Embarking on a Blogger’s Dream: The Press Trip Experience
For most bloggers, a press trip is a top-tier aspiration. It's a unique opportunity to explore new destinations, share incredible experiences, and make meaningful connections. Personally, being invited on a press trip is one of my favorite blogging perks, combining my passion for travel with the joy of documenting my journey.
This summer, the opportunity presented itself once again, bringing with it the perfect excuse to pack my bags and embark on another exciting adventure.
Setting Off: London to Harwich
With my luggage in tow, I headed to Liverpool Street Station in London. There, I met up with fellow bloggers, Georgina from Georgina Does, Julie from Raining Cake, and our PR representative, also named Julie, from Stena Line. Together, we boarded a train bound for Harwich International, the port on England’s east coast that connects travelers to Holland. The train ride from London to Harwich is a breezy 90-minute journey, making it incredibly convenient for anyone looking to start their European adventure.
Arriving in Harwich, excitement built as we prepared for the next leg of the journey: a ferry trip across the North Sea. After checking in and grabbing our passports, we quickly found our rooms aboard the Stena Hollandica Superferry. With some time to unwind before dinner, we were soon off to explore the ferry's onboard offerings.
Dining Onboard: Exceeding Expectations
To my pleasant surprise, the food onboard the ferry was far better than anticipated. We headed to the Metropolitan Restaurant for a three-course dinner, starting with a delicious asparagus appetizer wrapped in cured meats, followed by a succulent steak. Despite a slight delay in our departure, dinner was an enjoyable experience that left us all more than satisfied. As the night wore on, fatigue set in, and it was time to head to our cabins for some much-needed rest.
Waking Up in Holland: A New Day Dawns
We set our alarms for an early morning start. As dawn approached, I opened the porthole window in my cabin and was greeted by a spectacular view—Holland was in sight! There’s something magical about traveling overnight and waking up in a new country. For those looking to make the most of their trip while avoiding the exhaustion of travel, the overnight ferry is the perfect option, offering a good night's sleep and a fresh start in a new destination.
After a quick shower and a little pampering with my new beauty products, I was ready to meet the others for breakfast. Pro tip: dungarees are hands-down the best travel outfit—comfortable, practical, and stylish.
Packing Woes: The Perks of Traveling by Ferry
As anyone who knows me will tell you, packing light is not my forte. I often find myself stuffing my suitcase to the brim with clothes, shoes, and accessories, just in case I "might need" them. Thankfully, traveling by ferry eliminates the stress of strict baggage weight limits, and I was relieved not to worry about extra charges for an overweight suitcase.
My inability to pack light is mostly due to indecisiveness and last-minute packing—paired with an extensive wardrobe that I just can’t bear to leave behind. But on this trip, I could pack to my heart’s content, bringing along as many outfit options as I pleased.
Onward to Rotterdam: A Quick Journey to the Netherlands
Upon disembarking the Stena Hollandica Superferry, our journey continued by train to Rotterdam Central Station. The train ride was short, but it allowed us time to soak in the Dutch scenery as we moved closer to our destination. Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, served as the perfect introduction to the Netherlands.
At Rotterdam Central, I managed to snag some free Wi-Fi, giving me a chance to share a few video snippets on Snapchat (follow me at LucieLovesSnap!) and pull up Google Maps to help navigate to our next stop: the car hire.
The Final Leg: From Rotterdam to Leer, Germany
With our car collected, we began the final leg of our journey: a scenic drive to Leer, Germany. The three-hour drive was filled with laughter, a mix of Dutch and German radio, and Julie’s eclectic playlist of trashy pop tunes. It was the perfect soundtrack to our road trip.
As we traveled through the countryside, the excitement of visiting a new destination only grew. The combination of sea, city, and road made this press trip an unforgettable experience, and the camaraderie of traveling with fellow bloggers made it all the more enjoyable.
Conclusion: A Memorable Travel Experience
Reflecting on this press trip, it’s easy to see why these opportunities are highly sought after in the blogging community. From the convenience of traveling by ferry and train to the thrill of exploring new cities, every moment was filled with adventure. For anyone looking to blend leisure with work, while discovering beautiful places, a press trip like this is the ultimate travel experience.
Whether you're a blogger or just someone who loves to explore, trips like these offer an unparalleled way to see the world. As for me, I’ll be packing my bags and hopping on the next adventure, ready for whatever destination awaits!
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