Tag Archives: vacation

Packing List for a Summer New Zealand Trip

I packed a carry-on bag and backpack to New Zealand.  Below is what I brought and what I would leave at home if I had a time machine. 2 books because it was a long journey. 1 book would have been fine in retrospect.   The longer flights always have entertainment and it’s best to get some […]

The Best Souvenirs in New Zealand

If you’re visiting New Zealand, below are the most unique gifts or souvenirs to look for on the North and South Island. ROTORUA MUD Mud is perhaps the most basic of all the face masks, dating back to 1200 BC. This mud takes it up a notch. Although there is geothermal activity in several places […]

What to Eat in New Zealand

Food is not the reason to go to New Zealand. That being said, there are definitely some must try dishes when you are there: HAND PIES No forks allowed!  You’ll find these everywhere.  The most popular are mince pies and some variety of chicken.  I highly recommend the Steak and Cheese at Fergbaker or the […]

Epic Two Week New Zealand Itinerary

Total Days: 14 days not including 2+ travel days | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels | Transportation: Rented a car | Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on nature and scenery, with unique hiking or water-based activities | Highlights: Waiheke Island, Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Queenstown scene, Milford Sound overnight cruise, Rippon Vineyards, Hooker Valley […]

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

Total Days: 9 days on the South Island | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels in central downtown Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, Mount Cook, Tekapo and Christchurch, and one night on a Milford Sound Cruise | Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on mountains, hiking and unique scenery  | Highlights: Queenstown scene, Milford Sound, Rippon Vineyard, […]

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Total Days: 6 | Accommodations: Hotels/Hostels | Transportation: Aukland is walkable and rented a car for the rest of the trip| Traveled with: A girlfriend | Type of Trip: Focus on beaches and unique scenery  | Highlights: Waiheke Island, Tongariro Crossing Hike, beach walks and kayaking trips There are so many different routes you could […]

New Zealand Travel Tips and Fun Facts

Useful information and tidbits before traveling to NZ! Kiwis (the bird) are nocturnal so don’t expect to see them out and about! We spoke to life-long locals who had never seen a Kiwi in the wild. New Zealand is very clean.  Even the public restrooms are some of the nicest I’ve ever been in. The […]

4 Days in Doha Itinerary

Total Days: 4 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in West Bay, Doha | Transportation: Taxis and some walking | Traveled: With a girlfriend| Type of Trip:  Treating yourself to Middle Eastern culture and food | Highlights:  Souks, Desert Safari, Al Thakira Mangroves Forest DAY 1  At a glimpse:  A quintessential Doha dayTravel agenda: Once you’ve made […]

Why you should go to Doha instead of Dubai!

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is the “little sister” city to Dubai.  While Dubai offers ample accolades and record-breaking landmarks including the best hotel, tallest building and largest mall by total area, visitors in Doha won’t be disappointed with the Arabic-inspired architecture, waterfront sand dunes and authentic Middle-Eastern attractions. Not the largest in the world, […]

Lessons Learned in the UAE

Tips and interesting facts to read before traveling to Dubai or other parts of the UAE! Dubai is a show-off. The city currently holds the following records: tallest building, largest indoor ski resort, best hotel, largest flower garden, largest performing fountain and the list goes on. Residents are so wealthy they have buildings erected so […]