Winter in Hawai’i is better than….

Hawaii is Paradise here on earth, year round. As we approach the winter months, here are reasons why you might rather be there, than here….

Because the average daily temperature in Honolulu is 73F. This happens to be only a few comfortable degrees down from the warmer summer months. The average nighttime low is only seven degrees cooler. Weather in Hawai’i varies little from season to season because it is surrounded by the ocean, which stays much warmer than a continent.

Because 10,000 whales winter in Hawai’i. . There are more humpback whales in the North Pacific than ever, and at least 10,000 of them make the journey from the cold waters of Alaska and British Columbia down to the warmer waters of Hawai’i. They start arriving in November, and population peaks from mid-December to mid-April.

Because you can golf. To the avid golfer, Hawaii’s mild temperatures and lack of inclement weather mean frequent trips to the greens. There are close to 100 golf courses and they are up and running all winter long.

Because you can predict your chance of sunshine. Location matters and on any given island. Different areas can have different weather, all at the same time. On each island there are wet sides/dry sides, mountains and beaches, so if you don’t like the weather, drive 10 miles.

Because there is big surf. During the winter, the surf on Hawaii’s north-facing shores becomes awe-inspiring. The best area to observe big surf can be found on Oahu’s North Shore, and even some residents play hooky to drive up and watch.

Because there is even snow. Yes, snow-not the shoveling kind. But, you can ski. Hawaii’s three largest mountains can get snow in the winter: Maui’s Haleakala and on The Big Island, both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Best bet would be the last two weeks in February. If there is snow when you go, you almost have to try it.

Because winter is the season of waterfalls. Because waterfalls depend on rain, you can visit in the summer and the waterfalls are OK. But in January and February, especially after a storm, they are magnificent. A Helicopter tour is the best way to experience them.

Because you can go camping under the stars. Grab your tent and sleeping bag. Hawai’i has state-recognized camping sites on five islands, ranging from thick lush rain forests to coastal areas with incredible views.

Because you can run the Honolulu Marathon. There is no better place to run a marathon than in Hawai’i. It takes place in mid-December and is open to everyone as well as promises no cramping muscles from bitter cold. You can do both your pre-marathon carbo loading and post marathon recovery in paradise.

Because you can rent a convertible. Driving in Hawai’i is a fun way to see entire islands and see how locals live. Best drive is the Road to Hana on the island of Maui for it waterfalls, cliffs and floral displays. Not to mention the 617 hairpin turns and 54 one-lane bridges.

Because you can hit the beach. It just wouldn’t be winter in Hawai’i if you didn’t……………

If you’ve never been to Hawai’i, a good way to see the highlights is to cruise around the islands, spending a day on each of the popular one’s. That way, you’ll know which one’s you’ll want to return to next time.

Debby Stevens

3D Cruise and Travel

Great Article for Women Travelers

www.IndependentTraveler.com

Women Travel Tips

Would your husband rather sit at home watching football than go globetrotting with you? Are you single or divorced and looking to travel with a group of adventurous, like-minded women? Or are you looking for a girls-only getaway with your daughter or best gal pal? Women travel together for these and many other reasons -- which is why a growing number of tour operators and travel clubs have formed to cater to intrepid female travelers. These companies have fun, audacious names like Gutsy Women Travel and Wild Women Travel, and they offer a plethora of women-centric trips from hiking excursions in the Rockies to gourmet tours of Tuscany. Whether you want to take an organized tour or would rather plan your own independent gals' getaway, there's a wealth of resources out there for women travelers. Below are our best safety tips for women traveling on their own, as well as a list of the top female-centric travel sites and vacation providers. Single Travel: Tips for Going Solo General Tips for Women Travelers Most tips for women travelers, and indeed all travelers, come down to one thing: common sense. It's the kind of stuff your parents told you growing up -- don't walk in strange neighborhoods after dark, lock your doors, don't leave your valuables lying around, be alert. An intrinsic part of traveling is paying attention and adapting to the cultural milieu in which you travel, which means an awareness of gender roles and expectations. Learn everything you can about the values and customs of a country, and be aware of how you should tailor your behavior to fit into that culture. Don't do anything you can't imagine a local woman doing (or yourself doing at home) -- like following strangers to out-of-the-way places or accepting lodging or rides from men you don't know. It's also not a good idea to wear flashy jewelry or show a lot of money in public places. But more than that, be aware of local attitudes toward women in the country in which you are traveling. Do women tend to wear concealing clothes in that country? If so, don't draw attention to yourself with short shorts, plunging necklines or tight tank tops. Many women travel experts recommend wearing long, loose-fitting clothes when traveling internationally, which also offers the added benefit of concealing money belts. In some cultures, a woman traveling alone is considered to be available. If you want to ward off unwanted advances from foreign men, try wearing a (fake) wedding ring. Avoid eye contact with unknown men, as this may be construed as an invitation. Know the equivalent of "911" in whatever country you're visiting, and make sure you have a functioning cell phone with you at all times. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member back home and be sure to check in regularly by phone or e-mail. It's also a good idea to register your presence with your home country's embassy when you're traveling internationally. (For more information, see Travel Warnings and Advisories.) Finally, when you leave your hotel, let the front desk know when you should be expected back. Walk confidently, as though you know exactly where you're going (even if you don't!). Don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a map or rifle through your purse; distracted travelers are easy prey for thieves. Conceal some cash in your shoe, sock or bra -- enough to pay for a cab ride if you find yourself in a dangerous spot. If you are attacked, use caution when reporting the crime. In certain countries, police may not be very sympathetic to female victims. Your hotel or embassy can advise you of the best course of action. Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in a certain situation, move on. 10 Simple Tips for a Smoother Trip Hotel Security Tips Choose the right accommodations. Hotels that require room access through a lobby area are infinitely more secure than motels with access from the outside. We also recommend choosing a B&B or inn rather than a large hotel with a cavernous lobby and hundreds of rooms. Loitering strangers are much more conspicuous in smaller lobbies, and many women feel safer and less anonymous at a property where the front desk staff recognizes their face and is aware of who's coming and going. Before booking a hotel, research the neighborhood. How safe is it? Are there nearby businesses that will be open and busy after dark? It's worth paying a little extra for a hotel in a more secure neighborhood. Avoid first-floor rooms -- break-ins are less likely on the upper levels of a hotel. Ask for a room near the elevators. When checking in, ask the desk clerk to write your room number on a piece of paper rather than announce it. If he or she announces it in a crowded lobby, ask for a different room. When you enter an elevator, position yourself next to the button panel and make a mental note of where the "alarm" or "bell" button is so that you can push it if needed.

If your hotel room comes with a sliding glass door and balcony, always check to be sure the door is locked. Your balcony may be connected to the one next door, granting easy access to your room. You'll want to make sure your windows are locked as well. Check each time you re-enter the room -- housekeeping may have unlocked them for one reason or another. Familiarize yourself with the way the locks on the doors and windows work so you can release them quickly in case of an emergency. If any of your locks don't work, ask for a new room. What Not to Do at Your Hotel Don't open your door for anyone, including "housekeeping" or "room service," without verifying the identity of the person at your door. If you haven't called for room service, call the hotel's restaurant. Do not open the door. Sleep with comfortable shoes and your room key on your nightstand. A small flashlight is a good item to have nearby as well. Don't give your room number to strangers, no matter how friendly. It's also wise to let men think that you're traveling with a companion who is sharing the room with you. Unattended hotel fitness centers or pools are best avoided, especially if there aren't many other guests there. If you take a cab back to your hotel after a late-night dinner or meeting, don't be afraid to ask the driver to wait until you are inside the hotel before he pulls away. Add an extra $1 - $2 dollars to the tip and he'll do so with a smile. If you are trying to park in the hotel lot late at night and someone is lurking around the lot, park in front of the door in the check-in area and go to the front desk. Ask the clerk to have someone from hotel security meet you in the lot and escort you into the hotel. Women who feel foolish about asking for extra security are women who endanger themselves. Use your gut instinct. If you feel uncomfortable, scared or threatened, there's probably something wrong. Hotel security is there for a reason. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Hotel Safety Tips Driving Tips Remember to keep your car doors locked at all times. If you have a breakdown, use your cell phone to call the police and then wait in your car with the doors locked. If you are approached by someone other than the police, stay in the car and crack your window open. Park in well-lit areas. Do not keep anything in your car that will be an invitation for theft. Lock belongings in your trunk and take valuables into your hotel room with you. Avoid renting a hatchback car -- everything in your trunk will be visible to would-be thieves. Ask for an up-to-date map when you arrive in a city or rent a car. If you need to ask for directions, ask families or women with children. Say: "Where is X? I'm meeting my husband there." The First 10 Minutes of Your Car Rental Tour Operators for Women Below are tour operators and travel clubs that cater primarily, and often exclusively, to women travelers. AdventureWomen: Active trips for women in the U.S. and around the world Adventurous Wench: Active women-only getaways in the Americas and Europe Call of the Wild: Hiking, backpacking and other adventure trips for women in the U.S. and select international destinations Gutsy Women Travel: Women-only tours catering to a variety of interests including history/culture, homes/gardens and gourmet dining/wines Olivia: Cruises, ecotours, resort stays and luxury vacations for lesbian travelers Sights and Soul Travels: Small-group, women-only tours of Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific and South America SWT Tours: Special-interest trips including a selection of European and American tours for women age 50 and up Wild Women Travel: Cruises, tours and custom vacation packages for women Women's Travel Club: Women-only trips around the world; annual club membership is required Women Traveling Together: Worldwide tours for women; paid members get tour discounts and a quarterly newsletter You May Also Like Walking Tours and Trips Write About Your Latest Trip Money Safety Tips for Travelers Trip Report: The Galz' St. Pat's Adventure in Vegas Sign Up for Our Travel Newsletter --updated by Sarah Schlichter

Sandals Resorts receives top honors in BRIDES Magazine's 2011 Best Honeymoon Survey

BRIDES Magazine, the #1 Bridal publication in the USA, partnered with Signature Travel Network, a group of more than 6,000 top travel agents in the United States, to conduct a survey on the world's best honeymoon destinations and resorts. Winners included:
Voted Top Caribbean Resort
Sandals Emerald Bay
Voted Top All-Inclusive Brand
All Sandals Resorts

Just in Time for Your Beach Vacations!!! It's Shark Week!!

Sink your teeth into 'Shark Week'

By Laura Bly, USA TODAY

• Time to cue the theme from Jaws, old chums..

Starting tonight, Discovery Channel viewers can once again commune with the Voldemorts of the deep, thanks to that summer staple known as Shark Week. Now in its 34th season, the series will be hosted by Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg (a.k.a. "Chief Shark Officer"), whose official duties included swimming with reef sharks in The Bahamas.

Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) breaking the surface

CAPTION

Discovery Channel

As Samberg's encounter illustrates, there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal with the maligned and misunderstood creatures - including four Discovery Adventures tours to the Galapagos Islands (three cruises and one trip that tacks on a visit to Peru's Machu Picchu). Participants will likely see (and perhaps dive with) such species as scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, reef sharks, white-tipped sharks and whale sharks.
Not ready for the deep end? Several aquariums are hosting Shark Week tie-ins, from shark-themed dive shows and an outdoor screening of Jaws at Charleston's South Carolina Aquarium to $2 off admission at Camden, N.J.'s Adventure Aquarium for any guests sporting fins on their heads. A high-definition, underwater Shark Cam at Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium will beam live views of the facility's shark habitat, and a special version of the aquarium's popular swim and dive program, Journey with Gentle Giants, will focus on shark identification.
Near Bruce's old swishing grounds of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., meanwhile, a corresponding rise in the gray seal and great white shark populations has sparked a tourism boom, notes Discovery News.
Monomoy Island, an 8-mile sand spit where the great whites have been spotted, is a national wildlife refuge. Nearby Chatham has seen a 15 percent uptick in tourism revenues, and New England Aquarium spokesman Tony LaCasse told Discovery News that during one recent tour, "a great white took a free swimming seal" in a bloody, violent battle viewed by families riveted to the real life event.

Romance for Two

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A ROMANTIC GETAWAY FOR TWO. No phone calls, no email, no lists of things-to-do; instead, it’s just you and your loved one enjoying the magical thrill of being away from it all. Imagine escaping to the sun-filled shores of a tranquil tropical paradise or discovering the sights and sounds of numerous exotic destinations as you cruise around at sea. With your day-to-day routines out of sight and out of mind, you’ll rediscover all the reasons you fell in love in the first place. Romance awaits you……….what are you waiting for?

FIRST STEP: PICK A VENUE

Nothing sets the stage for romance like picking the perfect destination that fits your style. Are you an adventurous couple that would enjoy hiking, biking or scaling walls together? Perhaps, sitting by the pool at a resort suits you best or a storybook castle setting. Of course, many would argue that cruising is the most romantic getaway out there. Not sure what style you are? Let a Travel Agent help guide you to finding your own perfect destination.

SECOND STEP: MAKE IT SPECIAL

• Contact your hotel or resort ahead of time and arrange to have flowers and champagne waiting in your room upon arrival.
• Book a couples massage at the hotel spa on onboard ship the first day of your getaway. It will immediately put you in the mood for a relaxed vacation together.
• Stay in one night and order room service. A brunch on your verandah or a candlelight dinner with music will make for an unforgettable experience. (Most cruise ships include room service for no additional charge).
• Try an activity at your destination that is new to both of you. Getting out of your comfort zone and exploring something new will help you see one another in a new light and will remind you of all of the reasons you fell in love in the first place.
• If this is a second honeymoon, consider renewing your marriage vows. Many resorts and cruise lines can arrange the details no matter how simple or extravagant you want to be.

THIRD STEP: MAKE IT REGULAR

The importance and success of having a romantic vacation getaway is not how much you spent. What is important is that you and your special someone actually spend quality time together, with no worries of all your household chores, office work, children and pets. It's the idea of being together, undisturbed, that can achieve what the objective of a romantic vacation getaway, which is to foster if not reignite your relationship.

An annual romantic getaway can be as simple as a long weekend one year, and a week long vacation the next. It is important to keep in mind your budget. No one wants to spend a romantic getaway in a tiny motel with nothing to do. So, save your money, and seek out a Travel Agent that can assist with all the aspects. They will handle all the details to plan a fun and intimate romantic getaway and you can just relax and enjoy one another.

Debby Stevens

3D Cruise and Travel

Debby @3Dcruiseandtravel.com

Guess what I did on vacation?

Parents, brace yourselves! Teens’ expectations for family vacations just got higher--and a lot more active. When asked what makes a dream vacation for them, teens say they would most like to brag to their friends about a once-in-a-lifetime activity. Here are some interesting results to a poll conducted online within the United States among 1000 youth ages 8-17. Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/ article from June 2007

• About 4 in 5 Teens desire a unique vacation event or activity that will provide them with bragging rights and about 3 in 4 parents want the same for their children.
• More than half of teens say their parents join in on their adventurous activities, while only 14% say their parents want to be left alone.
• Teens favor real-life action on vacation, such as participating in adventurous activities (84%) to playing video games at their hotel (16%).
• More than half of teens want to tell their friends that they swam with dolphins on their vacation. Other aspects that make up a teen's dream vacation include: exploring a new place (68%), seeing a celebrity (49%), meeting a new friend (42%) and spending time with family (36%).

So, where do you go to get both a “Wow Factor” from the kids and from Mom & Dad? How can you find a vacation to please everyone? Here are just a few favorites: Cowhand/Dude Ranches: all you need are some cowboy boots and a wide brimmed hat for this one. Starting right here in Texas and all over the U.S., there are “dude ranches” that pack a lot of firsts for those normally bored teens: hayrides, lasso lessons, and horseback riding. Many will even allow the kids to pick hen eggs, clean out stalls, brush down the horses and more. The evenings wind down with S’Mores and music by the bonfire.

Snow Resorts: ski, snowmobile, snowboard, snow angels, sledding, dog sledding, etc……. Winter playgrounds have quite an appeal for all ages. From the options in the U.S., to Canada and Europe, snow resorts are plentiful. Mornings spent out on a fresh blanket of snow are such a great way to relax and unwind from the stress of work and life. It’s also incredible family bonding time as everyone has something to share over a cup of hot cocoa.

Tropical Resorts: some of the top travel destinations in the world are found near beaches. With beaches come water sports, diving adventures, sea life sites and incredible nature scenes. Top picks are: Mexico, Caribbean and Hawaii for families. Hot these days are the all-inclusive resorts where all of your accommodations, food, beverages and activities are included in the price. Most have kids programs for all ages at no additional cost. A trip to the tropics will create memories of ocean waves, stars shining, colorful flowers and family time spent in a very special place.

Amusement Parks: for a day, a few days, a week or longer, what kid does not love an amusement park? Close to home we have Sea World, Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbaun. #1 on everyone’s list, both old and young is Disney World. However, each state has many hidden treasures. .Thrill seeking teens will be boasting for years about the roller coaster they rode.

Cruise Ships: many would place this as THE VERY BEST family vacation for any age. Not only are there endless activities offered onboard, but there are teen areas and special events. Of course, each stop at a port can bring its’ own adventures: Bobsled in Jamaica, Parasail on Maui, hiking in the rainforests in South America, and on and on and on.. There are cruise lines that match every style and price range. Teens are sure to love this one.

Give us a call and let us help you make some memories!

10 Common Travel Scams

By Tom Hall

Lonely Planet

While you’re often safer overseas than you are in your hometown, a few scams seem to pop up all over the world. Repeat the mantra: if it looks too good to be true, it must be too good to be true …

1. Fake police
Sometimes also the real police, they’ll demand to see your passport and find something wrong with your visa, but then suggest your troubles will all be over if you pay a fine. To them. In cash. Right now. Standing your ground and offering to accompany them to the station will usually see the error "excused."
2. Gem or carpet deals
On entry into a store, often prompted by an enthusiastic taxi or rickshaw driver, you will be offered a deal so preposterously lucrative that refusing it seems unthinkable. Think again — those gems are going to be worthless and the carpet you buy may not make it home at all. There are legitimate traders selling both jewels and rugs, and they don’t act like this.
3. Airport taxis
Drivers taking you into town might try every trick in the book, from asking you for an inflated fare to driving around the streets to raise the price higher. This is usually harmless, but you should only travel with licensed taxis and, if you can’t pay in advance, agree on a fee before starting out and don’t pay until you get where you want to be.
4. Timeshares
You're approached by an extremely genial young man who offers you a scratchie card, no strings attached. He's friendly, so you accept the scratchie card and, lo and behold, you've won some sort of prize, which could be anything from a T-shirt and cash to a holiday. What's the catch? The local insists you must accompany him to a hotel (which might be an hour's drive away) to collect your prize. If you haven't smelled a rat by now, you need your senses tested.
The penny drops, you start staring at the ground and shifting your feet uncomfortably, the seemingly-genuine local says that if you don't come with him, then he won't get paid for his job. However, if you do end up going with him, on arriving at the hotel you'll be shuffled into a room with a bunch of other tourists and forced into watching an hour-long presentation about timeshare apartments, which you are pressured into buying at a very special discounted price by slick Westerners. If you come out of it with your wallet intact, at worst you would have wasted an entire afternoon you could have spent lying on the beach.
5. 'This is closed'
In some countries everyone from touts to taxi drivers will try to tell you that your chosen hotel, restaurant or shop is closed … but there’s another, even better one you should visit, where they can pick up a commission. This is more annoying than harmful, but always insist on having a look for yourself.
6. Motorbike scam No. 1
Living out your dream of riding a scooter for a day around the countryside quickly turns into a nightmare when the bike you're riding breaks down or you have an accident. The owner of the motorbike is quick to escort you and your damaged bike (which doesn't look in that bad a state) to the repair joint of their choice, where the mechanic makes a grossly overinflated estimate of the damage costs. The owner of the motorbike insists you cover the costs, otherwise no customers will want to rent his bike. You shell out hundreds of dollars to cover the costs of the damage you possibly made, plus cosmetic improvements to the bike that you have now also covered for the owner.
More than likely, you've just lined their pockets with more cash than the locals would earn in a month. Take photographs of the bike before you start riding, preferably with the renter in them, so they can't blame you for imaginary damage costs to the vehicle. And don't rent from companies that are attached to hotels or guest houses.
7. Motorbike scam No. 2
The motorbike you have hired comes with a lock and two keys: you have one, and your rental company has the other. When you park the scooter and wander off, an enterprising person from the rental company arrives and "steals" your scooter, thus later requesting you pay a large sum of money to replace the "stolen" scooter. As you handed them your passport and you signed a contract, you're obligated to pay for it. Carry your own lock and key and an old passport to avoid getting sucked into this scam.
8. Bird poop
The surprising splat of bird poop landing on you from a great height is followed by the swift appearance of a stranger who towels you down. In the confusion, valuables are removed from your person, never to be seen again. Another variation on the same scam has someone "accidentally" spilling mustard or other condiments on you.
9. Bar/tea shop scam
Notoriously aimed at male travelers, young local girls approach a tourist and, after gaining trust with some idle chit-chat, you agree to accompany them to a local bar/tea shop. Thrilled at the opportunity to converse with a couple of local lasses, you offer to buy them a drink. On receipt of the bill, the girls are gone, and all you are left with is a massive shock when you glimpse the sum total, which can amount to hundreds of dollars.
10. Hotel scams
As you hop off the train or bus into a strange town and into a waiting taxi, you ask them to take you to a specific hotel. You're dropped off, hand over the money for several night's worth of accommodation, you're persuaded to sign up for a number of day tours then escorted to your hotel room. The hotel's unusually quiet and it doesn't seem like the advertised atmosphere. Alarm bells ring: you've been duped by the friendly local who talked to you on the bus, and the quick phone call he had to make was to the awaiting taxi, whose driver was very quick to escort you to the hotel of their choice.
Like a well-oiled machine, they worked together to ensure you handed over all your cash immediately, and fleeced you for a couple of tours while they were at it. Many hotels trade on the names of popular hotels and are rarely of the same standard, so make sure you check the name and address of the place before you're shuffled in to sign your life away.
This story, Buyer beware: 10 common travel scams, originally appeared on LonelyPlanet.com.