Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 223

Travel Guest Post: Cricket & Calabash Cove in St. Lucia

Escape to St. Lucia's idyllic Calabash Cove Resort & Spa this spring and see the West Indies cricket team take on the Aussies in an exciting matchup between the two élite international teams at nearby Beausejour Cricket Ground.Calabash Cove is located conveniently close to the state-of-the-art stadium — named for the Beausejour hills providing its backdrop — yet secluded enough to hear the gentle lapping of the waves on our pristine beach when you return to your luxurious, boutique accommodations.

The eagerly anticipated March 23 and March 25, 2012, games will mark the first return to St. Lucia by the four-time World Cup champion Australian men's cricket team since the 2007 World Cup Semi-Finals. They will face the West Indies cricket team, a confederation of more than a dozen Caribbean countries known as the Windies, which includes St. Lucia's hometown hero, Windies player Darren Sammy. The Windies were the first cricket team to win World Cup twice, the first team to win back to back World Cups, and the first team to play in 3 consecutive World Cup finals—a feat that was later surpassed by none other than Australia in 2007.

"This will be a great time to visit St. Lucia," said Calabash Cove managing director Konrad Wagner. "You'll be able to see some of the best cricketers in the world and also enjoy all the beautiful sites and relaxing activities our little island paradise has to offer."

Calabash Cove offers 26 oceanfront suites, all with Jacuzzis and many with private pools, as well as a full-service spa and fitness center, infinity-edge designer swimming pool, restaurant, cocktail bar, library, and game room. All accommodations  feature unparalleled views of the sea, the capital Castries to the south, or nearby Martinique to the north from a private balcony. Choose from the following:

•    Water's Edge Cottages – Each of the nine handcrafted teak and mahogany Water's Edge Cottages on the beach feature a private plunge pool for late night dips, outdoor rain shower, private Jacuzzi and patio hammock surrounded by tropical flora oft visited by the island's hummingbirds. These luxurious hideaways offer stunning views of the bay with the majestic Pitons in the distance and exquisite Caribbean sunsets. When night and stars steal across the sky, curl up in the spacious living area as sea breezes drift gently through.

•    Swim-Up Junior Suites – These unique, 620-square-foot junior suites offer luxury and comfort, including private Jacuzzis – and are located just steps from Sweetwaters, the oversized, infinity-edge pool, offering unrestricted and private access directly from the patio of your room. Swim across to the bar and watch the sunset while you enjoy one of the resort's signature cocktails, or take a romantic midnight swim.

•    Sunset Ocean View Junior Suites – Combining contemporary luxury with stunning ocean views, these junior suites feature private, furnished balconies, Jacuzzis, spacious living areas and luxury baths. Enjoy a view of Mount Gimie, the island's tallest peak in the distance during the day, and the sparkling lights of Castries, the island's capital, at night.

For all your relaxation needs, the resort's Ti Spa overlooks Sweetwaters, poised at bay's edge and the wide expanse of the beach. Revitalizing treatments combine European technique with St. Lucia's rich tradition of plant- and fruit-based curatives. Calabash Cove also features the acclaimed Windsong Restaurant, offering seasonally inspired dishes made from the freshest local ingredients along with unobstructed views across the Caribbean Sea enhance the menu's sensory delights. Complimenting Windsong's elegant milieu is the convivial C-bar, which serves international cocktails and fine wines from the Calabash Cove Cellars amid lively island music.

Calabash Cove's concierge service can help guests arrange to experience a broad array of activities available on the island. Whether its cricket, golf, sailing, snorkeling, rock climbing, soaking in hot springs, zip lining through the rainforest, shopping in a quaint fishing village, viewing exotic wildlife like giant turtles, searching for ancient petroglyphs, driving into a volcano, cooling off under a waterfall or listening to world-class jazz, St. Lucia has something to offer everyone.

To make reservations at Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, contact your preferred travel agent or e-mail reservations@calabashcove.com or Tammy@LMPInternational.com.  Visit Calabash Cove's website at www.calabashcove.com or its Facebook or Twitter pages.

Filed under: adventure, guest post, holiday, sports Tagged: cricket, island, sports, st. lucia

Travel Guest Post: Sunday Shopping in Barcelona

Barcelona is known for the many shopping facilities it has to offer and when you are visiting this city you cannot leave without having a look into the numerous of stores. The stores in Barcelona are equipped with everything you are looking for. Besides the popular brands, the city also has a lot of stores which are specialised in something. From special doll stores till all kinds of pens, everything you are looking for can be found in Barcelona. The street Passeig de Gracia is a long street with the more expensive but popular brands. Have a look at these stores because the majority has a unique interior and they are very interesting to see. Even though Barcelona is a big city, most of the stores are not open on Sundays.  But where to shop on Sunday then? Here are some places where you can shop till you drop on Sunday.

The first place is a huge shopping mall which is opened 365 days a year: Maremagnum. From 10 to 10 every day, you can enjoy the many shops of this mall which is located on the pier in the old harbour of Barcelona. There are also dining options which are even opened until 1am and have a spectacular view over the harbour. At this shopping facility you can enjoy yourself on a Sunday as well. The stores of famous brands and less known brands make this mall varied. Outside of this mall there are many activities for children such as trampolines and balls with which you can walk over water. This makes a visit fun for both young and old, anyone can enjoy themselves at Maremagnum.

Las Ramblas, a 1.2 kilometres long boulevard with many stalls and street performance which has become a famous landmark for the city, can also be amused on Sundays. The many touristic attractions make this place enjoyable to visit on Sundays. The touristic shops are also open on Sundays and you can therefore shop for souvenirs on Sunday. Along the Ramblas there are small shops which are also open every day of the week.

Besides the mall and the boulevard there are several markets to visit and enjoy your day. There are for example flea and art markets all around the city which are open to everyone. The markets are full of stands where you can easily walk around for several hours. On special occasions, food markets can also be open on Sundays. If there are public holidays or special dates like Christmas, larger chains such as El Corte Inglés will be opened so you can also purchase your Christmas presents on Sunday.

Even on Sunday there is enough to explore and enjoy your day. When you have become interested in a visit to this city, have a look at these vacation apartments Barcelona for your stay. The site of these Barcelona accommodations also provides information about the Barcelona festivals, exhibition and much more.

Author: This article was written by a Sanne, a travel writer for Apartime.

Filed under: guest post, holiday, spain, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: barcelona, shopping, spain

Travel Guest Post: Romantic Spring Destinations

Check out the best places to spend a romantic weekend away.

If you're eager to get into the spirit of things during the romantic spring season, you might want to consider taking a trip overseas, as some of the world's most romantic cities are just a short trip from the UK. Whether you're whisking someone away for a weekend to remember or acting on a whim, you could find some great last-minute deals on transport and accommodation when you search online.

Venice is one of the most distinctive cities in Europe and in the world, and if you've never visited this unique city in Northern Italy before, a romantic getaway can be the perfect excuse. With its complete absence of cars, canals sweeping through the city and eye-catching baroque architecture, Venice is truly a city unlike any other. You can escape the crowds by hiring a private gondola ride down the Grand Canal at sunset. Don't forget to try authentic Venetian pizza or a calzone, as well as gelato ice cream if you have a sweet tooth.

Rome is another Italian city steeped in romance and intrigue, and whether you're interested in the historical title or the artistic, Italy's capital won't disappoint. Take a tour of world-famous monuments like the Colosseum or just enjoy spending time together in your hotel room while taking in the magnificent views over the city.

Prague is becoming increasingly popular for romantic breaks too, especially due to its easy access from the UK. Share a horse-drawn carriage ride around its medieval centre, visit stunning Prague Castle or see the sunrise at Charles Bridge, allowing you to beat the lunchtime crowds. You might also consider equally convenient and accessible Amsterdam, which offers an abundance of attractions for couples of all interests – from some of the world's best museums to its cycling culture and more romantic canals.

No selection of European romantic break destinations would be complete without mentioning Paris, of course, which for many people represents the ultimate romantic escape. With its close proximity to the UK, Paris is ideal for last-minute city breaks. There are plenty of cheap hotels, so you can save your money for delicious French pastries and boat cruises along the Seine. A stylish, modern and amorous city, Paris offers many opportunities for couples to enjoy their shared time on this special occasion, whether you're celebrating your first romantic break together or returning to old haunts.

If you don't fancy travelling overseas however, you can still enjoy a great romantic break right here in the UK. Everywhere from cosmopolitan London to countryside areas could be the perfect setting for a memorable holiday or long weekend with the person closest to you.

Author: Sarah Jamerson writes for a digital marketing agency.  This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency.  This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Filed under: guest post Tagged: london, paris, romantic destinations, venice

Travel Guest Post: Legal Issues for International Travelers

International travel is almost always an exciting prospect. For many people, planning for a trip, and the anticipation that accompanies planning a trip can be almost as fun as the trip itself. After all, it involves going through travel guides, figuring out where you're going to stay, what sites you're going to see, etc.

Of course, planning an international trip also involves some boring logistics: booking flights, getting traveler's insurance, and the like. However, there is one thing that many international travelers fail to account for: the unique legal issues that you can face when traveling to a foreign country.

However, travelers should be aware of the unique legal issues that they can face, which are unlikely to come up in any context other than international travel. These legal issues include laws of foreign countries that differ from the laws of your home country, customs regulations, and others. This article will give a basic overview of some of these legal issues, and how to prepare for them.

Foreign Laws

When you are traveling to a foreign country, there is one basic fact that you should always keep in mind: when you're in a foreign country, you're subject to that country's laws, no matter where you're from. So, if you're arrested in a foreign country, saying "I'm an American!" isn't going to help you.

It's also essential to know that the freedoms that you take for granted as an American are far from universal. For example, in the U.S., and most other Western countries, you are free to criticize the government to your heart's content. This is especially true in the United States, where people can express any political opinion, no matter how extreme, as long as it is not done in a way that's likely to incite violence. In many other countries, however, speech that's critical of the state is either considered extremely rude and socially unacceptable, or it's outright illegal. For example, in the popular tourist destination of Thailand, it's illegal to criticize the country's monarchy.

You should also know that in many foreign countries, conduct that's illegal in the U.S., but considered a relatively "minor" offense (such as small-quantity drug possession), is treated far more seriously. This is most amply demonstrated in Singapore: this city-state has a thriving market economy, its population has modern, progressive sensibilities on most issues, and the government is a Western-style democracy. It is also a popular destination for tourists. But when it comes to crime, Singapore has a major authoritarian streak. Possession or importation of even a small amount of illegal narcotics (such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin) is subject to the death penalty.

And other "minor" crimes in Singapore are punishable by long prison sentences, lashings, and massive fines.

In other countries, particularly in the Muslim world, alcohol is illegal, which includes the importation of alcoholic beverages. So, if you buy a bottle of wine at the airport's duty-free shop before you leave, it may be confiscated when you arrive in some countries.

In the unlikely event that you are arrested in a foreign country, you should stay calm and comply with whatever instructions the arresting officer gives you. You should ask to speak with a representative of the embassy of your home country. Most nations are parties to international agreements that give foreigners the right to speak with a consular representative if they are arrested. However, you should temper your expectations about what that person will actually be able to do for you. Representatives of the U.S. embassy might help you find a local lawyer, and contact your relatives or loved ones back home, if you want them to. They will also try to make sure you are being treated humanely by the local authorities. However, they will not interfere with the local judicial system, and they will not try to secure your release (or any other special treatment) simply by virtue of your citizenship.

Customs Regulations

The potential legal issues that you can face while traveling internationally don't just come up when you're abroad: you can also face legal issues on your way back to the United States, particularly when you have to go through customs.

Customs regulations are laws that govern what can and cannot be brought into a country. In the Untied States, they are primarily concerned with the importation of illegal drugs, live plants and animals (especially those that might cause agricultural damage), and counterfeit goods.

Many people who are traveling abroad are aware that, in many countries, you can buy counterfeit name-brand goods (such as clothing, handbags, and watches), as well as pirated movies, music, and video games. People who buy these products often assume that what they're doing is technically illegal, but unlikely to expose them to any serious legal problems. However, federal law prohibits the importation of counterfeit goods, or pirated media. If you are caught bringing such items into the United States from your trip abroad, you can, at the very least, expect the goods to be confiscated. In more severe cases, you may also be subject to fairly hefty civil and criminal penalties.

As you can see, properly planning a trip to a foreign country involves a lot more than booking hotel rooms and making space in your suitcase for Hawaiian shirts. When traveling to a foreign country, especially one that comes from a cultural tradition very different from your home country, you should take at least a little bit of time to familiarize yourself with the criminal laws of that country. Obviously, you don't need to become an expert on the subject, but it's important to be aware of the areas in which the laws of your destination differ significantly from the laws of your home country, to ensure that you do not inadvertently become a criminal while you're on vacation.

Author: John Richards is a writer for LegalMatch.com and the LegalMatch.com Law Blog. The above article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed in any way as legal advice relevant to your particular situation. The only person qualified to give you legal advice is an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction, who has been apprised of all the relevant facts of your situation.

 

Filed under: guest post, travel Tagged: legal, travel issues

Travel Guest Post: The Magic of Yorkshire

As a tourist visiting England, the most obvious location to visit is London. London is the capital after all, and there are many things to see and do. What many tourists don't know, is that London isn't representative of the rest of the country, especially the North. For those wanting to see the real Britain, I would suggest the Northern of Leeds.

Leeds is a great city in the heart of Yorkshire. Yorkshire has the nickname 'God's own county', with good reason to, as Yorkshire is home to some beautiful locations such as the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorkshire Moors. If you visit Leeds, you'll definitely want to set aside a few days to explore (or ramble, as it's sometimes known) through the hills of Yorkshire.

Within the surrounding area of Leeds you will find the historical towns of Harrogate and York, both of which are rich with history. In fact York was the Roman capital of Northern Britain (Brittania Inferior) from around 100 – 300AD. It has also been under Celtic, Viking, and Norman rule, so there a many interesting historical attractions to visit there. Harrogate is a luxurious Spa town and has won awards for its appeal as a tourist destination. Both are short train Journeys from Leeds City Train Station.

Leeds itself is a cultural hotspot, featuring a smorgasbord of hotels, art galleries, comedy clubs, music venues, restaurants, and other entertainment. Leeds is definitely somewhere you never get bored. I would like to mention that Leeds will probably appeal to a younger tourist in terms of nightlife, but places such as Leeds City Museum, Leeds City Art Gallery, The Henry Moore Institute, and the City Hall will provide a tourist of any age with fascinating things to do.

If art in your thing, then you might be interested in the world famous Yorkshire Sculpture Park, that features incredible work by iconic sculptor Henry Moore.

Whatever you interests, Yorkshire will have something for you and with a buzzing heart like Leeds you're bound to enjoy your time here. Come see Yorkshire, the true England.

Author: Thom Milson is a passionate Leeds dweller, who occasionally blogs on behalf of One UK, who specialise in Leeds apartments. He originally moved to Leeds after a visit and has never left; maybe you will do the same.

 

 

Filed under: england, europe, guest post, travel Tagged: leeds, UK, yorkshire

Travel Guest Post: 6 Signs of a Frequent Luxury Traveler

Luxury travel is something most people can only dream of, but for some the thrill of travelling first class (or even in their own private jet) is a regular occurrence. So how can you tell if someone is a frequent luxury traveler? Look out for these following signs:

1. An iPad

An iPad is the ultimate luxury travel item. Being small enough to fit in your briefcase or carry-on and without the added weight and fuss of a laptop, it's something no frequent traveler would be seen without. They'll have their business cards stored digitally and probably all the apps and data they need to work whilst they travel. What better way to combine the luxurious apple product with the luxury travel lifestyle?

2. Chanel Silk Eye Mask

Traveling in luxury wouldn't be complete without the luxury accessories. Chanel makes a comfortable silk eye mask which is perfect for those travelers who want to catch some sleep on their journey.

3. Jet Card

This item might be harder to spot as most travelers keep it in their wallet. A Jet Card is the ultimate loyalty card of the skies; it works like a pre-paid debit card. You can use it to buy the unused hours on a private jet and when some fractional owners aren't using their private jet, you can use your jet card to have that plane for a flight. They sell them in 15 and 25 hour quantities and it's the ultimate luxury travel accessory.

4. Hakansson Vitamin Spray

This magical Vitamin spray will keep any luxury traveler feeling fresh and motivated all day long. The vitamin sprays work wonders for your body in restoring all the things that can often be lost during frequent travel. The packets are small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage so you can keep refreshed – especially on those long international flights.

5. Bose – Noise cancelling headphones

These amazing headphones are perfect for the luxury traveler who enjoys music. They provide you with an amazing atmosphere, cancelling exterior noise so you can concentrate only on the things you want to listen to. They come with a hefty price tag, but they are well worth every cent for a frequent traveler.

6. Priority Pass – Worldwide

A Priority Pass is a wonderful little card which allows you access to VIP lounges in airports all across the world. It's a great scheme for those who fly frequently with many transfers or changes, as it means you have somewhere to rest your head, have a drink, and mingle with your fellow frequent travelers.

Author: Brian Donahue

Filed under: guest post, travel

Travel Guest Post: 5 Inspirational Globe Trotting Movies

Traveling—is it something that you inspire to do but can't really find the motivation to get up and book a flight? While you're spending most of your days glued to the couch, some "inspiration" to jet set might very well reside in your television set. Whether it's the beautiful film's location or the character's eagerness to skip town, below are some of the top films to get you in the mood for some globetrotting.

5. The Blue Lagoon, Featuring Christopher Atkins and Brook Shields (1980)

If you haven't been longing for the summer and warm sandy beaches just quite yet, you will now. This film, which is the oldest out of the bunch, is about a couple who have been shipwrecked on a luscious and beautiful island since early childhood. Forced to care for themselves, they use all of the beach's resources to survive. While the movie takes place on one island, in actuality shots are taken from multiple places, including Jamaica, Nanuya Levu in the Fiji Islands, and the island nation of Vanuatu.

4. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Featuring America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Blake Lively (2005).

This movie may be a bit juvenile for some since it targets teenage girls and their mothers, but it features a lovely deception of Greece and all the great and exciting things the country has to offer through one of the main character's story line. The country's natural beauty captured in the film is enough to make anyone want to take the next flight to Athens.

3. Up, Featuring the voices of Edward Asner and Jordan Nagai (2009).

It's animated, yes, but you should definitely give this Pixar movie a chance –it even won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2010, so you know it's good. This film focuses on Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who wants to permanently move his home literally using a stack of balloons to Paradise Falls, South America—his late wife's favorite getaway spot. While Carl is successful in getting the house to take flight, a young stowaway manages to hop on board for the ride of a life time.

2. Midnight in Paris, Featuring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams (2011)

This romantic comedy, which is directed by Woody Allen, follows a young couple traveling to Paris on a family-related business trip. The couple is a little stiff and isn't really up for exploring Paris, that is until the strike of midnight—during the wee hours of the night, the characters get to experience an array fun, mischievous and comedic-laced adventures.

1. Eat, Pray, Love, Featuring Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, and James Franco (2010)

This book turned film is about a woman's journey to discover her inner sanctuary and peace of mind. In order to find that peace, she take a year-long solo vacation to a magnitude of exotic locations, including Italy, India and finally Indonesia where she spends the rest of her self-journey on the beautiful island of Bali. While you may not want to be daring enough to travel sans partner like the heroin, it can give you some ideas for some vacation spots you've never even thought about visiting.

What movies would you add to the list?

Author: Alvina Lopez is a freelance writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com.

Filed under: guest post, travel Tagged: movies

Travel Guest Post: 4 Reasons to Holiday in Sorrento

How not to fall in love in front of the magnificent panorama of the Sorrento Peninsula? There are many reasons to fall in love with Sorrento.

The first reason is the food.

Although seemingly simple, the dishes of Sorrento are the result of imagination and estrus of local people who have taken the ingredients of the place and have reworked them, creating, for example, gnocchi and ravioli in the Sorrento way. Deciding where to eat in Sorrento is not an easy choice. Like many other Italian destinations, Sorrento is full of restaurants offering traditional dishes from Sorrento.

Reason #2 is it the cultural richness.

Many writers, poets, painters and artists such as Goethe, Dickens, Nietzsche and D'Annunzio chose Sorrento as their holiday destination, a place to stay for longer or shorter periods of their lives. You can find your Accommodation in Sorrento center, just like they did.

The third reason is the natural beauty.

This town has everything that nature can give. Enveloped by the green hills, bathed in the scents of flowers and bathed by the beautiful sea, Sorrento is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast. The Vesuvius seems to guard the peace and beauty of the city, whose historic center is rich in monuments like the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Francesco. The center of Sorrento is Piazza Tasso, dedicated to the famous writer, a native of this area. Not far from here is the "Villa Comunale", which offers a breathtaking view and it is often immortalized in beautiful postcards.

Last but not least, its life and fantastic dynamism.

Sorrento is stormed every year by millions of tourists that often make it difficult to stay on the Coast, clogging streets, bars and hotels. Choosing the right time to visit the most beautiful places of the Sorrento coast such as Sorrento, Vico Equense and Sant'Agata is certainly the spring, when the sun begins to warm and the flowers to bloom. It is definitely the best time for a holiday in these parts, going for a Sorrento center  Bed and Breakfast.

Author: Teresa D' Esposito

Filed under: europe, guest post, holiday, italy, travel, travel planning Tagged: holiday, italy, sorrento

Travel Guest Post: Scenic Weekends in The Cotswolds

One of the most unspoiled and beautiful areas in England, the Cotswolds are an expanse of rolling hills that span six counties in the heart of the country. This picturesque area was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 and is the largest of these protected landscapes in England. With an approximate area of 2,000 square kilometres, the Cotswolds are one of the most popular destinations in England and offer many scenic delights for travellers in this region as well as exclusive entertainments and activities for visitors to enjoy on short breaks throughout the countryside.

Enjoy the outdoors

Nature lovers can explore public areas of the old-growth beech forests in the Cotswolds or learn more about the endangered wildlife and plants that grow only in this area of England. A rare modern example of coppicing in a woodland environment can be found in Siccaridge Wood, which also serves as home to muntjac deer and a healthy dormouse population. The nearby Daneway Banks nature reserve is an ideal place to spot large blue butterflies, which were reintroduced into the area after being lost to England several decades ago. Accommodations in the immediate area are concentrated in the nearby village of Cirencester and include some of the most affordable Cotswolds hotels as well as many bed and breakfast and cottages to let in the area.

Historical Cotswolds

History buffs will find much of interest to see and do in the Cotswolds as well. Cirencester is home to the Corinium Museum, an outstanding collection of antiquities and artefacts dating back to the Roman Era that includes a full-scale reproduction of a typical town in Roman Britain. Mystically inclined historians may want to take a side trip to the Rollright Stones, considered to be the third most important of the ubiquitous English stone circles. Legend has it that no visitor can count the same number of stones in the circle twice in a row. For literary minded visitors, Shakespeare's birthplace is located in picturesque Stratford-on-Avon and is open to the public for tours, while historic Lansdown Hill was the site of one of the most crucial battles of the English Civil War.

Family weekends away

The Gloucester Cathedral dominates the skyline of this ancient city and is notable as the final resting place of both Robert Duke of Normandy and King Edward II. For children of all ages, however, the Gloucester Cathedral will be instantly recognised as the setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, making this a must-see for families. Birdland is located at scenic Bourton-on-the-Water and features seven acres of unspoiled natural woodland along with special habitats for birds not native to the area. Penguins and flamingos are among the avian attractions on display at this bird sanctuary, which also features a cafe and several play areas for children. For more animal-themed excitement, families can opt for the West Midland Safari and Leisure Park with a unique drive-through experience that allows close observation of giraffes, tigers, rhinos and other exotic animals. Water rides and coasters are also available for even more family fun.

Accommodations in the Cotswolds

Cotswolds hotels are located near most major tourist attractions and nature preserves. Accommodations range from rustic cottages and bed and breakfast arrangements to full-service Cotswolds hotels and inns designed with luxury in mind. No matter what the budget or accommodation requirements, the Cotswolds offers exceptional value and a wealth of options for an unforgettable weekend away.

Author: Jack Oldham

Filed under: adventure, england, europe, guest post, holiday, travel, travel planning, weekend getaways Tagged: england, the cotswolds, UK

Travel Guest Post: Hawaii- The Life Changing Vacation Destination

When my husband first suggested we spend a week in Hawaii for my birthday several years ago, I was skeptical. It was a long flight from Florida, a massive time difference and I immediately thought it would cost too much; cheap flights to Hawaii did not seem like something that even existed. However, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that an affordable flight to Hawaii was indeed possible and we immediately booked the trip that would turn out to be the best trip of our lives.

The Islands

Our first trip to Hawaii was to one island; O'ahu. We rented a convertible, because let's face it – there is no other way to see Hawaii. O'ahu is the perfect island for those that are looking for a Hawaiian getaway with a lively feel; it is the most populated island and has the most to offer in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Hotel

We wanted to experience Hawaii in a way that allowed us to have fun and go shopping, while still having a secluded Hawaiian hotel experience, so we chose to stay in the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of O'ahu, some 45 minutes outside of Waikiki and Honolulu. The drive was breathtaking, with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The hotel was to die for; every room is an ocean front room and the weather was so beautiful we were able to keep our doors open to our balcony the entire time; waking up to the sound of waves crashing was unbelievable.

Dining

Of the restaurants where we dined, we loved 21 North in the Turtle Bay more than any other; the jungle hallway with waterfalls and a bridge leading to the restaurant was breathtaking. The formal menu, wine list and service completed our beautiful view of the sun setting over the ocean and it was here we decided it was time to start a family. Additionally, we had a wonderful dinner in Hale'wia, a few minutes from the hotel at a restaurant called Hale'wia Joe's, where the view was spectacular, the menu perfect and the locals friendly and fun.

Top Five Places to See

The Dole Pineapple Factory is a great place to see in O'ahu. In addition, everyone should take a drive to the North Shore and check out the unbelievable waves of the Bonzai Pipeline; you will never see more amazing waves and professional surfers than you will here. Pearl Harbor is another must see O'ahu location as is Diamond Head. Finally, to round out the top five places to see, I'd recommend one of the many island helicopter tours that will allow you to see the entire island; from the top of Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor to the jungles, pineapple factories and the hidden waterfalls inland.

Hawaii flights are reasonable and you should not let your misconception that a Hawaiian getaway is too expensive stop you from visiting these amazing islands. It is a vacation of a lifetime and you will remember it forever.

Author: Melissa Davis

 

Filed under: adventure, beach, guest post, Hawaii Tagged: Hawaii