Fair Dinkum Travel

Orchid Open House This Saturday Feb. 11,2012

2012-02-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

Barbara Rudvalis, my mother in law, owns a local Carlsbad Cymbidium orchid nursery She is having a Public open house this weekend (she only has 2-3 open houses a yr.) .....this is truly a treat to behold. Please come......

Cymbidiums are the perfect gift for Valentine's Day-- they lasts for weeks & weeks.

Call Now to have a box shipped in time for Valentine's day.
Orchids can be picked up or shipped anywhere in the U.S. You can order orchids anytime ...not just during the open houses.

Small box 4-5 stems of Orchids $35 + plus shipping (tax if it is shipped in CA)

Large Box 7-10 stems of Orchids $75 + plus shipping

Potted cymbidiums plants start as low as $15++

Please share this invitation with anyone on your email list and bring your friends...

Let's support a local small business.
RUDVALIS ORCHIDOpen House

Saturday February 11--- 9AM- 3PM

see thousands of the most beautiful and colorful award winning Cymbidiums in the world

Wholesale Prices!

Off of I-5.....East Poinsettia Road ........Right on Black Rail RoadRight on Triton.........Left at Dead end onto dirt road.......Follow dirt road to greenhouses

Other than open houses ….visits to nursery are arranged by appointment only ……. To order flowers at wholesale prices. Email or call…

http://www.rudvalisorchids.com/ 760-438-2121

Superbowl Sunday Alternatives

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is a great day to go to any and all amusement parks.. sell Girl Scout cookies (stopping at the houses with parties).. or go anywhere that you usually find to crowded...
Go Superbowl!

Getting Involved in our community

2012-02-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

There are so many wonderful ways to be involved in the communities that we live in.. Over the years I have been active with several.. currently, I volunteer at the #CarlsbadVisitorCenter and the Assistance League North Coast.... Both help to make our community a wonderful place to live and provide us with many opportunities with in our neighborhoods to give back...as a Past board member for the #Carlsbad Community Theatre, I was honored to help young people throughout North San Diego county become familiar with and participate in the arts.. these are lessons and memories that can last a life time... One of the ALNC projects is to insure that all school children have the basic resources to go to school.. this includes new shoes and clothes.. Teachers select the students that they have observed are in need and refer them to ALNC, which then meets them at Payless Shoes and provides new shoes, socks and health kits...
As part of a travel blog.. and knowing that Carlsbad is a vacation destination.. it is important to highlight the various programs that make us a well rounded and caring community.

Discovery Lake, San Marcos, Ca

2012-01-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

Discovery lake is a wonderful place child friendly with a county feel, but not in the country. Here is an article written by Agnes Herman has been a Lake San Marcos resident since 1983 and posted in the North County Times May 25, 2005.. it is as true today as over 5 years ago.
.Discovery Lake is a jewel in San Marcos' crown of fine parks and lovely walking trails.
I discovered it in a moment of need almost 12 years ago. I had been babysitting Matt, our grandson, when he suddenly was screaming in pain from a severe earache. After a session at Urgent Care, I sought a calm, quiet diversion to help both of us erase the memory of his pain.
I drove around the city seeking to locate the "new" lake I had heard about. We drove up the hill off Craven Road, which runs from Discovery Street to the university, and then up Foxhall. This led us into an inviting parking area that borders a children's playground and small park and provides access to Discovery Lake.
What a "Discovery" it was! A wide, wooden bridge led us to an equally wide, paved road, and a gleaming body of water came into view. We followed the road around the lake, a three-quarter of a mile hike marked by many stops to admire the variety of trees and flowers that grow in profusion on both sides.
The lake itself was alive with ducks and other waterfowl; Matt was all smiles and chatter. I could not have designed a better way to heal the pain. We returned to the playground where this grandma was rewarded with a big hug as I permitted Matt to join the gaggle of youngsters at the spraying water fountain.
Our family has been addicted to Discovery Lake ever since. It offers us seniors, especially, an opportunity to walk several laps and brag about the accomplishment. And it affords a peaceful, contemplative moment in otherwise stressful days.
They astonish me, the variety of people who amble slowly, walk briskly, run or jog around the lake. Grandparents and young parents pushing strollers arrive after naptime. Some use walkers, some are in wheel chairs and others meander around the trail keeping tight to the right hand lane, out of the range of bikers and skaters.
Some of us are so regular in attendance that our absence causes concern. When I first walked the lake after recent surgery, a frequent walker stopped to say, "Long time no see." In the past he had been so absorbed in thought, we hardly exchanged nods. I remember the Sunday we spied our family doctor bent over a wild rose. When I called his name, without missing a beat he answered "mistaken identity."
I had invaded his private time. He was gracious, nevertheless, and stopped to chat about the health of wildflowers.

There are two other interesting trails. Discovery Creek Trail is a 2-mile round trip that follows the creek, which runs under the bridge at the Lake. For the adventuresome, there is the Double Peak Trail, five miles round trip, a moderate to difficult hike.
The myriad of area plants and flowers are best enjoyed during a leisurely walk. Willow trees and Sycamores provide umbrellalike shade; wild roses, honeysuckle, California blackberry, lemonade berry and even pussy willows abound! The many water birds include coots and mallards, herons and an occasional egret. If one is lucky, a quail leading his family will cross your path. In the quiet of the night I am told, deer, an occasional bobcat and coyotes enjoy their space. Even the lonely snake that ventures across the road as the day cools does not bother us as long as we return the courtesy.

I am off to meet a friend and fellow walker there this morning.. always bring a bit of bread for the ducks and geese :)

La Jolla Inn

2012-01-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

While on our short get away.. we stayed at the La Jolla Inn.: for a location it can't be beat..
The room was clean and tidy and I would recommend this hotel to anyone that wanted a nice place close to all in downtown La Jolla with an ocean view..
They had a continental breakfast each morning that can be delivered to your room or rooftop terrace.
The breakfast included:
Bagels, croissants, cereal, bananas and juice. Coffee is in the library area along with hot water and the toaster to heat up the bagels. (it appears they buy in bulk from Costco) Which isn't horrible but just not fresh and what I would expect from a place in La Jolla.
The room again was clean and organized. Although it was outdated, the curtains were stained and old and the kitchenette area needed repair. They do have water in your room for $3 a bottle as well as other snacks.. I suggest putting those all in a cupboard so you don't get dinged.
The front desk has hit and miss hospitality. On the day we arrived the level of friendliness was not there.. On day two, a very nice and helpful woman was there and on day three a real grump..
Parking is great, $5 a day and once you park about a block away in underground parking, you really do not need a car.
So out of 5 Fair Dinkum stars, I would give the La Jolla Inn a 3.5
To make it a 5, update the older rooms, personalize the breakfast and increase the hospitality of the staff.
So go to the La Jolla Inn, it is a great place to stay.. located right next to the Valencia..... and just a short stroll to La Jolla Cove and the seals.

La Jolla, Ca.

2012-01-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

We have just come back from a short vacation to La Jolla, Ca. Now as much as the word "staycation" is overused.. this was a great get away... over the next few days I will post my reviews of our hotel, restaurants, parking and bars...
First up tomorrow our Hotel The La Jolla Inn...

I will say, for location and price this place was perfect... will recommend it to others with a few items to be aware of...

Happy New Year one and all,
Kendall

Qantas Air Strike and Surfing Australia

2011-10-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

This is an info note for today...
With the summer holidays coming in Australia.. the more adventurous are wanting to surf.. so beyond the Great Barrier Reef
Rain Forrest's and more.. we also have surfing.. I still recommend the East coast. you can go from Sydney to Cairns and fly to Darwin and Ayers Rock..

but for now here are the surf spots

Here are the top 6 surf spots in Australia...

Please note if you already have flights on Qantas or AA. (codeshare) Qantas is looking at striking the 26th with it going into effect on the 28th of October.. so if you are planning to go soon. Please contact your travel agent. (another reason to book thru an expert) and clarify your plans and what to do if they strike.

We are home.. and ready to hit the ground running

2011-10-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Aloha!
We had a wonderful time on the Big Island.. Over the next month I will post in more details the best and must do's of the trip and one or two things that you might want to skip and why.

The Jacaranda Inn was charming and a very historic homestead.. Hard to believe that this western ranch community, "Parker Ranch" in Waimea, is a large part of the Big Island's History.

Mahalo

Waipi'o Valley and points south of Hilo

2011-10-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

As we wind down our week away on the Big Island.. we are going to explore the area south of Hilo the Puna district this morning and then drive up to the Waipió valley where Derek says we are hiking down.. I think a picture from the top is perfect...
We will let you know.

http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/waipio/

We are not wanting to leave this beautiful location.. the waterfall is just outside our door and the food is amazing and the room very comfortable..
If you need to come to Hilo or just want an amazing get away this location is it.
Last time.. but have to say.. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls. is the only place to stay.
Will check in again on Sunday.. will spend our last night at the Jacaranda Inn in Waimea.

Hilo: a very old school town

2011-10-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hilo is not a tourist town... the stores and restaurants close at 9. Even the zaget rated ones.. (which I believe are two). But it is fun to see the real hawaii culture vs. for the tourists...
I will write more later but again.. our Bed and Breakfast is Amazing. Derek started our day today with sunrise a swim in the pool at the bottom of the water fall. The inn at Kukaniapia falls. Not all pics can be published :)

We are know going on a tour of a private lava tube before we head over to the Volcano National Park.

Long day short check in

2011-10-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning at Two Steps, snorkeling, then on the way to Hilo, stopped at Punaluú Black sand Beach and saw hawksbill turtles nesting Just before the beach we stopped at the Punaluú bakery... the best Hawaiian Sweet Bread and meals..

The Bid Island: Kona Coffee, painted churches and Sea Turtles

2011-10-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Painted Church was beautiful and open to take a look.

Thunder Mountain Organic Coffee this was a very "educational" tour at 3200 ft. They grown and distribute award winning coffee though out the United States and beyond The tour was very personal and you went from picking the "cherries" to roasting and tasting..

We snorkeled again with the Sea Turtles and other beautiful fish on the coral reef... those pics. will have to come later. But the you tube video is exactly what we did...

Today we leave Kona, snorkel once again and head to Volcano National Park and our bed and breakfast in Hilo...
Stay tuned..
Aloha!

Welcome to the Big Island

2011-10-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Night Snorkeling with Big Island Divers

Breakfast at our beautiful Areca Palms Bed and Breakfast...

while having this wonderful view

Off on another days adventures with Sea Turtles and coffee houses.

Aloha

Old Pasadena: A great Destination

2011-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Old Pasadena is a wonderful revitalized area of Pasadena.. there are award winning,zaget rated restaurants, museums (Norton Simon is one), high end retail shops, outdoor art and architecturally restored buildings.
The link to see for your self is: www.oldPasadena.org
Parking is at a premium but there are multiple lots to use.. plan on paying to park at one of the many lots... but... we took the train and then the Gold line to the Del Mar station.
It sits as the southeast corner of O.P. across from beautiful Central park and half a block from Green Castle.

There is so much to see, do and eat that one day was almost not enough..
highlights,
One Colorado (great shopping and dining area off the main path)
Norton Simon: If you love muesums
Kings Row: they have a mac'n cheese using white chocolate..
The architicture

The next blog will go into more detail of each...

One note. If you are not a muesum person.. one day is more then enough to see everything if you don't dally....
But going to Old Pasadena is about the dallying and enjoying a wonderful area of Pasadena.

Hawaii, The Big Island

2011-04-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hawaii is paradise in our own backyard. Of all the islands.. Hawaii(The Big Island) is my favorite..
Like the other islands they have lush tropical water falls and beautiful beaches. BUT... they also have active volcanoes, coffee growers and multiple climate zones. If you want to have a relaxing honeymoon or romantic get away.. Kauai or Maui are great.. but if you think you may want to do more then relax on the beach.. check out
my favorite Island. Hawaii, the big island!
Welcome to Hawaii's Big Island, Hawaii's Island of AdventureHawaii’s Big Island isn’t just big, it’s still growing. The Island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the biggest, providing a vast canvas of environments to discover a variety of unrivaled natural wonders. This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Kilauea), the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a journey off the beaten path, you’ll discover it all on Hawaii’s Island of Adventure.
To learn more:Fair Dinkum Travel

Holiday mishaps

2010-12-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

So far this holiday season, I have had clients.. not be able to get their flights while in Fiji, Chinese clients rained out of L.A. and others surprised that some of the great deals have slipped away...
I have three short tips to remind you of.
1. Always get travel insurance.. this helps not only if you become ill or injured on your trip but also when there are disruptions in your travel plans due to weather, engine issues or other unforeseen ooopppssss. They will reimburse you the cost of the missed portion of your trip..
2. Stay calm.. travel isn't a perfect science.. let your travel agent know when there is a problem.. many times they can work on solutions or other routes that you may not have access to.
3. Try to have space in your travel plans.. when you have too much packed into a vacation.. one day of bad weather or missed flight or train and your whole vacation can go off course.. wiggle room makes for a much more relaxing trip and an even much more positive adventure...
Happy traveling!

Carlsbad, California

2010-10-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Fair Dinkum Travel is located in Carlsbad,Ca. Yes Carlsbad is a great year round international vacation destination. As I shared in my last blog we have golf, beaches, fine dining and shopping and more....
Today we are going to cover the more. For those with young children or young at heart.. Carlsbad is home to Lego land California On the campus of Lego Land you can also visit Sea Life a great experience that incorporates the Lego theme along with an educational aquarium.

One of my favorite places to visit and a must see while in Carlsbad is
The Museum of Making Music not only do they offer wonderful concerts and educational opportunities, the museum and gift shop are amazing. They have a chronological display (some hands on) of the history of music, including instruments that have been donated or acquired that have made some of the musical artists who they are.

When talking about Carlsbad.. one cannot forget about the Flower Fields. Although they are closed for the 2010 season they will re-open March 1st, 2011. " Take yourself out of the ordinary and spend a few hours in one of nature's wonders - our Fields of Dreams, our Fields of Color. A place where kids can run and adults can linger - 50 acres of extraordinary color in bloom on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a special nursery, garden, and gift shop by Armstrong Garden Centers, and festivals throughout the season".
Finally, there are all the events that are hosted here in Carlsbad. Along with our twice a year street faire, Art Splash, two Marathons we have multiple events that are a great experience every month of the year.
Carlsbad is a year round destination and Fair Dinkum Travel is able to customize your family, golf, business or group get away for any occasion!

Carlsbad, Home sweet Home

2010-10-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Fair Dinkum means Genuine or honest. And that is what Fair Dinkum Travel does. Offer the traveler a genuine experience in what ever country or location that you want to visit. Today I am going to talk about how to have a great experience right in my own backyard. Carlsbad,Ca. here is a quick overview.
We have Golf, Surfing, fine restaurants, lagoons and hiking trails as well as two upscale shopping areas and antique row.
Golf: Carlsbad has multiple private and publis golf courses. La Costa Golf, Aviara Golf, The Crossings, and many smaller options. All are available for reservations.
Surfing: with miles of beautiful coastline..there is surfing year round. many will surf then golf.. or golf then surf.
Restaurants: Carlsbad is home to international cuisine and award winning restaurants. From Arabic, French, Mediterranean, Steaks and Seafood, Vegetarian, Italian and lighter fare for breakfast and lunch.
Carlsbad also hosts Three lagoons, Buena Vista Lagoon, to the north Agua Hedionda in the middle( you can kayak, rent jet skis or other small water craft) and to the south Carlsbad's southern boundary is made by Battaquitos Lagoon. All have wonderful nature trails and hiking options.
Shopping: Carlsbad has The Forum with upscale shops and restaurants and we also have the Carlsbad Premium outlet center. In the village of Carlsbad there are also many wonderful boutique shops and antique row.
There are also some other great finds and things to do. As a hospitality Ambassador for the city, I am thrilled when people come into the Carlsbad Visitor Center and ask aside from Golf, the beach, the nature areas and shopping what does Carlsbad offer....
that will be my next blog..

Why using a Travel Agent can save you money.

2010-06-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

In the technology age of find it quick and easy on-line, you may be thinking, why should I use a travel agent? So to help you answer that question here are our favorite reasons:

1. Who Ya Gonna Call?
What would you do if the hotel has lost your reservation? What would you do if the car rental agency has run out of cars? Specifically, who are you going to call? Who's going to help you? The hotel? The car rental company? They don't care. You're just one person. Losing you as a guest or a customer is no big deal. Basically, you're on your own. About all you can do is hit the streets and hope that something comes up...
If you book through a travel agent, all you have to do is make one simple phone call. And everything will be taken care of. Will the hotel assist your agent? Will the car rental company assist your agent? Of course they will, because now they're dealing with someone who has the potential to send either hundreds of guests, or no guests at all. From a purely business perspective, a travel agency can send thousands of dollars (or even tens of thousands of dollars), or no dollars at all...
2. It is not just about price
You look to travel agents to provide the best overall solution to your individual travel needs. By asking tons of questions up front, an agent can provide a relevant needs assessment. This can include dates, quality or location of accommodation or stateroom, cancellation policy, recreational amenities, the ease of doing business, etc. No two customers are alike. What works for one may not work for another.
3. Show me the Money (I saved)Saving money is not just about price.
It is more about value. If the hotel was not the right location, if the cruise line was not the right cruise line, if the golf course was not the right golf course.it does not matter how much you saved. One can save a ton of money and be miserable or spend a little more to be in heaven. A travel agent can recommend relevant offerings and also provide cost saving strategies. Moving a date, changing the location of a room/cabin, being open to flight options, etc., all can save money. Nobody wants to pay more than necessary so an agent will help you find the best value without the sacrifices of a cheap trip.
4. I already have a Job! If you have an agent that you trust, then you don't need to spend what little free time you have, scouring the web, trying to piece everything together-- flights, cars, rooms, etc. In addition, your agent might be working with transfer and car rental companies that you simply don't have access to, and in many cases, even hotels and airlines that you don't have access to. An agent is someone who has taken the time and made the commitment to be the best so you don't have to make planning your vacation a second job!

old posts, they are all here...Fair Dinkum!

2010-06-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Since I don't want anyone to miss out on my old posts... here is the link...

Destination weddings: Luxury on a budget! (repost)

2010-06-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Thursday, February 11, 2010
Destination weddings: Luxury on a budget!
Here is a great excerpt By Nadia N Digilov on the benefits of a destination wedding.
Many couples dream of having a destination wedding. Whether it is a mountain top in New Zealand, a beach in Bermuda or a simple park at upstate New York, destination weddings do require a little more planning than "regular" weddings. In order to effectively plan and execute your dream destination wedding while staying within your budget and refusing to sacrifice quality, consider the following advice:
Destination Wedding Benefits
• The average wedding cost for most couples is approximately $50,000. Destination weddings held at a reasonable place (no private islands) typically cost between $15,000 and $20,000, depending on how many guests you invite! Having a destination wedding can help you have a luxury wedding on a budget.
• You get more "bang for your buck" since a destination wedding can serve as a fantasy getaway vacation for you and your guests! It makes the entire wedding experience that much more enjoyable.
Planning Your Destination Wedding
Is a Destination wedding right for you? Before launching your grand plan, consider if a destination wedding is right for you.
Choose the Perfect Destination
Imagine your wedding day; do you see you see it on a beach or a park? Is it warm or cold? Choosing the perfect destination can be a challenge, consider your budget as part of your decision making as well. Destination weddings are definitely within reach for those on a budget. The USD currency is strong against emerging market types in countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Chile, meaning the U.S. dollar is worth more in these countries. Consider having a destination wedding in one of these countries to take advantage of the exchange rate benefits. For example, $1 USD equals 13 pesos. Therefore, if flower arrangements cost 1000 pesos, you would only be spending about $77 USD.
Set the Date
Although most weddings take place in the summer months, destination weddings in tropical locations can be great during just about any month. Plus, booking a wedding "off season" may tremendously save on costs. Consider choosing a non-summer date that is also accessible for your friends and family. Once you set the date, make sure to give guests at least four to six months notice for the big day, so they can give proper notice to take off work or make other arrangements.
So with all of this great advice.....
Call your travel professional:
Having a destination wedding means that your travel agent is also your wedding planner. He or she will work directly with the specialists at your chosen location, work with your friends and family to arrange and confirm all of the travel needs and work with you to make your dream day exactly what you dream it can be.
Posted