Class13_travel

This will be our last blog :( BUT! it's the most special yet!! We have uploaded our travel vlog onto YouTube!! Be sure to check out and enjoy all the different places we visited and took footage of! Here are the comments from each of us letting you know how the idea and end product of the vlog came along!! Kevin: During the length of this project, i contributed immensely on a brainstorming standpoint, as i had many ideas and different ways to attack the task at hand. Originally, the idea was to write a rap song about travel, however due to the lack of recording equipment we decided that it would be better to come up with a new idea. Antonia decided that a group skype call type video would really capture the idea of long distance travel and the effects it would have on individuals. Following this idea, Susannah and Megan thought it would be ideal to compile a montage of videos of us as individuals travelling. With my recent holiday to Japan at the beginning of this year,...

Disney Sea - Nostalgic for both you and me It isn't much of a surprise for Disney Sea to be a place of extreme nostalgia for the current generation of teens, and even the older generation of parents in our day and age. With references to Disney favourites such as Mickey Mouse, and perhaps even newer Disney icons such as Indiana Jones, regardless of what age group you are, you're bound to have a blast.  It should be duly noted that an early arrival at Disney Sea is of paramount importance if you want to secure those prized quick pass tickets that allow surpassing of the long and dreaded lines that exist in all major theme parks.  With an amazing light show, as well as delicious chicken and turkey legs, the food and entertainment segment is covered. However, for those that are adrenaline junkies, fear not, because the Toy Story ride is just right for you!  So, what in the world are you waiting for? Take a trip down memory lane, and visit Disney Se...

Fuji-Q Highland - Home to the roller coaster world records Are you a thrill seeker? Perhaps you'd call yourself an adrenaline junkie? Well if that's how you see yourself, then Fuji Q is a must go when visiting Japan. It is obvious that Mt Fuji is one of the main tourist attractions in Japan, however, people never seem to consider FujiQ.  Why not get more bang for your buck? FujiQ is a theme park situated at the base of Mt Fuji, which means that you can essentially see Mt Fuji, as well as enjoy yourself on the thrilling rides the theme park has to offer.  In my personal experience, the long train ride was well worth it, especially if you have a group of friends to support you during your journey.  Now I'm betting your wondering, what exactly makes Fuji-Q different to any other ordinary theme park?  Fuji-Q is home to the many of the world's record holding roller coasters, as well as two haunted houses which operate all day with highly specialised...

For well over a decade, my family has enjoyed the facilities at Del Rio Riverside Resort, located in Wisemans Ferry right on the Hawkesbury River. Del Rio has always been a top-notch holiday destination, however these days they have really stepped it up with new cabins, additions to the swimming pool play area, revamping the golf course, and clearing out little private beaches along the waters edge. My family has enjoyed both single overnight stays, up to two full weeks at the resort (one time a two week stay was broken up with a weekend on a houseboat on the river - definitely a lot of fun!). So, if you are keen on water sports, or looking for a relaxing time away by the water, head to Del Rio Riverside Resort! Skiing on the Hawkesbury! - Susannah

The thing I can passionately say I hate the most, is long layovers/transits. To be stuck within a airport for more than 2 hours, is surely the most boring and time wasting thing anybody can experience. My 16 hour layover in Changi International airport (Singapore) Changi airport has been rated the best airport from 2013 to 2017 (current). It is one of the largest transportation hubs in SouthEast Asia. It has hundreds of shops for you to browse around and spend money, and also hundreds of food shops for people to dine in or takeaway.  My layover was from 6am - 10pm, allowing me to spend a full day exploring the total of 4 terminals with a little amount of money. The moment I arrived at the airport, I went straight to the 24hour food court available at each terminal and made sure to buy some food to fill up my stomach for the long day ahead. Changi airport offers free 2 hour tours to Marina Bay, Little India, Chinatown and much much more! Just make sure to sign up at...

Osaka - One street for all your tourist needs! Everyone loves Osaka. With literally one long street that offers you almost everything an average tourist is looking for, what's not to love? Dotonbori. A long street, that serves amazing street food, has globally recognised brand stores, as well as pharmacies with those Japanese cosmetics that you all know and love, Dotonbori really has it all. Additionally, Osaka is home to the famous Ichiran Ramen. Those pictures of the tiny booths that serve ramen from a magic door, have you seen them? Well that's Ichiran for you. During my stay at Osaka, a beautiful Airbnb was hired that accomodated for a group of 10. Many airbnb's in the area are situated a short walk from Dotonobori, and so public transport was rarely used. I would advise that the venturing of Dontobori be saved for the night time, when many of daytime attractions are unavailable. Osaka Castle is a fine piece of nature, which encapsulates the spirit of Osa...

Through my experiences of almost monthly travels, I have personally experienced the good and the bad of flying. To ease the stress and complication of your travels, here are some tips and tricks for travelling on long haul flights! 1. Pack light, Travel light In order to pack light, you need to figure out your essentials. Packing smart is key when you’re traveling. Plan ahead exactly what you will need on your flight. Depending on your type of travel, you may or may not need a piece of carry-on luggage for your clothes, but you’ll almost always need a personal bag. Aside from carry-on luggage, I always recommend bringing some type of “personal bag” for items that you can access easily and either store by your feet or in the overhead bin during your flight. For short-trips: I recommend bringing a tote that can also function as a day bag on your trip. For longer trips: A bring a decent sized bag pack or weekender bag to pack everything I may need for my flight and my arrival. A ...

I decided to interview my Mum to find out about her favourite holiday destination... What is your favourite place to travel to? The Mountains, I think. Followed closely by beach views... not that I like going into the beach. Lets talk about the mountains. How many times have you traveled there? Oh... 15 times, at least, or more. Why is this your favourite place? The views, the serenity of the views. What about this place would you recommend to others? It's a place of peace. The views burn into your memory, so you can recall the views. Echos Boutique would have to be the best, in terms of food and views. And Wyndradyne B&B, which is similar with food and views. It's very cozy and relaxing. Any tips or advice for others who are thinking of traveling to this place? Take clothes for all seasons, because it's very changeable! I recommend at least 3 nights minimum to enjoy the mountains fully. The shops at Leura are always interesting, and the Katoomba Em...

If I were to travel, I would chose to go to Malta. My Mums side of the family is from Malta, so I have been brought up surrounded by Maltese culture, food, and language. Can I speak Maltese? Nope. Which is a shame, however since I've heard it all my life, I can comfortably sit in a room full of my relatives who are speaking Maltese (loudly) and waving their hands, and I can even gather a bit of what they are saying. I hear the stories of Malta from my Nana (Grandma) and Nanu (Grandpa), and I see the sadness in their eyes that their beloved country is changing rapidly, but their joy and pride is certainly evident! It excites me to, hopefully, travel to Malta one day and visit places I've only seen in pictures yet heard so much about. Source: The Telegraph - Susannah

The Blue Mountains (Australia, NSW) attract a significant amount of tourist attention. And if you have ever ventured out there, you would know why. At every Blue Mountains lookout you are met with breathtaking views, clean air, and amazing nature. And the walks to get to many hot-spot look outs take you down winding paths along the sides of cliff faces, through dense bush, up to mountain tops, and down into valley basins. One Blue Mountains location that I enjoy visiting regularly is Katoomba. Katoomba has plenty to offer, and while it can be packed with tourists and selfie sticks, if you choose a low tourist traffic time to go, then it is definitely worth it. Katoomba is a pleasant train trip from Sydney - especially if you find yourself on an old style purple or green interior train. It is also a lovely drive through the mountains, however parking can be troublesome in the town centre - I'd suggest utilising the Woolworths car park (but perhaps head into the shop and purchase...

Just 9 hours flight, and you can arrive in a country that is a complete flip of culture and traditions. Seoul being the capital city and most populated city of South Korea, there are many places to visit if you are planning a trip. Here are some tips that I find may be useful for planning a budget friendly trip to Seoul! Step 1: Flights and Accommodation. Travelling after a full year of studying may not be the easiest when it comes to money. With the limited amount of money you have saved up over a period of time, here are some things you could do to minimize some costs: Flights: Always try to book your flights as early as possible. You may be travelling during peak periods, so to cut some costs, make sure to book your flights as soon as you have made your decision you want to go. I booked my tickets with Cathay Pacific Airlines from Sydney. They are a common airline to book with when flying to Hong Kong, so I had a quick 1 and a half hours layover in HK whilst on my way to S...

Kyoto - Traditional Japan preserved in a modern landscape Kyoto is perhaps the one major tourist destination in Japan, that is a 'must-go' if you're interested in immersing yourself in the country's rich historical roots, whilst experiencing its vibrant cityscape. Being only a bullet train away from Tokyo, as well as Osaka, Kyoto is easily accessible, and can be visited as a day trip, or even an overnight stay if you're willing to spend more time. Be aware that a bullet train to the location is costly! However, if you're planning to make multiple trips via Shinkansen (Bullet train), I would strongly advise in making an investment in a JR rail pass, which allows for unlimited travel during a set period of time. If not, it's always OK to purchase a Suica Card, the Japanese equivalent to Australia's Opal Card. A Suica Card however, is usable in many places other than the train station. Many vending machines in Japan accept Suica Card as a form of payme...

Guam is an amazing little island situated in Micronesia in west of the Pacific Ocean. It is a U.S island territory with lots of WWII history and significance. I still remember the welcome ceremony we received at the airport the moment we hopped off the plane. Native Chamorro people handed us handmade shell lays and placed them around our necks at 5am in the morning. The island is located fairly close to the equator, so you could imagine the heat we were experiencing right at sunrise. Upon arrival to our hotel, you are able to witness the amazing beaches with the whitest sand and the clearest water you could have ever seen!  Image: Google   TIP: Although I stayed at a very nice hotel with the best facilities and great food, always be careful of the water. Besides within Australia, I tend to only drink bottled water overseas. It is something that you should be conscious about to avoid getting sick.  If you were ever to visit Guam and have a love for his...

Just a 1 hour drive north of Sydney, straight up the M1 you will find yourself entering the Central Coast, and a little drive further- Terrigal. It's the perfect location for family picnics, surfing, beach days, food and fun. The Hot spots... a locals perspective One of my favourite things about the Coast is the beaches. Everywhere. There's something really calming about being near the Ocean. Every beach is stunning and has their own highlights. It's important to remember that the ocean is unpredictable and having the ability to swim is essential. Always swim between the flags. Always supervise your kids. Most major beaches on the Coast are patrolled, however there are a few secluded ones that are not. Terrigal Beach. Photo   Credit: Dale McClenahan, local photographer.  Terrigal Beach looking out to the Haven Photo  Credit: Dale McClenahan, local photographer.  Terrigal Beach: A super family friendly beach. It is patrolled by life guards during the Su...

Hawaiiiiiiii So after finishing the HSC; my Mum, sister and I went off to Hawaii. We stayed in Waikiki which was great for our first time visiting Hawaii, however we wouldn't spend our whole holiday there again if we ever go back. We stayed in the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Accommodation, although very expensive was great. I mean look at this view! Photo: Megan I personally found Waikiki to be a little overrated. It wasn't what I had envisioned Hawaii to be, and I was so disappointed. That was until we hired a car and drove up the North Shore. This is what everyone needs to do. Get a car and drive. The North Shore was insane. As we started driving I started to see the real Hawaii, the things I'd seen in movies. The trees became bigger, the grass greener, the sand whiter and the Ocean crystal clear. Photo: Megan The North Shore adventure took us to Pipeline and past the house where all the pro surfers were staying. We went to Hanuma bay to go snorkelling...