Travel

Back in January, my husband, our son (20), my cousin, her husband, their two kids (15 and 13), and I—all seven of us—jetted off to the USA together for a fun trip travelling with extended family. Now, if you’ve ever travelled with a bigger group, you’ll know there’s always a chance it can turn into a logistical nightmare. Or at best, a mixed bag of good and not-so-good moments—yikes! But thankfully for us, it was neither. We had the best time and just clicked. The whole trip felt easy, and that is exactly what you hope for when you’re on a fun holiday together, right? It would be so disappointing to spend all that time planning, daydreaming, and counting down the days, only to have it turn into an awkward experience. That definitely wasn’t our story. We’d do it all again in a heartbeat — and if the stars align, we’re hoping for round two. Yay! Why Our Extended Family Trip Worked So Well So what made it all run so smoothly, and how did we manage to have such a great time as a group? Good Vibes From The Start In a nutshell, I’d say we already genuinely enjoyed each other’s company before the trip, so that was a bonus. Our kids were probably at the perfect age for it, too. One was already an adult, and the younger ones have a really nice relationship with him, full of friendly banter and playful teasing in the best way. The Group Dynamics We also had a great mix of personalities. Some of us were super laid-back, others were happy to take the lead, and there was always plenty of open, easy communication. Things like “Do you guys want to do this?” or “Should we eat here?” or “What do you think?” were asked often. Nobody felt unheard, and there wasn’t anyone trying to control the schedule or insisting we do this or that. It just felt really easy and respectful — everyone pitched in, but no one was bossy about it. Quick and Clear Decision Making Oh yes — and we also had great decision-makers, which you one hundred per cent need when you’re travelling in a group. Everyone was heard, and then a decision was made quickly… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — decision! We all loved that. There’s nothing more stressful than trying to please everyone and ending up stuck because nobody can decide. Be Flexible: How We Handled the Unexpected Even when you plan everything carefully, you have to leave room for the unexpected. For us, it was the LA fires — they started the day we landed. Definitely not something any of us saw coming! Universal Studios, which we had planned for day one, was suddenly closed for two days. On our first night, we found ourselves in our pyjamas, sitting in the hotel lobby, figuring out what to do. My cousin came up with a great plan, and we shifted things around. In the end, we still did everything, just not in the order we had planned. That’s the thing about travelling with a group — being flexible is key. Communicate Openly: Making Room for Everyone’s Wishes Communication is key when travelling with a group. I had one big bucket list item: eating at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland. I’d dreamed about it forever! I shared this during our trip planning, and everyone knew upfront that I needed my wish-come-true moment. So we booked our table and spent a few hours apart. While my husband, son, and I enjoyed the Blue Bayou, my cousins rode the Incredicoaster and a few of their favourite rides. It’s perfectly okay to split up sometimes, especially when there’s something you really want to do. Being open about it means no regrets later. Respect Different Energy Levels Travelling with extended family meant we had a wide mix of ages — some younger, some in-between, and ahem… some of us a little older. My husband had a knee replacement just eight months before we set off, so throughout the trip, he paced himself and took breaks whenever needed. He also (very sensibly) stayed back at the hotel instead of doing The Narrows hike and a couple of other more adventurous walks. I shudder to think what might have happened if he’d pushed beyond his limits. That hike through The Narrows was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had — but also one of the most challenging. We navigated stronger-than-expected currents over slippery rocks, all in below 0ºC temperatures! Plan Logistics Early to Save Stress and Money My two cousins were the major force behind all the planning — and I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it: they were total rockstars! And when it came time to book the flights, accommodation, and tickets to theme parks and experiences, they came over to my place and we did it all together. They booked for their family, I booked for mine, and it made the whole process so much easier. No confusion, no crossed wires — just a clear plan, as well as the peace of mind knowing we were locked in as a team. We booked well in advance to get the best deals and avoid the inevitable price hikes that pop up the closer you get. There’s real money to be saved by planning ahead — prices for some of our accommodation had jumped by over a thousand dollars when we checked back later. Safe to say, we were incredibly glad we made our bookings early! Pack Smart and Light for Easier Travel Less luggage meant less hassle. With seven of us on the trip, that meant seven suitcases to haul through airports and fit into the van for our road trip. We all used the same size suitcases and made a conscious effort not to overpack — and wow, what a difference it made. Since we were on the go every few days, packing light made

It’s finally time to recap the last two days of our January trip—five months later… oops! 😅 Since I wasn’t the trip planner (more on that in a sec), and we packed so much into the nearly four weeks we were away. I had to go back, retrace my steps, and piece it all together. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss any of the details. Most days, we managed to squeeze in more than one amazing place. And we didn’t slow down at the end either—with snorkelling (we went with Living Ocean Tours and they were brilliant), a visit to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, dinner at the iconic Duke’s, and a surprise stop at Hanauma Bay. Turns out, I was exactly like that person from those funny Instagram reels — you know, the one who just shows up because someone else did all the organising. If we had a script, it would go something like: “Hi, I’m my cousin J. I organised the flights, booked the accommodation, sorted the car hire, planned the road trip, booked the snorkelling adventure, secured our movie tour, mapped out hikes, and figured out which amazing places we’d visit—every single day.” “Hi, I’m Ruth.” So today, I’m covering our snorkelling trip, dinner at Duke’s, the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, and that surprise visit to Hanauma Bay. Let’s go! Snorkelling with Living Ocean Tours This was only the second time I’d ever been snorkelling. The first was on my honeymoon, where I stayed safely near the edge of a beach on Lord Howe Island, with both feet firmly planted in the sand. Before this trip, I’d never actually been out snorkelling in the open ocean. So yes, I was a little bit terrified. But since we’d booked it before leaving Sydney, I had time to mentally prepare. I listened to plenty of guided audio that helped me move past the fear and enjoy the experience. Instead of worrying about you know, things like drowning, getting lost in the ocean, or being eaten by a shark. Why Living Ocean Tours Was a Win Living Ocean Tours was absolutely fantastic! The crew were friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about marine life. The boat was clean and well-maintained, with a restroom on board. There was also plenty of space to relax, and good shade for when the sun was too much. All the gear was in top shape, and they even provided snacks and drinks! Everything was laid out and ready to go when we boarded—clean, clearly labelled snorkel gear, and crew helping everyone get fitted. Nothing makes my heart sing more than when I see a setup this perfectly organised—haha! Our Deluxe Waikiki Snorkeling and Wildlife Cruise We did their Deluxe Waikiki Snorkeling and Wildlife Cruise, which took us out from Kewalo Basin, cruising along the coast of Waikiki toward Diamond Head. We stopped at a stunning coral reef (nicknamed Turtle Canyon), where we spent over an hour in the water. It was such an incredible experience to see schools of colourful fish and vibrant coral. We also spotted a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. And because we were there during winter, we were lucky enough to see a humpback whale! One of the crew members even brought up an octopus for us to see up close. Thoughtful Extras That Made a Big Difference Living Ocean Tours also did all those thoughtful little things that made such a big difference. Like providing anti-fog spray for the goggles and offering a whole range of floating devices. I stuck to the bright yellow banana float that wrapped around under my arms as if my life depended on it. Because it really and truly did! For the super adventurous souls, there was a very fast, fun slide — my cousins who went on it told me all about it later. As well as pink mats (lily pads) to lounge on. Living Ocean Tours also run whale-watching cruises and sunset sails—and I’d choose them again in a heartbeat. I can’t recommend them enough! Duke’s I’m pretty sure we were all riding on a huge high after getting off the boat—what a spectacular day! And it wasn’t over yet. We walked along Waikiki and ended up at Duke’s, which was absolutely buzzing with so many people. We had drinks and shared some chips and guacamole while we waited for our table. Before long, we were called and sat outside, enjoying the band playing fun cover songs in the background. The sun started to set, so I went out onto the beach, right at the edge of the restaurant, to take it all in. It was one of those soft, golden Hawaiian sunsets you see in a movie—except it was real, and we were in it. I stayed until the buildings along the shore began to twinkle. The tiki torches were lit, and I made my way back to the table for dessert. Our Last Day We began our last day at Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout on a very windy, cold, and foggy day. From there, we saw panoramic views mainly of Oahu’s windward (eastern) side—hence the strong wind! As well as lush valleys, cliffs, and the Kaneohe Bay area. All over Oahu, we saw cats and chickens just roaming around–so interesting and unlike anything I’ve ever seen over here. A lot of the time, the poor cats only had one eye—maybe the chickens were responsible… who knows? They were right there to greet us at Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout. Ha! Hanauma Bay Hanauma Bay was on our list of maybe places to visit. We’d heard it was stunning for snorkelling, but since we already had our tour booked with Living Ocean Tours, we didn’t think we’d actually make it there. It’s a protected nature preserve and only allows a limited number of visitors each day—plus, it’s ticketed, so you usually need to book well in advance. Still, we thought we’d go and chance it—just in case. We didn’t expect to be able to walk

During our recent trip to Oahu, we made a special stop at the Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii, tucked away in the beautiful Valley of the Temples. It wasn’t originally on our must-see list — in fact, I hadn’t even heard of this peaceful gem before. But my wonderful cousins kindly took us there, and I’m so glad they did. As I’ve said before, they should quit their day jobs and go on Travel Guides (an Australian travel show) or The Amazing Race — they know all the best hidden spots! Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii But wow, this place was incredible! The temple is a beautiful replica of a 950-year-old Japanese temple and sits peacefully beneath the stunning Koʻolau Mountains. When we arrived, we could hear a bell ringing softly in the distance — dong, dong, dong — and it sounded almost mesmerising. Later, we learned it was the sacred bell at the temple entrance. Visitors can ring it to bring good luck and clear their minds. I got so distracted by the incredibly peaceful surroundings that I missed the chance to line up and ring it! Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to go back again someday. Inside the Byodo-In Temple, there was a large golden statue of Buddha. Outside, the gardens were stunning. They reminded me of what I imagine a huge version of Mr. Miyagi’s garden would be like — peaceful and carefully cared for, with little paths, koi ponds, and bridges. In the gift shop, you could buy food for the koi fish, so of course, we did. The koi would follow you as you fed them. Then we ran out of fish food. But my son and cousin M discovered that the koi fish would still follow them whenever they waved their arms over the water. The fish were clearly well-trained — waving arms meant food. The koi followed them across a good stretch of the big pond, back and forth for ages as the boys waved their arms like koi masters. Their arms got sore, but the koi were persistent (or just really hungry). It was so funny to watch — a real memory and a hilarious moment all rolled into one. If you’re visiting Oahu and want to see somewhere special, the Byodo-In Temple is the place to go! It’s such a peaceful oasis — a real contrast to the usual busy, touristy spots, which are, of course, also incredible. It was so good to experience both! Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens Continuing with our peaceful and serene theme of the day, we headed over to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens after visiting the Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii. There’s a small Visitor Centre near the entrance where we popped in briefly to look at some displays. After that, we had a look around one of the open grassy areas nearby. We didn’t explore too far; it was just a quick visit to admire the breathtaking views. Lanikai We ended our perfectly peaceful day with a swim at Lanikai. I couldn’t believe that all this amazingness was happening to me – like I was in a movie or something! The water was so clear, the breeze was calm, and the whole place felt so soft and quiet. I’m used to the beaches in Sydney being windy and a bit wild, so this felt completely different — in the best way. Dreams really do come true  🥰 Many of the photos are by my cousin J — she really is an amazing photographer!

Hi friends, I’m back today with a recap of my trip to Melbourne. My lovely cousin and I did an overnight stay—we flew in from Sydney early Thursday morning and packed the whole day with exploring. And when I say packed, I really mean packed! So if you’ve ever wondered whether you can see Melbourne in a day, the answer is yes, you absolutely can. Here’s what we got up to and all the amazing sights we saw. What’s Melbourne Like? If I had to sum up Melbourne in one word, it would be cool — it’s just so full of character. There are coffee shops everywhere serving the best coffee I have ever tasted. It was smooth, silky, aromatic and oh-so delicious! The streets are alive with colourful art, and I especially loved the laneways. They were full of quirky little cafes, unique shops, and colourful murals. Everything was—well, it was just so cool! Something that really stood out to me was the fashion. Melburnians are so well-dressed. Walking around, it felt like I was in some artsy magazine shoot. People seemed to wear mostly in neutrals — black, white, earthy tones — and they absolutely nailed the accessory game. Just the right touch, never over the top. It was as if everyone secretly agreed to follow Coco Chanel’s advice: take one thing off before leaving the house. So cool and so elegant. Can You Really See Melbourne In A Day? Most of what you want to see is within walking distance, but if you get tired, the trams are there to save your feet. Did you know there’s a free tram zone in the city centre? We walked over 24,000 steps that day, but we also made good use of the trams — they just seemed to magically appear when we needed them, and we barely had to wait. I was seriously impressed with Melbourne’s transport system! So, can you really see Melbourne in a day? Ummmm… I’d say yes and no. You can definitely tick off a whole lot of the main attractions because the city is super compact and easy to navigate. But if you want to wander, soak it all in, and maybe sit in a cute café with a coffee (or two), then a few extra days would be the go. That said, if all you’ve got is one day, go for it. You’ll still get a great taste of what makes Melbourne so special. Melbourne In A Day Bourke Street Mall If you love shopping (like I do), then Bourke Street Mall is where it’s at! You’ll find all the big-name stores, such as Myer, David Jones, Zara, and many more. But what really impressed me was how many of the buildings around the mall have been carefully preserved. Everywhere you look, there’s beautiful old heritage architecture. I loved how Melbourne keeps that historic charm mostly intact, with a touch of modern style mixed in and not the other way around. And I have to say, the H&M store completely blew me away! It was stunning and looked incredibly high-end. State Library of Victoria What an impressive building! I said to my cousin that if I’d had a place like this to study, I might have considered doing a master’s degree. The minute you step into the reading room, you just feel smarter. Chinatown So many bright colours and plenty of delicious food options. Hardware Lane Hardware Lane was full of bars and restaurants. Such a great atmosphere! Hosier Lane Hosier Lane was one of my favourites because there’s street art everywhere. I had to laugh when I saw my older son’s name so big and bold. Could he be a secret street artist?? Flinders Street Station We stood up at the top of the station and looked out over all the platforms — there were so many! From Flinders Street Station, trains head to suburbs all over Melbourne and even out to regional areas. The moment I saw it, I knew I’d seen this station before. Then I remembered — it was featured in an episode of my favourite (but sadly short-lived) series, The Time Of Our Lives. Ha! Yarra River We walked over the Princes Bridge, and right underneath was the Yarra River. National Gallery of Victoria Right inside the entrance of the NGV, there’s this amazing glass wall with water cascading down it. You can see it from the outside too. We wandered through all sorts of incredible displays. We saw everything from paintings and sculptures to fashion and furniture — some of it modern, some of it historical. All of it was beautiful. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens The Royal Botanic Gardens is so peaceful and lush — you’d never guess you were still in the middle of the city. I knew I’d have a great time in Melbourne, but it blew me away more than I ever expected. Seeing the city in a day was fantastic, but I’d love to go back and really soak it all in over several days. Melbourne definitely stole my heart on this trip!    

Today I’m taking you along on our Kualoa Ranch movie sites tour. Aloha! It’s time to recap another amazing experience in Oahu and share why, if you’re ever there, this spot should definitely be on your must-do list. Before I wrote this recap, I was scrolling through my camera roll, feeling nostalgic. (Yep, it’s been around four months since we got back from our holiday, and I still can’t shake that nostalgia!). As I was scrolling, I stopped on a video I took at Kualoa Ranch–those views were incredible! And you can hear me saying, “Oh my gosh, this is the most epicest holiday ever!” Haha — EPICEST isn’t even a word, and my school teachers would be horrified. I was horrified! But I guess that just shows how, by the time we got to Hawaii, I’d run out of real words to describe our trip. I’m happy to report I didn’t completely massacre the English language with words like bestest and amazingest. I had to draw the line somewhere! The Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites tour and our snorkelling adventure (a recap is coming soon) were two experiences we planned and booked before leaving Sydney. My superstar cousin J organised both, and we had the best time—even better than we could have ever imagined. Quite a few of the photos in this post were taken by my cousin J. Not only is she amazing at organising our adventures, but she’s also a brilliant photographer. Lucky me to have a cousin like her! Welcome to Kualoa Ranch Arriving at Kualoa Ranch We left our hotel in Kapolei at 7:30 AM and pulled into Kualoa Ranch around 8:20. Luckily, we left early enough and seemed to avoid the worst of the morning traffic. Our tour was booked for 9 AM, and they recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early, so our timing worked out perfectly. The Visitor Centre and Mini Museum The ranch has an open-air visitor centre with stunning valley views and horses roaming about. There’s also a small Hawaiian History Hall mini-museum full of information about the rich culture and history of both the ranch and Hawaii. I did a quick zoom around and snapped a few photos so I could read everything later. So glad I did! Tours You Can Take Kualoa Ranch offers all sorts of tours, such as E-Bike Tours, UTV Raptor Tours, Zipline Tour, Horseback Tour, and the Kualoa Movie Sites Tour — which is the one we did. There are many more options, and you can check out all of them here. Kualoa Movie Sites and Ranch Tour The official name of the tour is the “Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites and Ranch Tour.” So it wasn’t just about movies—it was a proper ranch tour too, even though the movie spots were definitely the highlight. There was so much to take in, and I wish I could remember every little detail. Thankfully, I filmed a lot of what our guide said during the drive, which really helped me piece it all back together for this post. We rode a vintage bus that was so rattly, bumpy, and probably older than me, but it was perfect. I felt like I was on a real Jurassic expedition! Our Tour Guide and a Peek into Ranch Life Our tour guide (I think her name was Elsie, but I’m not 100% sure) was incredible. She was enthusiastic, funny, and full of knowledge—not just about filming locations, but also the history and daily operations of the ranch itself. We learned that Kualoa Ranch isn’t just where they have filmed blockbuster movies. It’s a massive 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch that’s been owned by the same family since 1850. The ranch still runs as a working farm, and they grow tropical fruits like coconuts and mangoes. Our guide also said that sometimes, the ranch workers even appear as extras in the films shot there. Sounds like a fun place to work! Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites and Ranch Tour Experience Jurassic Valley First stop: Kaʻaʻawa Valley, better known as Jurassic Valley. We drove past the spot where the original Jurassic Park gates stood. It was our first glimpse of all the movie magic, and it was so exciting. I had no idea there was still so much more to come! WWII Bunker Turned Movie Museum Next, we rattled up the hill in the old bus to the old wartime bunker. Our guide told us all about how back in the 1940s, the army built a string of these lookouts along Oahu’s coast to keep an eye out for enemy ships after Pearl Harbour. Kualoa’s bunker was carved straight into the hillside, hidden by jungle and reinforced with extremely thick walls. Fast forward 85 years, and now inside this bunker, you’ll find a gold mine of film sets! There were walls of posters, prop weapons, and behind-the-scenes photos from Lost, Kong: Skull Island, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and Hawaii Five-0. There was a photo from The Karate Kid Part II (the one where Daniel and Mr. Miyagi go to Okinawa) that was filmed right here at Kualoa Ranch. I had no idea until I saw it! If you’re a huge Lost fan like me (that is, until the later seasons when it went downhill), hold onto your geek hats–because this is the Dharma Initiative’s tempest station–woah!! I got to touch the actual computer where they typed in the numbers—4 8 15 16 23 42—every 108 minutes. Goosebumps!! I used to know those numbers off by heart, but I had to look them up to jog my memory. From there, we headed to one of the most impressive sights on the tour. Kong’s Skull and Bones Right next to the massive Kong skull, there are these huge bones scattered around — all movie props from Kong: Skull Island. The Jurassic Park Chase Scene Nearby, there’s a Jurassic Park sign, and this is the exact spot where the characters ran and hid to escape the dinosaurs. Our guide told

While we didn’t stay at Aulani, the Disney resort in Ko Olina, we decided to drop by one morning to have a look around. Anything Disney-related and we are there with bells on! It ended up being a lovely little outing in itself, and a great way to start our day before heading off for some outlet shopping and meeting a cousin for the first time, who’s stationed in Pearl City with the Navy. If you’ve ever wondered about visiting Aulani Disney Resort without staying there—and without paying those expensive room rates! Here’s what we saw, what we did, and why we’re so happy we went. Visiting Aulani Disney Resort Without Staying There – A Relaxed Morning in Ko Olina First Impressions of Aulani Aulani sits right on the coast in the polished, resort-filled area of Ko Olina. On the drive, we saw impressively manicured gardens, beautiful palm trees and everything you expect when you see Hawaii in the movies. Interestingly, not everywhere in Oahu is like this. But Aluani definitely captures that picture-perfect postcard side of Hawaii. From the moment we arrived, it was clear Disney does things thoughtfully. Because, of course, Disney never disappoints! The entrance is grand in a subtle kind of way, and even as non-guests, we felt very welcome to explore. A Touch of Disney What really stood out to me was how Disney managed to fit right in with the Hawaiian vibe. There was traditional art, carved wood details, and open-air spots letting the sunshine and breeze in. The Disney touches were definitely there, but it all felt natural and subtle. It was laid-back Disney Hawaiian style. Disney Characters We spotted Hawaiian Mickey out and about, greeting guests and posing for photos. Moana too. Exploring the Resort Grounds We walked through the open areas, and we were in awe of the huge pool (pool access is for guests only). There’s a lazy river winding through lush greenery, a splash zone for little ones, and loungers everywhere for hotel guests. Right by the resort is a beautiful lagoon with calm water and soft sand. It almost looked too perfect to be real! Tucked between the pools is Rainbow Reef—a man-made saltwater lagoon filled with tropical fish. We stood there for a while, mesmerised by the colourful fish gliding past and enjoyed the underwater views through a large glass viewing window. It’s like a mini aquarium right in the middle of the resort.  Inside, the lobby is airy and beautiful—wooden beams, high ceilings. Do You Need to Be a Guest to Visit? Nope! You can absolutely visit Aulani Disney Resort without staying there, as long as you’re happy to just wander the public areas. The pools, loungers, and some activities are for resort guests only, but there’s still plenty to see and enjoy.  Final Thoughts It was great to get a little taste of Disney magic in such a beautiful setting. We were already feeling sad that our Disneyland part of the trip was over, so it was nice to get a little Disney fix. But when I found out how much it cost to stay per night, I wondered whether it cost about the same just to go to Disneyland in LA. Holy moley! Standard rooms at Aulani start around $574 USD per night for a standard view, and can go up to $774 USD for an ocean view. At the time of our visit, that worked out to roughly $850 to $1,200 AUD. Yikes! If you’re thinking about visiting Aulani Disney Resort without staying there, it’s definitely possible to enjoy the atmosphere without breaking the bank on those room rates. We had the best time wandering around the grounds, admiring the beautiful design, and soaking up the laid-back feel. I’d recommend a visit for sure—and I’m looking forward to staying a couple of nights… when we win the lottery. Outlet Shopping After visiting Aulani Disney Resort, we headed to a nearby outlet, though I can’t for the life of me remember exactly which one. It had all the big brands—Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and plenty of other familiar favourites. I ended up buying a dress at Polo Ralph Lauren that was majorly discounted. It gives off serious old money vibes… and I have absolutely nowhere to wear it. But I couldn’t say no because I knew I’d regret it forever! Meeting Our Navy Cousin We planned to meet our cousin after my aunt in LA gave me his number. We met up at a casual chicken and brisket spot, and it was so nice to meet him in person. He’s stationed with the Navy in Pearl City and was super friendly and easy to talk to. Of course, we couldn’t resist asking a few (hundred) curious questions about life in the Navy. It felt pretty cool to meet even more cousins on this trip—looks like we pick up cousins everywhere we go! A Lagoon Swim to End the Day Later in the afternoon, after our cousin catch-up, we headed to the other side of the lagoon—away from the resort—and went for a swim. The water was so calm (perfect for a non-swimmer like me), the sand was soft, and it was paradise! Here’s a top tip if you’re planning a visit to Aulani Disney Resort without staying there: you don’t need to be a resort guest (or pay those wild room rates) to enjoy the lagoons in Ko Olina. They are open to the public, so you can soak up the same sun, swim in the same ocean, and enjoy those postcard-perfect views for free. Thanks for coming along on our little adventure! If you’re ever in Ko Olina, I hope you get to enjoy a bit of this magic too.

It felt so good to land in Hawaii, and we were so excited to get right into the warm island vibe. But we were also very aware that this was the last leg of our amazing trip. So there was a real mix of emotions when I spotted that Aloha sign at the airport—I knew we were getting closer to the end of a journey I didn’t want to end! This recap covers our first two days in Oahu, January 2025—from watching college football at a sports bar to visiting the Dole Plantation. Thanks so much for stopping by! Oahu January 2025 – Sports Bar and Dole Plantation We arrived at our hotel just as the Presidential inauguration was happening live on the screens in the foyer. Yikes, what a way to start our week in Oahu, haha! Sports Bar Experience: College Football Playoff Once we checked in, we dropped our bags in our rooms. Then we ran back out again because the College Football Playoff National Championship was on at 3:00 PM. Our cousin S is a huge Ohio State supporter, so there was no way we were missing that. Go Buckeyes! We planned to watch the game at Ala Moana Center, about 40 minutes from our hotel in Kapolei. Cousin S could seriously drive in the Grand Prix—he weaved through traffic like a champ and got us there in no time. I may or may not have had my eyes closed a few times. 😅 And just like that, I was living my dream: watching a college football game in a proper American sports bar—with burgers, beer, and my family. Oh yeah! Then, of course, the shops started calling. Once I realised football games go on for hours, I happily cut my dream short for a little retail therapy. Half of our group stayed back at Buffalo Wild Wings, and the rest of us wandered off to explore Ala Moana Center. The shopping centre is so beautiful! But it felt really different from what I remembered back in 2000 when I visited with my mum. The place has had some major renovations since then, and for a moment, I thought the koi fish were gone. But nope—they were still there. Phew! We went in and out of heaps of shops and bought a couple of things. Then made our way back to the rest of our group once the game finished. Good news—Ohio State won! For dinner that night, we had Boston Pizza, finally satisfying a craving my cousin J and I had been carrying around for 25 years. It was worth the wait! Dole Plantation The next morning, we traded in the excitement of the afternoon before for a more relaxed day with a visit to the Dole Plantation. It was a sunny day in Oahu, perfect for exploring one of the island’s most iconic spots. We wandered through the gardens, learned a bit about the history of Hawaii’s pineapple industry, and treated ourselves to some Dole Whip. We checked out the Koi fish and bought some food to feed them. And that wraps up our first two days in Hawaii! Next up, I’ll be sharing our visit to Waikiki, a peek at Aulani–A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, and a fun meetup with another cousin. Hope you’ll join me for that one!

Hey friends! I’m popping in with a bonus Tuesday post to share a quick recap of our drive from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas—and how we made the most of just four hours in the city. We left the Grand Canyon around 8 a.m. (thank goodness for time-stamped photos, or the whole trip would’ve felt like a dream—or a blur). We jumped into our van, and it was freezing—just 7ºC. How do I know this? Because I took a screenshot of the weather app, and I’m so glad I did. It’s fun to look back at these details. I also took a photo of a water bottle I left in the van. I remember it was liquid, but when I held it, the water turned into ice, just like a magic trick! One second, I was holding water, and the next, I was holding a bottle of ice. My brain nearly split in two! We drove along the gorgeous, never-ending highway, with a landscape that looked so different from anything I’ve seen back home—until it was time to stop for a bathroom break and a leg stretch. We pulled over in a place called Kingman, Arizona, and got a glimpse of a real American diner. I could hear people saying ‘ya’ll’ and ‘howdy.’ Haha! I loved it!! Here I am, checking myself out in the mirror and noticing my eyebags! I was way too excited to sleep on this trip—I’d stay up late, scrolling through my photos, and then get up early to start the day. No time for sleep on a trip of a lifetime! I’ll never forget Kingman because I had the best coffee to go with the most delicious doughnut ever! I remember I had the Boston Kreme. Now, I’m not a big fan of chocolate doughnuts, and I don’t love cream. But this doughnut completely changed my mind. That said, I wanted to experience the same WOW doughnut moment when I got home—and nope, it just wasn’t the same. Sadly, Australian doughnuts just can’t compare. We got to Las Vegas around midday, and since it was too early to check into the hotel, we parked the van in a car park and hit the streets of Vegas! We had actually passed through Las Vegas at night on our way from Death Valley, right at the start of our road trip. It was so cool to see it lit up at night, and now we were going to have a closer look on foot. I can’t even begin to describe Las Vegas—it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen, and it’s huge! The streets just seem to go on forever, and Sydney felt so tiny in comparison. We must have walked for about four hours, and still, we only scratched the surface. I guess Elvis’s song captures everything I saw and felt perfectly—bright lights, city gonna set my soul on fire! Vegas was buzzing, flashing, and completely over-the-top in the most amazing way. We saw so many of the big-name places I’d only ever heard about in movies—Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and The Venetian, where they actually have real gondolas inside the casino! One of my favourites was watching the Bellagio Fountains. It was so beautiful watching the water display set to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”. I got emotional and started tearing up. It really was a moment I’ll never forget. I think it was around 4 pm when we checked into our hotel and had a rest after our big walk. In the evening, we went to Popeyes for dinner before calling it a night. We had to be up bright and early for our 6 a.m. flight to Hawaii!

Let’s take a trip to the Grand Canyon, shall we? Thanks so much for joining me as I share our visit to the Grand Canyon, the incredible Desert View Watchtower, and the magical night we spent stargazing under the clearest sky ever. It was yet another one of those goosebump moments I’ll never forget! Here we are back in the van again. I felt very attached to our van, which took us on all these wonderful adventures. It was like our little home on wheels—always ready for the next part of our road trip, packed with snacks, music, and fun. Such beautiful scenery and the endless road that stretched forever. We took a quick bathroom break at a spot that had snacks, drinks, Navajo souvenirs, and a small museum. Minimal snow but maximum fun! The younger cousins made the most of every pitstop, launching into snowball fights with whatever tiny patches they could scrape together. I think there would be more snow in a snow globe than at this spot! Haha. What better way to thaw out afterwards than with some hot chocolate and whipped cream? Soon after, we arrived at the highlight of the day… The Grand Canyon and Desert View Watchtower The Grand Canyon The next photo on my camera roll has us at the South Rim of the Canyon. I remember walking up to the lookout and just being hit by how massive the Grand Canyon actually is. I mean, I knew it would be big, but I didn’t expect it to be that big and that deep. Now I feel a bit awful admitting this (and yes, I even Googled to see if anyone else felt the same), but I remember feeling a little underwhelmed at first. And I felt so guilty even thinking that! But it’s just… It’s so vast that when you’re standing at the lookouts, you kind of lose the finer details. For once, it wasn’t that my phone camera didn’t do the views justice—this time, it was my eyes! The Grand Canyon is spectacular—there’s no doubt about that. But because of its sheer size, you don’t get that instant scenic hit like you do at a place like Bryce Canyon. So I think what I felt wasn’t so much a wow moment. Instead, it was more of a quiet, intense sense of awe. Like… how is it even possible for something this massive and beautiful to be carved completely by nature? I felt very, very small. The Desert View Watchtower Next up, we made our way to the Desert View Watchtower. It was built in 1932 and designed to resemble an ancient Pueblo watchtower. The climb up was definitely worth it (all those stairs!) Because the views of the Canyon from the top are amazing, and again, you can see just how massive the Canyon is from another angle. Seriously, the Grand Canyon seems to go on forever, no matter where you are. Here are some photos I took from inside the Desert View Watch Tower. The Desert View Watchtower is more than just another lookout point. The inside is spectacular, filled with beautiful murals painted by Hopi artists. It was such an awesome place to visit, and I really felt honoured to be in a place with so much history and meaning. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center After the Desert View Watchtower, we spent some time at the Visitor Centre on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It was another fantastic stop, packed with so much interesting information. We got lucky and caught the hourly showing of We Are Grand Canyon. The film gives a glimpse into the culture and stories of the 11 tribal communities who’ve called this place home for thousands of years, and I was really moved by it. I found the film on YouTube and linked it here in case you want to watch it—it was a real highlight of our visit. It helped me wrap up what I was feeling about the Grand Canyon. It’s not just about the views—how could my eyes possibly take in all the details of such a huge, immense, and spectacular wonder? The film showed me the canyon through the eyes of the people and generations who have lived and experienced it. It’s more than just the views—it’s an incredible sense of wonder that’s hard to put into words. After the most amazing day visiting the Grand Canyon and the Desert View Watchtower, we headed back to the hotel. Even though we’d had such a full day of sightseeing, we still weren’t ready to call it quits. So, some of us went for a stroll around Grand Canyon Village and ended up stopping inside a beautiful hotel (I can’t remember the name). But I do remember that it was decorated with mounted animal heads. Now that was something I had only ever seen in movies! Inside the hotel found a bar and enjoyed the smoothest glass of red wine I have ever tasted while we chatted about our day and all the incredible things we had seen. It was such a cosy moment that’s embedded in my memory forever. We went back to our hotel, where we were staying, grabbed the rest of our gang, and went to dinner at a pizza-pasta place. Star Gazing Then it was time to go and see some stars. We drove to one of the nearby carparks—don’t ask me which one, I just remember how freezing it was even though I was wearing all the layers! But it was so worth it to see the most spectacular pitch-black sky lit up with millions of stars. My cousins S and M really impressed me with all their knowledge of constellations and star names, while all I could think was, “Oooooh, so pretty!” These next four photos were taken by my cousin J. She’s an amazing photographer, and I have no idea how she captured all these incredible shots. I got the latest iPhone 16,