Add Ambiance and Aroma to your Hotel Room.

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Ever arrived at your hotel and the room has a particularly interesting aroma? I know I have!

Relax with essential lavender oil.

Relax with essential lavender oil.

 

candle

Add warmth to your hotel room with a Scented Candle.

Frequent travellers would be wise to invest in a scented candle with a lid, so you do not get wax through your bag.

They are easy to travel with and not only give off a lovely smell but also add a bit of ambiance to any hotel room.

Available at most candle shops and department stores.

My favourite is lavender scented, I find them the most relaxing.

You can also put a couple of drops of lavender oil on your pillow which also promotes a good nights rest.

Here’s to a Sensational Scented trip!

Happy Travels, Laura XX

Using your electronic device is now A-OK while you fly.

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As of today passengers will be able to keep their electronic devices powered on during all phases of flight, that’s right gate to gate after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority gave it the A-OK.

Before you get too excited about surfing the internet, social media and sending messages etc at 30,000ft tablets, phones and e-readers can be used but kept in “flight mode”

The move will allow Virgin Australia customers using the airline’s in flight entertainment system, which streams via Wi-Fi, to watch a film or television show during the flight.

Virgin Australia chief customer officer Mark Hassell said the company was pleased to be introducing the initiative without delay.

“Today’s announcement means that our customers will be able to use their personal devices throughout their entire journey with us, maximizing their work or leisure time,” he said.

Virgin Australia will allow customers to do so from the first flight on Tuesday. Similar privileges are already in place in the United States, Europe and New Zealand.

Qantas Domestic chief executive Lyell Strambi said the new changes, to take effect on his airline’s flights from Tuesday afternoon, would be positive for customers.

“Whether customers choose to listen to music, read their e-books or review work documents, the introduction of gate-to-gate electronic access on Qantas flights is an exciting development to an already exceptional inflight entertainment service,” he said.

So don’t worry travellers, there won’t be any disturbing phone calls in the air when you’re trying to in get some precious “you-time”. Just remember to pack your favorite noise-cancelling headphones to watch movies and listen to music.

Happy Travels.

Laura XX

Life’s a Beach in LA!

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Recently I was asked to write a blog on the My Top 5 LA Beaches for the Qantas Travel Insider website.

I gladly threw myself into this task and had a ball researching some of the best stretches of sand and surf LA has to offer…

El Matador

El Matador

Los Angeles beach culture is alive and buzzing under the summer sun right now. Take in the sights of vibrant Venice beach where the unique characters often steal the attention from the sun, sand and surf, or chill out at the relaxed El Matador beach. Here are five of my favourites:

Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

One of the most famous LA beaches. You’ve heard songs about it and more than likely visited if you’ve been to LA. Hire a pushbike and cruise along the track to Venice. Santa Monica Pier has rides, games and food. Stick around for an incredible sunset.

Venice Beach

Venice

Venice

Like Santa Monica, Venice has appeared in many movies and attracts an eclectic crowd: artists, street performers, gym junkies. One of the best ways to see it is to walk, ride, skate or roller-blade the 3.2km ocean path. Grab a corn dog and a lemonade, relax on a beach chair and soak up the sun.

Manhattan Beach

Manhattan

Manhattan

A renowned surfing beach with a beautiful clean stretch of sand, trendy with some great beachside restaurants and shops. Volleyball courts go on forever; there’s always a game to watch or take part in. Joggers and walkers make the most of the beachside pedestrian track. Join in! The perfect beach for fun and fitness.

El Matador Beach

El Matador

El Matador

Unlike the others, El Matador has minimum facilities. A rocky track leads down to this Malibu beach where you can escape the rat-race, enjoy a picnic and swim in the clear water. Hidden coves, rocky shores and big waves make this a very romantic spot – don’t forget the Champagne!

Paradise Cove

Paradise Cove

Paradise Cove

A favourite spot to hang out with friends, Paradise Cove in Malibu has a great restaurant and outdoor lounging area. It has its own private beach which is completely protected and oh-so pretty. Bring the family for the day; there’s something for everyone.

Happy Travels

Laura xx

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Finding my Bliss…

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To travel on your own as a woman can be liberating yet daunting for those who haven’t experienced it before.  I wouldn’t encourage first time solo travel to just any destination, however when that final destination offers a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment, where you can relax, unwind and reflect while surrounded by likeminded women, I would not only encourage but insist on it, asap!

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New Airbus A350 XWB Touches Down in Sydney.

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The highly anticipated Airbus A350XWB landed in Australia for the first time this morning as it completes its around the world test flights.

Flying in from Johannesburg to Sydney, it is one of five test versions of the model that is set to be delivered to its first commercial airline, Qatar Airways, at the end of the year.

Lighter and more fuel efficient, the test cabin has 43 business class seats and 223 in economy class. It is set to play a major role in airline operations through Australian airports as it takes over from the A330 and 777.

The test flights are the final part of the aircraft’s certification that is expected to be received in September.

airbus

A snap from twitter account @Airbus, G’day Australia! Airbus A350 XWB touches down in Sydney.

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Carry Local Currency to get yourself out of Travel Trouble!

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It’s a good idea to get some cash for the country you’re travelling to before you leave home. That way you can hit the ground running! And it also means you’re prepared in case you have to pay cash for a transit visa or entry visa you didn’t know about.

Cash is King!

Cash is King!

Credit cards make life so easy, but keeping a small emergency stash of cash will give you peace of mind just in case you lose your wallet or if your credit card isn’t accepted.

Happy Travels. Laura xx

Cover Yourself for Stress Free Travel!

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Adventure awaits, free yourself with Travel Insurance.

Adventure awaits, free yourself of worry with Travel Insurance.

I can’t stress how important travel insurance is. I’d be lying if I said I’ve never been sick overseas.  In fact I’ve spent time in several hospitals around the globe due to unforeseen accidents and illness’s. It’s never fun, in fact absolutely miserable in most cases. The last thing you want is to also be worried about the cost of it all. A good travel insurance plan will cover your stay in hospital, emergency transport, medicine, loss of flights, emergency accommodation , etc.

Relax and enjoy knowing that you're covered.

Relax and enjoy knowing that you’re covered.

Medical care can cost a fortune, so make sure you get a policy that covers all of your activities, and if you are insured at the time you book your travel, you will be covered if you have to cancel your trip if anything unexpected happens and you have to change your travel plans. So having travel insurance may even cover your cancellation costs. It really does pay to be safe!

Happy Travels.

Laura XX


Rose Bay Marina Lights Up with the Stunning Princess Yachts Collection.

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Last night I attended a VIP party for an exclusive twilight viewing of the  multi-million dollar Princess Yachts collection at Rose Bay Marina.

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Dressed in a black long sleeved leather Rebecca Vallance dress I joined my good friends the very dapper Jordan and Zac Stenmark, Kris Smith and Larry Emdur to ogle over the super yachts on display. We’ve all put in our “wish list” so if we are very very good maybe the Yacht Gods will answer our prayers…

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Jordan and Zac Stenmark, Kris Smith, Larry Emdur and myself.

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Travel in Style and Comfort like these Celebrity High Fliers!

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 A comfortable and hassle free outfit when travelling is everything, it can make or break your overall experience. With comfort in mind and a methodical dash of style you can create an effortlessly chic travel combo just like these celebrity high fliers who have cool and comfy down to a fine art.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba shows us how it’s done in comfortable casuals with a splash of colour to glam up the total look.  Comfortable pants, a loose fitting top and jacket to keep  you warm and allow for movement on long haul flights. With this kind of outfit you can get off the plane looking as good as when you boarded. 

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz

I love Cameron Diaz in this cool casual ensemble.  She opts for comfort in stretchy jeans, slip-on flats, a loose fitting jacket and a fab over-sized scarf. Slip on shoes make it easy to take on and off when going through airport security and a large warm scarf can double as a blanket/pillow and will smarten up your outfit.

It goes without saying that uncomfortable shoes are a big no-no when it comes to airport dressing.  You want ease and comfort not an airport fiasco on your feet!  Instead, keep it simple like Cameron, steer clear from buckles and studded gladiator sandals—you never know when you have to run to catch a flight.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Alessandra Ambrosio

Alessandra Ambrosio looks sensational in her monochrome separates. Invaluable noise cancelling headphones, comfortable shoes and a jacket thrown over a loose fitting t-shirt. This Victoria’s Secret model has her travel wardrobe and accessories down pat.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum looks cool and collected in her simple yet stylish get up. Slip-on flats, comfortable stretch jeans and a patterned t-shirt is the perfect ensemble. However the studded belt is a hassle when going through airport security. You’ll have to take it off to put through the scanner. It slows down the process and can be annoying for other travellers waiting in line.

Candice Swanepoel

Candice Swanepoel

Candice Swandepoll’s outfit is perfect for moving through the airport and plane travel. Noise cancelling headphones to dull out crying babies and loud talkers on the plane, jeans, t-shirt, an easy to carry jacket for added comfort and slip on and off boots.  Simple style is the best. Keep your jewellery to a minimum, with all  the unclasping etc it takes too much time. Put your gems in a ziplock bag so you can easily access them once you land. This attire makes moving through security and plane travel easy and comfortable.

Cate Blanchett, MIla Kunis, Katie Holmes

Cate Blanchett, MIla Kunis, Katie Holmes

Cate, Mila and Katie pull-off cool and casual chic when travelling.

Jessica Biel, Jess Hart, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Jessica Biel, Jess Hart, Gwyneth Paltrow.

These stylish high fliers look as comfortable as can be while still looking frequent flier flash!

Happy Travels! xx