2009 HOLIDAY

The last few month or two of 2009 have been a bit rough!

I've decided I need a holiday (even, if it means traveling solo!)

Only problem is - I am stuck for destinations! My only limitations are that I would like to travel sooner, rather than later (and unfortunately, funds are somewhat limited) and can probably only afford (in terms of both cash and holiday leave) to travel for up to 2.5 weeks! I would also prefer to spend part of my travels on a 'tour' - as I'll be going solo I think it'll be a great way to meet people (Preferably not a tour consisting only of retirees!)

So far, possibly destinations are;

Fly directly to Vancouver and do a 'mini tour' around the west side of Canada and spend some time catching up with Canadian friends I have met through my travels (and some blogging pals... namely, Karina)

Fly to LA and then on Denver to visit my cousin who lives there. I would probably spend 4 or 5 days in LA as well (again, possibly catch up with some fellow bloggers)

Fly directly to Athens and do a Greek Island 'hopping' cruise tour with www.contiki.com.au

Honolulu, Hawaii

Does anyone have any other suggestions???

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA (MY NEW HOME TOWN)

As I have mentioned, I have relocated up north and am now living in Sunny QLD.

Here are some photos of Brisbane;

It's still a bit lonely up here - mainly because I am so used to having a big social circle, where as now I only have a handful of people I know! But I love this city!

I'm back into a routine, so watch out for more posts - coming from all over QLD!

xoxo

TREE TOP GETAWAY

I'm not one for camping, I will tell you that much for free. In fact... last time I was stupid enough to go on a camping trip - I resorted to being drunk the whole time and declared I would never again go on a vacation that required me to sleep on the ground!

Lucky for me, and you, I can camp at Paperbark Camp and sleep high up amongst the tree's, in a tree house that gives most hotels I've stayed at a run for their money!

With a choice of Original or Deluxe 'safari tents' both bosting a study canvas structure, timber deck with outdoor furniture, mosquito nets, open air private ensuite, king bed, hotel amenities and 100% cotten line and towel (the Deluxe Safari Tents have a few added extra's like free standing bath tub) it would be easy to forget you are in the middle of National Park surrounded by pristine beaches that is until you look outside your 'window' or step out onto the deck.

Paperbark is a few kilometres out from Jervis Bay, NSW, Australia... a popular tourist destination renowned for its pacific island like beaches and small town charm. Just over 2 hour drive from the CBD of Sydney it's perfect for a weekend getaway.

There is plenty to do in, and around, Paperbark included bush waslking, canoeing and bike riding (which all support Paperbark's Eco friendly-ness) but for a not so bush kinda gal like myself, I'd be quite happy to laze around by the water working on my tan, before I freshen up in the open air ensuite and make my way to the award winning restaurant for some seasonal cuisine and fine wine!

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Ever since I was given an eye mask on a Sydney to London flight, I've been unable to sleep without one!
These are slightly more cute than my drab brown Qantas one.

Pack Easy

Towels are the one thing that takes up too much room in my suitcase!

Just 'pop a pill' and soak in water and it transforms into a 11" x 9" multi purpose towel!

Surfers Paradise, QLD, Australia

I am off to Surfers Paradise to celebrate New Years Eve with some friends!

I seem to be spending a lot of time in the state of QLD this year (although, I don't mind at all!!!)

Here are a few pictures of when I was in Surfers Paradise in Sept/Oct this year;

South Stradbroke Island, QLD, Australia

This is one of my fav photos that I've snapped whilst holiday-ing!


It took us 4 hours to get to the ferry that went to the island (2 small ladies pulling 20kg suitcases!) and this is what we saw when we sat down with our first beer!

It made the train, bus, taxi and ferry trip all worth it!