2011 Travel's in review

What a year 2011 has been. The places have quickly mounted up.

January 2011
Saw us start the year in the South Island of New Zealand. Christchurch, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Wanaka

February 2011

Once again in Auckland, we spent our 4th year wedding anniversary at Waiheke Island

April 2011
Bay of Fires walk in Tasmania, with a day either side in Launceston

May 2011
Back to finish part of a trip we couldn't complete in 2010, White Island, Whakatane, Mt Maunganui and Tauranga

July 2011
Back in Auckland of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park

August 2011
The second Bledisloe Cup this time in Brisbane.

September 2011
The Rugby World Cup kicked off in Auckland, ad we enjoyed Samoa vs. Fiji

October 2011
Started with a weekend in Lord Howe Island.

Finished with a Rugby World Cup Quarter Final game in Auckland.

December 2011
Watch for a trip report in 2012

Wishing you all a great new year and many more exciting travel in 2012!

NYE: The last 4

So as we gear up to another New Year, I've been thinking about where we've spent the past 4:

2010
Christchurch, New Zealand
Things would be very different this year, but it was always good to go down to the Square

2009
Las Vegas, USA

2008
Mudge, NSW, Australia
A wine region in Australia, we ate our way into 2009!

2007
Sydney, Australia
Watching the fireworks in Sydney is one of the iconic things to do on NYE. If the weathers good it will not disappoint.

Do you have any exciting plans for ending 2011?

What to pack?

The age old question, we tend to pack light, yet still end up with things we don't use. So for a week or more trip (this is the same list we'll use for 6 weeks) here's what to pack (for 1):

• 2 x pants
• 1 x shorts
• 1 x dress
• 4 x shirts (usually long sleeve cotton)
• 7 x socks
• 7 x undies
• 1 x pj
• 1 x sandal
• 1 x walking shoe
• 1 x hiking boots (if hiking)
• 1 x swimsuit
• 1 x sports towel
• ipod
• 2-3 books
• Medical kit
• Travel docs
• Travel diary
• 2 x pens

What do you make sure you always travel with? And what do you leave at home?

Top 5 To Go To Big Trips

I love lists (haven't you noticed?) and my to travel to list constantly changes with my moods. Currently on my top 5 in no particular order:

1. Russia
The weirdest thing is I want to spend winter in Russia.

2. Turkey
Not only to go the Blue Mosque, but for the food, the culture, the history and to get off the tourist track

3. Japan
RWC 2019 is looking good for us and Japan!

4. Alaska
Is there anyone who doesn't have this on their list?

5. African Safari
Ok so this doesn't narrow it down much. Africa is one huge continent, and really I haven't thought much about what time of year, which part, how long, but it is definitely on my go to list

Wish List: Saffire Lodge, Tasmania

Luxury Lodges seem to be my thing. One of the newest is the Saffire in the Freycinet region in Tasmania, Australia.

With only 20 suites, in three different categories, designed to relax and rejuvenate.

Located in the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania in a stunning part of the world, overlooking the Hazards, and with Wineglass Bay in the vicinity.