Chilly weather

Chilly weather makes me want to sip bottomless hot chocolate under the blanket, while watching my chic flicks (imagining hubby is taking care of the kids, that is!). In reality though, I am researching the trips my clients are going on. At the moment the current 'scheduled' trip is to the USA! So my head space is filled with daydreaming about Waikiki Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Atlanta! So far I have already come up with proposed activities for them to do in Hawaii and California. I am currently working on New York - which is super easy since I love New York. Meanwhile, Atlanta is a little bit more of a challenge. I have been to Atlanta more than a decade ago so I need to do a refresher on the city guide. The family that I am organising the holiday for has teenage kids so I am thinking maybe a visit to a quest room could be an option. I read that quest room Atlanta is pretty popular spot. Nowadays there are mystery or escape rooms propping up in the major cities, but I haven't experienced it first hand so I cannot fully suggest it to clients yet. I have heard that it can get really exciting and engaging so it's a fun activity for a group of friends or family (even colleagues!). I guess there is no other way to find out for myself but try. So I would suggest this to my friends the next time I have someone come over to Sydney!

That ONE big trip 2020 : Hong Kong for 3 nights

Planning and brainstorming our family's ONE big trip

Credit: Discover Hong Kong website

DESTINATION # 1 : Hong Kong ~ 4 Days / 3 Nights
WHY DO I CHOOSE TO VISIT HONG KONG?
Hong Kong is an exciting hub in Asia. I remember visiting Hong Kong a few decades ago and it was my first time to visit a non-English speaking city. I was excited, a bit scared (I got lost in Causeway Bay on my own back when there were no cellphones or handheld GPS! And I was a teenager!) and I would love to re-visit this city and have the same excited feeling.

> Love Hong Kong's fast pace. To me, it is Asia's "New York"
> Would love to immerse myself in the vibrant Hongkonger's culture
> I have yet to visit Victoria Peak


TOURISM WEBSITE/S 
Discover Hong Kong

USEFUL WEBSITES
TRANSPORT in Hong Kong
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS in Hong Kong

MY DREAM ITINERARY

Day 1
On arrival, it is a must to walk a few blocks around the hotel and explore the local area, have lunch. I intend to stay in the Kowloon side and so a visit to the Avenue of the Stars will happen late afternoon. I do love lovely harbour views and this is a good vantage point! Then dinner in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. After dinner, head to view the Symphony of Lights which starts at 8PM and goes on for about 13 minutes.

Day 2
After an early breakfast, head to Hong Kong Island and ride the HK Tram and get off at Victoria Peak. Have lunch at Causeway Bay or Central then catch the Star Ferry back to Tsim Sha Tsui. A stop at the Clock Tower is good if there is time. And a visit to one of the Chinese temples in the city. Spend the afternoon at the Ladies Market and / or then head to the Temple Street Night Market. Or choose from the other specialty markets the city has to offer. Dinner would be at a place along Temple Street or in the Jordan area.

Day 3
A full day tour is in order for this whole day. Either doing the New Lantau island tour or the Lamma Island Hopping cruise. Dinner is somewhere near the hotel area, if not at the hotel!

Day 4
Easy day spent re-visiting a place or heading off to one of the places not visited yet!

Credit: Discover Hong Kong website

HOTEL OPTIONS
> Marco Polo Hong Kong
> Intercontinental Hong Kong
> Holiday Inn Golden Mile
> Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui
> Intercontinental Grand Stanford HK





MUST SEE ATTRACTION/S
> Avenue of the Stars
> Symphony of Lights
> Victoria Peak

MUST DO/S
> Visit an island outside of Hong Kong!



MUST EAT/S
TBA

MUST BRING
TBA

OTHER TIPS
TBA

The Jersey way of life

I am always learning about new things and new places to visit (or send clients off to). Today it is all about the fascinating Jersey Channel Islands – which offers a bit of French and English packaged into this warm destination just off the coast of Normandy, France.

As I read more trivia about this Channel Island - the more appealing it is to me, and the photos show she is a looker as well. Apparently a 15mph speed limit applies on this island in order to give priority to pedestrians! Quite interesting to think that two ex-drivers of Formula One currently call Jersey home – must be a lovely place to live or even visit. Mont Orgueil Castle, one of the island’s popular attractions, was once a lookout post back in the world war days. Now, to me it looks like a pretty 'ornament' with the backdrop of the sea and the island. Who knew that this autonomous island have their own law institute and nearly a hundred restaurants to choose from – quite impressive if I may say - a big tick for a big travel foodie. One last trivia that I found – one of my favourite writers of all times, Victor Hugo – who wrote Les Miserables – was exiled in Jersey at some point in his life! Hmm!

Talking about all these new things I’ve come across about Jersey of course naturally led me to researching hotels in Jersey. And if I can just have it my way, luxury hotels Jersey would be the way to go. Browsing through this popular local hotel chain, I am immediately drawn to the property The Golden Sands. The activities near the hotel, the hotel room decor and ambience, sea view – just defines what I am looking for in a holiday. I can literally head off there now. And, perhaps a pit stop for shopping somewhere?!

The Titanic memorial cruise

I read the other day about the British travel firm that enlisted one whole Fred Olsen Cruise Liner to do a Titanic memorial cruise in 2012. This would be to commemorate the 100th year of the original Titanic's maiden voyage. I think this is a fabulous idea to have come up with. Not to mention that it probably would be quite a healing trip for those who would be going on the cruise because they had a family member who did not make it back then.

There would be the same number of guests as the original Titanic, and they would leave the port at the same time that the Titanic did. Of course, this time around there would be enough lifeboats, and there would be no icebergs.

No, Leonardo diCaprio and Kate Winslet won't be on it.

Road tripping in England

There are so many pretty places in England which I would love to visit. Perhaps go on a road trip and visit manors, castles, and golf courses along the way. I know I've had a client who's given feedback about going on this road trip with her husband. They loved traveling from one manor
to another, and sometimes spending a day at some bed and breakfast, and other times enjoying a day of pampering at a Hotel in Sheffield, or at a Day spa along the way.

Truly there are various ways of seeing the world in style, if one can afford these luxuries. Otherwise, there are lots of ways to travel in style without having to spend way too much.

Adventure tripping

I have this friend who’s recently broken up with a long term partner of 8 years. They were planning on getting married early next year, but they recently decided to call it quits. She’s called me and asked me to organize an itinerary for her to Travel Alaska this June, as she wants to forget about her love misfortunes. I willingly obliged and have come up with a few activities and adventures for her to do whilst doing a bit of Alaska Travel. I told her now would be a good time to travel since the weather would be a bit warmer in Alaska.

Adventure is one of the necessary factors included in my friend’s trip. I found a tour group that would take her camping, traveling around Denali Park, canoeing and abseiling in various places as well. It’s good that I have used this particular tour operator before, so that I know that I can trust them in taking care of my lovesick friend. Now, I am not sure how effective adventure traveling is for broken hearts, but I am sure she will fall in love with the place.

Booking my groups

One type of tourist accounts for those who travel out of motivation from an interest (or interests). I have made a booking for a group of people who traveled to visit archaeological sites in Greece, and another group that traveled to France and Britain to attend a war memorial event. Recently, I have had a group of people wanting to travel to the United States to visit a list of museums located in the Eastern part of the States. They were quite a handful as some of the travelers were wanting to try Gettysburg camping style, while the others wanted at least a four star rating hotel to stay at.

At the end of it all, they came into consensus that they would give rv camping Gettysburg a go. Majority of them haven’t tried this style of pa rv camping but were convinced that it would be an interesting experience. It was good that they have all agreed to this, otherwise I would end up having a divided group which would mean more work for me. I usually like dealing with group bookings especially if I communicate with only one coordinator.

Going camping

Two weeks ago three of the ladies from my team went camping. They asked if I wanted to try this with them but I declined since I am not really a fan of pitching tents, creepy crawlies, shared toilet (if any at all). When they got back to work on that monday they were saying how great the experience was and they would not mind doing it again, if ever at some rv park nc, or rv park north carolina. I agreed to go with them the next time they go on one of those camping trips, provided that it was in nc rv parks or some park that is very safe.

How many times does one try out a new adventure? I guess it has been a while since I went on one. The last time I remember was going on a hiking trip with my hubby. It can be very exciting and at the same time tiring! Oh well, I just hope that the girls don't schedule the trip anytime soon!

City Leaving

..Okay, Not!

I am wishful thinking, dreaming about trees, greens, leaves, open space, nature, away from the city! Somehow these cravings creeped up, to think I considered myself a self confessed city girl from the beginning.

When travelling, do you find yourself visiting cosmopolitan cities? I guess, to an extent I still enjoy seeing new skyscrapers and the city skyline. But recently I find myself being drawn to take photos of bugs upclose, or patiently trying to capture a kingfisher bird in a still shot. I like framing my photos to reflect on the natural elements of my trip.

I enjoy looking up the sky and snapping my Canon 40D (see photo insert of tree and sky).

I guess once in a while we really need to leave the city to enjoy the things we know we are missing.

All the firsts

Recently hubby and I went to our first concert together! I actually gave it to him as his Christmas present, because I knew he loved this band (and, well, I wanted to see them play live too). I was quite ecstatic to realise that even after eight years into our relationship we still have a lot firsts to experience together. One of which was attending this. I am hoping that we get to travel to a lot of countries together for the first time as well. We would both love to visit Mexico one day, and do Cancun tours and activities together. Perhaps also get the chance to swim with dolphins together! I remember seeing one up close when I was a lot younger, and this got me excited. What more get to swim with them! I am sure that hubby would also appreciate this experience. My sister in law has done this with her husband during their honeymoon, and she recommended we try it out too. Well, if only we could save up on annual leave, as well as moolah to travel the world and do all these exciting things! Wishful thinking one day soon, we'd get to do this.

Oh Anuta!

The other day hubby and I watched a culturally inspiring documentary on BBC about the Anuta tribe. Anuta Island is one of the 900 Solomon Islands that are inhabited with only about a population of 300 persons. The circular island is only 400 metres wide, and the highest point being 65 metres. Based on the documentary (which can be viewed here) we saw how beatiful the white sandy beaches are on this island. The only drawback to this paradise is that, it is frequented by cyclones. Without any hotels, pollution, television, this island can be a good place to see at least once in a lifetime.

The Anutans are physically far from the big civilizations od this world, however what is interesting about this small group of people are their culture. They have songs and rituals for welcoming, songs for washing the carrots, rites for first time fisherman, for the visitor leaving, catching food, etc. The documentary shows the typical islanders' way of life (with the distinct division of labour between men and women, they are very traditional). Restaurants don't exist here, but instead one is welcomed for a meal at the Anutan home. Another thing that doesn't exist here, are clinics,which can be a challenge to a sick or injured islander.

Watching this show just made me appreciate how simple living can be so stress-free. The local Anutan's were always smiling, and happy about life on the island. This music loving people may never set foot on other islands their entire lifetime, but surely this does not stop them from enjoying that small island they have. What a wonderful world!

Photo credit: Rainbowphoto

Adventure trip

I haven’t really tried camping out, as far as I remember. However, I do have photos of camping when I was younger (back when I did not have a choice but to tag along with my family!). As I am a grown up now, I realize that my parents were a lot more adventurous when they were my age. They have gone backpacking around Europe, taking overnight trains, using station lockers, camping at the beach, etc. I wish I could be as adventurous as them. Should we plan something such as Alaska Travel, I may end up scouting for nice hotels, while they wouldn’t mind camping somewhere like Denali Park. I guess, if and when that Travel Alaska trip happens, I would ask one of my siblings to stay with me at some hotel! I know there are a number of options available when traveling to this scenic state of Alaska. Perhaps I may want to try some unconventional type of accommodation for once. Truly in a cold place as that there couldn’t be any insects or whatever. There, I have just said it. One of the main reasons I am not up for camping is because of my fear of these unsightly small creatures!