Marie Rea of Port Huon, TASMANIA

5. Featured Traveller

Marie Rea
(Port Huon, Tasmania) 

Editor/Web Administrator/Journalist/Columnist

Financial Manager of Family-Owned Rea Software Pty. Ltd.

Holidaying without breaking the bank! 

Marie believes that travelling and spending quality time with her loved ones make for a closer relationship with her kids, no matter what.  She said, often times, they are the only ones you can rely on through thick and thin.  "Be flexible when you travel, make the most of your time in a foreign place," she added.

Mount Fuji, JAPAN

Marie has travelled to a considerable number of countries in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.  She has been to Italy, Greece, UK, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Netherlands, Ireland, United States of America, Canada, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Philippines, Hong kong, and Taiwan.  She hopes to visit in the future countries like, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and other Scandinavian countries, and the Galapagos Islands.

Horseback Riding in Santorini Island, GREECE

As an author, she is completing a manuscript which will be used to publish a book dedicated to her fellow global Filipinos and OFWs, who are the inspiration for her book on modern and classic Philippine cuisine.   She explains further, Philippine dishes are said to be unhealthy, unappealing, among many negative criticisms.  She will debunk this belief and show the world our cuisine can be at par with international cuisines or even greater in terms of flavour and variety.  

"Our regions and islands are blessed with natural resources which are perfect ingredients for a most satisfying yet delectable meals," she continues.  Marie has almost forty years experience in Philippine cuisine and as a traveller sailing on luxury cruise ships sampling dishes all over the world which most often have been actually prepared by who else? Filipinos of course!  

She hopes that readers of this blog will continue supporting her on the launching of her first book.  

Marie is born in the Philippines and has been living in Sydney with her family.  Here is her story.......(An update: Marie has since moved from Sydney to Port Huon in Tasmania, a place she now call home. This writer will request Marie to write about her new found Paradise, Tasmania). Stay tuned!

Formal Party with My Family

Sydney, Australia is a haven of bliss for my family of four ~ myself, my almost perfect husband David and my two sons Thomas and Lester.  I invite you to join me as I share with you the best places and wonderful experiences that await you in your visit to this "lucky country."

Indeed, Australia has even weathered the global financial crisis gripping most of the world for the past couple of years now!  Why is that so?  Well, Aussies just think differently in my view.

Dining at Dixon Street, SYDNEY

Anyway, let's start with our locale: My family and I live in tranquil settings amidst wide open spaces and yet near amenities ~ shopping centre, banks, dining options, leisure centre, etc.  On any given day, here, we don't need to use our car as we are 1000 metres from the nearest shopping area where I can get fresh fruits and vegetables and other everyday items.  The famous Parklea Markets are also just nearby.  The renowned Blacktown Olympic Sports Centre is also a stone's throw away where local sports competitions are held.  The Leisure Centre with its own modern library where you can borrow more than 10 books, CDs, magazines are also with walking distance.  Also beside it is the Aquatic Centre with its indoor wave pools, jacuzzis, sauna, gym, and indoor basketball courts. Yet, there are parks with lovely gardens, water features, hundred year old trees that give you a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and many more places to unwind at the end of a stressful day.

Opera House, SYDNEY

When we have guests overseas we take them first to the world famous Sydney icons ~ the superb Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum among many places of interest in the city of Sydney which is less than an hour from us!

A View in SYDNEY

Three Sisters in Katoomba

But our favourite places to take them is at the awesome Blue Mountains where you can find the legendary Three Sisters and around this you will find a huge National Park filled with amazing flora and fauna, among them the Wollemi Pine said to have co-existed with the dinosaurs during pre-historic times!  Go bushwalking and experience the beauty that is the Blue Mountains.  Ride the cable car and walk literally among the tall gum trees and other old-age trees as you enjoy the verdant valleys and fresh air!  Go spelunking at Jenolan Caves where pioneers discovered more natural treasures showing the geographical formations thousands of years ago undergone by this spectacular nation.  You can also go apple picking at Bilpin, part of the Blue Mtns National Park, and sample freshly made products like apple pies, honey, preserved fruits, jams and jellies of all kinds, among others.

Playing in the Sand in Gerringong Beach

Last but not the least, you will find anywhere you go in Australia particularly Sydney that the best thing about this region is the people ~ they make Australia what it is today too ~ who are they? Filipinos, around 20,000 of them live near our area alone, and in New South Wales, just one state of Australia, there are about 200,000 or so Filipino-born Aussies or those with Philippine ancestry.  Aside from them we have Chinese, Indians, Vietnamese, Japanese, Europeans, Australians of course with New Zealanders, English and other western heritage.  Hence, there is a multicultural community that is uniquely Australian and that's why we have the best the world has to offer!  So come and visit our Sydney, so we can personally tell you. "G'day mates!!!"

* * * * *

Are you a traveller who would like to share your travel story with our blog and our readers?  Then, I'd love to hear from you!  Please email me at fromatravellersdesk@gmail.com

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Watch for these blogs! 
They all have been travelling for many years and I can guarantee that all of them have travel tips that all of us can learn and benefit from.  I have to thank all other fellow travellers who have responded to my invite.  I will definitely publish your stories as soon as I have completed the details.

Lights and Sounds of

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls by Night

It's the time of the year that you have the chance to rediscover and feel the holiday season in Niagara Falls. You will  be amazed with the spectacular view of the falls lit in all colours of the rainbow. It has been happening for many years so while there's still time, come visit the Niagara Falls with the whole family.

This year, experience the CAA Winter Festival of Lights.  Enjoy millions of dazzling lights and hundreds of lighting display including the Enchantment of Disney.

For the benefit of those who's visiting the Falls for the first time, here are some important information that you may want to know.  Niagara Falls is a little over an hour drive from Toronto and twenty minutes away from the Buffalo International Airport.  There is so much to do in Niagara all year round.  I will be listing the activities and things to do while you are in Niagara; Attractions & Rides, Casino, Day Spas, Falls Experiences, Festivals & Events, Golf, Historic Sites, Nature, Nightlife, Religious, Shopping, Sightseeing Tours, Theatre & Shows, Themeparks and Waterparks, and Wineries.

In and Around Niagara with friends & family

For the list of hotels and restaurants for your fine dining and comfortable stay experience, and for other things to do ~ click here.

I have visited Niagara Falls on all four seasons of the year, now is the time for you to experience this great wonder of the world!

Come visit Canada!

Happy Holidays!!

Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Travel

Written by Marie Rea

In this era of global economic downturn, can ordinary families still afford to travel or enjoy holidays?

Our family can, so can yours!  You can do it too, through careful planning and budgeting.

Guell Park SPAIN

Instead of showering our boys with material things or brand named clothes, gadgets and the like, we prefer to expose them to the world at large.  This way, they are gaining a broader understanding of their environment, learn about different cultures and help them make informed choices for everyday living.  Travelling as a family has always been a more lasting experience for us and has helped us get closer than ever!

It is quality time at its best! 

Here are some General Tips:

ANZ Stadium Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Make sure though that your kids will not be disadvantaged.  Plan the vacation dates towards the end of school terms about one week ahead.  Or vice-versa,  towards the start of a new term when your kids won't be missing too much school, depending on how long you'll be away.  Make sure you inform the school and their teachers.  You can also request for handouts and other important notes and organize rescheduling of tests, homework submissions, etc. 

• During school holidays, travel by train is cheaper using Countrylink. There is a deal where kids travel for one dollar with two paying adults and up to three kids, all for a dollar each!  Check the website or the nearest Countrylink in major train station

Wollemi National Park Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Before going to the holiday of your choice, research places of interest which offer free entry or free escorted tour.  Many Australian government-owned museums are free to the public and go there first.  In Canberra, the Australian War Memorial and Australian Parliament is free to the public.  There are heaps of things to see and learn from a visit to this place.  You will be able to impress upon your children the importance of preserving peace and the sacrifices our forefathers did to preserve it!  At Australian Museum (Sydney), after 4 P.M. is free also.  Do check before going as rules sometimes change with the seasons.

Harbour Bridge Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Compare fares, accommodations and holiday packages using reputable websites and show these to your travel agent.  See if he/she can give you a better deal or equal what you got in the net without having to go back to those sites.  Sometimes, it is better travel agents do the work if you have multiple trips.  One site that we always use is expedia.com.au (I booked our Japan and US trips here) as air and hotel packages are offered at discounted rates.  These days, I also book with bestcruises.com.au (South Pacific cruise), ozcruising.com.au (for our Tasmania cruise) ~ this one even has a 5-day cooling off period when you book.  Then a small deposit and you pay six weeks before your sail so it is like a lay-by-plan!  Another good site is cruiseaway.com.au where I booked our New Zealand cruise and our latest one for 2012, another cruise to several points in Asia.

• Follow the exchange rates of your currency and go when the Australian dollar will have a greater exchange rate. 

Archibald Fountain at Hyde Park Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Take some essentials with you when travelling to save time and money.  If you are family of four like us, you are allowed at least 80 kilos of luggage for international flights so you can take sachets of coffee, powdered milk, choco drink, even your kids' favourite cereals in case you do not know the area where you're going at first.  Little snacks, biscuits and small drinks in tetra packs (must be in your checked-in luggage and depends on the customs regulations there).  Or, get them at the local supermarket.  Don't forget to take basic family medicines like paracetamol, antihistamines, and puffers for allergies/asthma.  You need doctor's prescriptions/letter for off the counter medication.

• Your kids need not necessarily see all the theme parks which are often expensive, or zoos/aquariums in a particular place.  Instead, National Parks/Reserve (especially in Australia) are usually free or have discounted rates to families so better go there where there's something for everyone.  It will be fun spotting native birds and other animals on your own.

Darling Harbour Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Always take a small cooler bag with you and some disposable plates and cutleries when travelling domestic or abroad.  After a few days, eating in restaurants can not only be expensive but tiring for the kids so having your own take away food or if you can cook your own meal, or barbecue in parks with barbecue facilities will also be equally appealing for the whole family.  No need to worry kids will misbehave or annoy anyone.

Tobogganing in Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Make sure you join the frequent flyer program of the airline you're flying.  They are usually free.  For example, it is Asia Miles for Cathay Pacific Airlines in partnership with Qantas and many airlines.  As member, you're also allowed more luggage, like 23 instead of 20 kilos for some frequent flyer clubs.  A very good one is Etihad's Guest program as I just recently got my free Tablet (Creative Ziio) from redeeming our miles from last years', including free delivery which was within a week.  We still have a good number of points ~ my boys are just having a hard time choosing what to get!  Who said Japan is expensive?  We saved around AUSHongkong.  Many Pinoys also use Philippine Airlines so make sure you join PAL's Mabuhay Club.  The points can be transferred to relatives as far as I know.  Sometimes, points can be redeemed for domestic travel.

• If flying or cruising is expensive for you (which you can save up for in the future), then one cheap way is to go camping.  If you are a member of NRMA (motoring organization) this group can help you plan your getaway easily.  Or get together with your family and friends for a night or two or even a week of pure adventure  with the barest of essentials!  There is a huge number of family friendly caravanning and camping places to choose from anywhere you are.  Let your fingers do the walking.  You can even download maps, location, places of interest, etc. from the various sites.  A good one is visitnsw.com  Even driving directions are there, you have no excuse for not going.

• If all else fails, you can always do a "staycation."  That is, stay home but take the family on day trips to your local reserve and take a picnic with you!  Or check your local papers for activities sponsored by your council as they are often FREE.

So, have fun with your family!  You don't need to buy them expensive presents or clothes, toys and computer games that usually don't last anyway.  Your time spent with them will be with them for as long as they live.  Trust this mum of two boys ~ 12 and 16!  So far, the boys have been to over twenty countries and counting.

Cheers and happy travelling!

Note: Re-posted with the permission from the Author. Published in "Ang Kalatas" a community newspaper in Sydney, Australia

Author Bio: 
Marie is a Tasmania-based columnist whose writings appeared in journals and community newspapers in Australia. Her work "If I were a flower" won in a writing competition held in Melbourne. She is the founder of Global Citizens Care Movement helping needy children of her native country, the Philippines.