2022 Travel List

Lottie Passmore on 27 March 2022

With the majority of COVID-19 restrictions on travel set to be removed, 2022 might finally be the year to book a trip. Maybe you booked one last year that was tragically cancelled, or simply avoided it altogether, due to the unpredictability of Miss Rona. Regardless, here is a comprehensive list of the top six affordable(ish) holiday destinations to check out for 2022.

Barcelona, Spain

A coastal city with a thriving nightlife and a rich cultural scene: Barcelona has it all. As it is a rather compact city, there is no need for much public transport and the best of the city can be done in a long weekend. If you catch the Ryanair sale, flights can be as low as £9.99 return, and the city centre boasts a range of affordable and allegedly ‘Boutique’ hotels for around £30 a night.

Gran Canaria, Spain

Each year Gran Canaria allegedly plays host to the world’s most optimistic tourists and indeed, you’d be hard-pushed to be miserable on this gorgeous island. Situated South of Spain, visit in May to avoid crowds and build up an early summer tan that will outshine any Leeds (St. Moritz Ultra Dark) tan you’ve ever had. Gran Canaria has everything, so whether you’re a sports lover, stargazer or simply want to unwind in the sun, this is your island!

The Azores

If you put a pin on a map exactly halfway between New York and Lisbon, you’d land on The Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands isolated in the North Atlantic Ocean. The largest island, Ponta Delgada, is often included in Ryanair’s flash sale and flights can be as low as £14.99. The climate is fantastically unpredictable, but the scenery is like nowhere else in the Northern Hemisphere, not to mention accommodation and food etc. are extremely affordable. Head over in early August for the islandwide ‘White Ocean Party’.

Borovets, Bulgaria

The cost of an average skiing holiday is about as nerve-inducing as being stuck at the top of the iciest black slope. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not all downhill from there! Avoiding the larger, more popular resorts can have a big saving on the overall cost of your trip, and, famed for its party scene, Borovets will have no detriment on your après. Because let’s be honest, that’s the highlight. Book for April to catch the last of the snow and have a less hair-raising impact on your bank balance.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The beauty of The Netherlands goes beyond simply its architecture, but the fact that it is closer to London than London is to Leeds! Travel by ferry, Eurostar or plane, and keep costs down by staying in one of the cities’ many hostels, many of which include breakfast in the price for just €10 a night. There is much more to ‘Dam than the Red Light District and the infamous coffee shops, get lost in the many side streets and neighbourhoods or take a ten-minute train to Haarlem to feel like a real Dutch local.

Peak District, UK

If worst comes to worst, and COVID rears its ugly head once more, which, let’s face it, is more than likely, why not stay closer to home and visit the Peak District? No need to stress about COVID tests or flights, rent out an Airbnbs in the hills and spend the weekend walking, eating, and drinking with friends. With the itinerary, not weather dependent, book for autumn or Easter for a low season, well-deserved weekend away. Just make sure you’re staying close to a pub!

So, wherever you decide to go, make sure you have something to look forward to during those long library hours. As they say, gorgeous gorgeous girls book their flights in advance!

Teetotalism: An impossible feat in Leeds?

Niva Yadav on 22 March 2022

Every year, nearly 1 in 5 adults commit to giving up alcohol for the entire month of January. There seems every reason for me to join these people; I’m fed up of hearing about my drunken escapades, my bank account is barren and it’s about time I stopped drunk texting my ex. That’s not to mention the several bouts of tonsillitis I’ve suffered which has not been helped by the lethal mix of antibiotics and wine. Dry January offers a mental and physical detox and for many people, a much-needed break after an indulgent Christmas.

Dry January was started in 2013 with the aim to help people reduce their alcohol intake and to inspire healthier relationships with alcohol. Just a month away from the bottle positively impacts blood sugar levels, one’s liver and many report improvements in concentration and sleep. So, why is it that my Dry January lasted only 13 days? I followed all the advice that I found online and found myself miserable. The first part of Dry January is to have a ‘why?’ Why do you want to reduce your alcohol intake? To quote Lucy Spraggan, “I am fed up with beer fear’. I am sick of hangxiety and my ability to act like I’m not hungover in every seminar is wearing thin. I want to wake up safe in the knowledge that I haven’t phoned someone 10 times or posted 12 strange photos to my Instagram story.

The first thirteen days started off quite well and I hardly missed alcohol being at home. It was easy to refuse a glass of wine in the comfort of my home in London. I was quite happy drinking green tea and whilst Sunday dinners weren’t the same without a glass of wine, Robinson’s Squash was a welcome alternative…kind of. I actually did more work than I’d ever done, my brain wasn’t a fog of vodka lemonade and I genuinely think my liver was healthier than ever.

But, of course, fruit squash does not stand up to the test against the Uni culture that we live in. RPP Tuesday’s would not be the same without a pint and I missed late night trips to Sainsburys in search of another bottle of wine to keep the night going. The entire university experience rendered sobriety fairly tricky. Imagine not being able to scoff a kebab at the end of the night. Imagine trying to flirt without the embrace of Dutch courage. Nobody wants to party with the boring, sober girl (although, arguably my drunk self is not much better). I will not lie, I lasted about 3 hours on a night out before I caved in and joined my friends in their boozy antics.

I thought I’d be disappointed in myself that I couldn’t last more than 13 days without alcohol. I felt instantly like maybe I had a worrying relationship with alcohol and that it was some kind of sign from above to stop seeking solace in the bottle. However, it was none of these things. I have a great relationship with alcohol; the ability to stop whenever I’ve had too much and to stay in control (most of the time). I realised to stop drinking in all the places that I have often associated alcohol with is a big ask, especially in a university environment. It’s not necessarily a temptation, but more of a habit and the desire to join in with friends. I don’t think enjoying being drunk should instantly constitute an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you do have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol that Dry January is not the answer. And on reflection, Dry January only set me up for failure. In a month full of exam deadlines, bad weather and failed New Years’ Resolutions, I really don’t need another failure.

On the whole, teetotalism seems nice in theory, but if anything it only made me more miserable. I think for most university students, going cold turkey for a month is unrealistic and actually more problematic than beneficial. Feel free to prove me wrong if you have had 31 days of uninterrupted, blissful sobriety.

I did, however, enjoy reducing my alcohol intake. I’ve realised I don’t need a drink at Terrace after every library session and I don’t need to have a whole bottle of wine on every night out.

Our Favourite LGBTQ+ Spaces in Leeds

Ruby Winter on 22 March 2022

Leeds is considered one of the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly cities, with a huge variety of events and safe spaces for all ages and tastes. As there is such a wide range of places, we thought we’d give you a little guide to the best spaces, bars and nightclubs for you to go with your friends and family. Valentine’s Day may have passed, but finding love is never too late.

Spaces:

Flamingos Coffee House

Flamingos Coffee House in the Central Arcade in Leeds City Centre opened in 2018 and has since become one of the most popular LGBTQ+ spaces in Leeds. It is the only dry, late-night LGBTQ+ friendly coffee house, and they regularly host a selection of events such as speed dating nights each month, which is a great way to meet people in a safe space! It functions as a workspace, meeting space or as a great coffee date. Additionally, they donate a portion of their profits to LGBTQ+ charities each month.

The Bookish Type

The independent queer bookshop located in the Merrion Centre, The Bookish Type, is run by Ray and Nic. They aim to actively support and work with the local queer community through selling a range of queer literature. Additionally, they host various events and schemes that bring the community together to share their space, learn about their history, and see themselves represented. It is a community hub and a fantastic place to meet others.

Bars and Nights Out:

Blayds Bar

Recognised as one of Leeds’ safe LGBTQ+ venues, Blayds Bar offers something different every night with weekly entertainment ranging from DJ’s, happy hours and quizzes. They also host a monthly cabaret and yard party, with the emphasis on everyone being welcome. We hugely recommend this bar for a first date.

The New Penny

Reported as Leeds oldest gay pub, it has seen some of the best-known Drag Queens appear on its stage, including Lily Savage, Sisters Slim, Miss Orry and many more. They have some more ‘alternative’ events, with Richard and Rusty running the best indie, rock and electro music night. Be sure to visit here whilst you’re in Leeds, it’s a night you won’t forget.

Viaduct Showbar

Probably one of the most famous LGBTQ+ venues in Leeds, Viaduct is a student favourite. It’s the home of cabaret, and it hosts various themed nights with quirky bar staff and extremely talented drag queens. This place will entertain you 7 days a week, allowing you to be yourself among the state-of-the-art sound and light system. This is not one to miss.

Wharf Chambers

Located on the ground floor of a Victorian former pork pie factory, the business is owned and controlled by the people that work there; on the door, behind the bar, cleaning the toilets and much more. All members have democratic control over the club, and the event spaces are used for live music, club nights, art events, film screenings, workshops and meetings. One of the most popular events they host is the ‘Love Muscle’ event, a “pumping gay dance party”. It’s a safe space to get your groove on, so get yourself down there.

Empowerment on International Women’s Day 2022

Claudia Watson on 8 March 2022

Happy International Women’s Day 2022! Read and enjoy as Claudia Watson celebrates female empowerment for us.

2021: Reflecting with Kindness II

Celina Tran on 14 January 2022

I spent the last new year’s celebration with my dog, Bear, and my other half in our quiet, small city apartment. Following the night, I wrote my first Reflecting with Kindness article, which was about taking a break and not being so harsh on yourself regarding new year’s resolutions, especially considering the pandemic that left us all locked up for months.

2021 has been slightly different to its predecessor. As life began returning to normality, so did my expectations of myself, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. After a year of doing nothing but taking a break, I had every intention of making up for 2020’s laziness.

I’m probably not the only one who’s still harsh in my reflection upon the year, almost stupidly so. Last year, I found it reasonable to completely scrap my resolutions. This year, I’ve come to realize that there’s absolutely no point in moping about what I didn’t do when I can appreciate what I did do.

Did you meet new people? Maintain old relationships?

Growing apart, breakups and fights are normal, sometimes even healthy. But those around you right now? Those whose presence makes you smile, whose presence you linger in? You fought for that.

I’ve had the realisation that my boyfriend and I actually need to keep doing romantic couple things to maintain our relationship. I’ve also realised that I need to call my cousins and friends to stay in touch with them. Maintaining a relationship is so much effort, so if you did, good on you.

Did you get to know yourself? Grown?

To many of us, the world as we know it is fast-paced, never-ending. Don’t lose yourself in the crowd.

I’ve gotten to know a lot of people this year, but the most important one is a girl who’s been with me all my life. I’ve not always been the kindest to her, but I’ve spent the year learning more about myself. Getting to know yourself is a never-ending learning curve, and remember, flowers only bloom in the right conditions. Treat yourself with kindness, always.

What have you done for others?

Didn’t solve world hunger or the climate crisis this year? Don’t worry, I didn’t either.

But I bet you comforted a friend in distress or picked up an item a stranger dropped in one of those thousands of Morrisons aisles. Perhaps you’re the person who always smiles awkwardly at strangers who pass you, or maybe you’re the one who always compliments your classmates’ handwriting.

I always feel awkward complimenting people even though I really want to, and I bet I’m not the only one. But having been on the receiving end of when someone does or says something kind has improved the worst of days, so I say go for it. The feeling you leave them with is priceless, and you’ll be happy you did it.

If your list of successes isn’t as long as your list of failures, I still bet you had a lot of tiny victories. It’s the small things that matter, so bask in your tiny glory (even if said glory takes form in a lampshade rather than sunlight). As I said last time, this year is just another small step in the marathon that is life. Try not to stress, you will do and experience amazing things, and after all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. There’s still a long way to go, so as we’re approaching the new year, reflect upon this one with kindness.

Why I’m Glad I Failed My New Year’s Resolutions

Amy Punchard on 14 January 2022

This year, I officially did not achieve any of my nine New Year’s resolutions.

I did hardly any exercise, I didn’t drink enough water, and I ate far too much sugar. My routine went out of the window, I had my five-a-day about twice, and I didn’t spend much time outside. I didn’t brush up on my German, and I didn’t read a single book.

So, why do I still consider 2021 as one of my best years yet?

I’ve always been an overthinker and a serial organiser. I spend so much of my time thinking about mortgages, imagining how my career will look in 10 years time, and even planning my retirement. But in 2021, I finally learned how to live in the present rather than the future. I shut these thoughts out of my mind, took time for mindfulness, and started to focus on just enjoying each day as it comes – and as a result, my mental health is the strongest it’s been in years.

I do feel guilty about not achieving some of my resolutions, but at the same time I’m immensely proud of other things I achieved; I let go of grudges, I became kinder, I smiled and laughed more, and I mastered lots of new knitting skills. After all, the real purpose of New Year’s resolutions is to make us happier in life, and I’m certainly happier with mine.

In spite of everything I’ve said, I still fully intend to sit down on New Year’s Eve and write another long list of resolutions that I probably won’t achieve. Because what I’m trying to say through this article is not that New Year’s resolutions are pointless or unachievable, but that they are only useful when you don’t put unhealthy pressure on yourself to achieve them, and when you also take time to appreciate all the other wonderful things you’ve done and felt during the year.

Research has suggested that people are more likely to achieve their goals when they make them at this time of year – life doesn’t come with a pause button, so it’s an ideal time to reflect and refresh.

2021 has been a difficult and strange year for all of us, so if you’re in the 50% of us who will be sitting down with a pen and paper on the 31^st of December, I hope you’ll take a moment to feel proud of yourself first. Did you make someone smile? Did you cook a new meal? Did you spend some time doing something you love?

Finally, my advice for your 2022 New Year’s resolutions is this: be vague!

Whilst most articles will tell you that goals need to be specific, I believe that’s more likely to leave you disappointed. Rather than pledging to exercise every day, I’m just going to put ‘do more exercise’ because that way, even if I only go to the gym once, instead of being disappointed that I failed 364 times, I’ll simply be proud that I went once more than I did this year.