Pick and Price your Best Hawaiian Vacation
Posted on 29. Dec, 2008 by Theresa Ritchie in Travel Information
You’ve finally decided to go to Hawaii!
Excellent choice, but now what? Where to start – Honolulu or Kauai? (…um, where was it that your best friend honeymooned in Hawaii) The “main” island has the volcano, right?
Not to worry, here’s a quick run-down of all the islands worthy of your Hawaiian vacation. If you need help fine-tuning your travel plans and booking a multi-island itinerary – that what real, live travel professionals are for – just ask!
Maui
Home of Kaanapali, Lahaina, Wailea, Makena,and Hana
Maui offers an ideal mix of nature and sophistication. The island is named
after the demigod Maui, who drew the islands up from the ocean and harnessed the
sun from atop the 10,000 foot Haleakala, or House of the Sun. Her magical
beginning has given us miles of pristine beaches, pastoral villages near Hana,
and lush rainforests.
It’s 11,000 feet from the top of Haleakala crater down to Maui’s whale-filled
seas – and you can experience them both in the same day on this compact island.
Whether you’re drawn to shopping, nightlife, art galleries, beaches, golf, or
spas at world-class resorts, Maui will charm you.
Oahu
(Honolulu, Waikiki)
The center of the Hawaiian Islands, O’ahu proudly bears the phrase “the heart
of Hawai’i”. Her diverse island lifestyle is home to Honolulu, the state’s
capital, and the trendiest and most cosmopolitan city in Hawai’i. Waikiki, a
450-acre beach of vacation fun, with beach, surf, hotels, shopping, dining, and
entertainment. Beyond Waikiki, discover O’ahu’s vast natural richness, from the
pristine sanctuary of Hanauma Bay to the towering surf of the famous North
Shore, and the lush tropical rainforest deep within her two mountain ranges.
This island attracts the most visitors to Hawaii for a reason. From Diamond
Head crater to Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace to the Banzai Pipeline, Oahu offers
unique attractions plus fine restaurants, shopping, golf courses, and nightlife.
Hawaii
(Big Island, Kona, Kohala)
The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest island, still growing with spewing
molten lava from the earth’s depths to create new land. Hawaiian legend tells
the story of the goddess Pele and the demigod Kamapua’a battling over the
island. Eventually striking a deal, the two decided to split the island – one
with the drier Kona side and the other with the tropical Hilo side. Diverse is
the word most commonly used to describe Hawaii’s natural beauty.
There’s the Hamakua Coast, where vertical cliffs are adorned by abundant
waterfalls and dotted wit deep valleys. And no trip is complete without a visit
to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hike to the lip of Kilauea’s red-hot caldera
– especially dramatic when viewed after dark.
Kauai
(Poipu, Lihue, Kapaa)
The eldest of her sister islands, Kaua’i has become more beautiful with age.
Blessed with panoramic vistas so magnificent they defy description. It’s no
wonder that over 60 movies have been filmed with her stunning scenery, making
the island known as “Hollywood’s tropical back lot”. Kaua’i is home to two of
the world’s natural wonders: Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon. Hugging 15 miles of
awe-inspiring northern coastline, the towering sea cliffs of Napali Coast plunge
2,000 feet to the sea. To the west is Waimea Canyon.
Lanai
The smallest of the islands, Lanai offers 140 square miles of uncrowded
serenity. Experience secluded sandy beaches, the cloud-kissed uplands of Ko’ele,
and the mysterious lunar-like landscapes of the Garden of the Gods. Lanai’s
natural beauty is immortalized atop the Munro Trail that leads through a
rainforest to the island’s highest point, where Maui, Molokai, Oahu and the
other Hawaiian Islands come into full spectacular view.
Once the site of the world’s largest pineapple plantation, small and isolated
Lanai has no stoplights, one tiny town, and two five-star resorts. Her serene
allure is countered by active adventures. Lanai is a favorite with snorkelers,
especially Hulopo’e Bay. Golf, sun, swim, hike, and saddle up to ride across
Lanai’s sun-drenched terrain.
Molokai
You won’t find fancy shops, nightclubs, high-rise buildings, or traffic
lights on Molokai. It is a place where a traffic jam is two cars in an
intersection “talking story”. The island of Molokai is nearly four times longer
tan it is wide. Her long and narrow shape is somewhat of a quiet dash between
two boisterous sentences, Oahu and Maui. She allures all seeking seclusion, an
unhurried pace and wild outdoor beauty.
Today travelers can ride a mule down to the white-sand beach, visit a working
cattle ranch, and explore Halawa Valley, dotted with magical waterfalls.
How much for your next Hawaii vacation?
For a quick getaway or single island itinerary, we’ve found a easy-to-use, intuitive online vacation booking engine with a top-notch travel package supplier. Just enter your travel preferences and book your Hawaiian vacation online with this quick and easy tool!
Tahiti is definitely for lovers
Posted on 29. Dec, 2008 by Theresa Ritchie in Travel Planning Services
Beach lovers, culture lovers, romance lovers, water lovers, and island lovers!
A tiny archipelago in French Polynesia known as the Society Islands, which in addition to Tahiti, includes Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, and Raiatea/Taha’a, contains all the ingredients for a perfect tropical paradise. The rich climate brings year-round warm weather, blooming vegetation, and a carefree island lifestyle. The influence of the French provides chic restaurants and resorts to satisfy high-class expectations.
If you’ve been looking for that exotic island getaway with a touch of luxury, you can stop looking. You’ve found Tahiti.
Airlines checked baggage fees
Posted on 04. Jun, 2008 by Theresa Ritchie in Travel Information
The Department of Transportation has issued specific policies effective immediately on the disclosure of fees for checked baggage. Please refer to this list for a summary of each carrier’s policies. Click on the link to go to the carriers’ websites for full detailed information.
Air Canada
Air Canada said that it will implement changes to its checked baggage policy on flights within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S. including Hawaii, effective May 15, 2008 for travel on or after July 15, 2008.
Under the new policy, customers who purchase Tango and Tango Plus tickets may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Tango and Tango Plus customers will continue to have the choice of customizing their fare including obtaining a discount when travelling without checked luggage.
There is no change in the checked bag policy for customers purchasing Latitude and Executive Class tickets. As well, Air Canada Elite, Super Elite and Prestige members in addition to Star Alliance Gold and Silver members maintain their current baggage allowance when purchasing Tango and Tango Plus fares. Baggage allowance for travel to and from countries other than Canada and the United States will remain unchanged. This includes North American flights as part of international travel. View complete details of new Air Canada’s baggage policies.
Alaska Airlines
The baggage rules and fees noted below apply to tickets purchased on or after May 1, 2008, for travel on or after July 1, 2008. Free baggage allowance consists of 1 checked bag per ticketed passenger. Baggage can be a maximum of 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and may weigh up to 50 pounds. Excess baggage charges apply to additional pieces, overweight pieces between 51 and 100 pounds and oversized pieces of luggage. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD roundtrip). View complete details of Alaska Airline’s baggage policies.
American Airlines
Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Our carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place. View complete details of American Airline’s baggage policies.
Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for $25 USD fee ($50 USD roundtrip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
Note: OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders, active military traveling on orders are not impacted by this policy change. View details of Continental Airline’s baggage policies.
Delta Airlines
Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008. Customers may check one bag free of charge when traveling in the U. S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD roundtrip). (If traveling outside the U.S. you can check two bags free of charge.) The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased. View more details on Delta Airlines baggage policies.
Frontier Airlines
The following fees and policy changes are effective for Frontier Airlines tickets purchased on or after
June 10, 2008:
For flights within the United States (domestic flights):
* Bag 1 – Complimentary
* Bag 2 – $25
* Bag 3 and above – $50 per piece for each additional bag
For flights to/from Mexico, Canada, or Costa Rica:
* Bag 1 – Complimentary
* Bag 2 – $25
* Bag 3 and 4 – $50 per piece
* Bag 5 thru 17 – $100 per piece
* Bag 18 and above – $200 per piece for each additional bag
View more information on Frontier Airlines baggage policies.
Jet Blue
Each customer may bring two bags free of charge until June 1, 2008. On or after June 1st, each customer may bring only one bag free of charge. Please note: Customers who booked their reservation prior to May 1, 2008, may continue to bring two bags free of charge.
Second Bag Fee (Effective June 1, 2008)
Customers who booked their flight on or after May 1, 2008 will be charged an additional $20 fee for checking a second bag on flights on or after June 1, 2008.
3rd+ Baggage
Customers checking three or more bags on their flight will be charged a $75 fee per bag if they booked on or after May 1, 2008. View more details on Jet Blue’s baggage policy.
Northwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within North America on or after May 5, 2008. This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within north America on/after May 5. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD roundtrip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each way. The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage. View more information on Northwest Airlines baggage policies.
Note: Silver, Gold, and Platinum WorldPerks Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will not be impacted by this policy change.
Spirit Airlines
All customers are allowed one free carry-on bag. Effective June 10, 2008, fees for bags paid in advance online at www.spiritair.com are $10 each way for the first bag only. The fee for Bag #2 is $20 each way, and items 3-5 are $100 per item each way. When paying at the airport, fees for the first and second bags are $20 per bag each way. View more information on Spirit Airlines’ pre-purchase of checked bags.
United Airlines
United has published a new checked baggage policy for customers who purchase Economy tickets for travel exclusively within the United states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
Customers purchasing any domestic Economy ticket and who do not have premium status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for $25.00. Customers who have attained Premier Associate status or higher in Mileage Plus or Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner are exempt from this policy change. This new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. View more information on United Airlines baggage policy.
US Airways
US Airways has announced a new baggage policy for tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. The new policy applies to all flights within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 roundtrip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
The following passengers are exempt from the $25 second checked bag fee: All Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred), passengers traveling to and from Europe, or to and from Asia, confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers at time of check-in, Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel with ID and government issued travel orders, unaccompanied minors, and passengers checking personal assistive devices. View more information on US Airways baggage policies.
The Best Time to Start Planning Your Honeymoon
Posted on 06. May, 2008 by Theresa Ritchie in Travel Information
Ahhh, yes, the honeymoon – the light at the end of the wedding planning tunnel – the vacation of a lifetime! Don’t let this post-nuptial bliss become an afterthought. It just so happens that the most popular times to honeymoon coincide with many top destination’s peak tourist seasons. Here is a general timeline for the savvy couple.
Honeymoon Planning Timeline
AFTER YOU’RE ENGAGED OR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS AHEAD
Explore your honeymoon fantasies. Discuss what would be an ideal honeymoon: Beaches and sun? Non-stop action and nightlife? Museums and monuments? Arm yourself with your desires, thoughts about destinations and a budget range, then speak with a travel agent.
Better yet, find a travel agent who specializes in your destination, activity, or mode of transportation (i.e. an accredited cruise counselor). Partner with this travel counselor to develop your honeymoon itinerary, then secure your vacation with a deposit.
Also inquire about travel insurance coverages, entry documents, and any necessary vaccinations required for visiting your destination.
THREE MONTHS AHEAD
Obtain your passports and visas, if necessary. Ensure that any required entry documents are issued in maiden name as you most likely won’t be able to have your name legally changed before departure. In order to avoid travel snafus, your travel documents (airline tickets, cruise tickets, etc.) must match your official IDs.
TWO MONTHS AHEAD
Discuss and book tours and any other must-do activities that require advance reservations with your travel agent. Place final payment on your honeymoon travel package.
ONE MONTH AHEAD
Meet with your Travel Specialist to review your travel documents, review your recommended packing list, and confirm any final preferences. Have a copy of the name pages of your passports or your photo ID for your agent to keep safe. Order any prescription refills, arrange for your mail to be held and any necessary house, pet, and/or child sitting!
TWO WEEKS AHEAD
Buy travelers’ checks if desired. If you’re traveling abroad, exchange about $50 into small bills in the currency of the country you’ll be visiting so that you’ll have some money on hand for taxis, snacks, or miscellaneous upon your arrival.
THREE DAYS AHEAD
Make any necessary arrangements for your ride to and from the airport.
ONE DAY AHEAD
Re-confirm your airline flight schedule. Label your baggage both on the outside and inside with your name and phone number.
DEPARTURE DAY
Relax, have fun, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Make the most of every honeymoon day with your new spouse!
