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The Real Reasons Mums need a Holiday
The Real Reasons Mums need a Holiday
- The Real Reasons Mums Need a Holiday
We at La Maison Pacifique feel that every blog needs to have a bit of fun with its articles – and we have found a great one to share with you – The Real Reasons Mums Need a Holiday! Of course, we feel that the best family holiday destination is Northern NSW and our beautiful Casuarina Beach, but this one can apply to any holiday – anywhere…
Written by Lisa Oppenheimer and published in the Huffington Post, we feel that this article not only tickles our funny bone, but its message is there too… So, to all you Mum’s out there who conquer the world with their cape (and sometimes broomstick!) each and every day, we salute you – and does any of this sound familiar??
Oh, we have done some edits on this too – just to keep it real for Australian holiday travel… 🙂
Common wisdom has it that moms need vacations to recover from the exhaustion that accompanies regular life.
Nooooo. The real reason we need a vacation? The two weeks leading up to it.
With Easter breaks on the horizon, herewith… a breakdown of the typical 14 days before a vacation. (Note: The term “vacation” used for context only — the correct term for travel with small children is “change of scenery.”)
14 days out: Begin worrying. You’re going to have to pack, find pet sitters, finish copious amounts of work, get on a plane with kids… leave the house. Start remembering how guilty you feel every time you leave Fido/Fluffy/Bubbles. Think about every possible circumstance that might occur while you’re gone. Make contingency plans for contingency plans. Begin wondering why you thought this was a good idea.
13 days out: Begin making mental lists.
12 days out: Begin making actual lists.
11 days out: Continue adding to list. Use both sides of page. Squish items into margins. Realize you should have started with a notebook instead of a single piece of paper.
10 days out: Consider workload. Resolve to finish everything ahead of time so you have nothing to think about on vacation. Laugh derisively.
9 days out: Make pilgrimage to pharmacy. Buy child-strength pain relievers, cold medicine, pull-ups, bandages, shampoo, antiseptic, sunscreen, anti-snake venom (if available), allergy relief, ear drops, antiseptic wipes, upset-stomach relief, nail clippers, emery boards, paw paw cream, aloe vera gel and an industrial-size box of tampons. You never know what you won’t be able to buy on site. Or, at least not your brands..
8 Days out: Rent compact car. Stop newspapers (can you believe it takes THAT long to process for your dates?).
7 days out: Pull out suitcase. Set aside essentials. Add contingency items. Continue adding contingency items.
6 days out: Put away suitcase… replace with industrial-sized trunk. Change compact car to SUV. Call airline to confirm surcharge for overweight luggage. Book excess baggage allowance online.
5 days out: Begin to panic about how much work is still left undone at the office. Calculate minimum amount of sleep required over next four days. Mentally consider how bad it would be to work on vacation. Check your accommodation has wifi. Reconfirm your booking. Print out terms and conditions to read on plane.
4 days out: Begin assembling the carry-on bag. Realize it would be easier if kids had their own color-coordinated backpacks. Go to store and buy two kid-size backpacks. Hope they like colors.
3 days out: Return backpacks and exchange for different colors. Re-print terms and conditions of accommodation to read on plane.
2 days out: Check airline website to see if there’s in-flight food service (hahahahaha). Consider essentials for three-hour plane ride. Go shopping for rice crackers, muesli bars, dried fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, black gold (vegemite). Worry that fellow passenger might have a peanut allergy. Scrap sandwiches. Go to store and buy cereal. Create optimal travel-distraction kit including paper, crayons, coloring books, tape, books, headphones, and tablet/ipad with endless loop of SpongeBob Squarepants.
1 day out: Confirm details with pet sitter. Stop mail. Recall story on Facebook about criminal who used info about delivery stoppages to know which houses to rob. Debunk on Snopes; reinstate mail and newspapers anyway. Make note to ask pet sitter to bring in papers/mail. Share garage door code with sitter. Realize that will be useless if the power goes out. Get a key made for her. What if she loses it? Give a key to every friend and neighbor within a two-mile radius… just in case. Lay out kids’ travel clothes including daughter’s favorite white sweatshirt. Recall last year’s tragic grape-juice incident. Make mental note to avoid on-board purchase of anything purple, red, or orange.
Night before departure: Search online for recipe using all perishables in fridge. Put finished meal in garbage disposal. Order a pizza. Run dishwasher. Do all existing laundry so life will be easier when you get back (ha!). Check in online for flight. Realize you’re not sitting with the kids. Briefly fantasize about the wisdom of this idea. Call airline to change seats. Check terms and conditions for accommodation have arrival codes/key access information.
Day of departure: Wake up early. Shower, blow dry. Check email, finish last-minute work. Take last-minute inventory of packing list. Get children up. Pack essential sleeping toys including blankies and stuffed dog. Unplug coffee maker, toaster, iron. Make sure oven is off. Check again to make sure oven is off. Kennel Fido and/or do an exhaustive check to find Fluffy to make sure she didn’t escape when you packed up the car. Call her name. Offer treats. Beg. Plead. Open can of tuna. See Fluffy come out from under chair directly in front of you. Realize you’ve forgotten to refill older child’s prescription. Do speed pharmacy run. Sweat through meticulously crafted blowout. Return with 15 minutes to spare.
3 minutes to departure: Watch husband pull out small duffle bag and begin packing.
2 minutes to departure: See husband finish packing and throw bag into car. Resist urge to weep.
1 minute to departure: Check one more time to see if oven is off. Make mental note to remember to close garage door.
Departure time: Leave house. Hear child announce stuffed dog is not in the car. Return to house. Retrieve stuffed dog.
Leave house again. Arrive at airport. Call neighbor to make sure garage door is closed. Board plane. Realize you’ve forgotten your own bathing suit.
Order glass of wine — just make sure it’s white.
…Did we make you smile? Despite all that you know you have to do for a holiday, have we inspired you to think about a beach holiday? Northern Rivers area NSW (including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Pottsville and Cabarita Beach) is the perfect spot – and its location is ideal – 1/2 way between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Patrolled beaches line the coast. We even have Lisa and Pete’s top tips on things to do in Kingscliff! Check out our blog and news, location and attractions and what’s on and markets for more great tips and things to do on your Northern Rivers summer holidays!
Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next! It is your turn!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates,
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 (0) 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 (0) 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
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Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
La Maison Pacifique January 2014 Update
Hello
Latest news from La Maison Pacifique January 2014 Update
Our La Maison Pacifique January 2014 Update includes our recent social media articles, posts, tweets (and some other great information added in) including:
- Alluxia’s Best in Travel 2013
- La Maison Pacifique makes Alluxia.com.au ‘s “Best in Travel” 2013 list
- An update on our Christmas Gifts to Wesley Mission Brisbane (Emergency Relief) and OzHarvest
- Top tips for planning your holiday
- How to be a great house guest
- Must haves for your long haul flight
- Top 10 tips to end your holiday on a high
- Welcome to all our new subscribers!
- My favourite tweets in December and January
You can ink with us via Twitter, facebook, Google+, Linked in and Youtube for our news/stories as they happen (although our newsletter does have added extras too). Read on and enjoy!
..and yes… we did get a bit rushed off our feet and didn’t issue a December newsletter… oops… 🙂
1. La Maison Pacifique makes Alluxia’s “Best in Travel” list 2013
We are so excited to announce that La Maison Pacifique, our beautiful beachfront holiday home in Casuarina NSW has made Alluxia’s Best in Travel list 2013. Here’s what they say!:
“One of the most incredible holiday houses we’ve seen this year. The interior design by the lovely and talented Di Hendy has you wanting to settle in and never leave. The parents’ retreat is simply heavenly while downstairs the biggest decisions are whether to laze by the lap pool or stroll across to the beach. Such decisions…”
http://www.alluxia.com/blog/entry/best-in-travel-2013
2. Thank you
As a result of a record number of enquiries since December 1 and five confirmed bookings for 2014/5, we are delighted to announce that we will be donating (on your behalf!) $250 each to Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Emergency Relief Service and OzHarvest.
We are finding increasing interest in our beautiful holiday home, so we would advise you to book now to avoid disappointment! Dates are filling fast with many enquiries already for all peak holiday periods – although there are still some popular dates available. Enquire now to secure your preferred dates!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/seasons-greetings-gift-us/
- Tips for Planning your Holiday
3. Top tips for planning your holiday
Your leave is booked, you’ve saved the cash, you’ve sorted out the where’s and now all you need is some top tips for planning your holiday! The best holidays are planned not within an inch of their lives, but with some fun and flexibility allowing for some spontaneous action. Don’t do what we did once – do the planning on the plane on the way there – really think about what you want to do in each location and we have some top suggestions which can ensure your holiday is the best ever!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/top-tips-planning-holiday/
4. How to be a great house guest (or holiday companion)
The holiday season is upon us and we are all preparing for a fantastic summer break. Does your holiday involve visiting (and staying with) your family and friends? How do you rate as a house guest? Are you often asked back? Well, we often have house guests at our place and with the holiday season upon us, we have some great tips on how to be a great house guest – and the things our guests have done that we have loved!
Of course, this can be translated into when you holiday with family/friends at holiday houses, where a little bit of consideration for everyone goes a long way – and can make your holiday memorable, exciting and fun!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/great-house-guest/
5. Must Haves for your long haul flight
At La Maison Pacifique, we have often welcomed guests from overseas to our beautiful beachfront property in Casuarina NSW. For these guests, long haul flights can be just that – a long haul – but we have done some research (and with a little help/inspiration from A Luxury Travel Blog) have come up with an Australian-ised version of the must haves for your long haul flight.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/must-haves-long-haul-flight/
- Top ten tips to end your holiday on a high!
6. Top 10 tips to end your holiday on a high!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year….until you come back from your holiday and it’s over. But wait! You can stave off the end-of-holiday doldrums (and maybe start the plan for a beach getaway for this time next year?), with just a few little adjustments.
Our inspiration for these tips come from a great post from The Huffington Post By Suzy Strutner but we have added in a few extra comments too!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/top-ten-tips-end-holiday-high/
7. Welcome to all our new subscribers!
December 2013 saw our biggest increase in subscribers to our newsletters with more than 60 enquiries for the month! Thank you to all our regular subscribers – we do hope that you continue to enjoy our newsletters each month. We look forward to welcoming you all to our property soon – and don’t forget to book early – 2014 is filling fast – and enquiries are starting to float through for 2015 as well!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/description-rates/
La Maison Pacifique December Tweets – my favourites!
To be honest, probably love all my tweets – otherwise I wouldn’t pass them on… 🙂
Local News, Events and Information
@maisonpacifique What’s on #TweedCoast this w/end! People 2 see places 2 go! @Tweedscene #Kingscliff #CabaritaBeach.. ow.ly/sprKf
@maisonpacifique Beach Safety RT @612brisbane:How 2 spot a rip ab.co/1dImi2M & avoid being dragged out 2 sea 612live.com
@maisonpacifique RT @yTravelBlog: Skywalk-Tamborine Mountain bootsandabackpack.com/high-above-tam… via @aussiestompy #Queensland #SeeAustralia…
@maisonpacifique Gold Coast travel guide – Gourmet Traveller #gourmettweets via @GourmetTweets ow.ly/rlEYY
@maisonpacifique Congratulations @GCMarathon: 2013 Queensland ‘Sport Event of the Year’ -19th annual Queensland Sport Awards! #GCAM14
@maisonpacifique #CabaritaBeach! RT @NSWTips:Wave! #NSWhere best surfing spots this summer?
Image: Byron Bay/Destination NSW…
@maisonpacifique Not sure what to do in #Kingscliff #Casuarina #NorthernRivers @NSWTips these holidays? Ask a local! ow.ly/rqzGy
@maisonpacifique Well done! RT @DestTweed: Congrats to volunteers at #Fingal Head #Coastcare who have earned the beach a finalist…
@maisonpacifique RT @Australia: Up with the sun on the #GoldCoast in #Queensland. Love this shot by @kpinko! (via IG) pic.twitter.com/mNU9EGHky3
@maisonpacifique RT @mayor_richo: Another bit of byron getting some TLC, feeling loved and looking fine! pic.twitter.com/AHSANHCo0f
@maisonpacifique Surf’s up!! RT @HuffPostTravel: This is how to ride the perfect wave huff.to/1fDYeMj
@maisonpacifique RT @Queensland:QLD’s 10 best waterfalls -Natural Bridge at Springbrook to Wallaman Falls, we’ve g… ow.ly/2CfbYR
@maisonpacifique RT @Queensland: A ride-hater’s guide to Dreamworld [Video] is.gd/eJqmgm #ttot #travel
@maisonpacifique RT @CabaritaRetreat: Love Golf? Here are 3 courses near the retreat to improve your game (and your health!)…
@maisonpacifique 30 mins by car… RT @AustTraveller: #Byron Bay bucket list by an ‘adopted local’ – australiantraveller.com/?p=125666 – @byronbay
@maisonpacifique neighbour #GoldCoast makes @AustTraveller‘s Hottest Travel Destinations 2014! Visit & stay with us! ow.ly/smwJ9
Travel Tips
@maisonpacifique Fantastic tips for you! RT @luxury__travel: 5 things that should be on your travel checklist – bit.ly/1cEyv3F
@maisonpacifique – what’s yours? RT @cntraveller: The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: po.st/hxYEjc
@maisonpacifique can you?? RT @HuffPostTravel: It’s totally possible to fit everything into your carry-on huff.to/1gWy85x
@maisonpacifique v cute… RT @luxury__travel: This year’s cutest travel ad? >> bit.ly/1eQSG0o
@maisonpacifique RT @HuffPostTravel: 20+ awesome (seriously) presents for travelers huff.to/1f0GHxv
@maisonpacifique Must have tips! RT @HuffPostTravel: Photography tips from a real pro huff.to/1coGzHx
@maisonpacifique Gotta love this! RT @HuffPostTravel: Australians are just doing it better and here are 23 reasons why…
@maisonpacifique Top tips for renting a holiday home! ow.ly/rzgQj
@maisonpacifique Top 10 #Travel Items for Kids this summer #luxury_travel ow.ly/rKl1N
@maisonpacifique RT @lonelyplanet: Which foods are worth the potential guilt while travelling? ow.ly/rIHC4 #lp #travel
@maisonpacifique Best and Worst Airlines of 2013 #Which? Congratulations #Qantas ! ow.ly/rMUI1
@maisonpacifique sound familiar? RT @HuffPostTravel: You may think flying with kids is bad, try a frequent flyer huff.to/1fICbnt
@maisonpacifique RT @TravelEditor: Always seem to forget something? Use our #travel packing checklist: bit.ly/OIPTvG
@maisonpacifique RT @HuffPostTravel: 7 ways to fit more stuff in your suitcase huff.to/1cRixVO
@maisonpacifique RT @AustTraveller: 101 ideas for the family beach holiday this Christmas australiantraveller.com/?p=124082
@maisonpacifique Happy New Year! RT @GuardianTravel: The best travel videos of 2013 gu.com/p/3ygc4/tf
@maisonpacifique Dramatic makeover of NY Streets – had to share! ow.ly/sdYWN In Casuarina our fave mode is walking/bikes 🙂
@maisonpacifique RT @AnnTran_: 5 things you need to know about taking your phone abroad bit.ly/1cLNEhG via @luxury__travel
@maisonpacifique RT @girlsgetaway: top 10 tips on how to plan a stress-free girls getaway girlsgetaway.com/2014/01/top-10…
Wedding Tips
@maisonpacifique RT @easyweddings: Having a vintage wedding? You could Paint the table numbers on an old plate…. fb.me/2T7KiRpUv
@maisonpacifique RT @ConfettiDDreams: {Engagement Shoot} Rustic Broadbeach Picnic ♥ ♥… bit.ly/15Z0mvK #eshoot #engagementshoot
@maisonpacifique RT @wimagazine: 7 stunning wedding cakes with the wow factor for 2014 from @cakesbykrishanthi weddingideasmag.com/?p=48801
@maisonpacifique RT @brides: #WeddingEtiquette: Brides, here’s what to do on your wedding website: brid.es/1dp2tZF
@maisonpacifique RT @InsideWeddings: Do you need a day-of coordinator or full-service planning? Here’s everything you need to know to…
@maisonpacifique RT @ProjectWedding: Top 10 bridesmaid dresses of 2013: ht.ly/s1469
@maisonpacifique RT @brides: These are the things men care about most when it comes to wedding planning: brid.es/1arsjdp
@maisonpacifique Gorgeous! RT @theknot: We ❤ first look photos — especially these 16! Check them out ➩ ow.ly/sdTXF
@maisonpacifique RT @ModernWeddingOz: Counting down the Top 10 wedding trends of 2013!
modernwedding.com.au/top-10-wedding… #wedding #trendreport #topten
@maisonpacifique RT @MarthaWeddings: Make sure to ask these Qs when hiring a wedding photographer! shout.lt/pc6W
@maisonpacifique RT @brides: Avoid the thank-you note stress with these four helpful tips: brid.es/1lJ4ZQC
….Have we convinced you yet that your Casuarina NSW holiday could be your best ever at any time of the year? All you have to do now is book your beach holiday! Northern Rivers area NSW (including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Pottsville and Cabarita Beach) is the perfect spot – and its location is ideal – 1/2 way between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Patrolled beaches line the coast. We even have Lisa and Pete’s top tips on things to do in Kingscliff! Check out our blog and news, location and attractions and what’s on and markets for more great tips and things to do on your Northern Rivers summer holidays!
Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next! It is your turn!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates,
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 (0) 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 (0) 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
Top Tips for Planning your holiday
Top tips for planning your holiday
Top tips for Planning your Holiday
Your leave is booked, you’ve saved the cash, you’ve sorted out the where’s and now all you need is some top tips for planning your holiday! The best holidays are planned not within an inch of their lives, but with some fun and flexibility allowing for some spontaneous action. Don’t do what we did once – do the planning on the plane on the way there – really think about what you want to do in each location and we have some top suggestions which can ensure your holiday is the best ever!
We’ve been inspired by YTravelBlog‘s article How to Plan a Trip That Works – tackling the travel research and added our own personal travelling insights.
1. Its about the travellers
Our holidays are always different if they are planned with the kids in mind! For example, our kids (teenagers now) hate the multitude of “BOBS” (Big Old BuildingS) but are more than happy if we throw in some active activities including zoo visits, walking tours even a theme park day. It doesn’t have to be ALL about the kids, but there are only so many museums and art galleries (and even shopping malls!) which can hold their interest over time.
Think about the location too – your idea of bliss might be sitting on a beach reading a book or visiting local towns, whilst your fellow travellers might be talking hiking, canoeing, white water rafting, surfing and maybe even a balloon ride. Pick a location which can cater for all tastes and has activities to inspire all the travellers.
2. Allow for inspiration
Create a file of things you really want to do. Don’t research anything yet, just get the ideas flowing. This can come from photos, articles from travel blogs, websites, people – friends and family, social media. Whenever something attracts, make a note of it.
Bookmark it into your travel ideas folder. Pinterest is a fabulous tool for planning.
Do not allow thoughts of why you can’t do something, just put it on your bucket list.
Have a family conference. What do others really want to do?
Create a group pin board – where others can save their ideas too.
You read/dream about staying in a luxury beachfront holiday home and think “that’s only for the rich and famous” – but you may be surprised. Holiday homes (particularly for groups) can be a great alternative to five-star accommodation – and we’ve done the research – can often be cheaper too (and with more great facilities!)
Swat it away.
Don’t allow limitation in. If it is something your heart really wants to do add it to your file without even thinking about the how’s. If not for this trip, it could be for another.
3. Have a clear idea of your WHY and your travel goals
Why do you want to travel? Why this region? What are you hoping to gain from your travels? What do you want to experience? What are your priorities or must dos?
You really have to be clear or your travel planning will be muddled and long-winded.
Take a step back and ask, Does this experience align with my travel purpose?
If it doesn’t – knock it off the list or put it on for something to possibly do if the conditions are right, or for another trip.
4. Use maps to plot out your journey
It is very difficult to plan a trip without giving your brain an overview of the travel route. The brain can connect the dots better if it knows the overall travel plan.
Grab a map and start plotting. Have a look at how best you can get between your destinations – think train, plane, automobile, bus – and then make the most of the time you have. We have often planned our holidays with a mix of planes, cars and trains (no buses – but that is a whole other story!) – and find that sometimes taking the leisurely train trips allows the “driver” to relax and take in the scenery too.
5. Travel Planning ideas
We do this via spreadsheet with a column for “getting there” another for “accommodation” and a third for “must see attractions”. We allow some space for costs and any website links and contact details and you have your travel planner handy. Or, if you are tech savvy, think about a travel app – we found this article on the Five Best Travel Planning Apps for a start.
Don’t plan the trip within an inch of its life so you end up feeling stressed if you “miss that train” or have unexpected hiccups along the way. Our best tip for this when travelling over a longer period (and with kids) is spend 5-7 days in each location and branch out to all the attractions from there, then move on. This allows for some downtime (we also “booked’ in a rest day every 5th day – but found we hardly ever used it as having more time in each location allowed for a more leisurely pace)…
Travelling every 5-7 days also reduces the stress of unpacking/packing every few days and when travelling in a group is a big factor. Having time also reduces the risk of items being lost – whilst you are still in a hurry, you are not continually chasing things down.
Add in some local events and activities – think markets and exhibitions. Check out the local what’s on – Carols at Christmas? Bluesfest at Easter? What is happening when you are in town and experience these events for yourselves.
6. Use tourist brochures
Tourist brochures are a fantastic resource for travel planning.
They are free. They have beautiful pictures, which is great for inspiration and the insight you need to see if it is for you or not. There’s also great general knowledge on each region and a plan around what they can offer as part of their package. The brochures are always clearly set out and usually highlight the best reasons for visiting a place.
Attractions are highlighted and you can use these ideas as a start. But, don’t limit yourself! Extra research can deliver some non-traditional locations and activities which are sure to impress your travellers.
7. Turn to the travel guide books – we use Lonely Planet and The Michelin Green Guide
The travel guide books aren’t the only place for inspiration and stories. Friends and family love relating their experiences and can offer some hands-on advice and tips.
The guide books are great for a general overview, logistics and often some quirky restaurant ideas or attractions. They can help us to plot out our route and give us a rough idea of things to do and see in an area and the costs. We’ve found some great restaurants and activities in guide books we would not have thought of and really value the background information they provide.
8. Lists
Now you have your map outlined and a better idea of where you want to go and what you want to do, start writing a list of experiences you want in each region.
Asterisk those that are must do.
Include any tours, attractions, festivals and even food or accommodation you might have already noticed. Don’t forget to add in the contact details and any information such as opening times etc. You don’t want to schedule something only to turn up and find out that it is closed that day!
9. The deep and meaningful
Now you have used your maps and offline materials to get the general overview of where you want to go and you have your list of potentials, go online and do your deeper travel research.
The internet world can be a confusing and frustrating place to get lost in, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for to begin with.
Have your map next to you and your list of potentials. Search for these things only.
- Start with those travel blogs and websites you already know and trust. See what information they have.
- Then go to the state and local tourist boards websites. The Australian ones are excellent with their information. This can help you ourmy friend when planning travel trips and we use it for everything from flights to holiday home accommodation to attractions. Remember that there are many attractions now where you can “beat the queues” and book your ticket in advance. This is particularly helpful on very busy tours – like Villa Borghese in Rome or Alcatraz in San Francisco. The only way you can ensure you can get into these is to book in advance as their waitlist is always around 5-7 days.
- Then go to your social networks and ask if anyone has any advice or suggestions.
- And of course don’t forget your family and friends.
Make sure you have a system in place to bookmark any fantastic resources you find.
10. The edits
Now you should have a really great idea of where to go, what to do and see, where to stay and what to eat.
Consider your time and travel budget and the practicalities of transport and location. (NB: you may not have worked out your travel budget yet. That is okay, some people like to do the planning first).
Edit your list to get your best possible plan. Refer back to your original travel goals.
11. The plotting thickens
Now plot out your travel plans using your travel app/calendar/schedule. Work in any deals (ie. holiday homes can often be the same price for 5 or 7 nights) and make a plan for how many days you wish to spend in each new location.
Your list of things you want to do should give you a basic understanding. Add in a few days here and there for travel and for rest.
12. Research prices
As you are doing this research, it is important that you work out the costs for accommodation, transport, tours, and general daily living costs. You might discover that that whale watching adventure in Byron Bay is too expensive, the better option might be seeing them offshore on the nearby Cudgen Headland for free.
13. Booking
Whether you have to book ahead will depend on your time of year, travel style and nature.
If you love things organized, you might want to have everything pre-booked. If not, allow for flexibility. Book maybe the first couple of nights and any places that are popular.
You may have to do the same with your tours. Consider booking your absolute must dos as these are the things you do not want to miss.
Now you can spend the build up to your trip excited and stress-free. Continue this process throughout the whole travel planning stage until you feel like you’ve created the best possible experience for your wants, time and budget.
14. Its time to go!
Your planning’s done, bookings made and you are ready to go. Now all you need to do is the packing and here is some great tips for packing!
We also like YTravelBlog’s 25 Tips for Travel with Kids. Check out their website too for other great articles.
Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next! It is your turn!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates,
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
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Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 (0) 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 (0) 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
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Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
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La Maison Pacifique 