Following Links to Your Dream Hawaii Vacation

I've often used the Net for planning my personal and business trips. Trips to
Australia, Hawaii, Seattle and Las Vegas, to name a few, are a cinch to plan on the
Net... If you know how to go about it. The main problem with the Internet these
days is that people are often overwhelmed by information overload.

Many destinations have many sites covering details on vacationing there and Hawaii
is no exception. In fact, Hawaii as a travel destination, is covered by numerous
websites covering everything from hotels to activities and car rentals to luaus. So
many sites and so little time.

Thought there are many activities, hotels and ways to get to Hawaii, they are limited
and after a while you'll discover that many sites on the various topics cover the
same ground. This is both good and bad: Good, in that you have numerous choices
to choose from for look and feel and price. Let's face it, some sites are easier to
navigate than others, while some also have better privacy statements and ease of
contact. Also, competition generally keeps prices lower. The bad: Well, there's just
so many choices that one can easily become overwhelmed.

My suggestion here is not to try and visit every Hawaii travel website on the planet,
but to check out a few and stick with those you feel at ease with regarding
navigation, product, pricing and privacy. There are many excellent Hawaii travel
sites out there, so the first thing to do is to target how you want to get there, where
you want to stay and what you actually plan to do once you are there. If you're like
most visitors to the Islands these days, you'll arrive by air.

If you have frequent flyer accounts, you'll likely choose one of those airlines,
otherwise, leave this open until you have completed some rudimentary price
checking. The quickest, but not always the cheapest, is to book a non-stop flight.
Cruises from the Mainland are available, but are quite expensive and are generally
round trip, round-island cruises, with little time actually on the Islands.

As for your planned activities, once your list is made, I would highly recommend
checking out activity agents and when satisfied, book your day tours, dinner cruises
and submarine tours, etc. in advance. Why? Well, depending on the season--high or
low--some of the more popular activities can book out quickly, leaving you high
and dry looking for alternatives. This leads me to: Do you really want to be spending
your valuable vacation time calling around to book activities to fill your days with
fun, culture and adventure. Also, reserving your activities allows for better insight
on itinerary and what your trip to paradise is going to cost. Valuable, if you're on a
tight timetable or budget.

Where to stay... Well many areas have many styles of accommodation, from hotels
to cozy bed and breakfasts and condos to luxury resorts. Oahu's noted for its
tourist hotels and condos in Waikiki to luxury spa resorts outside the city of
Honolulu. Maui, Kauai and Hawaii have their fair share of luxury resorts and bed and
breakfasts, too.

Once you have your rough general itinerary, it's now time to search using
appropriate terms, such as "hawaii vacation," "fun things to do in hawaii" and
"hawaii airfare," etc. Line up 3 to 5 good sites for each topic--some sites will cover
them all--and then start clicking. Explore each site to sort out the better from the
good and keep your eyes open for any travel, accommodation or activity options
you may have missed when composing your itinerary. Add these items to your list
and keep clicking.

After spending "quality" time with your long list, it's now time to decide which one(s)
you feel most at ease with. These are the ones you should use for planning and
booking your vacation necessities. If unsure about a few, send off a question by
email or phone. You can tell a lot about a company on how they respond, if they
respond. Obviously, if some don't respond or respond inappropriately, drop them
from your list... You don't need the aggravation.

Now, get serious about planning and booking your itinerary. If you have a problem
offering your credit card via the Net, many agents can accept same via telephone.
Personally, given the pre-planning above, I have never had a problem using my
credit card online and I've ordered thousands of dollars of products and services via
the Internet with no problems whatsoever. Given my life in general, I doubt that this
has anything to do with luck. Once done, you'll have a great sense of
accomplishment and very likely, a fantastic vacation in paradise. So, get clicking and
planning and before you know it, you will have followed all your favorite links to
Hawaii... Aloha!

By Dave Davis

What You Need to Know About Hawaii Islands

Tired visiting the conventional holiday destinations? Want some escapades? Want to electrify yourself? Then budge to holiday at Hawaii and unravel the inscrutable anonymity of nature.

A Short March in the Past

Hawaii Islands were born thousands of years ago from the underwater volcanic action. The oceanic water nurtured the islands, which developed huge ecosystems. The islands are whispered to be older than America and first colonized by Polynesian migrants who had rolled up from Marquesas Islands and were a bunch of superstitious and God fearing people. However, Hawaii was christened as the 50th state of USA on 21st August 1959.
An Expedition to Hawaii

A glance at the mesmerizing red-hot lava making its passage to the oceans lays bare the fact that the Hawaiian Islands are still intensifying. There is a concealed volcano beneath the Hawaii Island in the offing to be a part of the Hawaiian family. However, at present the Hawaii Islands are network of world’s six great and exotic islands namely:

1. Hawaii Island or the Big Island that is the largest amongst the constituent islands.

2. Maui Island or Valley Isle that was baptized after a legendary demigod Maui. The area of the island is next to the Hawaii Island.

3. Lanai or the Pineapple Island known for its delectable pineapples, is the smallest of all islands.

4. Molokai or the Friendly Isle that cocoons some of the breath taking and marvelous beaches of the world.

5. Oahu or the Gathering Place that grounds the capital city of Honolulu is a thickly populated island.

6. Kaui or the Garden Isle has out of the ordinary flora and the bewitching Waimea Canyon.

The Hawaiian Islands are a perfect destination for both the nature lovers as well the beach aficionados. The former can take delight in hiking, sightseeing, horse riding etc. in the enigmatic evergreen forests at Hawaii, while there are inexhaustible and exclusive beach activities like underwater tours, submarine drives and scuba diving and so forth for the beach enthusiasts to have a ball. The wonderful Garden Island of Kauai crams you with the feel that nature has preeminently unveiled itself in the form of these gardens. The Molokai Island magnetizes with its fishing and underwater activities and a feather is added to the enticement of this place by the incredible golf proceedings and events all round the year. Hawaii has nestled some of the glorious golf courses like Mauna Kea Golf Course, Challenge at Manele, Ko Olina and the like. On the whole there are more than 80 golf clubs to bathe in the splendor of golf. Not to overlook are some of the eminent museums, the nerve wrecking night life and matchless cultural events like Hula dance, Hawaiian chants etc. on the land of Islands. You also have the opportunity to gain knowledge of some of these activities by participating in the respective events.

What the Weather Conspires

Hawaii is a place of all seasons. The weather is stable all round the year with temperature fluctuating from 80 to 60 Fahrenheit. The months of June to November are a host to the hurricanes and the ones from November to March are cherished and acknowledged for the gigantic waves that whack the north shores of the all the islands. During winters the breakers can be surfed at the Oahu’s north shore as well as the Hoopika beach at the Maui’s north shore. The north shore is hushed during the summers or the months of June to October when the south shores particularly the Waikki and Poipu beach are enlivened and perked up by the waves that are tossed from the tropical storms in South Pacific.

Since the place is teeming with tourists all the year round, its better to get your reservations done. Hawaii has legroom for the luxury as well as the budget travelers.

The complete information can be accumulated either from your travel agency or the Internet that has a catalog of all the hotels along with their rents and amenities.

So hanging on for what… gear up to bask in the grandeur of Hawaii!

By Mansi Aggarwa

Hawaii Honeymoon Vacations - Romanticizing Your Honeymoon!

Hawaii honeymoon vacations could take you to a miracle trip to the most enchanting beaches of Hawaii. There are beaches, long and beautiful across the world but none of them could be a match for the ultimate Hawaii beaches. The Big Island of Hawaii especially has activities like scuba diving and snorkeling to enjoy. Some of the well known beaches in the Big Island are at Kohala coast, Kona District, Hilo District, Puna and Kau districts. Then there are other beaches which are equally exotic and bewitching like Maui beaches, Kauai beaches, Oahu beaches etc.

If you want to spend a worthy vacation, let Hawaii be your home to pleasure. Most couples look forward for a good time in Hawaii through the best deals in a Hawaii honeymoon package.

People find Hawaii as a place to chill out to their hearts’ content in the majestic beaches of Hawaii. Hawaii honeymoon vacation resorts have accommodations and suites which could suit any budget. These resorts give you quality service and make sure that you enjoy every moment of your stay in Hawaii. The Hawaii honeymoon package is a lovely combination of meals, round trips, and entertainment options. Hotels like Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani have a terrace view accommodation and a Hertz car rental. There is another hotel called Hyatt Regency Maui which has mountain accomodations, provides golf and other benefits.

Hawaii is fondly called America's jewels in the Pacific, the beautiful islands have a unique culture and identity of their own. The Hawaii honeymoon deals encompass a wide range of entertainment and partying options for you when you stay at their resorts. The beauty of the islands in pictures could barely compensate for the ultimate experience. When you actually visit the islands and bask in the glory of Hawaii and take in the exotic smells of the Hawaiian breeze, you will notice the sexy difference between knowing and actually living the experience.

By Randy Wilson

What's Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages?

With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one will provide the most romantic and relaxing environment for you and your loved one. The following tips should be helpful to anyone planning for honeymoon cruise vacations.

Be sure to specifically inform your travel agent that this will be a honeymoon cruise; the cruise line will usually prepare special gifts for newlywed couples.

Decide with your new spouse the general area you would like to visit. When people think of honeymoon cruise vacations, the Carribean Sea is usually the first image that comes to mind. Most cruises do tend to cater to the sunbather, but there are incredible honeymoon cruises to hundreds of areas around all continents of the world. Consider them all before you leap forward with your plans!

Think about the size of the vessel before you book. The larger ships can host 3,000 passengers or more. It is literally like a little city on the sea! For a more private and personal setting, there are some which carry only a few dozen people at a time. These smaller yachts, however, are more unstable during storms and heavy winds. This turbulence can make some people nervous or even slightly ill. It's just something to keep in mind.

In addition to the vast list of amenities included in honeymoon cruises, there are items and activities which are billed separately. Some or all of your liquor and dining costs, plus casino games and souvenirs from the gift shop, are not likely to be included with the actual honeymoon cruise package. Keep these types of expenses in mind when you budget your vacation.

Carrying cash is risky, so it is common for the company to include a shipboard account which can be used to pay for any expenses you might incur during your voyage. This is much safer than carrying bundles of cash, but do resist the temptation to go "overboard" with your tab!

Be attentive to the clothing you bring along with you on the cruise. Most of the day will be very casual, with bathing suits and casual summerwear being the norm; however, many honeymoon cruise packages also include at least one night of formal entertainment where a dress code is in effect. The ship may also shore up in regions of the world where fairly conservative attire is expected from visitors. Bring a nice variety of clothing and you should be just fine.

The most important piece of advice is to thoroughly plan for everything in advance. If you're fully prepared, your honeymoon cruise will be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable times of your life.

By Randy Wilson

Maui Honeymoon Resorts

Each of the dozens of Maui honeymoon resorts can be considered a work of art. You are destined to discover a haven that presents everything you seek in the perfect vacation. Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, which means a lot of expertise has gone into the design of Maui honeymoon packages.

The oceanfront beaches, hazy mountaintops, and lush, green vegetation are the canvas and the stage of your Maui honeymoon vacation. The most highly-developed areas of the island continue to sparkle with nature's most alluring artifacts. This mystic aura of nature is why Maui honeymoons are so enchanting.

The island of Maui is endowed with tourist attractions. Even the more basic Maui honeymoon resorts offer such amenities as private pools, tennis and golf courses, nature trails for hiking or biking, and immaculate ocean and beachside views. Maui honeymoon vacations have rightfully earned the laudatory reputation as the most elegant and serene way to spend the opening days of a new marriage.

Some of the most exquisite resorts are located along the ocean's shore, but many value-priced retreats are located just a short distance from the beach. Maui honeymoon packages usually include shuttle service or a vehicle rental to get you around the island. It is very tempting to spend a small fortune on a palatial shoreline suite, but your visit to Maui will be invigorating either way.

Luxury is the name of the game for Maui honeymoons. Televisions and telephones are often considered nuisances, so some Maui honeymoon resorts do not even offer them. Don't assume your suite will (or will not) be furnished with a television, stereo, or even a telephone. If you need these services, be sure to prepare arrangements or select a resort which offers them.

You might feel at first like you are entering a foreign country (not so many years ago, it was), but keep in mind that Hawaii is an American state. Almost everybody speaks English, and there is no currency to exchange. Your U.S. dollars are happily accepted everywhere. Just add this to the long list of reasons for choosing a Maui honeymoon vacation.

By Randy Wilson

Top Five Honeymoon Safari Destinations In Africa

An African honeymoon safari is the perfect way to celebrate your marriage.

The pampering that you get is second to none and the surroundings are as beautiful as you will get anywhere in the world.

All you have to do is turn up and your safari company caters to your every whim while you enjoy excellent cuisine and the incomparable African wildlife.

So it's not in doubt that a safari is an awesome honeymoon experience but Africa is a big place so it does beg the questions where the best honeymoon safari destinations are and who the top honeymoon safari companies are.

I speak from experience because I went on a honeymoon safari myself in the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and in the first hand accounts of previous travellers in the trip reports at African safari journals these are the top five honeymoon safari destinations in Africa...

1. Serengeti and Pemba Island - Tanzania

By combining a safari and beach honeymoon you are getting the absolute best of both worlds and for this not much beats the Serengeti and Pemba Island close to Zanzibar.

The Serengeti rightly ranks as one of the best national parks in Africa and will give you a wonderful safari experience.

You can for example stay at the Ngorongoro crater lodge which is built on stilts right on the lip of the fantastic crater which affords you some awesome views and from there you can make forays onto the Serengeti plains themselves too.

Then, once you have covered most of the Serengeti move on to the secluded island paradise of Pemba and stay at one of the handful of luxury resorts there like the Funda Lagoon beach resort.

The big advantage of Pemba island is that it is far less commercialized than Zanzibar and offers you a true island hideaway experience complete with azure blue, crystal clear seas, white sands and palm trees. Magical.

2. Kruger National Park and Cape Town - South Africa

Another safari and beach combination honeymoon but with much more variety. Cape Town offers far more than just stunning beaches.

Visit the winelands in the area, take a trip up Table mountain, watch whales at Hermanus, sip champagne at the Victoria and Alfred waterfront and that's just for starters. There is more to do and see than you will be able to get around to.

The Kruger National Park provides an amazing safari experience also with a wider variety of wildlife than any other reserve in Africa. Stay at the recently refurbished Lower Sabie camp in one of the luxury tents situated right next to the Lower Sabie River.

I have watched elephants crossing the river sitting on the veranda with a beer in my hand. Can't get much better than that.

3. Victoria Falls and South Lungwa Reserve - Zimbabwe and Zambia

My own honeymoon took me to the place that should rank as one of the seven wonders of the world. The Victoria Falls lives up to its reputation and is a natural wonder that must be experienced.

The Victoria Falls hotel provides good views of the deluge of water as you take tea in the gardens of this charismatic hotel oozing with colonial magnetism.

To get your dose of safari, mix your falls visit with a trip across the border into Zambia for a visit to the South Luangwa National park.

This reserve was the birthplace of the walking safari and is famous for its leopard sighting potential. Stay at the Tena Tena camp which has been ranked as one of the finest in Africa.

4. Okavango Delta and Chobe Game Reserve - Botswana

The Okavango Delta is unique in all the world and a stay at Selinda camp will bring out its full potential for you.

See all the usual wildlife suspects and enjoy gliding along the river in a canoe called a mokorro while you watch elephant and antelope along the banks of the swamp.

Chobe National Park provides more opportunities to spot your favourite wildlife especially elephant and buffalo. Take a sunset cruise on the Chobe river and dine watching hippo and elephant only a few feet away from the boat.

5. Timbavati and Sabi Sabi Nature Reserves - South Africa

The camps in the Timbavati and Sabi Sands nature reserves which lie adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa have raised the bar on luxury worldwide.

The Singita Boulders Lodge in Timbavati is the first and only accommodation in the history of Conde Nast Gold List Reader Poll to get a perfect 100 score, an honour it has held for three years. It doesn't get better than this in terms of luxury.

And on the wildlife front you are virtually guaranteed of seeing the "big five" animals because these are private reserves and the vehicles are allowed to go off-road to track the big game.

The Top Three Honeymoon Safari Companies List ranks the best of the best honeymoon safari operators by using trip reports from previous travellers.

Find out the best places and times to get the most out of a Serengeti migration safari and learn who the top three wildebeest migration safari companies are.

By Bruce Whittaker

Tahiti Honeymoon Resorts: 'Fun-tastic' Experience

Tahiti honeymoon resorts are the best places you could think of when you think of a romantic and passion filled honeymoon. Tahiti is the picture perfect place for your honeymoon. If you cherish your love, then you cannot afford to think beyond Tahiti.

Tahiti honeymoon vacations will make you believe that good times are made to be enjoyed here. The fascinating overwater bungalow is picturesque and makes you spend invaluable intimate moments with your beloved. The Tahiti honeymoon package is comprehensive of romantic dinners, complimentary champagne, fruit baskets et all. Many people are even said to have renewed their wedding vows here.

Most Tahiti honeymoon packages include round trip airfares, gifts like a bottle of champagne or wine, safari travel through the place, exotic meals including fish, sumptuous breakfast, romantic bed of flowers, private mini Tahitian dance show, music troupe , traditional wedding quilt, various gifts and tokens of appreciation courtesy the Tahiti honeymoon resorts, specially for you.

A lot of people like to take cross country trips when it comes to honeymoon and enjoy the honeymoon place which is a far cry from the hum drum and vagaries of the busy life. The Tahiti honeymoon packages give you an escape from your reality as you board a fantasy voyage to ecstasy full of romance and love. Tahiti is the place you would certainly make love to!

By Randy Wilson