Travel Series: Things To Do In Wellington

1. Wellington Cable Car - The Wellington cable car has been around since 1902. It runs from Lambton Quay in the CBD to the top entrance of the Botanic Garden and Kelburn Lookout. The terminus for the cable car at Kelburn is also adjacent to the Cable Car Museum (free) which houses two of the original cable cars. This is a great way to see part of the city, as well as views over Wellington.

2. National Museum Of New Zealand - Te Papa - Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum. New Zealand's geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand's indigenous people, the Maori, are celebrated in Te Papa's permanent exhibitions. A Marae is also found onsite here and is a contemporary meeting house. Te Papa offers daily informative tours for visitors. Te Papa is open 365 days a here, 10am - 6pm, and is free entry (there is a small charge for special exhibits).

3. Weta Cave - Located in Miramar, Weta Cave is the place where magic is created. Home of Heavenly Creatures, The Lord Of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, Weta NZ was made famous for their visual effects used in the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy movies and has become one of the most famous and commonly used visual effect companies for most major Hollywood movies. They have one 3 Acadamy Awards for their work.This is a must see for both movie buffs and the public in general.

4. Lord Of The Rings (LOTR) Tour - Wellington Rover Tours offer both a half day and a full day LOTR tour for avid movie buffs and fans alike. It takes you through Wellington where you can see locations used in the Trilogy right through to Kaitoke Regional Park the home of Rivendell. It leaves from the Wellington i-Site Visitor Centre and the full day tour also includes an Orc sized picnic lunch or cafe lunch plus a visit to the famous Weta Cave.

5. Cuba Street - Cuba Street is a registered historic landmark in New Zealand [since 1995]. Cuba Street was named after an early 1840 settler ship to New Zealand. Cuba Street is a melting pot of culinary wonder, buskers, art galleries and quirky cafes. It is also the home of the infamous bucket fountain.

6. Katherine Mansfield Birthplace - Katherine Mansfield Beauchamp is New Zealand's most famous author and one of the world's best known short story writers. This historic house has been restored, and the room where Katherine Mansfield was born has been set up so that you can travel back to 1888, the year she was born. This house is also a registered historic landmark in New Zealand.

7. Parliament Buildings - A visit to the capital city of New Zealand would not be complete without a visit to the Parliament buildings. Take a free guided tour of 1970's styled Beehive building, Parliamentary Library and Parliament House.

8. Reserve Bank Museum - Celebrate New Zealand's economic heritage and history by visiting the Reserve Bank Museum. An extensive range of memoribilia, artifacts, and rare notes and coins can be found here along with New Zealand's only working Moniac economic modelling computer. Admission is free.

If you've missed the rest of the Travel Series, you can find it here.

Travel Series: What's In My Carry On Bag

When I talk about 'carry on bag' I am specifically talking about the 1 piece of 'personal' carry on luggage airlines allow you to have. For woman this is a handbag and for men this could be a small backpack.

In my carry on bag I like to have the following items. These items allow me travel on an air plane in comfort while also keeping myself entertained and allow me to have my valuable items with me incase my checked luggage was to go missing.

1. Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer - Airports and planes in general are full of bacteria with travellers going about their business. It's always great to have some anti-bac hand santizer in my handbag for those moments when you're needing a quick snack and the public restrooms are at the other end of the gate but you need to wash your hands before eating. My preferred brand is Purell, I just find it has a nicer smell and doesn't leave your hands as sticky as other brands do. 
2. Glasses - I am blind as a bat, I won't be going anywhere without them. The style I have is called 'Dorita' from Specsavers.
3. Contacts & Solution - Sometimes a girl likes to look pretty without glasses. Plus wearing contacts can sometimes be more convenient than wearing glasses. 
4. Wallet - When travelling I like to take a small wallet that only holds the neccissities - ID, Eftpos Card, Credit Card and Cash. 
5. Hair Tie - I always like to travel with my hair up and out of my face. This makes it easier to see where I'm going and what I'm doing. 
6. Jewellery - I keep any jewellery I am taking with me in a travel makeup roll I received with my jewellery box. 
7. Lip Balm - Lucas Paw Paw - miracle worker. Not only is it great for dry or cracked lips (which I am prone to) but it's also great for pimples, itchy bites or rashes.
   
8. Hand Cream - Travelling, public toilet hand soap and air conditioning all lead to dry hands therefore having hand cream on hand is a must. I prefer to use hand cream by L'Occitane.
9. Phone - I take my phone from home and purchase a sim in Australia when I arrive. I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S4. 
10. iPod - Everyone needs something to drown their annoying seat neighbour out with. I have own an iPod touch. 
11. Headphones - To go with the iPod and also so I have the luxury of having my own personal headphones to use with any in-seat entertainment I may have (screen on seat in front). I use Sony branded ear buds. 
12. Reusable Shopping Bag - You never when you will need another small bag to carry something. 
13. Camera - I always carry a camera on me at all times, even more so now that I am really getting into this whole blogging thing. I love being able to capture everything so that memories of our trips can last forever. The camera model I prefer to carry with me is the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX30V.
14. Tablet - Taking a tablet with me enables me to watch movies, read books, play games on the airplane, while waiting at the airport, or just when having some quiet time in my hotel room. I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab3 8".

{all liquids will be in a quart [sandwich sized] sized baggy}

Book - I usually take either my kindle or a hard copy book with me. For this particular trip I am only taking my phone and tablet with the Kindle App installed on both which enables me to read books while travelling.
Notebook & Pen - You always need a pen to fill in luggage tags or customs declarations. I also like to have a notebook of some kind on me in case I need to jot down any notes or things to remember. I am very much a pen and paper and list type of person.
Jumper or Jacket - This will be on my person, not necessarily in my carry on bag itself.
Passport - only applies if this is an international trip.
Travel Itinerary - Copies of tickets, travel insurance, hotel bookings, any tickets we have pre-purchased. [I also give a copy of these items along with a copy our passports to my mother in case something happens].

The following items I like to have with me as well. I purchase these once I have gone through Customs.

• Water 
• Snacks (pre-packaged snack foods), I may take some fresh foods with me if I wish on the day (brought within the airport) but I usually try to eat before getting onto the airplane. Not buying meals on board or tickets that include meals helps to save money which can then be used elsewhere on the trip.

Travel Series: How I Pack For A 5 Day Trip To Melbourne

You can see how I pack my Makeup bag here and my Toiletry bag here.

For this particular trip to Melbourne the hubby and I have decided to spend some of our time shopping. This is because Melbourne is knowing as a shopping city but also because Australia has a lot of brands and products that we do not see in New Zealand. Therefore we have made the decision to buy shoes, accessories and clothing for both work and leisure.

Due to this decision we are taking minimal clothing with us. That equates to the clothes we are wearing while travelling to Melbourne, a pair of shorts for the hubby and a pair of 3/4 tights, a cardigan and 1 pair of heels to wear the first night we are there for myself along with personal undergarments. All other clothes we will need will be purchased while in Melbourne.

We have managed to pack all other items we will require on our trip to fit into one carry-on sized suitcase. This enables us to have a lot of room in our luggage to bring back purchases [2 x 23kg checked luggage and an extra 1 x 7kg carry-on suitcase].

Below is a photograph of our carry-on sized suitcase with everything we are taking packed into it.

insert pic of packed carry on suitcase here

Travel Series: Essentials For A Melbourne Holiday

1. Map of Melbourne - We don't want to get lost now do we. A map of the inner city and surrounding suburbs is great for navigating your way through the numerous alley ways that make up Melbourne's inner city. Along with this a tram guide is also a must. Trams are Melbourne's main source of public transport and run in every direction imaginable through Melbourne. 
2. Credit Card - Melbourne is known as a shopping capital. 
3. Good walking shoes - The hubby and I love to explore when we are on vacation, this means we can walk for miles on any one day. Good walking shoes are a must for this.
4. Sunscreen - Australia is a hot country. If you are like the hubby and I then this is an essential item to have with you when on vacation in Melbourne or any city in Australia.
5. Togs - With Australia being a hot country and being super hot compared to New Zealand, togs (swimsuit) are a vital ingredient in the cooling down process whether it's in a pool or at the beach. 
6. Camera - A camera is an essential on any vacation. Everyone loves to capture their memories to last them a lifetime. 

Have you ever visited Melbourne before? If so, what would you consider to be travel essentials when visiting this marvelous city?

Travel Series: What's In My Travel Toiletry Bag

I will be using the following toiletry bag to carry both my personal toiletry items and my makeup items. 

The toiletry bag is Gainsborough brand. 

I will have the following products in my toiletry bag.

1. Toothbrush & Toothpaste - I like to keep my toothbrush in its own container when travelling, this ensures it stays clean and doesn't get contaminated by anything else in my toiletry bag. 
2. Argan Oil - I like to keep a travel sized Argan oil with me when travelling and also in my handbag when at home. I have a natural curl/wave in my hair which means my hair is prone to frizzing. Argan oil helps to keep my hair in check. 
3. Replacement blade for my razor
4. Razor - all in 1 to save space - The razor I use is a Schick Intuition. This is a great razor for use both at home and while travelling. It has the added advantage of having the shaving cream already as part of the razor through their 'Conditioning Solid'. This makes shaving very quick, easy and painless. 
5. Glasses Cleaning Spray - As I am quite blind and require glasses to see most things I always pack a glasses cleaning spray of some kind in my toiletry bag. At the moment I am using 'Lens Bright' a glass cleaning spray from Specsavers (my optometrist). 
6. Face Wash - At home I like to use a gentle foaming face wash by Aveeno. I have no preference when travelling, however I do keep any travel sized products in a small bucket inside my 'travel' bin in my bedroom. This allows me to grab any products I wish to have with me when travelling quickly and easily and ensure that they are travel sized and therefore meet airline requirements. I have chosen for this trip a Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub that is also oil free. I have sensitive skin as well as an oily t-zone. I also suffer from some eczema on my face due to allergies so I prefer a gentle face wash or scrub. 
7. Deodarant - I prefer to use a 'sensitive' deodarant as I suffer from eczema under my arms. Sensitive deodarant is known to be alcohol and frangrance free therefore won't irritate the eczema any more than it already is. For this trip I am taking a travel sized Nivea Sensitive deodarant. If I require any more while away (unlikely) then I can just purchase another one while there. 
8. Hair Ties & Clips - I like to take a range of hairties and hair clips with me on any trip, this allows me to style my hair a couple of various ways. It also enables me to keep my hair out of my face without always needing to put in in a hair tie (over use of a hair tie can lead to hair breakage). 
9. Comb - Due to my curly/wavy hair I have a hard time easily brushing my hair with a normal brush. I like to use a wide-toothed comb designed to be used in wet hair. The wide teeth allow my hair to easily pass through the comb when brushing. It also means that I can also brush my hair when wet to avoid knots. 
10. Ear Plugs - I pack these purely as a 'just-in-case'. You never know whether the hotel is going to be noisy from other people in the rooms around you, or whether the city your staying in is quite noisy or if the street your hotel is on is a noisy one. Therefore I like to pack a pair of ear plugs in my toiletry bag just in case they are needed. 
11. Baby Wipes - I use Huggies Sensitive brand baby wipes in a generic Huggies travel case. These are my preferred baby wipes for taking the initial layer of makeup off my face. I then follow up with a gentle foaming facial wash to remove any remaining traces of makeup along with other dirt and oil build up from the day. 

Two products that I am definitely taking with me but are not shown are sunblock and after sun gel. These are two essentials if you are like my hubby and I and burn. Australia is a hot country with lots of sunshine so these are must haves on any holiday there.

My makeup that I will be taking with me will also be in this toilet bag (you can see what I take here) and my makeup brushes have a travel case of their own.

Normally I would also have travel sized products of shampoo, conditioner & body wash. But for this particular trip to Melbourne I plan on buying them while I'm over there and leaving them behind in the hotel room when I leave. This is because I am wanting to save as much space as I can in my luggage for bringing things home. This trip to Melbourne while being a trip to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary is also being used as a shopping trip to stock up on clothes and accessories that we can not buy in New Zealand. Australia has many more brands and products than New Zealand, so I am using the opportunity to purchase items we don't get at home.

When I am travelling I also take with me a small bag containing feminine hygiene products {pads, tampons, panty liners etc}. For this particular trip I am taking a few more as I am expecting to have my 'time of the month' while I am in Melbourne. If I require anything else I can always purchase the items while I'm there.

What products do you like to have in your toiletry bag when travelling? Comment below.

Travel Series: Things To Do In Melbourne

1. Melbourne Aquarium - Home to over 10,000 aquatic animals including one of the world's largest saltwater Crocodiles. Melbourne aquarium covers 4 levels. 
2. Eureka Skydeck - Located on the banks of the Yarra river, Eureka offers 360° floor-to-ceiling views of the Melbourne CBD 300 meters above ground. It is the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. 
3. Old Melbourne Gaol - Melbourne's oldest prison, historic Magistrate's Court and former Police City Watch House have been around since the 1840's. Famous Australian bushranger (runaway convict) Ned Kelly was hanged here in November 1880. 
4. Dracula's Melbourne - Australia's longest running cabaret restaurant. They specialise in Vaux De Ville/Burlesque.
5. Harbour Town Melbourne - Factory Outlet Shopping
6. Luna Park - Seaside amusement park situated in St Kilda. 
7. St Kilda - A suburb in Melbourne. This is also where you will find Luna Park. St Kilda is famous for their beach and cake shops. 
8. Queen Victoria Markets - Historic markets that have been around for over a century. You can shop for everything here from Australia fruit and vegetables, and local and imported gourmet foods, to cosmetics, clothing and souvenirs. 

Have you traveled to Melbourne before? What things or places would recommend people do or see while they are there? Comment below.

Travel Series: What's In My Travel Makeup Bag

Here is a sneak peek into what's in my travel makeup bag. I have included everything I would use to put on or remove my makeup. Along with extra items like spot treatment, and tweezers etc.

I am using the same toiletry bag for my shower products and my makeup products. It has the ability to be hung up in the bathroom. It also saves room by having the same space inside equal to three makeup bags but folding up into the space of one makeup bag.

I am utilizing the top compartment of the toiletry bag for my makeup. I have put my mirror into the very bottom compartment though as that was the only place it would fit.

I am only taking the bare minimum makeup I would need for my trip to Melbourne. This is because I am wanting to buy more makeup along with clothes and accessories while I am in Melbourne. Melbourne has a much larger range of shops and brands than New Zealand.

1. Spot Treatment - This is my preferred spot treatment for any pimples that arise. I use the Simple brand as it has less chemicals than other spot treatments and I also have very sensitive skin that reacts easily to products. 
2. Eyelash Curler, Tweezers, Nail Scissors & Nail File
3. All my makeup in the top compartment of my preferred toilet bag. 
4. Baby Wipes - I use Huggies Sensitive brand baby wipes in a generic Huggies travel case. These are my preferred baby wipes for taking the initial layer of makeup off my face. I then follow up with a gentle foaming facial wash to remove any remaining traces of makeup along with other dirt and oil build up from the day. 
5. This is my preferred toilet bag empty before I packed it for my trip. I am using a Gainsborough brand toiletry bag I received free with a purchase.

1. Avon Minerals Liquid Foundation - I am the shade Creamy Natural - this is a great all over coverage foundation while still being light to wear. It's also a mineral foundation which is great for my skin.  
2. Lip balm - Lucas Paw Paw - miracle worker. Not only is it great for dry or cracked lips (which I am prone to) but it's also great for pimples, itchy bites or rashes. Natural Glow Lip Gloss in Sugar Rose- this is my go to lip balm. It is a great colour that suits me well and dresses up any outfit or makeup I have on at that time. Bobbi Brown Lipstick in #26 Wild Rose. This is my favourite shade from Bobbi Brown, it's the perfect shade of pink while also being a great bright pop of colour. {This was also my wedding day lipstick colour}
3. Translucent Powder - I prefer a matte style translucent powder as I have an oily T-Zone. It's great for setting my foundation but I also love just throwing it on by itself to help control my oily skin while also looking like I'm wearing no makeup at all. Currently I am using Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder in the shade Transparent. 
4. Blush - My go to blush of all time is Natio brand in the shade Peach Glow. It's the perfect pinky peach colour and adds just that subtle bit of colour to cheeks to make me glow. 

1. Eye Makeup Remover - I preferred brand to use is Nivea Gentle Eye Make-up Remover. I have just decanted some into a travel sized bottle. This is especially good at removing waterproof mascara. 
2. Designer Brands Shimmer Palette; Bobbi Brown #2 Bone Eye Shadow; Avon glimmer stick in the shade Quartz; Revlon Matte Eye Shadow in the shade Rich Sable which is the perfect shade of brown for filling in my eyebrows.
3. Mascara - I love having mascara with me, it's a great way to make your eyes pop without needing anything else on them. 
4. Cotton pads & Cotton ear buds - These are for using with my eye makeup remover. 
5. Foldable Mirror - Again not sure if this is a makeup item exactly, but it is essential for me. I like to be able to get close to myself when doing my makeup therefore I'm not a huge fan of doing my makeup in bathroom mirrors, not to mention the light in hotel bathrooms is very artificial. Taking a folding all-in-one mirror allows me to do my makeup where I like with great natural light, it also allows me to get up close and personal with myself while doing it. This mirror is also great for putting my contacts in and out as it has a great magnifying side. 

Makeup Brushes - I have chosen to take basic face and eye brushes with me. Enough to ensure I can do my makeup flawlessly but still be able to do a few different looks. They will be in their own travel case which will double as a brush holder once I reach my destination.
I am taking the following brushes with me: Kabuki brush; Small tapered kabuki brush; Small concealer brush; Large Angled kabuki brush (blush brush); Large flat top kabuki brush; Large rounded kabuki brush; 2 x spoolie brushes (one for brows, one for lashes); Blending brush; Small angled brush for brows; 2 x crease brushes; 2 x basic eye shadow brushes. 

Travel Series: Top 10 Travel Makeup Essentials

Here are my top ten travel makeup essentials I love to take with me on every trip, whether it's a big international trip or just a short national trip to watch a live sports game. I will have these 10 items with me no matter what. 

A lot of these items are also part of my go to items when doing my makeup at home. 

Comment below with your favourite makeup items you like to take with you when travelling.

1. Avon Minerals Liquid Foundation - I am the shade Creamy Natural - this is a great all over coverage foundation while still being light to wear. It's also a mineral foundation which is great for my skin.  
2. Mascara - I love having mascara with me, it's a great way to make your eyes pop without needing anything else on them. 
3. Translucent Powder - I prefer a matte style translucent powder as I have an oily T-Zone. It's great for setting my foundation but I also love just throwing it on by itself to help control my oily skin while also looking like I'm wearing no makeup at all. Currently I am using Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder in the shade Transparent. 
4. Lucas Paw Paw Lip balm - miracle worker. Not only is it great for dry or cracked lips (which I am prone to) but it's also great for pimples, itchy bites or rashes. 
5. Favourite palette of the moment - I like to take a palette that has a good range of colours in it so that I am ready for any situation that may arise. Currently my favourite is Designer Brands Shimmer Palette.
   
6. Eye Lash Curler - Is this a makeup item? Well to me it is. I love having this on me and will use it most days even without mascara. I have naturally long lashes so love to give them a quick curl to make them stand out more on my face and open my eyes up. 
7. Natural Glow Lip Gloss in Sugar Rose - this is my go to lip balm. It is a great colour that suits me well and dresses up any outfit or makeup I have on at that time. 
8. Blush - My go to blush of all time is Natio brand in the shade Peach Glow. It's the perfect pinky peach colour and adds just that subtle bit of colour to cheeks to make me glow. 
9. Foldable Mirror - Again not sure if this is a makeup item exactly, but it is essential for me. I like to be able to get close to myself when doing my makeup therefore I'm not a huge fan of doing my makeup in bathroom mirrors, not to mention the light in hotel bathrooms is very artificial. Taking a folding all-in-one mirror allows me to do my makeup where I like with great natural light, it also allows me to get up close and personal with myself while doing it. This mirror is also great for putting my contacts in and out as it has a great magnifying side. 
10. Bobby Brown Lipstick in #26 Wild Rose. This is my favourite shade from Bobby Brown, it's the perfect shade of pink while also being a great bright pop of colour. {This was also my wedding day lipstick colour}

Travel Series: Top Ten Travel Essentials

Below is a list of the top 10 travel essentials I prefer to have with me when travelling at all times. 

They are what make travel for me comfortable. 

1. Book - I am always reading something, whether hard copy or electronically. If I am not currently reading a hard copy book then I will have my kindle with me with whatever latest electronic book I am reading. I also like to sync my Kindle with the Kindle app for Android on my phone, that way I can read where ever and when ever I choose. The model of Kindle I own is the Kindle Keyboard 3G with Wifi.
2. iPod - Everyone needs something to drown their annoying seat neighbour out with. I have own an iPod touch. 
3. Hair Tie - I always like to travel with my hair up and out of my face. This makes it easier to see where I'm going and what I'm doing. 
4. Headphones - To go with the iPod and also so I have the luxury of having my own personal headphones to use with any in-seat entertainment I may have (screen on seat in front). I use Sony branded ear buds. 
5. Lip Balm - Lucas Paw Paw - This is a miracle worker. Not only is it great for dry or cracked lips (which I am prone to) but it's also great for pimples, itchy bites or rashes.
   
6. Antibacterial Hand Santizer - Airports and planes in general are full of bacteria with travellers going about their business. It's always great to have some anti-bac hand santizer in my handbag for those moments when you're needing a quick snack and the public restrooms are at the other end of the gate but you need to wash your hands before eating. My preferred brand is Purell, I just find it has a nicer smell and doesn't leave your hands as sticky as other brands do. 
7. Glasses - I am blind as a bat, I won't be going anywhere without them. The style I have is called 'Dorita' from Specsavers. 
8. Camera - I always carry a camera on me at all times, even more so now that I am really getting into this whole blogging thing. I love being able to capture everything so that memories of our trips can last forever. The camera model I prefer to carry with me is the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-HX30V.
9. Luggage Locks - I have a set I purchased from Strandbags in New Zealand. They are the Lanza brand and I have the colour blue. I use them on all my checked & carry on luggage but not my  personal items (handbag or backpack). These locks are great because you only need 1 key to unlock them all. 
10. Pen & Notebook - You always need a pen to fill in luggage tags or customs declarations. I also like to have a notebook of some kind on me in case I need to jot down any notes or things to remember. I am very much a pen and paper and list type of person. 

Make sure to come back to see the rest of my travel series.

New Travel Series!

Introducing....

With my upcoming travels I thought it would be a great idea to do a travel series of sorts.

I will do a different travel related post every two days or so in the lead up to my upcoming trips to Melbourne & Wellington.

The series will include the following [in no particular order]:

1. Top Ten Travel Essentials
2. Top Ten Travel Makeup Essentials
3. What's In My Travel Makeup Bag
4. What's In My Travel Toilet Bag
5. What's In My Carry On Bag
6. Essentials For A Melbourne Vacation
7. Things To Do In Melbourne
8. How I Pack For A 5 Day Trip To Melbourne
9. Things To Do In Wellington

I hope you all enjoy the series.

Feel free to leave a comment below sharing your best travel tip.