Round the World

A 132-day adventure by Travel Time Au Read more

Follow Insights Calendar Photos Share

Trip start
June 3, 2023
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 1
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 12:55 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Australia Bonogin Creek -28.07817, 153.37814528°4’41” S 153°22’41” E
Home at Laver Drive
June 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Packed up and ready to go on our big trip! Thank you Zoe for taking us to the Airport.
1 like
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 1
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 1:55 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Australia North Kirra Beach -28.166746, 153.51330628°10’0” S 153°30’48” E
Gold Coast Airport
June 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Checked in and chilling at the Qantas Business Class Lounge. I could get used to this!!
Here’s hoping our bags make it all the way through to San Francisco!
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 1
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Australia Gold Coast Airport -28.166201, 153.51203928°9’58” S 153°30’43” E
Qantas - GC to Sydney QF597 Seats 3D & 3
June 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Our first business class flight - comfy seats, beautiful meal - chicken in a mushroom sauce with sweet potato mash, green beans, sour dough, and choice of wines. We stuck with the sparkling water.
Free wifi was a winner too!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 1
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10:29 PM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Australia Curtin Reserve -33.933265, 151.17967133°55’60” S 151°10’47” E
Qantas Flight from Sydney to San Francis
June 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Our first long haul trip flying Business Class did not disappoint. The service by the Qantas staff was amazing, and the space was so comfortable. The wash pack came in a nice reusable case, and contained all you’d need, earplugs, eye mask, toothbrush and tooth paste, lip
Balm, face cream and socks.
There were charging points for phone and a power point. The TV screen was huge! And the surround had heaps of storage for my iPad, phone, kindle and more. They supplied headphones - but I used my own Bose noise cancellation ones.
The provided PJs came in one size - L / XL - which was cosy!!
The ultimate was the lie-down seat, padded seat cover, pillow & blanket. I managed around 5 hours sleep which was fantastic.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 1
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 8:00 PM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 31 m
United States Seals Stadium (historical)37.765663, -122.40486237°45’56” N 122°24’18” W
San Francisco Arrival
June 3, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
After landing an hour early we were then held up queuing to get through Border Control for an hour. But once we were through it was quick to grab an Uber and head to Union Square to our Hotel, Chancellor Hotel.
The biggest shock was how cold it was. I thought summer in California would be hot, but that’s certainly not the case in SF. The wind chill made it feel freezing!
luckily the hotel was warm, with a great soft bed and pillows.
After freshening up we headed out and found Uncle Vito’s pizzeria where I had the best Calzone. Jasin had clam fettuccine which he polished off.
Bed by midnight - the end of a very long day.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 2
Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 7:27 AM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 64 m
United States Union Square Park 37.789188, -122.4085337°47’21” N 122°24’31” W
Breakfast Day 2 San Francisco
June 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
After an early wake up we headed out and found an amazing diner that we had seen last night.
There was a great choice of food from waffles, pancakes to eggs - cooked a million different ways.
We both opted for the waffles, with maple syrup, strawberries and blueberries.
The diner itself was definitely a throw back to the 1950s, with booths, pinball machines and heaps more.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 2
Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 11 m
United States Ferry Building Marketplace 37.795772, -122.39250337°47’45” N 122°23’33” W
Walk to Fishermans Wharf
June 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Our first full day in San Francisco. After breakfast we walked (up and down some serious San Fran Hills) to the Ferry Terminal, only to discover the Sunday Ferry didn’t leave until 12:20pm.
So we walked the 4km round trip to check out the views from Fisherman’s Wharf. Sea lions and Alcatraz.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 2
Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 98 m
United States Bohemian Grove 37.895962, -122.57516337°53’45” N 122°34’31” W
Ferry to Muir Woods
June 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Then the walk back and the ferry ride over to Larkspur. That’s where we met a lovely couple - Justin and Kelly from Ohio. After a crazy bus ride we arrived at Muir Woods with the enormous Sequoias Red Gums. Jasin was in his element hugging them !!
Once back to the hotel we didn’t want to brave the crazy freezing wind, and so we headed the the restaurant next door - and finally jet lag caught up and we crashed out by 10pm.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 3
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 44 m
United States Union Square Park 37.787728, -122.40824237°47’16” N 122°24’30” W
Pets and Flowers
June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
There are certainly a lot of very interesting people here in San Francisco- especially people with their pets. Not only were people walking dogs, but also transporting them on bikes and in backpacks!
This month is Gay Pride month, and San Francisco is definitely the Gay Capital of the USA - it’s lovely to see everyone being so inclusive.
And there were flowers and Gay Pride 🏳️‍🌈 flags everywhere- it was so colourful.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 3
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:30 AM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 26 m
United States Alcatraz Island 37.826836, -122.42294337°49’37” N 122°25’23” W
San Fran to Alcatraz
June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
We were able to tick off a bucket list item today with a visit to Alcatraz. So steeped in history. We took the audio tour where you are given your own headphones and audio player which is set to your language and guides you through the prison. Highly recommended.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 3
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2:30 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 8 m
United States Cruise Line Terminal 37.809442, -122.41047837°48’34” N 122°24’38” W
Food at The Bay
June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
The food here in San Francisco has been amazing! After our Alcatraz trip we headed off the Fisherman’s Wharf and Jasin enjoyed a famous Clam Chowder whilst overlooking the Bay with Sea-lions basking in the sun, and Alcatraz in the distance. We got chatting with a great guy on the next table who was eating a huge crab. He gave us lots of hints and tips for when we visit NYC - and told us he was an Opera Singer from DC!
After lunch we walked off the meal - until we stumbled across Ghiradelli - probably the best I’ve cream and chocolate shop ever 😊. So I managed to squeeze in a chocolate cone, whilst Jasin had strawberry and pistachio ❤️Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 3
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 4:30 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 90 m
United States Lombard Street Reservoir 37.799675, -122.4191837°47’59” N 122°25’9” W
Riding the Cable Car
June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
A visit to San Fran isn’t complete without a trip in the cable car.
We bought one way tickets and hopped on at the Bay Area. There was a bit of a wait, but we got chatting to some fellow Aussies and then got prime position at the front of the car.
It was a fairly hairy ride up and down the hills but we loved it!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 4
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM
🌧 16 °C
Altitude: 14 m
United States San Francisco International Airport 37.61937, -122.38652837°37’10” N 122°23’12” W
San Fran to Calgary
June 6, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 16 °C
We woke up to a rainy San Francisco- so it was the perfect day to pack up and leave. After a crazy Uber drive to the airport we checked in to United 🇺🇸 for the first of two flights. The United lounge was so much better than Qantas in Sydney - a much more chilled atmosphere there. The flight to Vancouver was on a smallish plane - and was pretty basic - but we arrived on time albeit through some turbulence ! After a quick meal at the airport we jumped on Air Canada 🇨🇦 Flight which was quick but good.
The views out over the mountains were amazing and we can’t wait to go exploring today.
Ray, and old friend fro the UK picked us up from the airport and he and his lovely wife Bec are putting us up for our time here in Calgary.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 4
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 9:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 1,257 m
Canada Rocky Ridge 51.14922, -114.25325851°8’57” N 114°15’12” W
Arrival at Ray and Becs
June 6, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
After two flights we landed in Calgary. Within 15 minutes we were off the plane, bags in hand and met up with Ray - after 25 years! He took us back to his family home where Bec has prepared a beautiful board of nibbles and we caught up outside by the gas fire pit. We also met Ryder and Freddie the dogs!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 5
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 1,466 m
Canada Two Jack Lake 51.229103, -115.49674251°13’45” N 115°29’48” W
Banff and Beyond
June 7, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Today Ray took us to see all the amazing mountains and lakes near Calgary.
Banff was amazing - with snow capped mountains and beautiful clear water.
After lunch at the Rose and Crown in Banff Main Street Lake Louise which was busy but gorgeous. Then we took the Bow Valley back road to Canmore, a lovely town about 40 minutes outside Calgary. Before heading home for a rest!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 6
Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 10:09 AM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 1,101 m
Canada Valley Ridge 51.107447, -114.23994551°6’27” N 114°14’24” W
Winsport Visit
June 8, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
This morning Ray took us to Winsport which is a huge sports centre with 4 ice skating rings, gym, and heaps more - Canada Olympic Park, formerly known as Paskapoo Ski Hill, is a ski hill and multi-purpose training and competition facility located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, owned and operated by WinSport. It is currently used both for high performance athletic training and for recreational purposes (according to Google) amazing facilities there.
Plus my Expresso V Rays large coffee!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 6
Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 1,609 m
Canada Little Elbow River 50.79863, -114.84596350°47’55” N 114°50’45” W
Cruising Round Calgary
June 8, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
On Thursday we went off, grabbed the most enormous beef and cheese sandwich which we enjoyed at Bragg Creek and the nearby waterfall.
Such a beautiful area.
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 7
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 25 °C
Altitude: 1,049 m
Canada Downtown Commercial Core 51.044567, -114.063351°2’40” N 114°3’48” W
Calgary Home and City
June 9, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Today was a little more low key. Started with an amazing breakfast pie, then a visit out to Ray’s police station and the police youth visitor centre. Ray and I posed for a photo under the police sign over 30 years since we joined Wilts Pol.
In the afternoon we headed Downtown for a walk about followed by a delicious dinner at the Calgary Tower Restaurant - which slowly turned while we ate.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 8
Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 10:30 AM
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 1,084 m
Canada Balzac 51.20105, -113.99439251°12’4” N 113°59’40” W
Tour Guide Bec - Dennys and Mall
June 10, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Ray and the kids headed off to Salt Lake City, Utah on a 12.5 hour road trip to watch a concert. So Bec took over the reins and did not disappoint!!
After a new nails, where I chatted to a few locals, and my lovely Vietnamese nail lady.
After picking Jasin up we went to my favourite Diner, Dennys. And wow I just love that place!!
After our fill we headed off to the farmers markets, and then off to a huge shopping mall, full of stuffed bears and moose. Quite Surreal.
Back home for a delicious home cooked dinner before an early night and a 2:45am alarm.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 9
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 6:00 AM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 1,079 m
Canada Calgary International Airport 51.130066, -113.99878751°7’48” N 113°59’56” W
Calgary to Minneapolis
June 11, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
After a 2:45am alarm we headed off to Calgary Airport under the cover of darkness. We made it through security and grabbed an expresso for me and a salmon Bagel for Jasin. Delta airlines were great - on time, clean , good movies and free wifi. The two hour flight was over before we knew it!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 9
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:02 AM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 241 m
United States Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport 44.878855, -93.2067844°52’44” N 93°12’24” W
Minneapolis to Atlanta
June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
A brisk (long) walk to the gate at the opposite end of the terminal and we were straight on the next Delta plane. Again we left on time and enjoyed another movie and free wifi. No food only the smallest packet of chips and a coffee. We landed early - only to find out our next flight is running over an hour late - bonus because we get to eat!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 9
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 25 °C
Altitude: 315 m
United States Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport 33.640064, -84.43918633°38’24” N 84°26’21” W
Atlanta Airport arrival
June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
This airport is CRAZY busy. I googled and found out it’s the busiest airport in the USA and possibly in the world.
We had to take a train from the domestic terminal to the international terminal. Luckily because our flight has been delayed we get a chance to eat! Currently queuing outside TGI Fridays - hope we get in soon!Read more
1 like
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 9
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:53 PM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 304 m
United States Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport 33.6395, -84.42363733°38’22” N 84°25’25” W
Flight to Quito Ecuador
June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
So after a delay of 1.5 hours we board our replacement plane - which I have to say had just lost Delta it’s 5 start rating with me. This plane had to be deep cleaned and they clearly pulled it out of an antique store. This was the most uncomfortable 5 hour flight I have taken.
The movie screen at the back of the seat was yellow where it was so old and smaller than my phone. But the real kicker was that I was so excited to have a window seat - but this one had NO WINDOW - Row 22 on this relic has no windows at all and very very little leg room. To top it all the plane was super noisy - thank good was for noise cancelling headphones!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 9
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 2,372 m
Ecuador Mariscal Sucre International Airport -0.124261, -78.3596730°7’27” S 78°21’35” W
Atlanta to Quito Ecuador
June 11, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
So we never made it to TGI as it was too busy. I ended up with a double expresso and a bbq chicken crepe.
The plane was delayed for 1.5 hours due to equipment failure- and quite clearly they scrambled around and found some old relic plane that required ‘deep cleaning’ before we could board.
The gangway was so so thin, and the screens on the back of the seats were smaller than my iPhone! It was a very cramped and noisy 5 hour flight, but we made it!! I didn’t even have a window in my window seat!
Gabby and her husband Jonny, their daughter and dog, Cyrus picked us up from the airport and took us to our hotel. We finally arrived at 11.00pm - what a huge day!!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 9
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 9:00 PM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 2,782 m
Ecuador Quebrada Ascázubi -0.202058, -78.4928450°12’7” S 78°29’34” W
Ecuador arrival
June 11, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
After a long uncomfortable flight we landed in Quito. We got through customs pretty quickly, and we’re grateful that our bags made it all the way through from Canada.
Gabby from Ecuador family tours picked us up with her husband Jonny driving, her 14 year old daughter, Jade, in the back and the Groodle, Cyrus with us too.
After a 45 minute drive we arrived at our hotel - Reina Isabela - room 403. The room was huge and comfortable- and eventually at midnight we made it to bed. 22 hours of travelling was certainly exhausting!Read more
0 likes