Croft Travels & Photos: Travel

Travel personalities

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:17:49 GMT

I found this site that tests your travel personality and it holds true pretty much. Did these people find me out?

Your venturesome spirit leads you to seek out unique and interesting places to visit and especially to make each leisure trip different from others that you have taken. You may want to return to a place that seemed interesting but you didn't have time to explore on an earlier visit, but usually you simply want to try something new. However, there's a big difference between you and your true venturer friends: you like a comfortable bed at night (no sleeping under the stars), a warm shower, and meals that you can trust rather than taking a chance on native foods. You listen carefully to the unique travel tales of your friends and associates, or read heavily, to learn about the hidden, but interesting out of the way places that others have not yet become popular or have only recently gotten some publicity.

History holds a great fascination for many mid-venturers. But if you've seen Buckingham Palace and the Eiffel Tower, or traced Paul Revere's route in New England, you don't need to repeat the experience. Rather, you'd prefer to stop in lesser known old cities and enjoy the ambience created by old buildings that exude their own sense of importance and romance, especially if they're not listed in guide books. To discover an ancient monastery, old fort or historic building quite by chance and wander through quiet interiors unhampered by crowds, offers an opportunity to imagine what mysteries it holds and tales of romance or tragedy.

Even your media habits don't follow the norm. Typically you read more than most -- books, magazines and newspapers -- and watch TV less. When you turn on the "tube," you are much less likely to prefer any of the top ten sitcoms or "soaps." Instead, you'll seek out dramas, special news magazine format shows, and selected sports (as football and basketball; you have less interest in baseball or hockey). Consistent with your travel interests, you particularly like fact based television shows or dramas in a historic setting, and programs that explain the workings of some of our modern marvels. You hold definitive opinions about much of what you see happening in the world, especially politics, and strongly prefer commentators who agree with your views.

In looking for destinations that will satisfy your intellectual curiosity, seek out those that measure higher for venturers. You share so many traits in common with that group that most of these places will help ensure that your next trip will hold the enjoyment and contribute to the kinds of memories that you want. But make certain these places have adequate hotels and restaurants.

Top 10 reason to pick a vacation rental over a hotel

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:02:18 GMT

Top 10 reasons to pick a vacation rental over a hotel.

1. Vacation rentals have ideal locations near all attractions that you are looking forward to visiting. Check with rental agencies, the pamphlets you have been accumulating, or travel agents as to the closest in the area.

2. You have the convenience of resting in a home-like atmosphere after a day of hunting for the perfect shopping bargains, tourist attractions and sunning yourself on the sand. Kicking back on a couch just like at home, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.

3. Instead of rushing around to find a restaurant to suit everyone's tastes. You have a fully equipped kitchen to make what you know they will enjoy. Having the family sitting around the table discussing the day or what is to come is much more enjoyable in the quiet room of your own than trying to hear over the next table in a large room of talking families.

4. The price comparison of hotel over rentals is amazing. The average cost of a 2 bedroom unit for a week is $450, versus the average hotel of $150 a night for a week $1,050.

5. If you are taking kids and still want some privacy. You are will not have to rent them a second room costing you twice as much, or if smaller children no privacy at all. In a rental they have their own room with a door that closes them out of your snuggle time.

6. Less luggage space taken up by clothes you need for the time you are away so you can fit all those bargains you find while on your trip. Rentals have laundry facilities to wash what you take with you. No taking dirty clothes home for you to wash when you arrive.

7. Less noise of the crowd also on vacation. No hearing what the room next door is doing, no party animals invading your quiet space and no rush of people in the lobby.

8. Rentals with pools give you quiet time in the water without the hassle of other people invading your relaxation and enjoyment.

9. Rentals have their own parking space next to the door. No parking on the other side of the lot to get back to your room.

10. For your own “peace” of mind. Knowing that everything you need is right at your fingertips.

Aussie is more than crocs and cockys

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:20:40 GMT

Australia is much more diverse than most people give credit for. It's natural beauty, unusal attractions, unique features and cultural mix can give visitors a wide variety of activities.

When you think Australia images of beaches or desert sand are the majority of people's thoughts. What of its beautiful rainforest and mountain regions? Not every lives in the bush like Crocodile Dundee or a surfer on Bondi. There is skiing in the Snowy Mountains too.

Contrary to misconceptions, Crocs are not in every waterhole and roos do not run down the street. I have been here 14 months and have seen only one group of roos in a paddock of Port Macquarie. I have never seen a croc that is not behind fences. No koalas grace my gum trees around the house. I have never heard someone say "crickey", but "g'day" and "mate" are used daily.

Opreas, theater, and luxerious accomodations with pampering for the most elite can be had in all the major cities and some towns in between. Architecture styles are varied with Italian, German and English influences.

This diversity is what makes it so wonderful to many people. You can be in the outback with red dust seeping into every pore one day and the next day be sitting in the oprea house sipping the best wine of Australian vines.

The Caffeine Rush is on in Sydney, Australia

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:14:12 GMT

Everything coffee that you need in one spot, the largest gathering of coffee lovers on any continent, where will you be?

Sydney will be hosting its 11^th anniversary The Rocks Aroma Festival on July 6, 2008 with over 100 stalls, including 25 Australian coffee roasters, spices, chocolatiers and teas of the world. It is free entry, runs from 10am to 5pm and cuppas for $1.00. Want more incentive? They have it for you; there is also the Domestic Coffee Machine Expo and the Australian Latte Art Championships.

Sydney-based baristas have won the World Barista Coffee Championship and the World Latte Art Championship – making Australia the only country to have won both titles. Where else would you find the finest coffee but where the champions are.

The coffee culture is exploding in Australia, the cafe’ markets are the only other 100% espresso-based markets in the world outside Italy. There are over 16,000 restaurants and cafes employing over 190,000 people operating throughout the country.

Enjoy samplings of different Australian roaster’s delights as you walk through Sydney’s heritage quarter. Go to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay for live music, cooking demonstrations and spices to add flavour to your own dishes. George Street, First Fleet Park, The Rocks Square, and Campbells Cove all have something to offer the festival attendee.

The Domestic Coffee Machine Expo will feature: Saeco, Breville, Sunbeam, Gaggia, Group SEB, Di Boartoli Coffee Centre, Barazi Bezzera, Cafetto, Espresso Company of Australia and Jura. Last year Sunbeam held demonstrations by former world barista champion, Paul Bassett and former Australian latte champion, Dominic Majolandzic; what will they do to top that for this expo?

Watch as baristas from around the country contend for The Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (AASCA) Australian Latte Art Championships. The winner is flown to Copenhagen, Denmark to barter for the world title. Australia has already held two previous title winners, Jack Hannah in 2007 and Scottie Callaghan in 2006, who will be our next star.

One of Sydney’s own roasters, Karmee Coffee, has been attending the Festival year after year. They hope to be back behind Cadman’s Cottage once again. They carry 25 varieties for seven savoury blends. Owners, Paul and Sara Laurence-Wilmot, travelled across Europe to learn everything about roasting to bring you the best cuppa they can bestow. It is the sensual, buttery, caramel/cream quality of their classic blend to be offered at this year’s event. They also carry over 20 teas handmade chai blends sure to delight you.

Coffee production in Australia has had some bumpy rides. It actually began in 1788 as the colonies began to cultivate goods for the people. That was before Mexico, Columbia, Hawaii and some of Africa. Commercial coffee growing took off in the 1800s, but a major cyclone in 1918 destroyed most of the crops. Today a viable collection of plantations are throughout Queensland and New South Wales regions offering over 120 producers to choose from.

The first espresso machine in Sydney (and possibly Australia) seems to have been installed in 1952 by the Andronicus brother’s cafe on George Street (now the Four Seasons Hotel). The Andronicus brothers immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s from Greece. They opened the shop in 1904 roasting over 90kg of coffee every day, it remained open in 1973

Erected in 1925, for over 40 years the Bushells Coffee and Tea Company had a warehouse at the Rocks. It was the first purpose built production store in the country. Bushells tea has been a part of Australian life for over 120 years, whole generations of Aussies have grown up with one of their cuppas to savour. They have a smooth, full-bodied taste that is enjoyed again and again.

Want more from the trip? The Forsyth Coffee and Tea House in Naremburn of Sydney have coffee tastings of Asia, Indian, Africa and South America. There is also a coffee appreciation course for $90 (discounts for 2 or more). This is the only place in New South Wales that you can sample the infamous Kopi Luwak coffee too, so much experience for one’s tastebuds to endure.

There are many places to stay around Sydney within walking distance of the festival in a variety of offerings for your budget and needs. Four Seasons Hotel is right on the Rocks with all comforts and pampering a traveller needs. For the budget minded the Y Hotel at Hyde Park has studio to dormitory rooms on a park side location close to activities. Google maps lays out all the hotels in the area and contact information to find your perfect relaxation spot.

Transportation around the city is no problem. We have a wonderful public system that will suit any travellers. Buy a day tripper ticket for all day pass on any bus, train or ferry in the city for $15.95. Also available is the monorail all day passes for $9.50 or light rail all day for $9.00. Discover Sydney passes are available for monorail/light rail at $6.00. The purchase of Day passes and Day Trippers also give 20% discounts for some sites. Come join in the caffeine rush of the Sydney Aroma Festival. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge is also on the Circular Quay for you to enjoy. Taking is the atmosphere while enjoying your coffee too is a spectacle you don’t want to miss.

Taking a bit of home on vacation

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:59:00 GMT

There are many techniques to make your vacation as comfortable as home, as a frequent traveller and a housekeeper in a 100-year old guesthouse I have seen and done a variety of options.

Location is your first choice. If you are not comfortable in a five-star fancy resort don’t pick it as your accommodations. There are vacation home rentals, apartments and many hotels have larger rooms with kitchens available. You have to choose based on what you wants and needs during your vacation. Do you want pampered, small quarters, ability to cook, etc? Being near the attractions you are seeking does not always mean the best for your comfort so look around at what is available in the area.

Choose items to bring from home that you can add touches of yourself to a room. A favourite blanket, pillow, a choice of CDs, or photo frames on a mantel or nightstand placed around so you can see them. If you use something frequently while you are at home, you will also want them on your vacation.

When you get to your room arrange those items from home and move the furniture how you want to use them. Set up the bathroom with your own toiletries, get the kitchen goods made up for easy access, and unpack those clothes from the suitcase into drawers and closet. I have also had guests that buy candles and arrange them everywhere for their own home scents and ambience. After a day of sightseeing coming back with everything set up the way you are use to accessing them is a major step to comfort.

What is your daily routine at home can be incorporated to your trip with added bonuses. The morning coffee pick me ups taken in your room so you can stay in your pjs, breakfast items you make or order in, snacks at your fingertips, workout rooms, internet access, you name it and it can be found.

Keep in mind this is a vacation, you don’t want to keep too much to the routine. Instead of that quick bath indulge in a long spa, morning walks turned into a dip into the pool, instant coffee on the run to work can be a soothing latte prepared from the kitchen.

A little planning goes a long way when you are away from home. Take into account what you don’t feel you can do without or a routine that you don’t want to break. Ask the staff upon your booking about items you cannot bring with you that you would like to have. Research the area to find places to get what you need or want. Enjoy your time away from home with no stress, which is why you are leaving it.