Have child... will travel

So we have made the decision to take our first overseas trip with Grace next year and go to beautiful Hawaii. We are currently doing some of our own research (we aren't going to venture over to the travel agent just yet) and are taking tips, suggestions and ideas to make our trip with a baby (Grace will be around 18 months when we go) as smooth and as enjoyable as possible.

Also, in the short-term, we are going to go down to Melbourne for my birthday in May... it will only be a weekend trip but Grace will only be five months, and that in itself is a scary thing. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! We are looking at staying at a hotel as opposed to a self-contained unit so that we can order food in-house in case a trip to a restaurant is all too hard for our little Princess!

I guess travelling with your baby is like taking them out for the first time since coming home from hospital - you've just got to bite the bullet and do it no matter how scary it seems. I am just a bit apprehensive about the plane ride (especially over to Hawaii!) but I am sure we'll just deal with it when the time comes! Obviously a crying baby on a plane isn't great - for passengers and especially for the parents - I would imagine it to be a very stressful experience.

So if anyone knows a great website for travelling with bubs please send them through!

Mooloolaba trip

We love visiting Mooloolaba and usually go up a couple of times a year. Here are a few snaps from our most recent five-day trip in Feb. I can't wait to start planning our next getaway!

Beach bound

Can't wait for our five-day beach getaway to Mooloolaba! My pictorial blog is inspired by all things beach today

Discovering my homeland

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." – Saint Augustine

The New Year has got me thinking about things I’d like to experience this year and local travel rates highly.

I’ve decided that, instead of planning some grand escapade overseas, I’d like to see more of my own country where time (and some spare cash) will allow.

At a recent family dinner we were discussing weekend getaways and how good it is to go away, even if it’s for a handful of days. There are so many gems that we can visit that are only a few hours from home via plane.

There are so many places in Australia that I would like to visit – here I’ve noted a few that are on my must-see list:

Bay of Fires, Tasmania

The Bay of Fires Lodge

When I was working as a feature writer, I did a piece on the Bay of Fires and ever since, I’ve wanted to visit.

Showcasing the east coast of Tasmania’s truly picturesque landscape and bountiful flora and fauna, you can stay at the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge and complete a trek along the coastline.

 

Go to http://www.bayoffires.com.au/ for more info.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland

The tranquil Whitehaven Beach

An aerial view

With its pure white sand and crystal clear blue water, the world famous Whitehaven Beach is Australia’s most photographed beach. 

Located in Queensland’s idyllic Whitsundays, a group of 74 pristine islands, you can get the best view of this stunning beach from Tongue Point.

You have the option of doing a day trip to Whitehaven via boat, or most overnight sailing trips stop her overnight as well.

There is a range of accommodation on the mainland, with Airlie Beach being the closest vantage point, for you to choose from.

Go to http://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/destinations/whitehaven-beach/ for more info.

Yarra Valley, Victoria

Visit the beautiful wineries



Dine on amazing local produce

Get a treatment from one of the many spas

As my husband and I are foodies and love a good drop of wine, the Yarra Valley in Victoria’s regional surrounds is a place I’ve always wanted to travel to.

With a range of activities and accommodation options to choose from, weekend getaway possibilities are endless.

Go to http://www.visityarravalley.com.au/ for more info.

Uluru National Park, Northern Territory

Uluru

Latitude 131

Visiting our country’s most spectacular natural formations, Ayers Rock, is a spiritual journey I’d love to take one day.

My father has spent a lot of time in Northern Territory and always talks of its unsurpassed beauty and wonderful people.

There are several places to stay in the Red Centre ranging from inexpensive camp grounds through to pricey, yet opulent, wilderness camps; there is something for every budget.

Go to http://en.travelnt.com/explore/uluru-kata-tjuta.aspx for more info.

 

Perth

The city of Perth

Rottnest Island

I have heard many good things about Western Australia’s capital – its beauty and natural attractions like Rottnest Island and the Swan River leave me wanting to find out more.

Enjoying more than 3000 hours of sun each year, Perth is definitely a place to visit if you like an outdoor lifestyle, like I do. I also want to discover why it has been named world’s most liveable city.

For more info go to http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Destinations/Experience_Perth/Perth/Pages/Perth.aspx

Apart from these places, some of my favourite destinations to get to by car (from the Gold Coast) include Brisbane, Mooloolaba, Noosa, Caloundra, Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour. If you’re keen for a road trip, these gems are well worth the visit.

In the words of French novelist Marcel Proust:

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”

Happy travelling J

Take me away...

After a fun-filled hen’s weekend spent with my closest friends and family, I realise how excited I am for this wedding (and honeymoon) to be happening!

It’s only four and a half weeks to go and there is still a bit to organise, but we’re on top of it. I must say though, when the stress gets a bit overwhelming, I just think of Nusa Dua, Bali where we will be jetting off to once we say “I DO”.

So, as I daydream at work, I thought I’d post some pictures of where Ben and I will be staying. It’s going to be magical…. I can already taste the cocktails!

Travel or Baby?

One thing I’ve found about getting engaged and (shortly) married is that more people have been asking ‘when are you going to start a family?’

Having children is something we want to do, but the more people question us, the more we really have to think harder about the answer.

The thing is, we want to do some travelling together and enjoy the time we have for the two of us before we add to our little family. Lots of our friends have travelled and now as we see more of them leave to start new and exciting adventures, we don’t want to be left behind.

Similarly, more of our friends are getting married and starting a family. They didn’t want to wait to have children and now as we are invited to baby showers and christenings; it raises the topic of discussion about our own future kids.

So I guess we want to travel, but we also want kids. I know there are chances to travel after your children have grown up and are capable of fending for themselves, but we feel like some things are better experienced while young blood still runs through our veins.

It still won’t stop me getting all clucky when I walk into a gorgeous baby store and coo over the tiny booties, cardigans and all-in-ones that I would adore to dress my little boy or girl in.

I know that a woman’s biological clock really starts slowing down after 30, so I’ve got a good couple of years up my sleeve before we start thinking about getting pregnant… so between now and then I don’t think it’s so wrong to be a tiny bit selfish and indulge ourselves before the inevitable nappy changes and early morning feeding sessions start?

We know a handful of people that happily lead child-free lives and have great jobs and the money to travel wherever they like. But that’s their choice and we are happy for them. I guess it’s just a personal thing and I don’t feel like we have to justify our decision either way to anyone.

I’m interested in hearing about your stories – did you wait to have kids for the same reason and then struggle to get pregnant thinking it would be easy? Or did you have kids straight away and now that they’re grown up, you have much more time to travel with friends?

I know it’s a very exciting thing – the prospect of starting a family. But I still feel like a spring chicken myself and I want to make the most of that feeling while I still have it, with my new husband.

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