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Essential Sydney: the must see sites of this vibrant city
Sydney is Australia’s most famous harbour city, receiving a staggering 25 million visitors from around the world each year. If you are visiting for the first time then you are in for a treat as there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city and if you are a return visitor then there is always something new to discover. Sydney is easily navigated on foot, with most tourist attractions located in the CBD. If you prefer to save your feet then the city circle train and the hop on hop off bus are good options for getting you from one side of town to the other. Here is…
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5 must see places to add to your New York itinerary
Just mention “New York” and what may come to mind is the iconic tourist sites such as the Empire State building, the Statue of Liberty and Central park. If you are looking to experience New York a little differently or even like a local then here are five places you should add to your New York itinerary. 1. High Line New York The High line New York is a linear garden that spans about 1.6 km along the former West side rail line. It’s elevated gardens and walking path is a little oasis hidden within the skyscrapers of New York on the lower west side of Manhattan. It was first…
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7 Must see amazingly picturesque mountain towns
Be inspired by these seven amazingly picturesque mountain towns that you should be adding to your bucket list right now! 1. Bellagio Not just famous for George Clooney’s hideaway holiday villa! This beautiful little village is located on Lake Como in Italy, with the magnificent Alps in the background. Considered the pearl of Lake Como, it sits on the tip of the lake, where it intersects into three to offer panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The village has picturesque cobblestone streets with shops and restaurants overlooking the lake. When you have had a bite to eat take a stroll around the Villa Melzi and it’s beautiful gardens and…
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The Lakehouse in Daylesford: a sublime tasting experience
If the Michelin star was available to Australian restaurants then the Lakehouse in Daylesford would be up there with the best of the best. It is consistently a two hat restaurant as voted by the Age good food guide and it is mighty worthy of this status, with superb food, beautiful surrounds and passionate staff. The Lakehouse is under the arm of Executive Chef Alla Wolf Tasker and Head Chef David Green, where they have procured themselves into a position of producing virtually everything, from house baked breads to an extensive charcuterie range, on the premises. During the day, the sunlit restaurant offers magnificent views through wonderfully large windows. The split level…
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Walking the cobblestone streets of Montmartre
Montmartre is my most favourite area of Paris and on my last visit in winter I stayed there for a wonderful ten days. I may be a romantic but to me Montmartre seems to capture the “old” Paris, the Paris where you could easily imagine sitting in a cafe and at the next table is Hemmingway scribbling on papers or a glance out the window and there is Monet, Dali and Picasso working away at their easels. If you are anything like me, then you will find much enjoyment just casually walking through the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, admiring the old buildings, wandering up stairs and capturing glimpses of the magnificent…
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Photographing iconic tourist sites and where to find the best vantage points
Getting that ultimate holiday snap when you are not a photographer is easier than you think. All you need is a steady hand and some inside information. Taking a great photo starts with finding the ultimate spot to take the photo from. Finding the best view is going to show your subject in the best possible way. Also consider timing of the day for where the sun will be, as you will want it shining on your subject rather than at you. So here is the list of the most popular tourist attractions and where to take the best photos from. Australia Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge Where…
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How to survive international travel with kids: part 2
Travelling with children can be both a challenging and an amazing family holiday experience. A time where you can all look back fondly on the many holiday memories you have created. Hopefully the good memories outweigh the difficult ones – and yes there will be times where your sanity will be tested! Flying halfway around the world and looking forward to a great holiday experience takes a lot of pre-planning to ensure a smooth journey once you have landed on solid ground. Here are my tips for surviving international travel with kids once you step off the plane. This is part two of surviving international travel with kids, if you…
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How to experience luxury travel on a budget
Luxury and budget are two words that don’t fair to well in the same sentence, especially when it comes to holidays. Most of us have at some point fantasized about what it would be like to stay in a five star luxury Hotel, dining in the finest restaurants or experiencing a world reserved for the rich and famous, where the only worry is wondering whether the chauffeur will be able to fit the Louis Vuitton luggage into the limousine. Okay, dreaming aside, for us mere mortals there are some things we can do that can give us a little taste of luxury on our holiday without blowing the budget. Here…
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How to survive international travel with kids: part 1
Flying and international travel with kids in tow takes a lot more forethought than simply thinking about how to entertain them whilst on a long haul flight. The planning begins well before you even step aboard the plane. I have compiled together a two part list of things to consider when travelling with kids that will make your flight easier. Blog part two will offer tips once you have landed on solid ground. So you are about to embark on a family trip of a lifetime, you’ve researched all the places you are travelling to, your itinerary is heavily packed with things to do and you are all excited and…
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A modern twist on high tea at Crown’s Waiting Room
I’m a big fan of that little indulgence of high tea and today I visited The Waiting Room at Crown in Melbourne. There is definitely something very glutinous about eating cakes, pastries and sandwiches until your hearts content and I’m certainly not afraid to admit I did just that! Just mention the word cakes and I will be there! With a modern twist on high tea at Crown’s Waiting room, you will be delighted with the unique offerings being served in the lobby bar. The waiting room is one of Melbourne’s most luxurious lobby bars and exudes an opulent 1940s feel, it is quiet and intimate. Today I dined…
