by Guest contributor | Feb 23, 2015 | Asia-Pacific, Cool hotels, Dog friendly, Travel blogger destinations
Dog tired? There are plenty of options for pet friendly travel in Australia. Wotif.com has shared some ideas with us for holidays to get tails wagging.
Image by thekarmapolice, Flickr creative commons tinyurl.com/pk5ltek
NSW – Carool
Tailwaggers Rainforest Retreat
Escape to (3.5 star – self rated) Tailwaggers Rainforest Retreat with your four-legged friend. Relax in a self-contained cabin with a fenced yard purrfect for your pet and take advantage of the nearby walking trails. Linen is included for pets as well and there’s even a dedicated hydrobath to wash your pet.
VIC – Rutherglen
Must Love Dogs B&B
Dog lovers should head to (4.5 star – self rated) Must Love Dogs B&B. Get spoilt with treats and chocolates for all guests and take advantage of free pet sitting.
WA – Albany
Emu Beach Chalets
Pack your doggy or kitty bag and head to (3 star – AAA rated) Emu Beach Chalets for a pet-friendly break. Spread out in a self-contained chalet surrounded by bushland, just steps away from the beach.
QLD – Mooloolaba
Saltwater Villas
Pamper your four-legged friend with a holiday at (3.5 star – self rated) Saltwater Villas. Kick up your feet/paws and relax in a waterfront villa with pet sitting, a day spa, water sports, pool and spa – it could be your next purrfect holiday.
SA – Robe
Arches Spa Apartments and Complex
Get cosy with your plus one and four-legged friend in the Patsy Ryan Cottage at (4 star – AAA rated) Arches Spa Apartments and Complex. Settle into the 1850’s style cottage complete with a country kitchen and two bedrooms.
VIC – Mildura
Emaroo Cottages Mildura
There’s no need to leave your pet behind when you stay at the (4 star – self rated) Emaroo Cottage Mildura. Pets are charged at AU$30 per stay.
TAS – Cambridge
Riversdale Estate Cottages
Stay in a self-catering cottage at this (4.5 star – self rated) private vineyard and olive grove estate located only 15 minutes from Hobart CBD. Pets are charged from AU$10 per pet per night.
TOP PET TRAVEL TIPS
Image by Nathan Rupert, Flickr creative commons tinyurl.com/o4wb9uo
Wotif.com’s Product Director, Donna Rodios, shares tips for a stress-free holiday with a pet in tow…
- “Remember pets can be susceptible to car sickness, especially on longer journeys, so it’s wise to avoid a big meal before you hit the road and definitely don’t give them anything new or exotic. Unlike one respondent who fed tuna to their dog the night before a long journey – needless to say it wasn’t a very pleasant car trip.”
- “When flying, dogs and cats have to travel in a cage which meets the airline’s guidelines so make sure you check their requirements.”
- “If your pet isn’t familiar with a cage, it pays to prepare them by placing them in one overnight in the lead up to your trip and reward them with treats for a job well done. That way they’re less likely to throw a wobbly when you check them in.
- “It’s always a good idea to pack some of your pet’s home comforts so they feel as comfortable as possible in their new environment – remember they can be fussy so letting them eat out of their own bowl is a good way to help them settle.”
by Guest contributor | Feb 22, 2015 | Travel blogger destinations
When you’re confused about what to do next, fully surrendering to the possibilities will help you see a clear path ahead.
It all started the day I had lunch with my university friend, Sarah.
Sarah had been travelling since graduation and was full of exotic tales about life in other countries – different languages, foods and cultures. What she was experiencing sounded amazing. She told me she had no plans to settle down and was, in fact, preparing to pack her bags again soon and travel to the UK. Several of our mutual friends were already there, and Sarah extended the invitation to me to travel with her. The idea sounded fantastic and I wanted to jump at the opportunity. I’d always wanted to go overseas and this seemed like the perfect chance to have the adventure of a lifetime.
The trouble was, that I had recently embarked on my career path. I was working for a reputable company on a specific project. This was work I had dreamed of pursuing while obtaining my degree, and it wasn’t an ‘ideal’ time to leave. To compound this, I also had a strong sense of wanting to do the decent thing by my boss and my colleagues, which meant seeing the project through to completion. On the flipside, I was worried that if I didn’t go travelling with Sarah, I would miss my chance entirely. For weeks I was conflicted; paralysed by confusion and completely frustrated with myself because I was totally incapable of making a decision. I was caught in one of those classic scenarios where you have your heart whispering in your left ear, and your brain nagging in your right ear, both with opposing views. While leaving with Sarah sounded very tempting, I could not summon the courage to quit my job. My inner-conflict was all encompassing.
In the end, tired of waiting for me to make up my mind, Sarah left without me. Over the following weeks, at every opportunity I dawdled around bookshops flipping through travel guides. I finished the work project and, as the assignment came to an end, I discovered that I had enjoyed it immensely even though at times I had been very distracted. I also discovered that I had a real talent for the work I was doing. As a result of my dedication and commitment, I was offered another opportunity within the company, with a promotion and a pay rise.
Ultimately, the extra money in my pay packet meant that I could afford to go and visit my friends and this is eventually what happened. I ended up enjoying the best of both opportunities, although at the time I did not know that it was going to work out that way.
What I know now, looking back, is that by actively not making a decision about travelling versus my career, I was practising the art of allowing. I sat with the confusion I felt. Even though it felt like I was really stuck, I was in fact, surrendering to the natural ebb and flow of my life and letting the next thing come to me.
These days I try to practice the art of allowing more consciously, especially at times when I feel deeply conflicted, and my head and heart are giving me different messages.
When you’re in a state of confusion, resistance can easily set in. This causes anger and fear and panic, tension and stress. Then, as a consequence of these emotions, we can also feel tempted to force a decision. But it is at exactly these times – when we are most uneasy – that we need to practice the art of allowing.
Sometimes it takes real effort to do nothing and simply be in the experience. Especially because most of us want ‘control’ and we feel the need to be in charge of every aspect of our lives, especially at junctures when we perceive that our present circumstances are under the threat of change.
But by practising the art of allowing, we accept that change is constant. We also accept that control is an illusion. And when we slow down, relax, and simply observe what is happening in our lives, we can also sense how these things make us feel. We also need to have faith that our instincts (our inner-built compass) will tell us when the time is right to reach out for an opportunity.
When we do this, we’re truly living in the present. And we open up the scope for lasting and transformational change; secure in the knowledge that our journey is as individual as we are and that whatever comes next, is meant to be.
By Catherine Plano
by Guest contributor | Feb 8, 2015 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
It’s a beachside destination that is sure to take your breath away. Located an hour’s drive from Sydney is Wollongong, a holiday hotspot for Sydney-siders after a weekend or full-time coastal escape. Boasting a relaxed vibe, incredible beaches (perfect for surfing and swimming), rockpools, ocean baths, BBQ parklands and scenic walking tracks – ‘The Gong’ as it’s known has plenty to offer every type of traveller.
It was during a day trip that I stopped by to see what all the fuss is about. I’ve heard numerous people say it was a must-do destination in New South Wales and they weren’t wrong. Only downfall to my visit was not spending more time there, as there was so much to see and do.
Here is how Wollongong wooed a city slicker like me to want to escape to the coast:
The beach is your backyard
Being situated right on the coast overlooking the Tasman Sea, it’s no surprise that the main activities and attractions for Wollongong are water-based. From learning to surf its crystal clear waves to snorkeling its lively reefs to frolicking in its ocean baths, locals and tourists alike love soaking up Wollongong’s beach lifestyle.
I spent most of the day exploring and unwinding on Wollongong City Beach. Only walking distance from the city centre, this pure white sandy beach spanned for kilometres, allowing beach-goers enough space to unwind and sprawl out unlike most of Sydney’s beaches.
At the top of Wollongong City Beach is a lush green lighthouse lookout area. From this point you can see right out to the ocean horizon, see surfers riding the ocean waves below, and also catch a glimpse of snorkellers lapping up the rocky reef waters.
A spiritual experience
One of Wollongong’s most renowned attractions is the Nan Tien Temple. Opening in 1995, this Buddhist Temple is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and has thousands of visitors each year. Only a 10-minute drive from the city, the Nan Tien Temple is an unforgettable spiritual attraction featuring grandeur architecture, artwork and splendid gardens and lotus ponds.
It’s a great spot to roam around and learn more about the Buddhist culture and its various temples and sites. The main temple area is quiet spectacular featuring intrinsic artwork, manicured lawns and my favourite, a large gold wishing tree. Here you’re able to purchase a wish ribbon for the year ahead, which is thrown onto the tree to hang.
TIP: Ensure you wear appropriate clothing (skirts/shorts below the knee and no midriff or spaghetti strap tops, they need to cover the shoulders and torso).
Grazing at Graze Cafe
After a busy day soaking up the sea and Wollongong’s Buddhist culture, a trip to one of city’s newest balcony restaurants was in order. Graze Café located on the main shopping strip, Crown Street – it boasts a Mediterranean atmosphere and has lovely balcony views of the mall. The staff are welcoming and the dishes are both warmly and deliciously prepared. From beef medallions; smoked salmon pasta; Tuscan salad; and fluffy Nutella pancakes, the food at Graze Café is pretty irresistible.
During my visit, I couldn’t help but try and demolish both the Angus beef burger with waffle fries, and the Philly steak sub with cheese and bacon melted fries. And, didn’t these go down like a treat! Even if you’re not in the mood for a meal, this spot is still a nice place to grab a drink or coffee, and simply watch the world/shoppers go by.
Have you been wooed by Wollongong in New South Wales? If so, tell us your favourite spots.
About the writer
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at www.stuffitgotravelling.com.
by Guest contributor | Feb 2, 2015 | Travel blogger destinations
Life is all about balance. We have days when we wake up and feel great, which sets the tone for the day, where nothing goes wrong, the day flows harmoniously, and everything you do works out exactly as you want. For some unknown reason the following day is the exact opposite, where you can’t do anything right and you wished you didn’t put a foot out of bed, rolled over and went straight back to dreamland.
Both of these dualities will pass and repeat some time again in the future. There’s no doubt about that. But finding the happy medium in our lives is the key to our happiness and we have to take the good with the not so good.
There is a shadow side to everything. By accepting each day for what it is, we are able to appreciate all of its wonders. We begin to realise life is all about the good and the not so good, the light as well as the shadow side.
Nothing ever stays the same forever. Just look at the cycles of life, the ebb and flow, the high and the lows we experience, the seasons throughout the year, life is full of impermanence. How boring would life be if everything stayed the same? Having a winter that lasted forever, never being able to enjoy the warmth again, how dreary does that sound?
By detaching from the good and accepting and learning from the not so good, it will give you more substance to enjoy what is, and the role these opposites play in our lives. The school of life never stops, nor the lessons that it teaches. Though when you have a more balanced perspective and interpret the challenges you find yourself in, life becomes more enjoyable, mystical even. The bigger picture in your life will unfold naturally, opening up like a new chapter in a book. You will be more consciously aware of the part that you’re playing, allowing you to read between the lines.
Remember to enjoy the obstacles along your life’s journey. Life is not a treadmill, when you’re not enjoying the day you can’t simply hop off because you don’t want to go through the pain anymore. You need to stay on and keep going, continuing to learn the lessons that life’s teaching you by embracing what is and accepting life.
You will begin to see things from a different perspective, finding out there are many different shades, not just good and not so good, there is much in between. Life is for learning, there are gems to be found in every scenario and every experience throughout your day, you just have to have the right tools and know where to look.
Everything that you learn, which gives you an enlightened moment is a treasure. Savour it as this is a gift given to you by life itself. Don’t look back at your day as good or bad, there is no consistency in life, that’s a fact. But by being kinder to yourself and others around you, and learning the art of surrender to what is, you become free with no attachments to good or bad. Because sooner or later through your own evolution you will realise what you go through, the experiences day to day, is the gift within itself.
Each day provides its own gifts. -Marcus Aurelius.
About the writer
Luke Sheedy is a gifted life advisor, motivator and free thinker. He combines his metaphysical talents to advise clients on their natural strengths, talents and abilities. Luke helps release what is holding you back, so growth can occur and your life’s plan can unfold naturally.
Featured image via Flickr creative commons
by Sarah Blinco | Jan 26, 2015 | Foodie London
We were a little worn out on Saturday night so decided to take a wander around our own Dalston neighbourhood to discover a fab deal under £40 for both of us (one of our dining and entertainment challenges of late).
I was being indecisive with regards to what I felt like eating, but knew I wanted to try something different, and maybe even sample dishes, tapas style. I’d been to Evin in Dalston previously for a daytime meeting, but never noticed the extensive menu.
The sharing plates menu outside on Kingsland High Street caught our attention, and when we saw some food being served we were sold…. it looked good!
We decided to give this nice little spot a try, and we were impressed that the staff brought over a delicious plate of bread and dips with an apology that our drinks had been delayed. Happily munching away on this delicious starter, we browsed the large Turkish-inspired menu and settled on a plate of vegetable moussaka and the hot meze selection (cheese roll, falafel, fried courgette, calamari, fried muscles, halloumi cheese, grilled sausage and small meatball, just £11.95).
Long story short, our feast was nothing short of delicious; beautifully presented, and accompanied by a good old fashioned Long Island Iced Tea each, our bill skimmed in at around £35, and we left feeling totally happy with our lot. Highly recommended.
Evin Café, Bar & Restaurant
115 Kingsland High Street
closest tube, Dalston Kingsland or Dalston Junction
Cheers!
by Sarah Blinco | Jan 18, 2015 | Foodie London
Long ago, in an Aussie country town called Moree, an Irish girl working in our local pub told us to look up a cool dance remix of Eminem’s Without Me, by “Drunken Monkey.” This ended up being one of our very fave party tracks from 2001/02 onwards. We played the !!!! out of it.
It’s no wonder that when we first showed up in London and were told about a cool spot in Shoreditch called just this, we added it to the top of our must-visit list, for sentimental reasons.
Cooper got all sentimental again this weekend, and on his turn to organise “Date Night, Saturday in London for under £40”, he chose this fab little spot, Drunken Monkey (Shoreditch High Street), just down the road from where we’re based in Dalston.
Also, he discovered via their website that they have a wicked cocktail deal on from midday to 8pm, plus you can buy a bucket of 4 beers (a delic Japanese brew, Kirin, no less!) for a £10er.
We arrived at around 5pm and were lucky enough to only-just score a table – I’d advise booking here no matter what time you plan to go, it’s popular. To a beat of cool old-skool dance pop, and funky tunes from the likes of Fat Boy Slim and Scissor Sisters, we merrily perused the menu of Asian-inspired cuisine which you can either eat as a main meal (one larger dish each), or order as a set of smaller dishes – tapas or izakaya style. This time around we decided to share, and for under £20 enjoyed chicken & vegetable gyoza, “Drunken ribs”, spring rolls and Singapore noodles. This is just one of many combinations we could have ordered for under £20. As always, the food was lovely.
With £10 left in our budget and a little time to indulge in Happy Hour deals, we decided to try something from the cocktail menu – at just £4.50 each it would be rude not to. Cooper was very pleased with his choice of Shanghai Sling featuring a base of gin and sherry liqueur (bit sweet for me though); and our waitress suggested I’d like the Drunken Pear with vodka and prosecco among other ingredients. She was right, by the way – totally could have had another three, but Cooper reminded me of times gone by where several more cocktails seemed like an awesome idea at the time… not so much the next morning.
If you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, scrumptious Asian fare and a cheeky (monkey) deal on drinks, reserve a space here.
By Sarah Blinco & Cooper Dawson.
