NZ,AUS, Fiji and US with newborn and toddler in tow
In and around World
We are flying out on a 113 day trip round the world on 11th Feb 2007. Before that I just have to give birth to our 2nd child in January, and organise the final leg of the trip!
The trip plan is as follows:
- Singapore (1 day)
- Australia (1 week)
- New Zealand (2 months)
- Fiji (10 days)
- USA (1 month)
Hopefully this blog will record the experiences of travelling with a young family, and some of the beauty of the countries we are visiting. Looking forwards to the journey!
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Travelling Family
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1
Getting Ready for Hols
Today is Friday 2nd Feb, and we are busy getting ready for our 4 month trip. Part of me is really excited, and part is quite scared, it seems... Continue reading »
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2
The final preparations - or not!
What a week it’s been here in Leigh-on-Sea. Just as everything was beginning to fall in place with the holiday disaster strikes twice, and the fami... Continue reading »
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3
We are off
How much luggage!! We fill up the people carrier, and need 3 trollies to move our luggage. It is hard work. Im standing in the queue trying to push... Continue reading »
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4
On the plane to Singapore
So far this has been busy and frantic at times, with brief periods of calm whilst the children sleep. Matthew is still ill, and although he was not... Continue reading »
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5
Arriving in Sunny Perth
Perth certainly was sunny. The heat in Perth is pretty strong, I was worried about the time the boys were in the car whilst we were packing t... Continue reading »
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6
Singapore for a Day
Wished we had stayed here longer than a day, as Singapore is such a lovely place. The people were so friendly, from the taxi driver to the sh... Continue reading »
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7
The simple things
I did wonder sometimes why I would want to go on holiday for so long and do the "normal" things on the other side of the world. I mean I coul... Continue reading »
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8
Freemantle
Today was a fairly quiet day, we decided to hit the shops again, and trundled off to Gsrden City shopping mall. It was nice just to wander ar... Continue reading » -
9
Kings Park then off to Albany
Much of the morning was spent packing the bags up. I wanted to ensure I didnt have to re-pack on Monday when we returned to Perth, so s... Continue reading » -
10
Off to Denmark for the weekend
We land literally in the middle of nowhere. Never seen anything like it. Reminded me of a scene from The Bodyguard! We ambl... Continue reading » -
11
In Denmark with the family
Today was a great day. I went round my cousin's place, which was a truly wonderful home. I was extremely envious of the peace she... Continue reading » -
12
Elephant Rocks for a picnic
My cousin turns up announcing we are going on a picnic. Its so nice to have someone else organise my life, and a rare occasion. We go t... Continue reading »
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13
Settling in NZ
We arrive about 5.30am local time. I am knackered. I can barely keep my eyes open. It takes us ages to clear customs, mainl... Continue reading » -
14
Albany to Perth to New Zealand
This is an extremely busy day, and one which tests my mental and physical strength. We head off at 5am to Albany in the car, then catch... Continue reading » -
15
Waihi Beach
Our first full day in New Zealand. Had a good nights sleep, so feeling refreshed. Matthew also seems calmer still, so hopefully is reco... Continue reading »
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16
Ohope for a quick stopover
Its 21.50 and everyone apart from LLoyd is still awake. Matthew is playing with his new torch, and seems in no rush to go to sleep.&nbs... Continue reading »
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17
Fishing in Ohiwa
Today has been a taxing day. Lloyd has been pretty miserable most of the day, Im now convinced he suffers quite badly with wind. I also... Continue reading »
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18
A long drive to Gisbourne
Well we didnt stay in Ohiwa, decided to head south again on Saturday. Not sure why as Ohiwa was lovely, and the campsite was lovely.
Ha... Continue reading »
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19
Resting in Napier
Well for the first time in a couple of days I get some peace and quiet. Matthew is fast asleep in the pram in the motorhome!!! And Lloy... Continue reading » -
20
Making for Wellington
We decided to leave Napier today, and head down towards Wellington. We have stopped over in some town called Levin. I cant say that the... Continue reading »
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21
Dropping in on Wellington briefly
Today we drove down to Wellington. The drive was fine, passed some nice looking towns on the way, and the road became a dual-carriageway, the... Continue reading »
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22
Nelson and Malborough
We awake to find a lovely stream behind us. I study the guide books and formulate a plan for the next few days. Its hard to work... Continue reading » -
23
Abel Tasman National Park
Our first real chance to look at our surroundings, and it seems like we have arrived in Paradise. The beach is golden sand, not too bus... Continue reading » -
24
Pohara and Golden Bay
We moved on today, further north upto Golden Bay and Pohara. The highlight of the day was probably going up Takaka Hill, which was more of a mou... Continue reading » -
25
The big drive west
A big driving day. We get up early and head for the Waikoropupa Springs. It was nice to get out and do some walking, even if only... Continue reading » -
26
Pancake Rocks
The campsite in Panakiki is lovely, and next door to a pub/restaurant that does great food and even takeaways, so we are very happy! Steve is... Continue reading »
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27
Glacier or no glacier
You know I have no idea what day of the week it is when I write this blog. I write offline, so look up the date and put it at the top o... Continue reading » -
28
Driving - again
This started off as a dismal day, carrying on the gloom of the previous day. We awoke to pouring rain, and thick cloud. I had a b... Continue reading » -
29
Wanaka, a rest and a plane journey
Steve likes his fry-ups, so we head to the restaurant for a buffet breakfast. We then decide to book a flight to see the glaciers and M... Continue reading » -
30
Cows, Art, Puzzles, Peace and Playgrounds
The title sums up what we did today. It was a very nice day, relaxing. We hit Wanaka, and the kids playground. Matthew must have... Continue reading »
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31
Lazing, then Canyon Swinging
Queenstown is a bit of a shock after where we have been staying recently. Is much bigger than I expected, lots of apartments, and just looks... Continue reading »
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32
Matthew hits the luge
A relaxing day. The weather has turned for the worse, so we wrap up warm, Matthew wearing trousers for the whole day for I believe the... Continue reading » -
33
Milford Sound here we come
Well its just before 9pm and I'm pleased to say both kids are fast asleep! A cause for celebration - these moments are rare. Stev... Continue reading » -
34
Te Anau then Milford Sound
We had an early start today, getting out of the camp before 8am and heading off to Milford Sound. It is a 75 mile trip from Te Anau to... Continue reading » -
35
Onto the Steam Train and Heading North
We decide to head back up north, rather than further south to Invercargill and Stewart Island. We also miss out Doubtful Sound, as this... Continue reading » -
36
Christ's Church? Really???
We hit civilisation. I think most people on the south island must live near Christchurch or Nelson. I haven’t seen hardly any hou... Continue reading » -
37
Back to tranquility
We decide that we should really look at Christchurch City Centre, so drive in. It is all very strange, with old beautiful buildings mix... Continue reading » -
38
Whale Watching - well for one of us
Being in AKaroa is starting to feel like GroundHog Day to me, its time to move on. God knows what being back in Leigh-on-Sea will feel like!&... Continue reading »
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39
Back to the North Island
I think today is Mother's Day. Its just a guess. Doesnt feel much like Mother's Day to me, as has been very hectic. Steve is basi... Continue reading »
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40
Lake Taupo and Rain
27th March - Tuesday - Lake Taupo
We are now on the big drive North to the Bay of Plenty. Today the aim is to get to Lake Taupo. ... Continue reading »
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41
Its raining and its raining
Well the original plan was to head for Ohope Beach as Steve had great visions of fishing in the harbour there. He had had good authority that... Continue reading »
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42
Sunshine returns
31st March - Saturday
We wake up to sunshine, what a relief! The day is spent lazily, wandering around Tauranga town, and lettin... Continue reading »
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43
Finally we move
Finally we moved onto Bowentown. The sole reason being that Steve couldnt find anywhere decent to fish, and was slowly driving me mad going o... Continue reading »
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44
Easter Fishing
I will fill this in more when I get a decent connection. Just to say we are now on the top edge of New Zealand, in fishing paradise. Th... Continue reading »
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45
Lots of driving for no good reason
We have had an interesting, but not so scenic couple of days. On Tuesday we decided to head to Cape Reigna, this is the top of New Zealand, w... Continue reading »
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46
Never ever go back
Thursday 12th
We head for civilisation, and away from the Northland. Hurrah, I must say Im pleased, couldnt face keep driving ba... Continue reading »
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47
Markets, Goats, Rain and Wind
Our last Saturday in New Zealand. The weather has certainly turned for the worst. It was intermittent showers all day, and strong winds... Continue reading »
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48
Circling Auckland and wrapping up NZ
The past couple of days have been fairly relaxed, we havent got upto much really. The weather has been intermittently appalling and lovely, b... Continue reading »
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49
Absolutely the last place
Sorry, just had to get one last post in, would be a shame not to mention our last couple of days, and so much to tell!! I'm sure this is all really... Continue reading »
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50
Hints and Tips - New Zealand
Here are a few hints and tips regarding NZ
Here is my list of places to visit in New Zealand, obviously biased towards those travellin... Continue reading »
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51
Fiji - Here we come!!!!!
Friday seems an age away now, let me think to recap our journey to Fiji...
We made our way slowly to the airport, stopping off in the shoppin... Continue reading »
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52
Paradise, with 2 kids
Lloyd wakes me up at around 5.30am and thats it I cant sleep. I watch the sunrise, and the excitement of being in Fiji kicks in, so I head to... Continue reading »
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53
Welcome to Paradise - No kidding
Its hard to put into words how truly beautiful this place we have arrived in is. We are on Vomo Island, and it is probably as close to... Continue reading » -
54
Steve catches a big fish
Today Steve caught a Wahu. Must have been about 4 or foot long I reckon. I surprised him with a deep sea fishing trip. He a... Continue reading »
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55
Life on Vomo continues
Thursday 26 April
As usual with me nothing is ever simple. I have an inquisitive nature when it comes to people, and start to wonder h... Continue reading »
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56
Last days on Vomo beckon
Sunday 29th April
My penultimate day at Vomo Island. Steve is out trolling (fishing moving along or something like that) with the guys... Continue reading »
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57
Leaving Paradise - It's hard
Monday 30th April
Steve's birthday, and the longest day of our holiday so far beckons - literally. We leave Vomo at 4.30pm, catc... Continue reading »
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58
The Hell of America
It is a bit like entering hell, I was right in my fears. Getting out of the airport isnt so bad, they push us through quickly as Matthew is s... Continue reading »
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59
Retail Therapy
Amazing what a bit of retail therapy does for the soul and mind! I know, I am extremely shallow and a bad example to my kids....
The da... Continue reading »
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60
A long day in Disneyland
I think I am too satirical (if that is the right word) for Disneyland. I am not able to switch my brain off, turn into a moron and enjoy the... Continue reading »
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61
More fun at the fair
I'll keep this blog short - and add some more photos of our time at Disneyland. We returned on Thursday and spent half the day at Disneyland... Continue reading »
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62
Things start to look up
Friday morning, and we leave Paradise Pier Hotel. Its nice to get out of the hotel, and away from the commercialisation of Disneyland.
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63
Zoos and more shopping
We remain on the campsite in Mission Bay for Sunday and Monday. Sunday is spent out at San Diego Zoo. This Zoo is renowned as one of th... Continue reading »
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64
On the Road to the Grand Canyon
Monday 9th May was a funny old day. We couldn't really decide what to do. The weather was scorching in San Diego, which isnt really ide... Continue reading »
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65
Back to London - or is it?
I am awake at before 5am, and wake Steve at 6am to get an early start. Its 400 miles to the Grand Canyon, no hope of getting there today, but... Continue reading »
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66
Hot and Troubled
Today we nearly pack our bags and leave America. As those of you following this blog may have realised we arent at our happiest here in the s... Continue reading »
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67
Holed up at the Grand Canyon
We have ground to a complete halt at the Grand Canyon. Matthew and Lloyd were a bit cranky on Friday, so we put them on Neurofen. We wa... Continue reading »
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68
Medicine and Denny's
I only get about 3 hours sleep in the night, due partly to me feeling rough, and partly to Lloyd keep stirring and crying as he is still ill.
Continue reading » -
69
Meteors, Logs, Deserts and Indians
A busy busy day. We head to Meteor Crater first, its only down the road from the RV park. Its basically a big hole in the ground, is sm... Continue reading »
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70
Slow drive to Monument Valley
We had a lazy start to the day, was nice to take out time and relax. Me and Matthew fed a stray dog out of the window for a bit. Was to... Continue reading »
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71
Relaxing for the weekend
Friday 19th May
The weather is cooler!!! Hurrah! It is almost like england, quite breezy, a few spots of rain, and generally overcast. Its gr... Continue reading »
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72
Over the Hogs Back and onto Bryce
On Sunday we drove the 113 mile trip along Highway 12, and across the "Hogs Back". Now we have a Hogs Back in England, it takes you from the... Continue reading »
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73
Beautiful beautiful Zion
23rd May 2007
I'm sitting here watching the sun set over the mountains at Zion National Park. If I could freeze time I would. It'... Continue reading »
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74
En-route to Vegas via Virgin
We leave Zion on Thursday morning with some reluctance. We debate moving just outside the park to a "commercial" RV park, but after looking i... Continue reading »
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75
We arrive at our final destination - YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!
We are booked in at the Koa campsite at Circus Circus, located on "the Strip". The Strip is essentially one long road making up the main tour... Continue reading »
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76
Into the Hotel
What a day Tuesday was. If things could go wrong they did. It was one of those days where if you dont force yourself to laugh you would... Continue reading »
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77
Back home and settling in
Yep, we are back home safe and sound. Its absolutely superb.
The flight was all fairly uneventful, we managed to scrape in on the bagga... Continue reading »
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78
Top 10 Tips for Travelling with Young Children
I thought I'd try to relate my hints and tips for travelling around the world with young children. It's a hard one to do, I can only go... Continue reading »
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