's most iconic battles at The Alamo. _ On 6 March 1836 the Mexican army lead by General Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna laid siege for 13 days then attacked The Alamo with 1500 soldiers against only around 200 Texian defenders, including David Crockett, William Travis and James Bowie. _ The battle lasted around 90 minutes. The only Texian lives that were spared was several women and children and a slave named Joe, so he could spread the word about what occurred. _ On 21 April 1836 Sam Houston lead the Texian militia in a surprise attack against Santa Anna and the Mexican army was defeated in just 18 minutes. Texas finally won its independence from Mexico and became it's own country. 9 years later Texas joined the United States. _ #historic #texastodo

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"May you live as long as you wish and love as long as you live." - Robert A. Heinlein _ Lift off... _ A paper lantern amongst a sea of sparkling lights in the dark night's sky near San Antonio, Texas ☄️ at @thelightsfest. _ Make a wish! _ I use @vanguardworld tripods and camera bags. Check our their new VEO Discover range of bags. 👌 #vanguardpro

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