I did a spur of the moment elcheapo package deal to Daydream Island in the Whitsundays after a particularly bad few weeks. We needed to clear our heads.
It turns out one of Simon’s major roles in life was to try to curb my tendency to over pack for holidays. His strategy had a number of stages, first there was heavy sighing, then questioning “why do you need four pairs of shoes?”, then came irritation, “I’m not going to lug that around for you”, his final strategy involved “forgetting” one of my bags. There may have been some expletives involved in the process as well.
In his absence I managed to pack twenty kilos in a suitcase, and carted four books and six magazines in carry-on, plus a handbag. We were away for five days. It seems I’ve got a problem with making a decisions. I don’t know what book I want to read? Take ’em all. I don’t know what I’ll wear out to dinner? Take three outfits just to be sure.
The trip did however make me aware my children are not world travellers. Them and a four-year-old girl were the only people on the plane reading the safety card. In fact the four-year-old stared at it so intently for so long I made a note to follow her in the event of an emergency. After all most of the instructions involved pictures!
The weather was that lovely hot Queensland temperature we remembered from our ten years living in Brisbane (we froze when we returned to Port – and it’s not a particularly cold place). The island had loads to do.
The girls went on a tour to meet the local marine life.
They had loads of fun in the pool.
The spa was fantastic and between us we managed to get a manicure, a pedicure, a facial and a massage, oh bliss.
We caught a movie at the outdoor cinema.
We ate a lot, our favourite was Mermaids Restaurant. There were mocktails (and OK a cocktail and champagne too).
Daydream is very much a resort island so there are a lot of different activities you can take part in (many of them free). One downside was it’s beaches tend to be of the rocky kind. However, we did take a daytrip to one of the world’s best beaches. Details of that in the next post.
Good on you all! You look as if the break did you a power of good 🙂
It was lovely.
Looks like a great adventure! And this is why I love ebooks!
I’m going to have to embrace the old ebook aren’t I?
I’m an overpacker. It’s horrible. I struggle with excess pretty much anyway, and packing brings out the worst in that. What if I want to wear the black dress one night but it’s too cool. Better pack a sweater too. I hate it about myself.
And still. This was smart Momma. I think you’re very smart to whisk your girls away for a change of scene. Keep paying attention to those things and it won’t matter how much luggage you take.
I’m so glad to know I’m not alone in the overpacking stakes.
i’m so happy you took a fun vacation with the teens. So much of teen life is homework, sports, and all the other chores of living. They need to relax and so do you! It’s getting colder here, to I’m sending you happy summer wishes.
I think life for teens is very stressful – even without our situation added into the mix. It was a good idea to get away for a bit.
I’m with Lauren – a change of scene is the smart thing, who cares about over-packing – except it makes the post a fun read 🙂 I too over-pack – you just never know what the weather will be like anywhere really. It looks like you had a wonderful time.
We did have a good time, and you are right the weather could have changed at any time and I would have needed one of those three cardigans.