We arrived in Honolulu around 3 pm.  From Maui it is a 35 minute flight.  We were scheduled to do a 3 hours "Super Ferry" ride between Maui and Honolulu, but the ferry was still in dry dock from maintence...so we settled for the flight.  We flew Hawaiian airlines. 

From the airport we took a taxi to the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach...The cost...$46.00 + gratuity or you can schedule a transfer for $10 per person.  This is a beautiful property on Waikiki Beach.  We stayed in an ocean view room on the 7 floor.  Very nice!  We ate at Duke's on the first and second night.  Duke's is located in the Outrigger.  The resturaunt atmosphere is very nice and the food is great.  Service was good...not great...but good.  One of the things that I loved about Duke's is the ability to eat outside next to the beach.  I would recommend Duke's for a nice, casual meal setting. 

The boys loved Waikiki!  It is very much a large city with a beautiful, sandy beach.  Nite life is very busy.  We walked the street at night and watched the many street preformers.  Some I wouldn't waste any time watching...others are very good.  Watching the sunset from Waikiki beach was incredible. 

        
Waikiki Beach Sunset        Austin with performer
                                                   in Waikiki

We were also able Pearl Harbor and the Arizona.  Very sobering and a great expereince for our family.  We chose to do the 8:15 am tour...not one I would recommend.  There is a 6:15 am tour...and I would recommend this tour.  I know it is early...but your wait time is not nearly as long.  After we arrived at the memorial and got our tickets....we had to wait 3 1/2 hours to visit the Arizona.  Something that was very much worth the wait...just long for 2 teenage boys. 

I did take the time to check out a few properties while on the island.  If you are interested in staying on Ohau and in the Waikiki area...I would definitely recommend the Outrigger, Hilton.  There are also a couple of others right on the beach in the heart of everything that are very nice.  If you are interested, let me know and I can get the names for you.  If your budget does not allow for either of these properties, then my next recommendation would be the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.  Very close to the beach and pricing comes in very moderate. 

Well I am off to see some more!  Happy Travels to you and yours...until we meet again! 

Exclusive tropical getaways for as little as $100 a night

From May 2008
By April Orcutt

Who hasn’t fantasized about jetting off to an ultraluxe private isle, like Turtle Island in Fiji, where a staff of 100 caters to the whims of just 28 guests? Or swooned with envy over gossipy guest reports from Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s sybaritic Caribbean resort, where weekly rates start at $23,500 per couple? True, these out-of-reach vacations are only for the super-wealthy. But what if you could have Necker-like island seclusion for as little as $100 a night? Well, you can.

Island resorts aren’t just private playgrounds for the rich and famous; they’re also for the budget-conscious traveler. From Belize to Papua New Guinea, Travel + Leisure combed the globe to find some of the most affordable and private tropical island resorts, many of which accommodate no more than a dozen guests, feature dishes made from fresh local ingredients from the garden and sea, and offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

All of these private islands are similar in their casual style and stunning locales, but their focus and amenities vary. Angler-centric Whipray Caye Lodge, on the Belize Barrier Reef, is a magnet for those looking to hook prize barracuda, yellowtail, and king mackerel. At Tanzania’s Chapwani Private Island, guests scout small African antelope, fruit bats, and other wildlife, while still being within a short boat ride from Stone Town, an ancient spice port, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Caye Chapel Island Resort in Belize is the only resort on the list with an airport and golf course. At the other extreme, guests take a 40-minute boat ride through jungle to get to laid-back Robinson Crusoe Island in Fiji.

One of the biggest trends in island resorts, not surprisingly, is snorkeling and diving. Three small, lush islands linked by white sandbar beaches make up the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort in the Gulf of Thailand—where rates start at just $100 a night, and where sea turtles and whale sharks make regular appearances at its 15 dive sites.

 “One of the best parts of my job is watching the look of sheer joy, discovery, and amazement on the faces of our guests as they finish their first snorkeling experience,” says Roderick des Tombe, a managing partner for another dive destination, Tiger Islands Village & Eco Resort, on Macan Island in Indonesia, which is surrounded by a stunning coral seascape.

Closer to home, the Cooper Island Beach Club and Pusser’s Marina Cay—both surrounded by calm waters in the British Virgin Islands—are big with boaters and those simply in search of sun, sand, and potent rum drinks.
No matter which tropical island resort you choose, one thing is clear: you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a luxurious getaway. After all, it’s hard to put a price tag on watching the sunset from a deserted, palm-fringed beach.

Aloha from the incredible Island of Maui!  We did make it!  Inspite of airlines filing bankruptcy and closing thier doors.  Monday morning, the day before our departure, Doug got up to read the newspaper and discovered that Aloha air had closed their doors.  He asked me if they had any of our money...my response "Yes, why?"  And he let me know what happened.  I promptly jumped online and booked flights for us on Hawaiian Airlines for our inter-island flights.  And I am glad I did!  It was crazy at the airports...people not sure what they were going to do...waiting for a flight on stand-by....  My hat's go off to the employee's of Hawaiian airlines as they and continue to try and accommodate so many passengers.   

We arrived in Maui on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.  We are staying in Kahana at the Outrigger Royal Kahana.  We have a 2 bedroom ocean front condo.  While they are not the height of luxury, they are definitely home away from home.  It has been very nice for us to have our own bedrooms, own bed, etc.  The boys being 13 yr and 15 yr old...definalty need their own space.  These accommodations are rated a 3 star and I believe that to be an accurate account. 

Our bedroom has 1 king size bed and the second bedroom has 2 twin beds.  Each bedroom has a full bathroom and there is a 3rd, half bath off the entry way.  We have wrap around windows and a wrap around lanai.  To be able to sit out in the morning, drink coffee, watch the sea turtles and whales has been an incredible experience. 

On our second day here we were scheduled to snorkel Molokani crater and Turtle Town.  The trade winds came in and we were unable to go to Molokani crater.  So were went to a couple different locations.   Our family decided we would pay the additional money ($47.00 per person) to snuba.  This is a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving.  It was an incredible expereince.  Both of my boys enjoyed it so much, they now want to get their scuba diving certification.  So we will check into that when we get home.  Here is a picture of DJ and I underwater...

                
                   Gina and DJ                                    Gina, DJ and another guest 

                                 
                                 Snorkeling / Snuba-ing at Turtle Town

If you happen to get a chance to snuba, give it a try!  It is awesome to see the coral upclose along with turtles and fish.  If you would like assistance in booking any of your excursions or activities, please give us a call at 509-586-0271...one of our Travel Agents / Travel consultants would love to assist you.

And then to our disbelief another airline collapse while we were here...ATA.  They gave no warning...passengers showed up for flights...and no one was there.  At dinner on Thursday evening, we met some ATA stranded travelers.  They purchased their package online with one of the "BIG" online agencies...and when they tried to call and get ahold of someone for assistance...they only got a recording.  No one would answer the phone.  With the recording, they were instructed that they would need to purchase a one-way ticket to get home.  There wasn't a customer service representative to assist them.   They spent $1600 on one way tickets to get home.  According to reports here on the island, some 10,000 passengers are/where stranded here in the Hawaiian islands...and many more stateside.  

Back home in the office, our travel consultants are getting many phone calls for assistance with travel arrangements.  Many people who were booking online...realizing having someone in their corner to assist is well worth it.  One more time, it is proving to be "Live, Professional Customer Service" that wins.  A person on the other end of the phone to assist.   Something, here at Travel Traditions, Inc., we pride ourselves on. 

If you are on your way to the Hawaiian Island, have a great time!  It is amazing!  If you need some assistance in planning your vacation, give us a call...we would love to help you.  

My family's next stop is Ohau.  We will be there for 2 nights.  I will take several pictures and post.  They boys are looking forward to seeing Pearl Harbor and the Arizona.  An important part of history that they can not miss. 

Happy travels to you all!  Gina

Carnival Cruise Lines -- Is offering special air/cruise rates for its 12-day Mediterranean sailings this summer aboard the “Carnival Freedom”.  Rates start from $2,399 ppdo for trips from more than three dozen gateways in North America. The cruises include the “Grand Mediterranean” and the “Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey” itineraries. For more details, call 888-348-7234!

Six ships will cruise to eight new destinations, with 32 itineraries and a new "Classical Europe" route

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - An unprecedented selection of European cruises awaits Princess passengers in 2008, presenting travelers with a delightful dilemma. Should they luxuriate among the sun-drenched shores of the Greek Islands, or lose themselves in the splendor of a czar's palace? Do they want to walk where gladiators once marched or hike through rugged highlands? Marvel at the pyramids of Egypt or kiss the Blarney Stone? Explore the Holy Land, Black Sea or Arctic Circle?

Princess' 2008 season offers something for every European explorer's wish list, with six ships callings at over 115 ports throughout the continent - more than ever before. Eight new ports debut - including such untouched locales as Albania - as well as five new itineraries, including a new Classical Europe option that combines the best of Scandinavia/Russia with the Mediterranean in a single cruise - so that for the first time travelers won't have to choose between visiting St. Petersburg or Florence.

Next year Princess features its largest fleet in the region, with six vessels - from 670 to 3,070 passengers - sailing on 87 departures of 32 unique itineraries, ranging from seven to 23 days in length. The Europe season begins April 12 and runs through November 28, 2008.

Two ships make their European debuts - Crown Princess, which brings extra capacity to favorite Scandinavia/Russia itineraries, and Pacific Princess, which offers an intimate cruise experience throughout the Mediterranean, including a significant increase in Holy Land sailings. In addition, Royal Princess returns with an all-new schedule and Emerald Princess' sails once again throughout the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Grand Princess showcases both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and Sea Princess sails on a selection of one- and two-week Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries from Southampton.

Eight new ports will tempt those with a yearning for adventure, including Sarande, Albania featuring the remains of the ancient Greek and Roman city of Butrint and the Ottoman town of Gjirokastra, the nation's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Dartmouth, a charming seaside town at the heart of Devon in the UK; Harwich, a convenient alternative port for visits to London; Bornholm (Rønne), a scenic Danish island; and Scrabster in the very north of Scotland, a convenient jumping off point for visits to the Scottish Highlands and the charming Castle of Mey. Passengers on transatlantic sailings will also be able to explore new ports on the way to or from Europe with visits to Banjul, capital of The Gambia offering wildlife sightings, colorful markets and intriguing local villages; Horta, a small village in the Portuguese Azores Islands; and St. Anthony, Newfoundland, offering an opportunity to go whale watching or visit Viking ruins at L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, another UNESCO site thought to be one of the earliest European settlements in North America.

Princess' 2008 Europe season includes:

Royal Princess Classical Europe - Royal Princess combines an intimate 710-passenger cruising experience with a schedule of three all-new itineraries, including a sailing to the best of classical Europe between Stockholm and Rome and two extended transatlantic sailings.

Pacific Princess Elite Mediterranean and Holy Land - The 680-passenger Pacific Princess makes its Mediterranean debut by taking over many of Royal Princess' itineraries to unique places such as Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Bulgaria, and featuring the line's most sailings ever to the Holy Land.

Emerald Princess in the Mediterranean - Emerald Princess returns for a second season offering her 3,070 passengers the opportunity to enjoy Princess' favorite Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, including its signature Grand Mediterranean route and two different choices for luxuriating in the sunny islands of the Aegean.

Grand Princess in Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Egypt - Offering one of the most diverse schedules, the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess not only offers cruises through the dramatic Norwegian Fjords, the remote beauty of Iceland and the charming British Isles, but it also heads for the wonders of Egypt, the lovely Greek Isles and some of the most sought-after ports in the Mediterranean.

Crown Princess in Scandinavia & Russia - The 3,070-passenger Crown Princess makes her European debut with sailings to these favorite destinations. With two itinerary options, passengers can choose to visit Oslo or Berlin in addition to the highlights of Scandinavia and two full days in St. Petersburg.

Sea Princess from Southampton - Sea Princess again offers her 1,950 passengers a series of different one- and two-week voyages with convenient roundtrip departures from Southampton. Travelers will visit the Mediterranean, Iberian Peninsula and Scandinavia with these popular itineraries.

Passengers can add to their European adventure with a choice of cruisetour options offered in conjunction with Grand Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Pacific Princess sailings. These fully escorted tours include "Under the Tuscan Sun," highlighting Florence, Siena and Milan; "Cathedrals and Castles of Imperial Europe," featuring four capitals - Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin; and the "Ring of Kerry," with visits to Shannon, Killarney and Cork. All tours are designed to mesh seamlessly with Princess' cruise itineraries for a complete land/sea vacation.

Early booking fares for Europe cruises start at US $1,640 per person for an inside stateroom or $2290 per person for a verandah stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent by calling 1-888-348-7234.

 

At Travel Traditions....we can help you with your next "Dream Get Away!!" 

Call one of our Vacation Experts today!

Toll Free 888-348-7234

Find out about your destination. Buy relevant guidebooks and learn about the culture, politics, geography, religion and customs of the area before you travel.

Learn some basic words and phrases (even just hello, please and thank you). Normally our guides will teach you some simple local words and phrases when the trip starts. A few words will go a long way towards developing communication and understanding with local people.

Dress respectfully. It is very easy to embarrass, shame or offend local people by not covering up or dressing appropriately especially when you visit pagodas, temples, or religious places.

Buy locally made goods and use locally provided services. Try to put money into the local economy by encouraging trade and the local manufacture of goods and crafts. Pay a fair price for the goods and services you buy. Haggling is often a part of local life, but make this light and bright - don’t go too far. Keep a realistic perspective. What is a trifling sum to you, could be a significant amount to a poor family (perhaps making the difference of having a meal or not.)

Ask permission to photograph or video – how would you like it if a stranger came along and took photos of you going about your everyday life (hanging out the washing, going to the gym or washing the dog)? But do not pay people for taking their picture. It leads to begging. If they ask, just don't take the picture.

Don't give children candy or sweets because many do not have dental care. If you want to give local people or children something please ask your travel guide for suggestions. Avoid conspicuous displays of wealth, especially in very poor communities. Not only is this insensitive, you may become the target for thieves or snatchers. Remove watches, rings and expensive jewelry.

Have a great time!  There is an entire world out there and ENJOY it!!

Scrapbooking Cruise to Alaska
June 21, 2008
Round Trip from Seattle, WA

We will have scrap-booking classes while at sea…days in port can be used for exploring Alaska and taking incredible pictures.  Princess offers many other activities for family members to participate in while onboard. We choose a cruise line that offers a great children’s program.  It can be a family vacation…and your family will have an INCREDIBLE time. 

Every passenger will need a passport.  Even children and infants.  Passengers will be denied boarding without proper documentation.

 

Pricing includes…

All taxes & port charges, scrap-booking classes, meals, 24 hr. room service and onboard entertainment

Pricing does not include…

Drinks (alcohol), soda, spa treatments, shopping, casinos, gratuities, transfers or air fare.

 
More details to come soon....!!