Perth 2015

Planning for this trip started way back to almost one year back though at that point of time, destination were undecided between Perth or Taiwan. It was a trip that had to make it happen by hook or by crook, whatever it takes. Simply because the firstborn is going to primary school soon and holidays would have to be confined to June or December which will be rocket high prices and overly crowded.

Initial planning kicked off with a rough guide on the costs involved for comparison between the two destination, air tickets, accommodations, car rental food etc. Next would be activities and places of interest. Main criteria would be farmstay for the children to have a total different kind of experience. Though Taiwan wins two hands up in terms of activities and places of interest, it is after all a Chinese country. So we though it would be good to experience an Ang mo country so Perth it is, a close to nature experience for the children. How very exciting as this will be our first self drive vocation and the young lady's first flight. Browse through forums and forums of reviews, recommendation, be it food & lodging, ease of driving around, interesting places to touch on. 

Bits by bits everything pieced together like that of a jigsaw puzzle. First and foremost would be the air ticket which will be more critical. Monitoring all the different airlines for promotions and indecisive between budget or full service airline. As this will be the lady's first flight out and traveling with both children, we decide to go for SQ. With the notion that kids can sleep onboard and we could take things easy on day of arrival, we chose the red eye flight. Booking of air tickets took place in July and next to come will be accommodation. Our itinerary planned include a drive down south to Margaret River and uncertain of how well they would take the ride, we decide on Sunflower farmstay which is the main highlight of the trip. The challenging part being MR in between the days thus we are doing Perth city, MR, Perth city. That is the hurdle faced in booking the Airbnb for Perth city as some host are not willing to accept the booking with a break which is lost of income for them. Changing a new house is equally tricky as it's only 1 night for the last 2 days. Lots of enquiries went around contacting the potential hosts and somehow houses are running out fast despite being non term break for both sides. Finally we got ourselves a lovely comfortable house in Fremantle and the booking and payment were met with hiccups but eventually got all sorted out. 

Accommodation and farmstay settled early sept and car hiring being the last item on the list to be checked and we are all set to go. Just so typical of me to buck up at the very last min when the clock is fast ticking away. Visa application then took place and found reasonably priced agent which is quick and effective, approval took only less than 2 hours! Car hiring proved to be a little more tricky for me fearing the hidden clauses. In the end it was decided to book with Hertz, the hubs chosen Nissan Qashqai with pick up and drop off at the airport. Travel insurance were purchased and the final planning of the itinerary, extensively included food, shopping activities, supermarketing etc.

Packing started 2-3 days before our flight as children merely love to meddle with packed luggages! Temperature were warming up before the summer arrive so means good news for our luggage space and weight. A few pieces of long sleeves for the children and leggings for the girl, more shorts for the boy. Brought each of them a cardigan in case the temp onboard is a little chilling. The great thing about red eye flight, get to do last min checks on the packing on day of departure, no madness rushing to airport!