The Two Week Aussie Getaway

I'm supposed to continue writing about the details of the Batanes trips early this year. Yes, a more accounted write up of what happened in the 5 days that I stayed up north, but I decided to skip that and write an overview of the sort of "unplanned" Aussie trip last July.

While it is true that I didn't foresee another trip to Australia this year, I still had the nerve to prepare an itinerary. Besides, making the itinerary is one of my favourite past times! I was supposed to travel with my cousin, and that was the big ticket entry why I really had planned the trip.

Due to some delays, I had to go ahead and do the trip on my own. It was a shame that my cousin wasn't able to travel with me, but well, things happen and there is still another chance for us to travel, so don't worry!

I have planned this trip to cover other areas and states outside of New South Wales. I have been to Sydney a number of times and although I admit I won't get tired of it, I think it's my chance to try other places outside Sydney.

My itinerary includes a quick stop in Brisbane, then a week in Sydney, a day in Canberra, a weekend in Central Coast, two days in Melbourne and then back to Sydney. It was so exciting. I want to do something like this again. There were only a few days I thought about work, but most of the time as I was on the road, I didn't have chance to check emails and worry about stress from work. It was a nice breather for me.

Story Bridge at night

Australian War Memorial

Parliament House

The 12 Apostles - Great Ocean Road

Friends I met during the Great Ocean Road Tour

Hyatt Hotel and Louis Vuitton in Melbourne

Flinders St. Station

Snowboarding at Mt Buller

Art and graffiti in Newcastle

Pelicans and The Entrance

La Perouse

Fish and salad lunch near La Perouse

Anyhow, I will start listing the basic expenses for this trip. The thing that took up bulk of my expenses is the airline tickets Manila to Sydney and back. I stayed with relatives and friends for the most part of the trip so it was such a big help on my pocket.

The tours and transpo also took a bit of my budget. The bus to Canberra, the flights between Brisbane and Melbourne. I'll let you know about it. It does help that I also got to avail of the cheaper tour in the Great Ocean Road and Mt.Buller tour from the Metro Deal voucher! Got this tip from a CS friend - Kcia!

The trips wasn't just about going around places, I've been so happy to meet all my relative, friends, acquaintances, new friends and even my work mates. It was such a memorable time that it wasn't easy for me to move on from the hang over of this trip! The travel bug keeps on bugging me...

Tips 'n Travels Top 10: Places I would love to visit

Just right about now, I've finally thought about what my first top ten would be.

As the title suggests, it would be the places I wish to visit in the future, so good luck to me and my budget! These will be a mix of domestic and international destinations that really captured my interest. They could be yours too, so read on!

Because they would come in no particular order, I wouldn't put numbers on them. hehe

Melbourne, Australia

This is a very interesting building - it's actually a train station!

The Great Ocean Road - really ROCKS!

It's been more than a year since I have been to Aussie. In my next trip to the land down under, I plan to explore outside Sydney. I want to check out Melbourne, Canberra and Queensland. But I would probably still drop by Syndey for sure!

Cagayan De Oro, Philippines

White water rafting looks fun!

I've been wanting to go to at least one place in Mindanao. I was thinking of either Davao or this. But because CDO's white water rafting and Camiquin's wonderful beach looks really amazing, then I am adding it to my list. I'm looking forward to go there in the next few months especially there are more and more airfare promos!

Batanes, Philippines

Beautiful - I could stare at this all day!

I used to read an article before about Batanes. And it to me it's like an Irish country side when you see the pictures! I was really interested to visit this and check out the simple life out there up the tip of the Philippine Islands!

USA

Hello Statue of Liberty!

If given the opportunity, I would really love to explore all the states of USA! I've read a lot of those places and seen in movies too! San Francisco, Boston, New York, Las Vegas, name it!

Vatican City

I might cry if I get to see the Pope - would be a dream come true

I want to see the Pope and where he lives! There's something about the place, all the well-known structures and history of this place. It has captured me really especially when I read the Dan Brown novel!

Romania

So here's where the real slim shady is!

The interesting stories about vampire Dracula and the castles made me choose this! But I'm very sure there's more than those that this could offer!

UK

Buckingham Palace

I'm hoping to see Prince William haha!

New Zealand

Need I say more!

 I want to see the Frodo Baggins! LOL Seriously, the mountains capped in ice is so so beautiful!

Italy

I'm speechless...

Reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert has inspired me to go to Italy, learn Italian and eat the best tasting pizza!

Egypt

Speechless again...

I have been so fascinated by the structures of the pyramids and sphinx so yes, I would love to see them in my own eyes!

So there you go! What do you think? I wish I could visit them as soon as possible! But really there's a lot of them in the list...

NOTE: Photos are not mine. No copy right infringement intended.