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

THE U.S.A - WEST COAST!

This weeks topic is miscellaneous! Each member of the blog is choosing a country of their choice to write about! I'm starting the week off by posting about The United States of America! 

This map has been taken off the City Data Site

The United States of America (U.S.A) is one of the most recognised countries in the world and is made up of 50 states. It is home to many A-list celebrities, spectacular natural landmarks, beautiful coastal areas and architectural wonders. Their national day is the 4th of July and is celebrated nationwide.

Today's post will be focusing on the west coast of The U.S.A! The west coast is made up of the states California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Arizona. Each state is unique and has their own flag. The states which are the most tourist-drawn are California, Nevada and Arizona as they have so many sites to visit and things to do.

This photo of Hollywood, LA, CA was taken from the Air Pano Site

California is well known for its sunshine, beachy atmosphere and is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. Thanks to the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, California is always lively and offers so many things to people of all ages including shopping, beach trips, scenic walks, theme parks and delicious dining opportunities. On top of these major cities there are sites inland which are popular visiting sites such as Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. 

This photo of The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA was taken from the Jet Blue Site

This photo of Yosemite National Park, CA was taken from Yosemite Hikes Site

Nevada is home to the one and only Las Vegas which is their main tourist attraction on top of Death Valley. Las Vegas is a well-known city famous for its never ending nightlife, amazingly themed hotels, 24/7 casinos, shopping adventures and fine dining. The two most popular destinations in Las Vegas are The Strip and Fremont Street, which is where all the magic happens.

This photo of the Las Vegas sign, NV, was taken from The New York Post site

Arizona or "The Grand Canyon State" is home to... you guessed it, The Grand Canyon. Arizona is the red rock state of the country and has many different cities and landmarks which are surrounded by gorgeous red rock formations. Since Arizona isn't on the coast, it does get quite hot too!  

This photo of The Grand Canyon, AZ, was taken from the American Clean Energy Resources Trust

Top Tourist Destinations

1. Hollywood - Los Angeles, California

2. Disneyland - Anaheim, California

3. The Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, California

4. San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California

5. The Rollercoaster at the New York New York Hotel - Las Vegas, Nevada

6. MnM's World - Las Vegas, Nevada

7. Paris Hotel - Las Vegas, Nevada

8. The Grand Canyon - Arizona

9. Monument Valley - Kayenta, Arizona/Utah

This photo from Disneyland in Anaheim, CA was taken from Del Sol Inn's site

If you love what you've been reading over the past couple weeks, stay tuned for more! I can guarantee there will be something for everyone! Don't forget to follow us on twitter too! @getawaytravelmq

-Michelle

Travel to South Korea!

Named the most innovative country in the world, South Korea (officially The Republic of Korea) is a must see travel destination for anyone wanting to experience a rich 5000 year history with a modern and thriving culture. Known for it's recent global prominence in music, drama, cuisine and unique culture, South Korea is an essential travel destination to experience this rich culture.

Image taken from Inhabitat.com

Seoul

With a population of over 25 million, South Korea's Capital City, Seoul, is a must see location. Small streets lined with neon lights, karaoke rooms, energetic music and spicy food stalls, this city with leave a strong impression on all the senses. If the excitement of nightlife is not in your interests, take time out to visit on of Korea's famous bathhouses (jjimjilbang) known for their ice rooms and hot pools, this unique relaxing experience is like no other.

Image taken from goabroad.com

Jeju Island

If you are looking for a more serene experience, take some time out to visit Jeju Island. Popular amongst honeymooners, this destination with its colourful rural life,  numerous beaches and volcanic structures lives up to it's hype. Take some time to explore the island and see the natural wonder that South Korea has to offer.

Image taken from globalgeopark.org

Gyeongsang

If you wish to experience the vast history of South Korea, Gyeongsang is a must see location for travellers. This unique location was home to the Silla Kingdom which ruled for almost a thousand years, shown through the jewels and tombs that remain there today. Perfect for hiking and site seeing, Gyeongsang is definitely worth visiting.

Image taken from english.daegu.go.kr

For more information on travelling to South Korea visit the official Korea Tourism Page

Remember to check our our twitter page @getawaytravelmq for more updates of travel!

-Jessica

Vietnam!

Up next we have Vietnam! Vietnam is a popular destination, particularly for anyone who appreciates the natural beauty of the well known beaches and coastal areas, the impressive and historic buildings, the fragile and culturally rich ancient structures as well as the amazing and unique flavours of the Vietnamese cuisine. 

This photo at Hoan Kiem Lake was taken off the Lonely Planet Site

This photo of Sam Son Beach was taken from Vietnam's Travel Site

The capital city, Hanoi, is situated in the northern part of the country on the Red River and is well known for its detailed and historically rich architecture throughout the city as well as its amazing sightseeing opportunities. The Buddhist Temple, known as the One Pillar Pagoda, in particular is a major attraction in Hanoi and is a popular destination for anyone interested in the unique structure of the building as well as the history behind it. On top of that there are so many more architectural sites available to visit and explore such as shrines, temples, pagodas, museums, the opera house, the ancient citadel and the famous Ancient or Old Quarter.

This photo of the One Pillar Pagoda has been taken off Vietnam's Travel Site

This photo of The Opera House was taken from the Lonely Planet Site

Moving on from history and architecture, Vietnam is also well known for it's fine cuisine, unique tastes and diverse places to dine. From traditional Vietnamese cuisines to exquisite French Restaurants and Outback Steakhouses, Vietnam offers a whole range of delicious and exotic foods for everyone to enjoy. 

This photo was taken from the Oriental Suite Hotel Site

So what are you waiting for! Visit Vietnam today!
Stay tuned for more posts and don't forget to follow us on twitter at @getawaytravelmq! 

-Michelle

China!

Ever want to travel the beautiful country of China? China is popular for its wonderful tour destinations- its antique sites, relics, imperial palaces, water towns, natural wonders, amazing cultural heritage, rich customs and landmarks! Along with the country’s interesting history, it is the perfect country to not only explore, but also undertake a learning experience that you’ll never forget!

Explore China’s history, local food and drinks, culture, religion and beliefs though different activities and landmarks that will blow you away! This country is perfect for taking beautiful pictures, with amazing buildings and backgrounds. As one of the four great ancient civilizations, China’s size is approximately the size of USA or Europe alone. With the capital city being Beijing, its population of 1.3 billion people is located Eastern Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean. This enormous, mysterious, and beautiful land offers you a great variety for you to explore!

Top places you must visit:

1.     Great Wall of China

2.     Forbidden City

3.     Terracotta Army

4.     Yangtze River

5.     Li River

6.     Silk Road

That's all for today! Hope you enjoy the country of China! Remember to check us out and follow us on twitter at @getawaytravelmq!

- Sandy