Some photos from my vacation to the Cook Islands

I am back from my vacation to the Cook Islands and had a wonderful time in Rarotonga. The days flew as they do when you are having a good time and I am now back to the reality of daily life again.

I could have stayed on that beach and swam and snorkeled for at least another month :) but alas work expects me to go back next week. I shouldn't complain as if I was not working I would never been able to afford to go there in the first place.

The Cook Islands are really beautiful and unspoiled and I look forward to going there again someday.

I have my wonderful memories to keep me going until the next time I get a lovely vacation like this one was. I also have to admit my stress levels are the lowest they have been in a long, long time. Kia Orana.

I work to travel

Image by Daniele Sartori via Flickr

I love traveling and I will continue to travel as long as I have the money so I keep working. I try and have a vacation at least once a year even if it is a few days away only. This year my partner and I have been to Townsville in northern Queensland for a weekend and three days to Merimbula which is on the south coast of NSW, Australia.

In November though we are going to the Cook Islands for over a week and I am getting very excited. We haven't been there before and I love warm climate holidays. We plan on doing a lot of snorkeling and swimming and generally relaxing on this vacation. The Cook Islands are Polynesian and it has to be the best kept secret of the South Pacific.

There are no high rise hotels, it's a real unspoilt group of islands, and we are staying in Rarotonga at the Muri Beach Club Hotel which is an adult only boutique hotel. This should be a real experience for us and no risk of being knocked down by kids at this resort.

Diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, kayaking and other water sports are the main activities to do there besides sightseeing. We are going to take advantage of this relaxing time to unwind and relax before the Christmas preparations get underway when we get home.

I am now counting down the time when I can sit by the pool or the ocean with a marguerita in my hand and my feet in the water.

My 'before you leave home' travel tips

I would like to share with you some of my favorite travel tips. Ones that I use when planning my holidays. I have used these all myself over and over again.

• Make 3 copies of your travel documents (take one in your carryon, one in checked luggage and one to leave with a family member or friend).
• Check out destinations online before you leave to work out a plan for the time you have there.
• Take some money in the local currency (for taxis, tipping etc) for when you arrive. Often flights arrive at night.
• Check out the voltage at your destination and take an adapter or voltage regulator if necessary.
• Carry emergency contact numbers for your credit cards and email addresses for family and friends at home.
• Take out travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, missed flights and other canceled travel arrangements especially when traveling overseas.
• Do you need passports or visas? Work this out well ahead of your travel dates. Make sure your passport doesnt expire within 6 months of traveling.
• Check with your doctor about 3 months before you leave (if possible) about any vaccinations you may need, if any, and for scripts for the medications you currently take (take your scripts with you).
• Try and get flights that arrives in the morning and leave at night so you get two extra days for your holiday.
• Take a photo of your luggage. Its easier than trying to describe it.

Follow the tips above and you will have avoided some pitfalls even before you left.

PaulineH

http://paulineh-angeltraveler.blogspot.com

http://www.angeltraveler.com