Lauren Lowry's Travel Blog

Camping is Fun!

laurenlowry — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:42:55 +0000

There’s no doubt that kids love camping… But adults? Although for many it’s a love or hate thing, there are a lot of us in the middle who just need a little bit of persuasion. While escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life might be the reason some families choose to go camping, for others its a simple case of economics but whatever the reason - for kids it’s the ultimate adventure. Camping can actually be a lot of fun, but only if you are organized. This means knowing what to pack versus what not to pack and more than anything it means having a very comprehensive camping checklist. With the long summer holidays just around the corner we’ve compiled some useful tips that will help ensure your camping holiday is both a stress free and fun experience.

Camping Checklist suggestions: (For a good printable checklist: click here)

If you have small children then consider selecting a tent that will accommodate all of you comfortably (we are a family of 3 and I wouldnt use anything less than a 5 sleeper!). On the other hand, if you are camping with teens, it may be a good idea to purchase additional pup tents to give them some sense of independence. For first time campers – it might be an idea to practice assembling the tents in your garden – this can help to avoid starting your holiday on the wrong foot (Yes, Ive seen this happen on many occassions) or alternatively – seek out resorts that offer the service of erecting your tent for you! I can personally recommend this option!
Depending on just how much you want to “rough it” consider choosing a campsite that is close to amenities and has good onsite facilities. Use the internet to research whats nearby and better yet, ask around. At least someone you know will have had a great camping experience and equally someone you know will have had a bad one! Alternatively for a comprehensive list of campsites and caravan parks in SA you can try this one: CampSA
Remember that while we’re all probably more comfortable on air mattresses than insulating mats, with our heads on feather pillows rather than the type you blow up, these can be bulky to carry. If you do take an air mattress, dont forget your pump! Extra blankets are also essential, as, even in the hottest months, nights can get cold.
Always pack a good bottle of sun protection as well as a gazebo, sun umbrella or tarpaulin – SA summers can be scorchers!
If you dont have a skottel braai and your site is electrified then consider buying a 2 plate stove top so you can have two pans on the go when kids are hungry and you’re dying for a cuppa.
Lights are essential – get good battery operated lanterns in addition to gas lamps and a couple of hand torches – head torches are a fun option for the kids too and also prove very useful when you are braaing in the dark!
Other essentials include a washing-up bowl, dishcloths, scourers, washing-up brush, copious rolls of toilet paper and kitchen roll, baby wipes, pots and pans, plastic glasses and plates etc. Its worth investing in a box that stays packed with all your camping gear – that way, you wont be running around looking for everything an hour before you leave!
Bring tons of clothes – if the weather’s bad clothes will get dirty and wet, and if there’s no laundry on site it’s hard drying them in a tent! Take a drying line and pegs too – if for no other reason than to keep your towels nicely dried. AND dont pack your sunday best either – campaign and good clothes generally dont go hand in hand!
Pack plenty of food and drink. Good campsites will usually have drinking water on tap and a decent shop, but the latter can be expensive, and kids in the outdoors need lots of fuel and liquid. Think about the kinds of things that are easy and quick to cook, such as pasta and couscous, baked beans and eggs. Snacks are also important, especially dried fruit and nuts, but take plenty of containers to keep the ants out.
And finally – remember to pack some of your kids’ favourite toys, for days when it is raining and when staying in the tent is the only option.

Lastly - try enjoy the entire camping experience. Sleeping under the stars, exploring, getting close to nature and relishing the time spent with family will hopefully leave you with great memories that will last forever.

Tuscan Walking tour – Italy

laurenlowry — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:41:49 +0000

For me, the most beautiful part of Italy has to be Tuscany and what better way to enjoy the stunning Tuscan countryside than on foot?
Day one will see you walking from the gorgeous town of Montepulciano (where I should add the wine is outstanding) to Pienza - about 14 kilometers away. It’s definately more of a country walk than a hike – an easy trail that starts on the outskirts of Montepulciano and then meaders through the olive tree and vineyard covered farmlands until you reach the picturesque town of Pienza. Forget a packed lunch – instead stop along the way to enjoy the local delicacies washed down with a glass of the local sangiovese red! Day 2 sees you walking from Sant’Antimo to Montalcino – a shorter days walk and even easier than the day before. This is truly a beautiful part of Italy and well worth the visit so if you find yourself heading to Europe, add on a few extra days and pack those walking shoes!

What a day….. Rock on the Bokke & The Irish!

laurenlowry — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 20:03:45 +0000

Been on an absolute high all day and after Ireland showed the Aussies whose boss, life couldn’t get any better! The pubs were absolutely bursting at the seams – with the Irish and Saffa supporters literally hugging and kissing each other in the streets! Well done to the Bokke and a very well done to the Irish who played like demons! The Guinness hasn’t stopped flowing…… And long may the strength of the Bokke continue! Bring that trophy home boys.
Took a last stroll around this fab city thinking to myself how very privileged I have been – what an an amazing 10 days; I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the game…..very sad my RWC stay has come to an end but hope youve all enjoyed my posts. signing out from Wellington – Pete.

PS: Wishing all the Hill2Hill riders a fantastic day tomorrow – I will be thinking of you all! GIVE IT HORNS GUYS!!

Goodbye Rotorua

laurenlowry — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:50:27 +0000

Today sees the end of our stay in Rotorua and what a way to end it off! This morning we headed out to the great Lake Taupo for a ride on the Huka Jet Boat – OMG, what an adrenaline rush! The Jet boat takes you to the base of New Zealand’s MOST visited natural attraction – the spectacular Huka Falls! This is an absolute must-do attraction whether you’re staying in Taupo, nearby in Rotorua or just passing through on your way somewhere else. The half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs. The ride combines 360° spins with passing nature at incredibly close ranges as well as at disorientating speeds. Trust me when I say this boat does things you never thought possible! We spent some time meandering through Taupo town where the excitement of hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup is evident to anyone passing through. We spotted the Welsch team on their way up to Hamilton for their game against Samoa before stopping off to view the Huka Falls one last time – then it was back on the bus for the journey back to Rotorua before we pack up and head back to Wellington. Man, I am going to sleep like a baby tonight!

Samoa Vs Namibia ROTORUA STADIUM

laurenlowry — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:01:45 +0000

Last night we were treated to an amazing Maori cultural dinner which finished with an up close and personal performance of the Haka by some local Maori Warriors – what an experience. Then it was another early start this morning with a visit to the local wild life park before we headed off to our 2nd Match of the trip. The stadium here at Rotorua is quite unlike the “Cake Tin” – its a mix of grassy banks and stands with us seated amongst a mix of Samoan’s, Kiwi’s, Namibian and South African supporters. To be sat amongst a crowd of devoted rugby fans singing their National Anthem’s at fever pitch really is something else. Although the Samoan side delivered Namibia with quite a beating – it was a very entertaining match to watch and the atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic. We are now off to find a pub where we will catch the next two games and then tomorrow we head out to Lake Tapau for a days jet boating.

Celebrate New Year at the Falls Fest – Victoria Falls

laurenlowry — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:10:39 +0000

And now for something NON RUGBY! Hot off the press comes this awesome 2 day New Year’s party. With a choice of accommodation options and flights included – you can expect to see Evicted, Crashcarburn, Locnville, DJ Francis and Ryan Koriya amongst others - this is one New Year’s party that should not dissapoint! To make a booking or for more information feel free to give me a shout.

Thrills and spills in Rotorua

laurenlowry — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:54:04 +0000

Woke up to a chilly start this morning and took a stroll through the town – spotted 2 shops that would be perfect for some afternoon retail therapy – a bike shop and a rugby shop! Yes indeed – they would be perfect! Stopped to chat to a chap in a fishing shop who was telling me about the 20 pound trout they catch in the lake here (WOW!) and then bumped into a parking warden named Albert – originally from Pretoria! Hes lived down under for 4 years and loves it (well barring the weather!) After brekkie we headed off to the Skye Gondola and Luge – it was awesome and I am pretty sure that everyone who had a go felt like a child again! and then post lunch we headed out to the Agrodome. What an eye opener. The kiwis really do love their sheep. Watched a sheep shearing show then I volunteered to take part in a cow milking demo – actually managed a few squirts! The day ended with a sheep dog display which I know Gem would’ve loved and then it was back to the hotel to ready ourselves for this evenings cultural show and dinner. Got our tickets for tomorrows game – WOOHOO. Kick off is at 2:30 tomorrow and the excitement is building.

Rotorua – here we come.

laurenlowry — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:28:16 +0000

With our next game a few days away, we had an early start heading for the town of Rotorua. Rotorua is a quaint little town about 9 hrs from Wellington by Bus and survives on tourists visiting; as a result they have gone out of their way to ensure there is something for everyone here.

Since we arrived here quite late this evening – we had a plunge in the hotel pool before dinner and now its off to bed in preparation for tomorrow’s day of adrenalin rushes and adventure. The activities on offer include a cable car ride, mountain biking, jet boats and a spot of white water rafting and then of course we will be shouting for Namibia on Wednesday when they take on Samoa.

South Africa 17 – 16 Wales

laurenlowry — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:34:43 +0000

Where to begin? Felt surreal to be sitting in the stadium awaiting the start of South Africa’s first World Cup game. Our seats were awesome – we sat on the halfway mark and just to the right of us was Bobby Skinstad in the media box. I won’t bore you with the game as I am sure most of you will have watched it at home – suffice to say the atmosphere was electric and I felt extremely lucky to have been a part of. What an amazing day!

Match day 1: SA vs Wales

laurenlowry — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:39:43 +0000

SUNDAY 11th September

Up early for our Helicopter spin over Wellington. Saw the “cake tin” from the air as well as the surrounding areas of Wellington- pretty awesome! Did some celeb spotting at breakfast – spied John Robbie and Jannie du Plessis grabbing a bite then stood for a while watching as the sea of green swelled around us. Feeling really patriotic and proud to be South African – although every now and then an odd red shirt floats by and I am reminded of the big job the boys have ahead of them today. Celeb spotting went up a notch when we eyed Brett bloody Banfield and it wasn’t long before he coerced us into joining him in the Chicago Sports Bar for the Wallabies vs Italy game. Signing off for now but will update you later once we get to the stadium! Chat laters – Pete.