Visiting the Queen

A couple of weeks ago I sold a tour to a family to go travelling around Europe, with the grand final stop to Visit London. It was such a fun experience organising a big trip for a family with four teenagers! Although initially the head of the family advised me that they were on a tight budget (of course) given that there were six adults travelling for a month! I wish I had done the same thing with my parents when we were younger. We probably would have booked ourselves in London apartments and a few nights in holiday cottages in countryside UK, since me and my sisters were fans of the movie the Holiday!

Come to think of it, I've only ever travelled to Europe with my sister. I wish we are able to go on a holiday to Europe (or anywhere) with my whole family. That would be so much fun, especially now that there are four grandchildren! My little one is the only female grandchild so I wish one of my other siblings would have a girl next time (or maybe me!).

2011 Christmas Day sunrise

As with most of my getaways, I woke up early to catch Christmas day sunrise down at Terrigal.
We were billeted at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal, and loved that we actually got upgraded to an Ocean View! (Thank God for Platinum membership!)

I just love sunrises

Red, pink, blue hues

I am amazed

Sunrise brings about

A certain glow

Literally too

But I mean

More

Exciting day ahead

Is what it's about

Tomorrow another one

To sight.

Dreaming of a getaway

Hubby and I are planning a bit of a quick getaway within the next few weeks or months. Since we are expecting a baby early next year, we want to spend a bit of time with each other and perhaps do a bit of traveling as a couple before we become a family of three. We were discussing what sort of holiday would be nice to go on, something that is not too expensive but still enjoyable. At this stage of our lives, we are both after a more relaxed type of vacation but we need a place to stay where there are still a number of outdoor activities to choose from. Hubby and I are both very much into photography, thus we look for holiday destinations and make sure that there are plenty of opportunities to take a variety of interesting photos. Aside from the fact that we both would need an interesting city, I make sure that the hotel we would be staying at is at least a four star. I guess since I am a travel agent I can manage to get good deals even at such hotel properties. I need a really heavenly bed, and a nice view to the room. I have browsed a few cities and have decided that I would love to go and visit Switzerland sometime and stay at a typical Swiss chalet overlooking the glorious Alps! Ideally I would be traveling during winter so the view from our room would be powder white snow. On the other hand though, I am not my best during this season and I am willing to settle to visit Switzerland in springtime. I have already conjured up a few Swiss Hotels that I would love to visit and stay at, or even do hotel inspections of. I am sure whoever is planning a Swiss getaway would be interested in surfing through this website to check out good deals and just to give one travel ideas on embarking on a truly typical Swiss adventure.

Hidden Treasure : Paperbark Camp

I've been thinking about a place to head off to for the long Easter weekend. I have managed to convince hubby to go South Coast NSW and I wrote that we would most likely be close to the beach again. Tho I would really love to go visit Paperbark Camp in Jervis Bay, for now it would only just be a dream getaway (it has been for the past six months!).

Paperbark camp is a luxury hideaway, with a choice of original or deluxe Safari tents. Each canvassed tent features timber deck, outdoor lounge, a comfortable bed, private open air shower, luxury amenities, etc.

The property, which is about 2 1/2 hour drive South of Sydney, offers interesting bike trails, canoe adventure activity, hikes, etc. For the ones who are just visiting for the hideaway luxury of it, can wait by the deck to spot possums or kangaroos, or perhaps enjoy lazy day readings in the outdoor lounge, or have a massage within the private tent.

What not to miss is the food experience at the Gunyah (Aboriginal for meeting place), which is the property's reknowned restaurant. At the moment, they have got extra special deals to celebrate their 10th anniversary. The cuisine is mainly modern European, at which the menu changes to match the season.

(Images from Paperbark website)

Where is Sea Isle City?

Facing the Atlantic Ocean’s splendour lies a city which is part of New Jersey’s coast. Unknown to a lot of big city dwellers, Sea Isle City has got to offer one of the most relaxing weekends away. I have read that Sea Isle city has beachcombing activities and biking tours that I am sure I would love to check out if I find myself traipsing that part of the world with my boyfriend of course. A visit to the town’s historic museum is also something we might do. Where to stay should not be a problem as sea isle city rentals are plenty. City rentals sea isle has a range of luxury to budget accommodation that would appeal to different tourists: whether you and a partner seeks a nice quiet place, or a family of six that wants to be right in the middle of the happenings. Looking at possible places to dine at while visiting Sea Isle, one can choose from a variety of restaurants, lounges and bistros. Perhaps even just a quick phone call for pizza delivery for that lazy mode evening is quite appealing to me now. There are so many reasons for me to visit the United States soon. I have been getting so many invitation letters to come visit family and friends. One of my good friends would be leaving Manila this month to live in the East Coast of the US. She’s requiring me to see her if and when I go to the other side of the globe! Well, I told her we’ll have to wait and see!

Quotes from a Mauritian Hotel

During my stay in Mauritius, at The Residence, they turned down my bed at night and had left me with a food for thought (left photo)... The following day while we were touring their Spa, they had this quote displayed (right photo). Quite interesting to find bits and pieces of these ones when you least expect it.

Checking back in!

I've just been back to work. Well, my body was, but my mind was still adrift somewhere on an island in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius). So funny, but when I took a nap on the day I arrived, for about 10 seconds upon opening my eyes, I didn't know where I was. Literally. Since being on the trip, in a span of 6 nights we stayed at 4 different hotels! At one point I was giving out my room number to the waiter/front desk people mismatched room numbers belonging to previous hotels! Oh well! The joys of travelling!

It's been ages since I blogged here and I feel I am out of the loop. Just like the jetlag I am feeling. A bit here and there. I'm glad to be back in the comfort of my room. Back on the ground in my apartment, and back to the "joys" of working. Really, just the certainty of tomorrow and knowing that I will be logging back into work as usual, doing my rounds of passwords, dishes, laundry, etc. Seeing the familiar things can give a bit of satisfaction, the same way as seeing some place for the first time. I guess it just really is about having a break, and getting back on track after that deserved time off.

Will post photos and give feedback on my lovely Mauritius trip, when I am totally settled back in. For now, I am glad to be checking back into my blog. Ciao!

Pre-winter blues, Mauritius News and Work

The past few weeks I haven't really been that much into work, for some reason I just am drained and not as motivated as I have always been in the past. I guess since my two other good colleague friends have moved on and the new girls that replaced them are quite young, I just have those unexplainable fluffy thoughts around my head that I want to move to another department as well or perhaps continue with my plans of starting my own travel business.
I've also been quite busy with my family, losing a bit of privacy for almost two months, so many changes happening around me, socially/emotionally,etc. I guess its the winter blues getting to me quite early.
And then, on tuesday this week I was told by my workmate/friend that I got the allocation at work to travel to Mauritius next month! For 6 nights of pure luxury accommodation, full board and sightseeing package. There was a catch though. I still hold a Philippine passport and so I will need to get a visa to travel to Port Louis. To make it even more difficult, I have been trying to get in touch with the Mauritius High Commission but it seems they are understaffed cause I've tried calling them at least 30 times in total since yesterday. I only got to speak with the lady today. So am sending my passport and documents to Canberra tomorrow. And hopefully I get the visa in time for my trip on June 10.
I don't know what to expect of the island. All I know is that Mauritius is THE place celebrities go on their honeymoon or to just get away from it all. I know too that it will take about 12 hours to reach the island one way from Sydney! That is quite a long way. Imagine crossing the Indian Ocean. I guess I have to build up my travel resume of exotic and interesting places to visit. And hopefully this is the first of many more luxury travels (yeah right!). Well it is free to dream so let me be. (Enjoy snapshots of the island I hope to visit next month). So watch out if you catch me in some photo taken by peeping paparazzis!

Online accommodation deals

So much for wanting a holiday all the time, I find myself always searching for great deals accommodation websites, anywhere in the world. I suppose that is part of my job, career, passion or simply just a one of those things that one automatically does, like checking email. I just always am on the look out for websites such as freereservation.com. It's just so much fun finding bargain rates for holidays or special nights stay perhaps at Hotel Venice, Hotel Florence or Hotel Naples. Wherever you are in the world, it is always just nice to come across sites that have photos, essential travel information and of course a website that is reliable and secure. Besides, I do have quite a number of friends scattered all over the world (US, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Singapore, UK, France, Canada, Philippines, etc) that for sure if I find a real good one I would let them know, or if the price is right maybe even get it for them.

My parents' wedding anniversary is up in a few months time and I am on the scout for a good deal somewhere north or perhaps south of Manila. I still have to save up though! With all the expenses and travelling that I've been doing with my family here I am sure I will need to ask my other siblings to chip in on this year's gift to mum and dad.

Charming Nicaraguan beach resort

One day I am going on my world tour, and South America would definitely be on my itinerary. There are just so many places to visit that I am sure fitting all the places that I want to visit will cost me one year worth of holiday leaves from work!

One that is definitely on my list of places to visit is this one Nicaraguan beach hotel called La Posada Azul Beach. Looking through their website you would think that they are too simple and ordinary. But if you do more research you will find that they are one of the best San Juan del Sur hotels. The property is located just a stone's throw from the beach. And if you read through Tripadvisor visitors to this boutique Nicaragua bed and breakfast, one will surely realise that La Posada Azul charms its way to their guests senses. Having said this, one can never really be captivated by a place without experiencing it first hand. For me to be convinced, I should be able to truly see for myself what the hype is all about. By the looks and feel of the place though I know I have an inkling to want to stay at least a week in that paradise.

Getting to La Posada Azul Beach is quite easy. It is just 2 and a half hours from the capital city, Managua. When I go to Nicaragua, I think I may even ask one of my friends to meet up with me. He is currently stationed in Costa Rica, which borders south Nicaragua. I am sure he would be willing to take a break and share my Nicaraguan experience!

Country Gem Hideaway

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Accommodation:
You can choose from 12 log cabins, warmly decorated with furnishings that are reminiscent of a real country style home. Activities:
Of course you've got a number of choices of hot springs you can soak up in, plus other activities such as skiing, ice skating, boxing, pilates and yoga, workout at the gym, indulge in their spa treatments, wine tasting and vineyard tours, hiking, biking, horsebackriding, rock climbing, fly fishing, kayaking, lessons on photography, archaelogy, visit their gorgeous library, watch at movie at the screening room, and so much more!

And you thought all you were to do was lie down and enjoy the scenery? Well of course that is the ultimate activity..

Dining:
Meals are set at the long, antique table or brought to you picnic style when fishing or doing some other outdoor activity. Local or regional ingredients are used from the farm and vineyard.

Rates:
2 Night Package Rates start from USD1300 to USD9900 per couple. Dunton Hot Springs is an all inclusive resort. Accommodation and meals are included in the rate, plus other activities depending on your package type.

Getting Here:
Dunton is accessible by driving in, or by air into the following airports Durango, Telluride, Cortez, Montrose. Dunton's staff will be glad to meet and greet you upon arrival at the airport, and take you to your sanctuary. Dunton Hot Springs is located at the San Juan Mountains and the Colorado Rockies.

This luxurious cabin lodging is a ski gem during winter and a refreshing getaway during other seasons. Where else can you find yourself immersed in your private soaking pool? Or, part of a township of a few guests where you've got your own library, movie room, chapel,etc. Plus, there's a glorious waterfall at the other end of town! You can even hire the whole town for your wedding for USD15,000 a day.

Whether you want to be one with nature without the frills, or you would just like to have a bit of a getaway, but still be reached by the outside world (they do have wireless broadband) then Dunton IS the place to be!

One day, this town I will visit! Wonder when?!

Plus Factor: Children are most welcome to visit Dunton together with their parents.
And, your Pets are invited as well!

Garonga Safari Camp - An oasis amidst Africa

I have always wanted to travel to Africa on a Safari. However I actually don't see myself being the type who would like to camp in total wilderness with creatures howling at night, or some other hissing animal sound. Today I have received an email at work about this newly opened (was opened in December 2007) accommodation called Little Garonga which is located at Makalali Conservancy in the Kruger National Park area. It's got only 14 beds, so it is intimate. You can choose between a tent room where its shower area is outside and you can shower under the stars if you wish, our you can have a suite such as the Hambleden Suite, which has its own private deck and pool! What would you choose? I guess its obvious which one I would have. But then again, with comfort and views comes a whopping price, AUD 855 per suite per night! And thats during lean season! Well, I would have to settle for the Tent at AUD 255 per person per night. Even this is quite costly. But then these rates include : All meals, coffee/tea, all drinks, game drives, bush walks, sleep out excursions, bush baths (this is interesting!), laundry. Well, its full board if I may say so it should be quite good.

I hope to be able to travel to Africa in style. Not now, but one day when I do my amazing world tour. When that will be? I suppose I won't be able to do it in the next year as I have so many plans. But surely for now I can dream. And hope that when I am ready to go that Little Garonga would still be there. Not quite new but definitely well tested. :) Haha!

PS. They actually are open to doing weddings at this venue! Interesting! Maybe photos will have giraffes sticking out their necks, or an elephant trying hard to keep its bum away from the photo frame! Cool!

Accommodation in Riga, Latvia

Planning a trip doesn't have to be stressful. Sometimes I find myself frustrated in doing countless research, sleepless nights, trying to find a website that will lead me to the one place where I can extensively search on accommodation.

In June 2009 I am planning to travel to Europe. Being the travel agent that I am, I prefer to consolidate and arrange my own tours and accommodation. I intend to research each and every city that I will be visiting. I am starting off my research with the Baltic Sea area. The Baltic states have always interested me from the time I saw an informational video featuring Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

The first city I am intending to visit is Riga, the capital city of Latvia. At that time of the year (June), it will be towards summer in Europe. And summer in Riga, like most destinations during peak period, accommodation is scarce. Moreso, reasonably priced, comfortable and perfect accommodation. I am not limiting myself to staying at hotels, and actually looking at staying in apartments when I travel to Riga. In my research, I have stumbled upon a fantastic website that offers the best apartments for rent in Riga. This was such a good website as it's menu was pretty straightforward. It had options to click to view : Apartments or Hotels and even an option to view Activities in Riga, Special Offers, Services, Terms and Conditions, Payments, Partners and References. How exciting!

Looking for an apartment in Riga has never been easier. I've clicked on the link on Apartments, and its given me a list of apartments that they have contracts with. It's got pictures, descriptions, rates, and even the location plotted on a map! If you're like me, wanting to visualise an accommodation beforehand, these pictures can allow your imaginationg to soar as if you were actually already in Riga! The map is very handy if you wanted to know where exactly the apartment is situated. I am not quite sure if I will stay just for one night, or longer, but thats okay as I've read on the website that they cater to short or long term rentals. So, if you are looking for Riga apartments for rent, visit http://www.bestreninriga.com/ . I have to get back to my research. Ciao!