SYDNEY HARBOR BRIDGE CLIMB

The Climb

We arrived in Sydney on Saturday, March 29th and immediately headed to the Sydney Harbor Bridge for our climb. 1002 steps to the top.  Good thing I completed my 30 day squat challenge prior to my trip so that my legs were ready and strong enough to to conquer the climb.

I'm most impressed by the mature ladies of our group that did the Express Climb (in just over 2 hours). Ladies in their 70's did it with no worries. Simply Awesome!

Getting ready and suited up

The gang at the top

Yep, that's me

See you next time in another part of Sydney!

Ja'Vonne

SKY JUMP

Hey Guys,

We are having a great time in New Zealand.  We are now in Auckland, NZ.  Auckland is the most populated city in New Zealand and it's a big contrast to Queenstown that's more of nature and the great outdoors.

You know I'm always looking for some adventure and since New Zealand is the home of bungee jumping, it was invented by a small pacific tribe in New Zealand who would jump off of towers with vines tied to their feet, I just had to do something similar to it.  OK, I didn't bungee jump but I did something close to it.  I did the Sky Jump from the Auckland's Sky Tower. Rather than having vines or even bungee tied to my feet, I was connected to a cable at 630 feet above ground and then I jumped.

Well here it is.  Fun and exhilarating!

NEW ZEALAND

The 10th Annual WHUR World Tour 2014 has arrived in New Zealand! Yeah. After 20 hours of flying and two days later, we finally arrived in Queenstown, NZ.

Yes, we are tired. too tired to think straight but too excited to know we're too tired to think straight.

I had a little surprise for the group when they arrived.  You see, our hotel is located on Lake Wakatipu.  You can get there by road or by the lake. I arranged for the lake arrival but not just by any regular boat, but by jet speed boats.  It was a bit chilly and everyone had to leave their bags on the bus (I think they were more concerned about leaving their bags than getting onto speed boats), put on slickers and life vests and board these speed boats.  The excitement and confusion on their faces was priceless.

Our driver and guide tells us about the lake, that we will get a bit wet and he will do ten 360 degree spin outs.  Some were thrilled, some (women) asked about their hair and others just said well OK.  One thing was for sure, the wind, high speed, the spin outs that sprayed us with water and the chilly air woke us all up and gave us that much needed energy. HELLO NEW ZEALAND!

Then to our hotel, the Hilton Wakatipu on Lake Wakatipu.

In keeping with my style of traveling, especially after a long flight we had just enough time for a shower (much needed by this point), a change of clothes and off we we went to our dinner high above the city to Skyline Tower.  We ascended by gondola's, took in the fabulous views, had a Maori cultural show and a bit of dinner.

Now we're finished with the day and can lay our weary heads on our fluffy pillows, extra comfortable mattresses and under warm comforters.  What a day!

Next stop Milford Sound for a full day of adventure.

Ja'Vonne

JA'VONNE'S TRAVEL MINUTE

Why are you over packing?

Every time I have a group orientation the group members are usually aghast at the requirement of one checked bag and one carry-on bag. It's actually very easy to travel with these requirements and I find the reasons people over pack are all correctable.

1. Stop thinking you need more than you do and preparing for every "what if" there is, pack with your basic needs in mind.
2. If you're not packing with a color palette you're not getting the most out of your wardrobe and you're packing too many individual items and shoes. Remember every item should go with or match 2-3 other items.
3. Your bag is just to big.  Start with a smaller bag, I recommend the 24 inch for a checked bag but if you must, no larger than the 27 inch.  A bigger bag just means you're compelled to fill it up.  Also get one that expands so you can accommodate your souvenirs.  Just don't start with the expansion.
4. Buy travel size items and look for things that have multiple functions.

Happy and light travels!

Ja'Vonne

TRAVELING WITH A LAP CHILD

A Lap Child is a child under two years of age at the time of departure traveling with an adult and sitting on the lap of that adult.

A "lap child" travels free on domestic flights and usually 10% of the adult fare on international flights. But, Just because you CAN fly with your infant for free on your lap, it doesn't mean that you should.  It's interesting that the rules on traveling with a child in a car are so strict but not for flying even though the safest way to fly with an infant is in a child safety seat. The irony is that if you choose to purchase a seat for your infant and travel with a child safety seat, the FAA has a requirement for that. That's right, no, requirement to use a child safety seat but if you do it has to be FAA approved. The question here is why wouldn't you want to to spend the extra money for the safety of such precious cargo?

Ja'Vonne Harley

What Impression Will You Leave!

"What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

When you travel you have the opportunity to make a great first and lasting impression.  Just remember that sometimes it means you are an ambassador for your country as well.  Too often we use this lack of history to bring out the worst in us, or to let our inhibitions go, saying “nobody here knows me and probably wont see me again so I don’t care."  Think about it ….. do you really want a bad or careless attitude to be how someone remembers you. This is your opportunity to cement your true self or tell a new story.  Make it a great one.

 

Ja'Vonne's Travel Minute

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR THE TRAVELER

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  And it's our favorite time of the year.  We recently did our annual Travelers Gift Show on The Traveling Eye. This year we featured stocking stuffers for the traveler.  Travelers want something that is functional and that will aid them in their travels.  None of that cute stuff that is only cute and you will never use.

We immediately went to our friends at Magellans, your trusted source for travel solutions and gear.  Magellan's was started by two Pan Am employees so they know what a traveler needs.

Here's our top picks for this year.

Electronic Accessory Case: On sale now for $21.60
This is perfect for organizing small electronics and the Velcro tabs inside are adjustable.

THE DUAL VOLTAGE POWER STRIP:
Hotels never have enough outlets and the airport power stations are always full.  This power strip has three plugs and  USB.  You're sure to make friends at the airport.

THE DAY TRIPPER BACK PACK:
We love this for numerous reasons.  It's light, it's compact and it gives you an extra bag, weather your on the plane or for just traveling about.  It folds into itself and weighs only 9oz.

THE MINI EMERGENCY KIT:
This is the size of a mini cupcake and holds everything.  Excellent stocking stuffer and item to have in your purse or carry-on.  Nail polish remover, clear nail polish, pain reliever, tampon, emery board, breath freshener, band aids, dental floss, hairspray, sewing kit, safety pin, deodorant towelettes, lip balm and stain remover.  whew.

WATERPROOF PONCHO:
Better than an umbrella.  Folds into itself so it's easy to pack.  It's polyester but it's breathable!  Here's a tip.  You can use it as a blanket or underneath your blanket if the ground is wet.!

DOOR STOP ALARM:
Not just for the ladies but a great idea for the ladies.  Not only is it a door stop that you can wedge under any door to stop unwanted entry, it will also sound an alarm.  What a great gift!

THE GOTOOB:
These silicon tubes are great for flying because they are less than 3oz. They're great for the purse or the car and Magellan's tell us you can put a snack in there.  Like peanut butter or honey so that makes them great for picnics too.

EMERGENCY PHONE CHARGER:
Who doesn't need one of these?  The reasons are endless.  Battery operated, 90 minutes of talk time, six connector tips and a retractable usb cord.

RIDGED ALUMINUM WALLET:
Has RFID blocking protections which makes it great for protecting your information while you travel.  It's sleek, looks good and is durable.

You can all of these items at www.magellans.com.