Our VLOG! - Travel Destinations

Hey guys, Getaway Travel are back with an awesome VLOG POST! The video, which is linked below, showcase some of the different places our group has travelled to over the years! The video includes an introduction of all of the team members following many amazing photos and videos from all over Asia, Australia and America! All photos and videos were taken by all of the team here at Getaway Travel and we highly recommend everyone to visit as many of these places as soon as possible :)

Some popular destinations included in the video are:

1. Osaka, Japan
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia
4. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
5. Melbourne CBD, Australia 
6. San Francisco Bay, California, U.S.A
7. Niagra Falls, Ontario/New York, Canada/U.S.A
8. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, U.S.A
9. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah, U.S.A
10. Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A

and so much more!

This video was created by Michelle, Sandy, Youi, Dom and Jess - the members of Getaway Travel!:)

All photos and videos are owned by the members of Getaway Travel. 

Each member of the group played different roles in creating and putting together both the video and the blog. We contributed photos and videos to be put in the video as well as found a meeting time, around our super busy schedules, to get together to film some components of the video and to put together all the work we had done. 

In terms of creating the video, Sandy took care of all of the technical aspects of it, whilst the rest of the group gave her ideas and content to be incorporated into it. I (Michelle) took care of the voice over, whilst being in charge of finding suitable music to go with our video, so I made sure to find something which was upbeat and appropriate for our topic, as well as creating this blog post :). Dom found us a lovely camerawoman to shoot the video components we made appearances in too. 

All group members blogged and tweeted on their desired day, throughout our blogging process, about places of interest to them, whether we had been there or not!  

So everyone, we're signing off for now! Thank you all and we hope you enjoyed our posts! Don't forget to follow us on twitter too ;) @getawaytravelmq

Until next time!

- Michelle

France!

Today's post is going to be all about the city of romance... Paris, France!

Being well known for it's romantic atmosphere and being one of the cities with the most recognizable architecture, Paris is a haven for anyone intrigued by it's iconic beauty as well as the exquisite and unique cuisine, the many valuable and highly admirable artworks and the go-to place for finding new and stylish fashion trends. 

This photo of The Louvre was taken from the Lonely Planet Site

The most iconic sites in Paris include The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre, The Pantheon, Arc De Triomphe and Disneyland Paris Resort. These places definitely all play a role in enriching the culture of the city and the country. 

This birds eye photo of the Arc De Triomphe was taken from the Thousand Wonders Site

The Eiffel Tower is the most well-recognized site and major tourist attraction in Paris as well as being the tallest structure there too. The Eiffel Tower is built beside the River Seine in the city and attracts thousands of locals and tourists each year. There are staircases and lifts available for the public to use, after purchasing tickets at the ticket booth, to ascend the tower. There are also restaurants built within the tower which you can dine at... But get in quick, as spots fill up fast!

This photo of The Eiffel Tower has been taken from history.com

A popular activity to partake in whilst in Paris is attending Cabarets, which are evening events that include dinner and a spectacular show at classic venues. The ever so popular Moulin Rouge shows on a regular basis and has spectacular costumes as well as featuring professional performers. Because of the popularity, these shows sell out super quick, so just like anything in Paris... Get in quick! 

This photo of a Cabaret set up for Moulin Rouge was taken from the Come To Paris site

The video below is a great city guide if you're ever interested in roaming the streets of Paris! Well worth the watch!

 Courtesy of The Lonely Planet

That's a wrap for today's post! Hope you enjoyed reading it! Keep your eyes peeled for more content from us in the future! Right now we are planning a VLOG!! This will be uploaded soon :) and don't forget to follow us on twitter too :)
@getawaytravelmq

-Michelle

Travel to Mexico!

Mexico, located in North America, is bordered by The United States and Guatemala and is surrounded by The Gulf of Mexico and the North Pacific Ocean. Mexico spans across almost 2 million square kilometres making it the fifth largest country in the Americas. Rich in culture and diversity, Mexico is a unique destination for tourists. The country itself is home to many picturesque sites both natural and man made such as the iconic Mexico City, Los Cabos and Riviera Maya.

Mexico City

Image from The Guardian

Mexico City is one of the most expansive metropolitan areas in the world and encompasses 16 boroughs and over 300 neighbourhoods. For tourists, Mexico city offers a range of site seeing and educational experiences. Visit the historic centre where you can see The National Palace, The Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, Alameda Park, The Palace of Fine Arts, Plaza de la Constitucion and Plaza Garibaldi where you can listen to live mariachi music. 

Los Cabos

Image from Barcelo.com

Los Cabos, also known as Land's End is located at the southmost point of The Baja Peninsula, south of California. It's because of this close proximity to The United States that Los Cabos has two very distinct cultural personas. One part emanates an authentic Mexican town with intimate restaurants and boutiques and cobblestone streets. On the other hand, Los Cabos is a party central with bars and clubs and a Luxury Avenue Mall surrounding the marina. 

Riviera Maya

Image from todoviajes.com

Riviera Maya is located along the Caribbean coast of from Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve. Riviera was once home to a cluster of small fishing villages but has since been upgraded to a tourist hot spot. With high-end luxury resorts, fine dining, nightlife, spa retreats and shopping, this location offers a luxury for tourists wishing to unwind and relax. The physical landscape itself is too something to marvel at with powdery white sand washed with crystal clear turquoise water.

For more information about travel and holidays, follow our twitter page @getawaytravelmq !

-Jessica

Machu Picchu!

For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent.

History

Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca site, located 2,430m above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley. It is the most famous of all Inca sites but it was not until 1911 that it was brought to the world’s attention by the American historian Hiram Bingham. The Incas abandoned the city just prior to Spanish colonisation meaning that the Spanish conquerors never had a chance to pillage the city. As a result the ruins are still in fantastic condition and given the location of the city – on a dramatic ridgeline　surrounded by sheer cliffs and the Urubamba River on three sides – it truly is a remarkable place to visit. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and in 2007 it was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Trekking to Machu Picchu

This classic trek along the historic Inca Trail is considered by many to be one of the great short treks of the world, and is a superb introduction to trekking in the Andes. Importantly, we spend ample time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley whilst acclimatising to the altitude before heading out onto the trail. Our Inca Trail itinerary differs from most as we avoid the busier camp sites. We ascend the jungle trails and cloud forest to appreciate the panorama of Andean peaks that would have inspired the Inca people as we make our way to Machu Picchu. Words cannot describe the exhilaration of the first sighting of these enigmatic ruins. Rather than heading back to Cusco we spend a night in Aguas Calientes, and this vitally gives us the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu at its best, early the following morning before the crowds arrive. Both pre and post the trek we have time to explore the Cusco we know so well, delving into a selection of Spanish taverns, cathedrals and colourful Andean markets.

New York!

Renowned for its stunning architecture and iconic sites, New York is a travel hot spot for tourists wishing to explore North America. New York, the 27th most-extensive and fourth most populous state in The United States of America. Bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania, New York is home to some of the most iconic attractions that America has to offer. With Heated summers and chilly winters, the best time to explore this state is in the Spring and Autumn seasons.

Photo by Marley White

Times Square

Decorated with bright lights and an array of billboards, Times Square is an iconic tourist destination and a must see location for anyone visiting New York! Take a stroll around the dazzling streets filled with broadway shows, hand made art and Jewellery or sit down and dine in Restaurant Row. This location is sure to intrigue the senses.

Photo by Julienne Schaer

Brooklyn Bridge

Featured in some of the most iconic films and television series, Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark that you can see for yourself in New York. Take a stroll on this historic site and marvel at the views stretching across New York City!

Image taken from Wikipedia

Bronx Zoo

For a family friendly outing, take a trip to Bronx Zoo. Titled the largest urban wildlife preserve in the world, Bronx zoo is home to over 5000 animals of over 600 species. Safari your way through The Congo Gorilla Forest or venture through the Madagascar exhibition where you can get up close and personal with animals from lemurs to crocodiles. Bronx Zoo overs a pay-what-you-wish service every Wednesday and is open to the public seven days a week, perfect for keeping kids busy. 

If you enjoy posts like this don't forget to follow our twitter page @getawaytravelmq where we will be posting updates for all your travelling needs!

-Jessica

CANADA

• 250,000-plus lakes
• 553m tall CN Tower overlooks Lake Ontario.
• 90 plus Niagara region wineries offer award-winning vintages.

Ontario is a province that offers a diverse range of experiences. Visit world-famous Niagara Falls, then enjoy the culinary bounty in the wine country that surrounds it. With thousands of fresh water lakes and rivers, as well as the St. Lawrence River, Ontario is bordered on the south by four of five Great Lakes - Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Superior making it a perfect destination for boating, fishing, camping and more.

Nature lovers are particularly drawn to the rugged tranquility of Algonquin Park, as well as the cottage country of Muskoka, Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain, the Kawarthas, and the Thousand Islands where the opportunities for birding, wildlife viewing, hiking, skiing and snowshoeing are exceptional. Those looking for a urban beat head for the bright lights of Toronto and Ottawa - two of Canada's largest cities and the provincial and national capitals - which offer world-class attractions, dining, theatre, performing arts, museums & galleries, shopping and more.

• Winter, from November until March, offers weather that ranges from cool and dry, to snow. In the southern parts of the province, average temperatures range from -8 C to – 1 C while northern Ontario is significantly colder, with temperatures dipping as low as -25 C and colder.
• Warm summer weather begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-September — with average daily July temperatures in the low 20s to low 30s °C in southern Ontario.
• Spring extends from late March until early June, and brings moderate temperatures across Ontario.
• Fall, from late-September to November, comes with cooler weather throughout ON and occasional snow as early as late October in parts of northern Ontario.

Niagara is one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations for a world of great reasons. Niagara Falls at a majestic 13 stories tall is the world’s second-biggest waterfall with six million cubic feet of water cascading over its brink every minute. With theme parks, water parks, wax museums, a jet-boat tour, the floral clock and more, Niagara Falls is always rocking. But it’s easy to change the pace and enjoy the peace of sipping your way through award-winning wine country, visiting some of Canada's most significant historical sites such as Queenston Heights and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara offers an enormous range of attractions - both natural and man-made!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @getawaytravelmq !

-Youssef

Hawaii!

Love being in the sun? Then you’ll love Hawaii! Famous for its beauty, atmosphere, history, beaches, waterfalls, and gardens, this is the perfect place for a vacation. With its many beautiful islands, culture, and raw beauty, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural environment it offers. You can even discover the Big Island of Hawaii, home to both mountains and active volcanoes. This is definitely a place like no other, one that you’ll never forget.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Hawaii:

11. Experience Haleakala Crater

22. Visit Pearl Habor/USS Arizona Memorial

33. Waimea Canyon

44. Na Pali Coast

55. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

66. Ka’anapali Beach

7. Mauna Kea Summit

8. Diamond Head

9. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

10. Wai’anapanapa State Park

Watch this video for more information about travelling and exploring Hawaii!

Hope you enjoyed this post on this unforgettable and breathtaking visit to Hawaii!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @getawaytravelmq !

- Sandy