The hub of home-grown inspirational women
One of the things I love most about travel is the interesting people you meet along the way. People who inspire you by their character, their way of life, their determination against the odds, their attitudes and outlooks. These people leave an indelible mark on your being, that you carry with you forever. If you asked them, probably they would say their story is not worth telling. I met two such people in the riverside town of Segou, in Mali, … [Read more...]
Pull up a seat, I’d like to have a chat with you about risk, travel and common sense. Yesterday I was sitting with my Dutch friend Jose commiserating the lack of tourists in the Sinai, Egypt. We both live here at the moment, in this sleepy, peaceful Red Sea beachside town, inhabited by ex-pats and the local Bedouin tribe. Since the revolution in Egypt, ongoing unrest and some kidnappings in the past couple of years here in the Sinai … [Read more...]
Paradise Resort Gold Coast has officially launched PLANET CHILL – the only permanent ice skating rink within a resort in the southern hemisphere. Now open to thrill and chill guests of all ages staying at Australia’s premier family accommodation provider, PLANET CHILL will be a unique drawcard for families travelling to the Gold Coast. Paradise Resort General Manager, David Brook, said his entire management team has been working hard … [Read more...]
“Do you have anything to make my skin whiter?” my Arab girlfriend, Shiha, looks at me hopefully with her big brown eyes. I am in the Sinai, Egypt, spending time in the desert with my exotic Bedouin girlfriends. How to be beautiful, is for them, like any women anywhere in the world, a hot topic. Sometimes I think they think I am some kind of beauty Messiah, bringing all manner of “beauty secrets” from the West not to mention magic … [Read more...]
With communication becoming an ever more global thing, these days your business may include negotiations with countries half-way across the globe and require you to spend your days flying from continent to continent in order to keep your business growing. When travelling for business purposes it is important to get the correct travel insurance for your needs, so you and your business aren't caught out unawares. There are a number of different … [Read more...]
A road trip with your children can be a rollicking good time, traumatic, chaotic, boring and exciting. In other words, it is a microcosm of life itself. Often, how you prepare and plan for your trip will be the big difference between whether your family will be spending more time laughing, singing songs and eating healthy snacks, than with one of the little tikes crying. Here are a few tips to ensure that your next road trip with your children is … [Read more...]
London wants Australian nannies. Traditional jobs for the UK childcare market leaned toward hiring Italian, French and other Western European women as nannies, but the market is changing rapidly according to UK childcare companies. The typical Briton is looking more toward Australians to carry out the nanny duties. According to surveys of British women, they find the Australian nannies easy to fit into the family, they are more friendly and … [Read more...]
Australian Chef Pauline Leonard (pictured), best known for the cooking classes she runs at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, has been conducting gourmet food & wine weekend tours for small groups since 2009. To coincide with the launch of a new Gourmet Tasting Tour of Healesville, in Victoria's Yarra Valley, she has launched her new website 'Taste Cook Travel'. In addition to offering gourmet food & wine tours in Victoria, Taste Cook … [Read more...]
The number of women who travel for business is increasing and today women make up 45% of the corporate travel market. As women travel for business more often, they need to be adequately prepared to enable them to conduct business successfully and safely on behalf of their organisation. The security risks that apply to all travellers also apply to women. Unfortunately criminals perceive women as easier targets for petty crime and are more … [Read more...]
The fourth annual Vivid Sydney festival will transform the city into a canvas of light, music and ideas from 25 May - 11 June. Vivid Sydney is the largest creative industries festival in the southern hemisphere, featuring live music performances at Sydney Opera House, creative industry events and large scale light installations around the harbour foreshore. Vivid Sydney was recently ranked as one of the world's top ten ideas festivals by The … [Read more...]
In some cultures floating around naked with strangers would land you in hot water. In Japan it quite literally does, but this is not a story about exploits in a far flung destination. The Japanese have been soaking in hot springs (onsens) for over 2,000 years and it’s safe to say they know a few things about this ancient tradition. With over 138 million people visiting 55,000 onsens every year and containing small amounts of radical carbon, … [Read more...]
Located in the heart of Marrakech’s historic Sidi Ben Slimane quarter, The Great Getaway Medina has been refurbished to preserve its traditional architectural style. Owners Christian and Ina Krug teamed up with acclaimed German architect Moritz Theden to transfors a traditional Moroccan riad into an intimate six-room hotel for world travelers. Here, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the medina’s community, thanks to Ina Krug’s … [Read more...]
The 2012 Holiday and Travel Shows are coming to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and entry is FREE! The Holiday & Travel Show will include exhibitors showcasing dream destinations from Australia and around the globe and organisers say it will be the most entertaining, innovative and interactive event of its kind in 2012. Formerly known as Travel XPO, the show has enjoyed a strong 26 year history and is the only independently run Holiday & … [Read more...]
There are holidays you’ll remember. And then there are journeys you’ll never forget. There’s a reason why the first thing people ask you when you arrive home from travelling is “How was your trip?” It’s because we all understand that travelling has the power to change us, to excite us and enrich our lives in so many ways. At Inspiring Journeys, we believe travel has the ability to transform you – providing you with the … [Read more...]
You probably never thought that you would have to put so much preparation into a simple trip, that is until you had a baby! All the rules are different now and you find yourself staring at a suitcase and all the baby gear that you use on a regular basis. How in the world are you going to bring everything you need and still fit your family in the car? The notion of baby’s first trip can be filled with great excitement, but it can also be … [Read more...]
Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast has announced it will open the BIGGEST Resort Aqua Play Water Park in the Southern Hemisphere in September. The water park will feature a giant central pool, large heated spa and 2 enormous Aqua Play attractions. The larger structure will be 3 stories high on multi levels complete with a myriad of slides, water cannons, and climbing nets designed to entertain and engage the whole family in aquatic fun. … [Read more...]
For a limited time only, Paradise Resort have released a Family Fun package with breakfast included for the whole family! 2 night packages start from $180* per room per night! Paradise Resort is located near the heart of Surfers Paradise – a family friendly resort that will ensure the kids holiday will be one to remember! 2 night packages start from $180* per room per night and include: Free Zone 4 Kids club daily 4 hours … [Read more...]
My family and I were lucky last month. We visited the magnificent city of Christchurch and left only two short weeks before the tragic earthquake that crumbled this beautiful place to the ground, crushing its people, its spirit, its beauty. But after witnessing this city pre-tragedy, I have to say - there's no way its spirit will remain crushed. There is such an atmosphere to this city - a feeling, a sentiment - from its historical buildings … [Read more...]
The drive in to Wellington is fascinating. When coming in from the north, you hit a multi-lane road (one of very, very few, all over NZ - hurrah!) and then weave through a series of cavernous hills, dipping down into a harbour which comes suddenly and spectacularly into view. The city proper is accessed very easily from the freeway which runs along the western side of the city, super close to buildings – almost like an Asian city. This is a … [Read more...]
On day four of our NZ road trip, we left Auckland early, grabbed takeaway coffees and headed south east on highway 1 before turning off at highway 2 towards Matamata or ‘Hobbiton’ – the site where the Hobbit’s village was filmed in The Lord of the Rings. In keeping with NZ’s steep tourist prices, an overlong 2.5 hour tour at well over $100 for a family of four quickly kyboshed the desire to visit this movie set. We instead shopped, … [Read more...]
Hard to believe we’d not yet travelled to our across-the-ditch neighbour New Zealand… so a school holiday trip was long overdue. As we’re not [yet] skiers, we thought the height of summer might be a great time to take the kids for a two week, two-island tour – most especially because it meant we could travel light. Here, then, is our rough family guide to 14 days in Kiwi Land with kids, no holds-barred. After a five o’clock wake … [Read more...]
Our decision to spend our next holiday on the islands of Samoa was a simple one to make. We wanted to go somewhere relaxing but fun, a place where we could stay mainly in the one spot, and somewhere that the kids would love as much as the adults. My husband and I were travelling with our twenty-one-month-old daughter and some friends – two more couples and two other children, aged eight and five. One of the couples had heard about this … [Read more...]
Hankering for Tokyo (who isn't?) but totally intimidated (who isn't?). Well worry no longer. This beginner's guide will whet your appetite for more than just melt-in-your-mouth sashimi. My husband and I travelled (sans kids) to Tokyo and Kyoto in 2007 and our visit was one of the most memorable travel experiences of our lives. The Japanese capital is an absolute must-see for any traveller. The first thing that struck me about Tokyo was … [Read more...]
Day Three of our California Adventure in San Francisco was very quiet. Lots and lots of rain. We had a much-needed sleep in, hung out on Union Street, shopped and took long reprieves in Starbucks. That evening, we dined at - where else? - a diner. Johnny Rockets was super kitsch but so much fun. Such lovely staff, classic takeaway food and that authentic 50s diner feel, right down to the kids' paper hats. There are even little mini juke boxes … [Read more...]
Oh sigh. It didn't let us down. That amazing place. How I've longed to meet you, San Francisco. Travelling to the US takes a looooong time so it's well worth making a longer trip of it. We factored San Fran into the first part of a three week road trip, but we really should have stayed longer. There's just so much to oggle over and enjoy. Of course, when we arrived on the West Coast, we missed a day... when you travel with young kids and … [Read more...]
Cool weather, snow-topped mountains, wild beaches, untamed forests, small cities, wonderful people. Tasmania. I’m a Melbourne girl. I was born here, grew up here and now live my adult life on the outskirts of this beautiful city. But Tasmania is my second home, the place I spent every childhood holiday. My parents were both raised in Tassie and many of my relatives on my mother’s side of the family live there. My siblings and I spent … [Read more...]
I had my first Italian language class in 1986. I was just six years old so I can only vaguely remember the teacher and, unfortunately, a minimal number of words he taught us (made even more unfortunate by the fact that I was to continue learning this language for the next decade, and then spend the ensuing decade forgetting it). One thing comes back to me with a jolting force of clarity, though: the realisation that there were other countries … [Read more...]
In 2008, my husband and I made the impetuous decision to snaffle the kids out of school and head to Disneyland. To abscond. To play hooky from life. Irresponsible? Maybe. Naughty? A little. Exciting? Oh yes! because we’re not talking Hong Kong Disney – oh no. Nor Paris, Tokyo nor Florida. Phhht. We’re talking the Real Deal. Yes folks, the place where dreams are made (note to self: pick up a few more dreams at Disney gift shop)... the … [Read more...]
After visiting Bali 19 years ago, thinking that I would possibly never return, I decided to go back and explore a different side and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I stayed at a wonderful little retreat set amongst the villages up in the mountains near Ubud and used this as a base to explore some of the natural wonders of Bali. Everything from hot springs, rice terraces, mountains, waterfalls, lakes and volcano's. The most impressive … [Read more...]
We recently had the opportunity to get away for a week or so and grabbed at this chance to rest. Tess (15) and Talia (11) accompanied my husband and I, and the twins (10 month old boys) on this adventure. Day one - morning How lovely to be here in our ‘holiday home’. The home belongs to my bestest buddy in all the world and overlooks the beach. She’s left the house beautifully tidy so all we need to do now is unload the twins and … [Read more...]
For as long as I can remember I've wanted to tour the United Kingdom. Like many Australians, the roots of my family tree lie in Great Britain. My maternal grandfather was born in Yorkshire and my maternal grandmother was born in London and although they both passed away before I was born, their British influence could be seen everywhere in our home when I was growing up. To date, I haven't had the means to travel to London. But I've heard … [Read more...]
Day Four of our Koleos It’s A Sweet Life adventure meant home time. Alas. How we loved our short stay in Sydney, and could have easily spent another twenty years exploring the enriching tendrils that seem to snake down every single laneway and waterway. I actually decided, when we dragged our carcasses out of bed far too early this morning, that I’d like to live in Sydney again, and so asked Husband if he could please organise a posting … [Read more...]
Hooray! No rain for day three of our It’s a Sweet Life family road trip; just a small smattering upon entry to Taronga Zoo, which soon disappeared for a cloudy but delightful day with more sunbursts than cloud. We zipped across the Harbour Bridge in the Koleos this morning, ready and set to go early to beat the ‘crowds’ but the roads were virtually bare, being the Monday public holiday. Ahh. Lovely. There was even free parking at the … [Read more...]
Day one of our Renault Koleos road trip dawned dank and rainy in Canberra with promise of more dank rainy-ness in Sydney for our arrival. We didn’t even pack coats, we were so hopeful the weather man got it wrong. Three-quarters of the way to Sydney, we were thankful we’d at least packed a couple of brollies. And it was eight degrees outside most of the way. Talk about unprepared. … [Read more...]
I was recently surfing the net, in search of a Guest House to stay in, during an up and coming visit to Chiang Mai, in Thailand's north. Often, I look on Trip Adviser, one of the many internet based travel resources I use when planning my trips, but as I was travelling alone this time, I was specifically looking for female friendly accommodation, restaurants, bars and all the pampering hot spots around town! I was pleasantly surprised when I … [Read more...]
Girls, have you ever thought of staying at a Monastery or a Convent Guest House? When travelling in Italy a few years ago, I stumbled across a small Tuscan village called Orvieto and decided that I would like to stay there for a couple of days. I was pleasantly suprised to find cheap, secure and comfortable lodgings at a local convent tucked away in one of the tiny cobbled alley ways. I would recommend this kind of accommodation as being very … [Read more...]
Parenting & Family Matters Columnist, Tania McCartney. There’s some serious stuff going down in the mind of this mother right now. That and an extraordinary, scrabbling, mind-bending balancing act that seems to be testing every ounce of my creative problem-solving ability. Put it this way: when the kids have trotted off to school, sometimes I just stand in the middle of my house and spin. Like, on the spot – wondering where on earth … [Read more...]
Virgin Atlantic have teamed up with Condé Nast Traveller to unveil the most stylish, innovative and luxurious hotels in the world - in their 'Red Hot List 2009'. With settings ranging from desert islands to capital cities, the list was chosen to cater for all tastes, and includes hotels from across the globe - and it appears it would take a little more than pool cabanas and Wi-Fi to impress in order to make the world’s top list. … [Read more...]
After our 14 hour flight to Cairo we were all a little delirious, most of us having had very little sleep! We were all running on adrenalin and high on emotions, for every one of us had realised we were now living our dream - we're actually in Egypt and it's real, the dream is real! Our group of girls are all different ages and from different backgrounds. The baby of the group is 43 year old Sarah, then the rest of the girls ages are upward … [Read more...]
I decided after visiting Nepal last year that I would like to return, not as a trekker, but as a volunteer, to help promote a sustainable future for this enchanting mountain kingdom and its beautiful people. After doing my research I found an NGO in Nepal called The Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP). This project aims to encourage eco-friendly trekking, minimise human impact and encourage the Nepalese people to work within their … [Read more...]