I have lost count of how many countries, cities, hotels, planes, currencies I’ve come across! Below are some of my travel experiences.
Staycay At Rixos Premium (During The Pandemic)
Why Rixos Premium hotel It was the only hotel that met our three requirements: be in Abu Dhabi have a private beach the price per night needed to be close to the amount of our hotel voucher The Rixos Premium ended up being the most expensive hotel available in Abu Dhabi for the dates I… Continue reading Staycay At Rixos Premium (During The Pandemic)
14 Night Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan Cruise (Celebrity Millennium)
In July 2019, we booked our Celebrity “14-night Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan” cruise onboard the Celebrity Millennium. We liked the itinerary and since I had not been to any of these countries, I was happy to visit them via ship to get a ‘taster’. I tacked on a trip to Sydney and Brisbane after Hong Kong.… Continue reading 14 Night Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan Cruise (Celebrity Millennium)
15 Night Argentina & Chile Cruise (Celebrity Infinity)
In December 2017, we sailed around South America on board Celebrity Cruise’s Infinity ship. The cruise spanned over Christmas and New Years which we thought could be quite fun. We flew the red-eye from JFK to Buenos Aires on December 22, via American Airlines, without much drama. Due to the flight costs and unpredictable New… Continue reading 15 Night Argentina & Chile Cruise (Celebrity Infinity)
Iceland – A Winter Wonderland ❄️
In November of 2017, we visited Iceland for a week with some friends. It was an amazing holiday and if you’re wondering if you should go to Iceland in the winter months, read on. Jon and I arrived into Reykavik via Icelandair from NYC. We met our friends in Reykavik who had come in from… Continue reading Iceland – A Winter Wonderland ❄️
Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace), Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Watan (aka The Presidential Palace) opened up in Abu Dhabi earlier this year (circa March) – and a visit there is an Abu Dhabi/UAE “must-do/see”. We visited the Palace in October when our friends from New York were over for a holiday. The Palace is so grand and stunning outside and in, that… Continue reading Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace), Abu Dhabi
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Experience
Back in 2015, Jon and I had bid and won some “priceless” Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade grandstand seating tickets at a charity event. On the day of the Parade we managed to sit between 68th & 69th Streets along Central Park West. Our seating location was amazing! It gave us an awesome view of the parade.… Continue reading The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Experience
Onboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), Dubai
We celebrated Halloween this year with a mini staycation onboard the QE2 in Dubai. We booked their Halloween promo which included the “haunted tour below the decks”, a night’s stay, breakfast, and Halloween brunch, for two. 🎃 The QE2 was once a Cunard cruise ship and liner before retiring in 2008. It operated between 1969… Continue reading Onboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), Dubai
Zaya Nurai Island – “the Maldives of the UAE”
I had the privilege of visiting Zaya Nurai Island twice this year. This luxury private island off the main part of Abu Dhabi is something I would class as a “hidden gem” and a “must-do” when visiting or living in Abu Dhabi. I would rank this experience in my Top 3 places worth visiting and seeing… Continue reading Zaya Nurai Island – “the Maldives of the UAE”
Ladies’ Nights in Abu Dhabi
Ladies’ Nights are wonderful in Abu Dhabi. They are different to ones I’ve seen and been to around the world because they usually involve FREE drinks and sometimes, some free food! There are no other T&Cs apart from you a) have to be female, b) be of legal drinking age, c) go on/at the right… Continue reading Ladies’ Nights in Abu Dhabi
My trip to Austin & Dallas, Texas
It actually wasn’t that long ago I went to Texas. In fact it was only a couple of weeks ago (from Wednesday 28 June to Sun 2 July). As part of my new job (yes, I will post about that one day) I was sent to Dallas for a couple of nights so I decided… Continue reading My trip to Austin & Dallas, Texas
Celebrity Equinox – 11 night Southern Caribbean (May 15-26)
We booked our 11 night Southern Caribbean cruise with Celebrity back in July 2016 via http://www.crucon.com during one of their big sales. Celebrity Cruises and Crucon.com had an amazing deal for this cruise onboard the Celebrity Equinox because it was originally supposed to sail around Europe. So, when Celebrity canceled the Europe route, they had to… Continue reading Celebrity Equinox – 11 night Southern Caribbean (May 15-26)
Celebrity Equinox – Dutch or French? St Maarten or St Martin?
Husband and I were in St Maarten in 2008. During Hurricane Omar. We visited the island with Husband’s parents and stayed at the Royal Palm Beach Resort (I think – I mean, it was almost 10 years ago!). What I did remember from the trip, apart from buying a lot of ice cream, watching the… Continue reading Celebrity Equinox – Dutch or French? St Maarten or St Martin?
Sailing around St Lucia (with “No Links” tour)
We docked at Castries in St Lucia with the plan to get a tour from a local operator so we’d see parts of the island. We had decided to look for a tour with the Welsh couple we made friends with on board the ship. Once inside the terminal we had many options. Hmmm… that’s… Continue reading Sailing around St Lucia (with “No Links” tour)
Celebrity Equinox – Trekking around Barbados
We docked at Bridgetown, Barbados. The terminal was a bit more developed looking compared to the other ports we’d stopped at. The terminal featured a lot of little stores selling duty free items, souvenirs, cigarettes, ice-cream, and alcohol. The taxi and tour operators were available once we stepped out of the small shopping area. At… Continue reading Celebrity Equinox – Trekking around Barbados
Celebrity Equinox – In love with Valley Church Beach, Antigua
We arrived at St John’s, Antigua without much of a plan. The Fodor’s guide suggested that if we didn’t want to travel too far to a beach to go to Dickenson Bay (10-minute taxi ride). Husband and I decided that we didn’t want to travel too far from the ship so both agreed to go… Continue reading Celebrity Equinox – In love with Valley Church Beach, Antigua
Celebrity Equinox – Our tour of Virgin Gorda Baths – British Virgin Islands
Our Celebrity cruise docked at Tortola, British Virgin Islands and went on a shore excursion booked through Celebrity. The tour was called the “Tour of Virgin Gorda Baths” which was 4.5 hours long, and advertised as strenuous but the photos I found on the internet made it look appealing enough for me just do the… Continue reading Celebrity Equinox – Our tour of Virgin Gorda Baths – British Virgin Islands
DIY Beach Hopping on St. Thomas – Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach & Magens Bay Beach
St Thomas has two cruise ports. Celebrity usually docks at Havensight port however we docked at Crown Bay port the day we arrived. Husband and I decided not to book any cruise shore excursions and to play our luck with catching taxis around to different beaches. When we docked, we walked off the ship to… Continue reading DIY Beach Hopping on St. Thomas – Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach & Magens Bay Beach
Yatala Pies, Brisbane
On our last visit to Brisbane in March, Husband and I stopped off at the famous Yatala Pies. I love a good meat pie and Yatala Pies are great. But for all those that don’t eat meat, Yatala do a great assortment of sweet pies. The menu is quite extensive and feature flavours from the… Continue reading Yatala Pies, Brisbane
NYC Speakeasy bars
Finding the NYC speakeasy bars was one of my NYC bucket list to-do’s. What is a speakeasy bar? It is an establishment that sold alcohol during the Prohibition which meant they were out of sight (hidden) from the general public. How did you come to the list above? I collected a list of bars from… Continue reading NYC Speakeasy bars
The Circle Line tour – The Best of NYC
Alright people.. are you ready for an overload of photos and gifs? On Easter Sunday, Husband and I went on the famous Circle Line tour. I took over 300 photos and 20 videos. To get the 40 photos below, I painfully went through each one and edited the ones I chose. Urgh… I could never… Continue reading The Circle Line tour – The Best of NYC
A Visit To Coney Island
Coney Island has always been on my NYC bucket list, and on Easter Saturday I was able to tick it off. Husband and I caught the Q train from 57th Street station straight down to Ocean Parkway station. It took roughly an hour each way, and for some reason, the subway wasn’t very busy during… Continue reading A Visit To Coney Island
A visit to the Bronx Zoo
On Good Friday, Husband and I went to the Bronx Zoo. It was a strategic move because we are both IDNYC card holders and to gain access to the New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, and Central Park Zoo, we had to first enroll at the Bronx Zoo using our IDNYC cards. How did we… Continue reading A visit to the Bronx Zoo
Burger Joint (Le Parker Meridien)
Burger Joint is a place that serves.. burgers… and is somewhat hidden inside the Le Parker Meridien (119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019). I am not sure why this place is hidden behind a red velvet curtain but it does give it a bit of mystique. Once inside, the mystique is all gone.… Continue reading Burger Joint (Le Parker Meridien)
My Sydney Visit
Where to eat in Sydney
Celebrity Century – Our Honeymoon
Ahhhh.. the honeymoon… one of the benefits of getting married. Husband and I got married in June 2014 and we went on our honeymoon in September that year. Dreaming of a Bora Bora honeymoon Our original honeymoon destination choice was Bora Bora. Yep, Bora Bora.. the island in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France. A beautiful… Continue reading Celebrity Century – Our Honeymoon
3 nights in Vancouver (is not enough!)
Vancouver has now become one of my top 5 cities of all time. I absolutely loved our time there (as detailed below). I wish I could easily move there. I would be there on the next plane. Day 1 We docked into Vancouver port early Wednesday 14 September. We opted to walk to our hotel… Continue reading 3 nights in Vancouver (is not enough!)
Island Princess cruise – Alaska (Sept 7-14)
On our most recent trip we went on a cruise to Alaska, and then spent a few days in Vancouver. I must say that this trip was one of the best holidays in my life (it didn’t beat my 30th birthday extravaganza or honeymoon, but I’d say it would make my top 3). Below was… Continue reading Island Princess cruise – Alaska (Sept 7-14)
Summertime in Phoenix, Arizona
Many people asked why we went to Arizona in the summer, with temperatures in the high 30s/low 40s (Celcius). And the main reason why I decided was due to the accommodation deal. Friday 1 July – Travel day We had a 4:30pm American Airlines flight from JFK and arrived just in time for boarding. We… Continue reading Summertime in Phoenix, Arizona
Taking the Amtrak from New York to Philadelphia
Husband and I went away with LQ (our friend visiting from Hong Kong) for Memorial Day weekend to Philadelphia. Saturday – May 28 We took the 9:05am Amtrak from Penn Station. After we dropped our bags off at our respective hotels – Husband and I stayed at the Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, and LQ stayed… Continue reading Taking the Amtrak from New York to Philadelphia
Memphis in May (and a little bit of April)
We visited Memphis over a long weekend (April 30 – May 2) . I didn’t know it at the time of booking but it was the same weekend of the annual Beale Street Music Festival. I was super excited to see that Meghan Trainor was the headline for the Saturday night – the day we were flying… Continue reading Memphis in May (and a little bit of April)
Our Switzerland trip over Easter 2016
Husband and I travelled to Switzerland over Easter and it was a spectacular trip. We flew into Zurich and utilized the amazing railway network offered to see Zermatt and Lucerne. Day 1 – March 24 We landed in Zurich and immediately purchased the Swiss Rail Pass. I opted for the one that entitled us to… Continue reading Our Switzerland trip over Easter 2016
Niagara Falls, Canada side (Mar 2016)
(Click on the above image to start the videos, otherwise click here) Husband and I visited Niagara Falls earlier this year when he was in Toronto for business.I had asked to go there for a weekend visit previously but Husband was never really committed to taking me.Only after going in March, I understood why. A… Continue reading Niagara Falls, Canada side (Mar 2016)
My Stay At The Plaza Hotel, NYC
I am so grateful to have a job that allowed me to stay at The Plaza. Otherwise I don’t think I would have had such an opportunity in this lifetime, unless I won the lotto or some sort of prize, because the rack room rate is approx $800-1000+tax. I stayed at The Plaza for a… Continue reading My Stay At The Plaza Hotel, NYC
Levain Bakery, NYC
Almost any New York guide book will tell you to head to Levain Bakery up on the Upper West Side and grab a cookie, or two. Not being one to turn away from a cookie, or two, Husband and I headed up to UWS in November. The ‘thing’ about Levain cookies is that they are… Continue reading Levain Bakery, NYC
Our trip to Boston (Nov 20-22)
I always wanted to visit Boston, especially after we went to New Haven. I knew I just had to go to the home of Harvard. Husband also wanted to visit Boston because our best man and his girlfriend had recently moved there (to work at Harvard, actually). We caught the Amtrak from Penn Station to… Continue reading Our trip to Boston (Nov 20-22)
A New York New Year (2016)
I am not sure what date you’re allowed to wish someone a Happy New Year until but I am guessing it would be around now (late Feb). So.. Happy New Year, Happy Chinese/Lunar New Year. Apart from the post I made about eBates (where I just received over $200 in cash back – so get… Continue reading A New York New Year (2016)
“Fall”ing more in love…
I have always loved fall/autumn. And by “always” I mean since 2007. In Australia, especially Queensland where I am from, we don’t tend to get distinct ‘seasons’. Sure – we were taught there are ‘seasons’ – we are not that uneducated as some other countries may believe – but in reality, for me while I… Continue reading “Fall”ing more in love…
Our visit to New Haven… inc Yale
Husband and I decided that we would take more trips away to utilize our time in the USA. After that discussion I booked several trips, and New Haven, Connecticut was just one of them. New Haven has been a place high up on my list as I am a huge fan of Gilmore Girls, a… Continue reading Our visit to New Haven… inc Yale
Lonely Planet’s 2015 Ultimate Travelist book
On my recent trip to London, I stumbled across Lonely Planet’s sand sculpture displays, organized to promote their latest book; Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel. Below are some photos from the sand sculpture displays – honestly, there are some talented people out there. The detailing is just amazing. Lonely Planet ranks 500 places to see on… Continue reading Lonely Planet’s 2015 Ultimate Travelist book
Our Cultural Day Out in Manhattan
Our “Cultural Day Out” involved Husband and I utilizing our NYCID cards (which gives us an annual membership to loads of cultural institutions). I planned a big day out for us which started at 9:30am and ended sometime after 6pm. First up, after we grabbed some breakfast (of course), we walked from the coffee shop… Continue reading Our Cultural Day Out in Manhattan
London calling…
I have been in London for almost three weeks and to be completely honest, this trip has been very uneventful besides a few catch up dinners with friends, and Husband’s dad’s 60th weekend. We flew Virgin Atlantic from JFK to Heathrow. Husband was flying with work so he was able to get us both access… Continue reading London calling…
BookCon 2015 – Saturday, May 30
I attended the BookCon earlier this year, and my main reason for going was to see Mindy live.BookCon is like the famous ComicCon but for.. well, books and authors. It’s relatively new as the first one was only held last year. The 2016 event will be held in Chicago. The 2015 BookCon was held on Saturday… Continue reading BookCon 2015 – Saturday, May 30
Cupcake hunt: Empire Cake
My lovely NYC neighbour ‘ACP’ told me I had to go to Empire Cake and try their Salted Caramel Cupcake. I told her I was actually going to be down near that area on Sunday and popped in after going through the pop-up Seinfeld apartment. Husband and I had been past and in Empire Cake… Continue reading Cupcake hunt: Empire Cake
NYC Cheesecake hunt – Eileen’s Cheesecake
I had bought a Groupon voucher for Eileen’s Cheesecake while Husband’s parents were in town. Eileen’s were celebrating their 30th anniversary at the time and through Groupon, I paid $30 and received $40 to spend in store. I had been dying to try Eileen’s for a long time as I had heard amazing things about… Continue reading NYC Cheesecake hunt – Eileen’s Cheesecake
Our Week In Vegas
Husband’s parents were over from the UK for a few weeks and for one of those weeks we stayed in Las Vegas. Many of you may immediately think that a week in Vegas is a long time. Which may be true, however considering Husband Seniors had never been to Vegas, it provided us enough time… Continue reading Our Week In Vegas
Day 2 in Montreal, Canada
The one thing on my list I wanted to do on my Montreal list was to go to the markets, and see the Biosphere if we had time. Well, Montreal is small, so we got to do everyone on my list. Husband is truly a great travel companion because once my laziness of ‘I just… Continue reading Day 2 in Montreal, Canada
Our first day in Montreal
Husband and I woke from a massive sleep. I was up before Husband which was something new. He slept in until 10:40am which was something new, too. After we got ourselves ready for the day, we headed out to tick off the list of things I had researched to do on our first day. First… Continue reading Our first day in Montreal
Montreal & Maison Boulud
We arrived into Montreal around 7:15PM and by the time we found our hotel and checked in, it was 7:30PM. We stayed at the Hotel Bonaventure. I selected this hotel as I wanted it as close to the train station so that on Sunday morning we wouldn’t need to wake up early from a distant… Continue reading Montreal & Maison Boulud
New York to Montreal – Amtrak Adirondack Adventure
I was really excited to go to Montreal. I had never been to Canada so this trip would help me tick off the country. I heard it was a mini-France and I was excited to eat as many croissants as I could. I read in my Lonely Planet guidebook that it was a foodie haven.… Continue reading New York to Montreal – Amtrak Adirondack Adventure
Venturing around Brooklyn and walking the Brooklyn Bridge
The day we checked out Smorgasburg in Williamsburg, the group of us decided to just venture around and walk aimlessly. Husband and I had nothing planned for the day as we just had visit Brooklyn in store. So we started walking. We walked through a large area inhabited by a Jewish community. I later read… Continue reading Venturing around Brooklyn and walking the Brooklyn Bridge
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