Quest Bridgewater - Kangaroo Point

55 Baildon Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169 Australia The Quest Bridgewater is conveniently located on Kangaroo Point in Brisbane QLD. I found it was easy to get to everything, while being set slightly apart and not amongst the “noisiness”. There’s a lovely view of the bridge from most rooms, however you can’t hear any traffic from inside the rooms. We were only on level 4, so it’s possible that there was a view of the river from the higher levels, but not from ours. We were greeted by extremely friendly and always smiling staff every time we approached reception. However the office does close around 11pm, so you need to check in before that time. I’m not sure what time the office reopens in the morning – I’m not a morning person,...

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Posted in: brisbane,hotel,hotel review,kangaroo point,QLD,queensland,quest,quest bridgewater

The Muppets - New movie Soundtrack

Coming out this week! Can't wa...

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Posted in: disney,muppets,preview,soundtrack muppet movie,trailer

Will this tide you over?

Wow, it's pretty obvious that my posts have been lacking recently... All I can do is apologise and offer some lame arse excuses though... So here they are! 1. Sorry, but I'm still sorta hoping that someone might decide to publish the review I've done on the Excellence Riviera Cancun, so I don't really want to blow that by publishing it myself on the blog first... To keep you happy though, here's a few photos! 2. Sorry, but I really haven't been anywhere recently to review... I've driven through a few small towns, and yes I did grab some snaps on the way through and I do propose to post those too, it just hasn't happened yet! 3. Sorry, but I'm trying to get some of my diploma done, so I can eventually actually call myself a Travel Journalist... However I probably...

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Posted in: excellence riviera cancun,excuses,no time

I know, I know...

Yes, I've been a really bad blogger, I know!There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day at the moment, even now I'm behind my desk at work looking over my should as I hastily type away.Here is just a selection of some good websites to get your travel fix;Trip AdvisorTravelzooSydney Morning Herald - TravelJetsetterEach of the above websites offers tips, tricks and opinions on different travel deals.Hopefully that will keep the travel bug at bay for now...

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Posted in: escape travel,travel deals,travel sites,travelzoo,trip advisor

Getting Published

Eeek, I sent an enquiry letter off to an editor today regarding an article I'd like to get published. Wish me luc...

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Posted in: article writing,publishing

Excellence Riviera Cancun - Footage

Here is some footage I took while on Honeymoon in Mexico, staying at the Excellence Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos. I'm pretty much the opposite of professional when it comes to videos, but this shakey footage was taken from our room's balcony. It was on level 3 of building 9 in the excellence club. This was an amazing resort, and a more in depth review will follow. http://youtu.be/5xcscICxbdw...

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Posted in: excellence riviera cancun,mexico,puerto morelos

Newport Mirage

The Newport Mirage is located in a beautiful spot, overlooking the Pittwater. It’s situated away from all busy roads, but close enough that even the country folk can find their way to the busier areas.The rooms are well looked after, and kept very clean, while offering amenities such an iron and ironing board, a hair dryer, heating and cooling and a mini bar with tea making facilities.Unfortunately after those facts, the Newport Mirage is lacking.Is it just me? Or would this drive you insane too?There... That's better...Check in was fast and easy, and while the lady helping us wasn’t rude by any meals, she definitely wasn’t all that friendly either. I don’t begrudge her that though, who’s to say that she hadn’t just been abused by the last...

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Posted in: airport hotel,hotel review,mirage,newport,newport mirage,pittwater

Cheap flights from Australia to Japan

Jetstar are currently holding a sale for flights between Australia and Japan during September and October.Be flexible with dates and you should be able to find return flights for around $500 between the Gold Coast and Tokyo.Cairns to Tokyo (Narita) 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2011 $209Gold Coast to Osaka 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2011 $229Gold Coast to Tokyo (Narita) 02 Sep - 31 Oct 2011 $229Cairns to Osaka 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2011 $249Sydney to Osaka 01 Sep - 20 Sep 2011 & 12 Oct - 27 Oct 2011 $290 - Via Gold Coast onlyMelbourne (Tullamarine)to Tokyo (Narita) 06 Sep - 20 Sep 2011 & 12 Oct - 25 Oct 2011 $303 - Via Gold Coast onlyMelbourne (Tullamarine)to Osaka 01 Sep - 20 Sep 2011 & 12 Oct - 25 Oct 2011 $...

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Posted in: cheap flights,flights,gold coast,japan,jetstar,tokyo

Zuji Global Hotel Sale

Zuji are currently holding a sale - for 3 more days - they have on offer over 25000 hotels from all over the world for under $99.Get in quick so you don't miss out!Zuji Global Hotel S...

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Posted in: hotel,hotel sale,sale,zuji

A Letter to Richard Branson

This has been circulating on the web since early 2009, but I saw it for the first time today, and thought it was a clever response to my own entry regarding flying with Virgin:Oliver Beale17th December 2008Dear Mr BransonREF: Mumbai to Heathrow 7th December 2008 Flying Club number obscuredI love the Virgin brand, I really do which is why I continue to use it despite a series of unfortunate incidents over the last few years. This latest incident takes the biscuit. Ironically, by the end of the flight I would have gladly paid over a thousand rupees for a single biscuit following the culinary journey of hell I was subjected to at the hands of your corporation.Look at this Richard. Just look at it:I imagine the same questions are racing through...

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Posted in: flights,inflight meals,oliver beale,ref: mumbai to heathrow 7th December 2008,richard branson,virgin

V Australia - Sydney to Los Angeles

In February 2011 we jetted off on our second trip using V Australia as our main carrier.We flew from Sydney to LA non stop with the rest of the commoners in economy class. According to Virgin’s web site the economy seats have 81cm of leg room, and a 15cm recline. If you so desire, you can also organise to have an “Extra Leg Room Seat” which gives you just that.Each seat also has its own personal screen with the ability to choose from dozens of movies and TV shows to keep you occupied during the flight. Also available is seat to seat chatting and games where you can challenge other passengers.I love individual screens when flying, with just a couple of movies, a TV show or two, dinner, breakfast and a bit of a sleep you find yourself arriving...

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Posted in: cheap flights,customer service,flights,long haul economy,V Australia,v australia review

Why Disney?

It's not uncommon for people to question why most of my holidays seem to centre around Disney.What can I say? They know how to make things magic...

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Posted in: breakdancing,breakdancing mickey,disney,disney magic,Disneyland,experience,magic,mickey mouse,travel,walt disney world

Travel Writing & Photography

I've just enrolled in a course titled "Travel Writing & Photography" through the Australian College QED.I'm hoping that this course will give me better insight into what I'm doing here, and help me create more comprehensive - and interesting - articles. Hopefully when I come out the other end I'll be able to write reviews that people will want to read. If all goes well I will also come out with a diploma of journalism. I think I'll add that to my profile when I get it. Gives me some credibility!I'm doing the course through correspondence, and my first pack arrived today. I've read through the paperwork and am itching to get started. So far all I've done is complete half of the information on the front page, with information such as my name, address and phone number...I hope I've passed...

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Posted in: Australian college,correspondence,diploma,diploma of journalism,journalism,photography,travel,travel journalism,travel writing,travel writing and photography

Port Orleans Riverside Resort – Walt Disney World.

photo by Misty MiottoAs with all Disney resorts, the attention to detail here is second to none. The themeing at the Port Orleans Riverside is that of old Louisiana – with the back water bayou making up half of the resort, and the stately mansions being the other part. These two sections respectively called the Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend. Disney’s Magical Express, a bus service made available to guests staying at Disney Resorts, picked us up from the airport. The bus first made stops at the Yacht Club and the Boardwalk, which made the trip feel long, however as the excitement for Disney builds I’m sure any trip feels like a lifetime! Check in was quick and efficient. Sonia – from South Australia! – Checked us in, and asked about our...

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Posted in: disney,disney resort,escape travel,florida,orlando,orlando resort,port orleans,port orleans riverside,port orleans riverside resort,walt disney world,yehaa bob

Crowne Plaza LAX

I didn’t take photos around the Crowne Plaze – I know, bad blogger! – I was just really jet lagged! However I have appropriated some photos from the hotel’s website just to give you a small glimpse into how it looks. This hotel is perfect for those who are having a stop over at LA, or just prefer to stay close to the airport. According to its description, it is located less then a mile from the main terminals, but we were never once disturbed by the sound of planes. Getting to the Crowne Plaza from LAX was very simple, you just head out to the Islands and look for the hotel shuttle signs, several buses will stop, but you just need to look for the one with your hotels name on it. Easy!The staff here are very friendly, and extremely helpful....

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Posted in: airport,airport accommodation,airport hotel,Crowne Plaza,Crowne Plaza LAX,hotel review,travel

Travelzoo Top 20 - US Edition

$999 -- Madrid 6-Night Vacation incl. 5-Star Hotel & Air Source: Sceptre Tours$79 & up -- Brand-Wide Sale into May, incl. Sheraton & W Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts$89 -- Beverly Hills: Luxe 4-Course Dinner for 2 (Reg. $209)Source: The Restaurant at L'Ermitage$439 -- Dominican Republic All-Inclusive 5-Night Trip w/AirSource: CheapCaribbean.com$99 -- Coastal California Inn w/Breakfast & Wine TastingsSource: Apple Farm Inn$699 & up -- Balcony Cabins on 7-Night Cruises w/$100 CreditSource: Royal Caribbean$279 -- Luxe Sedona Getaway for 2 w/$240 in Spa TreatmentsSource: Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa$99 -- Cancun 4-Star All-Inclusive Beach Resort, 60% OffSource: BookIt.com$279 -- NYC: Glam New Hotel in SoHo w/Breakfast (Reg. $409)Source: Mondrian SoHo$699 -- Costa Rica...

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Posted in: discount,holidays,savings,specials,travel,travel deals,travelzoo,travelzoo top 20

Travelzoo Top 20 - Australian Edition

While I gather my thoughts, and all my photos from my most recent trip, I thought I'd try and tide you over, by posting Travelzoo's weekly top 20 travel deals.Travelzoo scan the web to bring you the best travel deals out there, and deliver them to your inbox every week. To take advantage of the deals all you need to do is subscribe to Travelzoo's emails.$662-$682 -- Fiji 4-Night Holiday inc Flights from Sydney Source: Expedia.com.au$88 -- Gold Coast 1-Bedroom Apartments, $72 OFF Source: Mantra Bel Air$115 -- Canberra: Award-Winning 4.5-Star Hotel, SAVE $145 Source: Crowne Plaza Canberra$55 & up -- Domestic Flight Sale, 60+ Routes Reduced Source: Virgin Blue$76 -- Top-Rated Thai Beach Resort w/Brekkie & Transfers Source: Ramada Resort Khao Lak$121 -- 4-Star Sydney Hotel inc Upgrade...

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Posted in: travel,travel deals,travelzoo,travelzoo top 20

Vacation Notice

Just a quick update to let everyone know that there will be very few - if any - posts over the coming weeks.It's finally time for me to go away and get married!! I don't know what I'm more excited about, the wedding or the holiday! (Who am I kidding? Of course I'm more excited about the holiday!!)Of course once I'm back there will be several updates, detailing everything I've done while away!!Have a happy Feb/March everyon...

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