Travel and Vacation Digest

If You Love To Travel And Have Never Been To

Ed — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:10:01 +0000

There are so many great things to do in Paris, where shall I begin? When most people think of Paris, they think of the Eiffel Tower. So let me share with you a few things about the Eiffel Tower that you may not already know.

Let's start with a few facts about the tower, that might entice your idea of wanting to see the Eiffel Tower up close and personal. Most people think the tower is made of steel, when in reality it was built with puddle iron. It is made of iron. The Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel, in 1889 to commemorate the French Revolution. It took 40 tons of paint and it does sway 12 cm in very high winds. It was built along the River Seine.

Now, the ground floor of the Eiffel Tower has heavy machinery that has been in use since 1899. Its actually located underground and the massive hydraulic elevator designed by Gustave has been restored and computerized, as to why it is still in use today. There is also a monument of Gustave at the foot of the tower which was placed there in 1929.

There are a few souvenir shops around the base of the tower and a snack bar as well as the ticket office, where you can get your tickets to actually go to the very top of the tower!

Once you are inside the tower to the first floor here you can walk around or relax. Looking at all the displays that allow you to see the history of the tower as well as the present, and important events during its lifespan. A larger circular gallery leads you through a tour of sites and monuments .

There is also one section of the spiral staircase between the second and top floor that gustave himself used to get to his top floor office. However the staircase was dismantled in 1983. The segment remaining at the tower on the first floor is 4 meters high. There are several things to be seen on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. There are 1665 stairs on the east side of the tower to get to the top, however they are closed to the public. The stairs visitors actually take is from the ground level to the first and second floors.

On the second floor you will find a shop that offers snacks and souvenirs from Paris, as well as other things. There is also an animated window screen that tells the history of the Tower's construction. You can look through the glass windows that are located on the floor of the second floor, which goes all the way to the ground!

From the second floor you take the elevator up the 180 meter climb to the top. There are actually two levels, one inside and one outside. It is a breath taking view. Inside is a representation of Gustave's office complete with wax figures of Gustave, his daughter, and the inventor Thomas Edison. Edison was there giving Gustave a gift that was a phonograph and it is still there as well. You can visit the engineers office where the construction plans for the tower can be viewed. There are 360 degree panoramic photos of Paris making it easy to identify the city and landmarks that look so tiny from the outside of the tower.

If you go to Paris, the Eiffel tower is truly a site to see and explore. It is no longer the largest standing monument in the world, however when it was built, it was. In 2002 the Eiffel tower marked its ticket of the 2 million visitor into the tower. It is however the world's largest tourist attraction every year from visitors all over the world.

Gps Systems, Why They Are Handy

Ed — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:19:01 +0000

Gone are the days where a person had to use a paper travel map in order to find out how to get from one place to another. Now there is new technology called GPS systems, or global positioning systems. These devices, which have been used by the military for many years have recently become popular with the public. These are electronic devices that come in different forms, from handheld models to display models that are mounted or even a permanent fixture of some newer cars. These devices, which are controlled by satellite, work by punching in a starting address and the final destination address. Once that information is put into the GPS, the GPS will guide the person step by step, turn by turn until the person has arrived at his or her destination. Some GPS systems will actually talk to you and tell you exactly where to turn and when, others are simply an interactive map that will show you on a display when and where to turn, but will not give verbal directions. Along with showing or telling the person where to turn, it also says where you are at, at which direction you are currently heading.

These global positioning systems, or GPS, are very handy to drivers since the driver does not need to be hassled with a large map while he or she is trying to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road. This is particularly true for those drivers that are driving without someone else to navigate for them. These GPS systems are also very handy if a person does become lost. Because the system will tell the person where they are at, they could call for help and be able to tell another person their direction and exactly where they are.

Not only are GPS systems useful for drivers, but they are also very useful to anyone that is unfamiliar with any location that they are at. Take for instance hikers. With hand held GPS systems, they can make the most of their hike and again, if they get turned around, they can find out how to get back on track if they know which direction they should go in relation to the direction they are currently headed.

Of course, this new technology is very handy and can save a person a lot of hassle, but it is important to understand how to use the particular system, and to understand that not all GPS systems work exactly the same way. It is also important to know that with any technology, they may not always work and it is still a good idea to have a traditional back up travel map, just in case.

Whether using an electronic device such as a GPS, or using a traditional map, it is a good idea to become familiar with it and familiar with your destination before you actually leave for any trip. Maps, whether traditional or electronic are only as good as the person that knows how to use and read them.

Preparing For Your St Thomas Vacation

Ed — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:22:01 +0000

Each year, a large number of families and couples make the decision to vacation in St. Thomas. If you are interested in becoming one of those individuals, there are a number of steps that you should take to prepare for your St. Thomas vacation.

Many travelers mistakenly believe that vacation preparation begins the week or two before your vacation. If you are interested in traveling to the Caribbean or overseas, you will need to start planning your vacation well in advance. This planning often includes obtaining a passport. Passports can easily be obtained; however, they may take some time to process. Requesting a passport months before your vacation to St. Thomas is the best way to ensure that you will have it on time.

In addition to a passport, you will need other forms of identification. A driver's license is the best thing to bring along. If you do not have a driver's license another form of identification with your picture on it should be good enough. Before leaving on our vacation, you may want to consider making copies of all of your important documents. These copies may come in handy if you happen to loose or misplace the originals.

Since most travelers stay at least a week in St. Thomas, you will want to make sure that someone will be able to watch over your home or your pets, if you have any. This person can be a close friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor. It is important that you leave them detailed instructions on how to care for your pets. If you do not need anyone to watch over your home, you will want to place your mail on hold. This can easily be done by visiting your local post office.

When you know exactly when you will be leaving and where you will be staying, you are urged to let a friend or family member know. If you have developed an itinerary for your vacation, you should give a copy to someone that you know. In the event that something goes wrong back home, you will be able to be reached in a short period of time.

Once you have made the above mentioned plans, you can begin to start packing for your vacation. When packing, it is encouraged that you leave valuable items at home. Many times, if you lose or misplace some of your belongings, you will be the one who will have to pay for replacements. It is also advised that you properly tag your entire luggage with your name and contact information. Should your luggage get lost in the air or on the ground, an identification tag may come in handy.

When vacationing in St. Thomas, it is likely that you will bring along spending money you. You are advised against carry large sums of money. If you must bring cash with you, you are encouraged to divide your money into smaller amounts. Storing your cash in multiple locations will prevent you from being without funds in the event that your money gets lost or stolen. Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, you may want to consider cashiers checks, traveler's checks, or money orders.

When traveling around St. Thomas, you are advised against brining a purse along with you. Purses and large wallets are sometimes targets to thieves. Instead of carrying a purse or a wallet you may want to consider a money pouch. Money pouches that tuck right into your shirt can be purchased from most dollar stores in the United States. This small purchase makes it difficult or impossible for you to lose your money or have it stolen.

Using some of the tips mentioned above is the best way to plan for your St. Thomas vacation. St. Thomas is located in the Caribbean, should anything go wrong you are most likely far away from home. Taking the time to fully prepare for your vacation is the best way to make sure that nothing goes awry.

Safety Tips For Traveling To A Foreign Country

Ed — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:10:01 +0000

Wherever you currently reside, you may someday get the urge to pack up and travel to a foreign country to experience something new. International travel offers many appeals such as the opportunity to experience the culture of another country and to learn a little bit about how natives of other countries live, think and view natives of your home country. This travel can be an eye opening experience for those who are new to international travel. It can also unfortunately commonplace for those who have the luxury of traveling internationally often. When you travel to another country, you should always be aware of your surroundings and you should exercise a certain amount of caution to help to ensure your safety.

Most foreign countries are not necessarily dangerous but you should be aware that as a foreign travel you could be targeted as a victim for any number of crimes. Whether you are seen as vulnerable and become a victim of a violent crime or whether you are simply seen as being distracted and become the victim of a pickpocketing or other financial crime there are ways to help ensure that these situations do not occur. This article will serve to offer a few tips for traveling safely in a foreign country.

Researching the area that you will be traveling to ahead of time is important for maintaining your safety. While many popular tourist attractions are relatively safe, it is always wise to understand what, if any, dangers exist in this area. There are some locations that are notorious for unrest and violence and these may not be your best options for international travel but there are many other countries that offer relative safety. Reading about the area that you plan to visit, will help you to realize what you should be aware of while on your trip.

Another item to research before your international trip is where you can find medical assistance if you have a medical emergency while you are traveling. Many modern societies have adequate medical facilities available but it may take some work to find these facilities. It is advisable to do this before your trip instead of trying to find someone willing to assist you when you are dealing with the stress of an emergency situation.

Remaining aware of your surroundings is one of the most obvious things you can do to help to maintain your safety during an international vacation. Many travelers in a foreign land find themselves becoming distracted while on vacation and this makes them vulnerable to becoming the victim of a crime. It is very important to not allow yourself to become distracted while you are traveling. You should always try to look alert and confident so that those around you do not realize you are uneasy and decide to prey on you.

Although traveling alone can be an excellent experience, it is recommended that you travel with a companion to stay safe. Although many popular tourist attractions are very safe, it is usually not recommended that you wander around in the nighttime alone. For this reason it is advisable to travel with at least one other companion.

Foreign countries may not necessarily be more dangerous than your native land but the fact that you are a foreigner may put you at risk of more danger. Some simple tips such as remaining aware of your surroundings, researching your destination ahead of time and traveling with a companion are very useful for helping you to stay safe during foreign travel.

Disney Cruise Line Serving Your Child's Satisfaction

Ed — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:18:01 +0000

Spending your time with your children is more than an opportunity. As parents, you always want the best for them

Money does not matter at all as long as you have given them an unforgettable experience. Passing their childhood is only one in a lifetime experience so make the most of it.

It was night time, the sky is so clear. The stars are also shimmering; the seawater is flowing smoothly, the ambiance is serene. You can hear the loud laughter of the children. Can you imagine yourself in a cruise vacation like this? Isn't it self-gratifying?

Cruising is one of the best alternatives if you want to spend a quality time for your children. Let them experience the wonders of the world through a cruising experience. It will give your family the fun and excitement that they never had before.

The pleasure of cruising is not only exclusive for the professionals and the adult individuals who take their vacation during the cruising season. However, the cruising lines also offer opportunity for the youngster who also wants to explore the delight of being a part of the activity.

The cruising line that specifically has programs for the children is the Disney cruise line. It has been noted as the most preferable cruising lines for the parents whenever they want to bring their children along with them.

The fantasies that you can see in the Disneyland can also be found here. They provide entertainment for children by using mascots often seen in Disneyland. They will surely have fun time chasing with these cartoon characters.

In addition, the program, games and the activities are open for children with all ages. The adventure will not be boring to them because they can expect for all forms of entertainment that can be offer to them by the Disney cruising line. It is more than the bringing laughter to them but also making them satisfied with the trip.

Usually, vacation time is considered the peak for the Disney cruising line. This is the time when there are so many reservations for boarding.

Sometimes, parents getting reservations even reaches up to millions in number. Probably for them, this is the best way to give their children a break after a long month of stressful school activities.

For youngsters they provide them with activities such as storytelling, painting and sometimes merely fun playing. This is usually suited for children aging below 7 years old and mostly for the toddlers.

On the other hand, they also provide special activities for nearly teens. They offer them games such as arcades games, mini parties with parlor games and more. This is when they can socialize with their fellow youngsters onboard.

The Disney Company presents two major ships for the parents who want their children to enjoy cruising. First, is the Disney Magic and second is the Disney Wonder. Like any other cruising ships, you can also find here most of the amenities that the cruising lines have.

They also provide the guests with the best delicacies that they are serving in their restaurants. Sometimes, there are also entertainment shows that you can watch while enjoying the foods they serve in the restaurants.

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise lines vary in the concept of their design. However, the services that they have are incomparable because both can offer you satisfaction that you long for not only for your children but as well as for your whole family.

The cruising line also has isolated areas that are suitable for all the people on board. There are the areas for young and adults. This is one way to maximize the enjoyment fog these people, games for children and social life for the parents.

Nevertheless, you should not expect that everything you can find in Disneyland could also be available in the Disney cruise line although the ambiance and enjoyment that you will feel are almost the same.

What are you waiting for? This is the perfect moment for you to enjoy your spare time with your children.

Make this a lasting experience that they can tell their playmates when they go back to your towns!

Enjoy your Cruising adventure with Disney Cruise line!

How To Get Yourself A Discount Cruise

Ed — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:33:01 +0000

Cruising is one of the options you can prefer to in case you want to have some different vacation experience. Modern cruise ships have varying amenities that will surely make you stay for a week or two.

Lounges, swimming pools, casinos, fitness center, beauty salon, massage and spa center-you can experience it all by going on a cruise travel.

If you are worrying about the foods that you will miss back home, worry no more. These cruise ships also offers the finest dishes-whether Oriental, French, Southern, or Italian-that will make your stomach always full for the rest of your cruising vacation. You can even gain more weight after your vacation!

All of these are included in the travel package cruise lines are offering to you. With array of amenities and delicious delicacies available on-board, expect that it will cost you more than a thousand bucks.

You are considering getting yourself a cruise that is within your budget. How can you get one?

First thing that you may do is to have a concrete plan before you actually book your cruise. In this case, you have two options: either you hire a travel agent that will work out everything to give you the discounted cruise you are looking for or you do it all by yourself.

Since you are getting a cruise within your budget, it is advisable that you take the second option. Instead of paying hundreds of bucks to your travel agent, it is wise that you add the fee to your cruise payment. Here are the things that you can consider in planning your cruise.

1. Have a visit on different travel agencies and request for some cruise brochures.

Check out for some cruise offers. It will help you decide on the best destinations, types of accommodations, and amenities that you can avail while on-board.

2. After gathering such brochures, read it. Figure out what destinations you want to go. Almost all cruise lines provide ship routes on popular destinations like Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. In these destinations, there is a high chance that they are providing discount cruise package.

3. Decide on the duration of your vacation. Ideal cruises range from 3 days up to 2 weeks, but there are also cruises that last up to a month.

4. Make up your mind on the budget that you will spend on your cruising vacation. There are numerous categories of cruises: budget, moderate, deluxe, and ultra-deluxe.

Compare these categories and decide on which you can afford.

5. You can also inquire on the cancellation fee in case you cannot make it on the day of your departure. Ask the travel agency if what instances cruise lines impose such fees.

If you have decided on the things you will do, the next step now is getting yourself a discounted cruise. It is mentioned earlier that there are several categories of cruise package: the budget, moderate, deluxe, and ultra-deluxe.

All of these package categories offer discounts although not all the time.

Therefore, if you are now ready, here are the tips that you can use to get your discount luxury cruise.

1. Have your cruise in off-season. Your purpose is to have a vacation, not to make some show-off to co-vacationers.

There is no reason at all to make your trip on peak season if your budget is meager. Just like airline travel, prices at this time are getting expensive.

2. In case you really want to travel on peak season, have your bookings a few weeks before or after the peak season. You will save money if you do that suggestion.

3. Decide which cruise line and cruise ship you want to travel with. From the travel brochures you have collected, check the cruise lines that offers discount on their cruise package.

4. If you plan to spend more of your time in the cabin, then get yourself an inside cabin. It is quite cheaper, except that you will never know what time of day it is since no day light enters your room. In this case, provide yourself a clock.

5. In case you cannot find discounted cruise packages from cruise lines, avail of the services of your travel agency. Just like flight consolidators, travel agencies can purchase bulk ticket. Thus, they can provide discounted luxury cruise.

It is important that you enjoy your cruise without worrying on your budget. Just follow the aforementioned steps and get yourself a discount cruise for your vacation.

Disney Cruises Taking Your Kids On A Vacation

Ed — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:47:01 +0000

Have you ever wanted to take your kids on a vacation but is unable to find a place or a kind of activity that would suit their needs?

Having a vacation on a cruise ship will provide your family all the fun and excitement you need on a vacation. You will enjoy every activity that cruise offers and cruises also consider their younger guests onboard.

They have programs and activities exclusively for kids. Some cruise lines provide entertainment for kids of all ages. They have programs and activities like, coloring, face painting, story telling, playtime for toddlers and other kids.

They also have activities that are suitable for older kids, like video games, arcades, parties and more.

Booking in floating resorts are one of the best ways to get your kids to have fun on their summer vacation. You might have noticed that kids get bored easily doing the same activity everyday on their vacation.

Kids are very active and boredom will only get them restless and will start to explore. If you took your kids to Disneyland before, then you have an idea of what kids want.

Walt Disney Company offers cruises for the whole family to enjoy. The Disney Cruise Lines has two cruise ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

Both of these cruise ships have most of the amenities and services found in other cruise lines except that it has no casinos. It is designed to be friendly for the whole family.

Both ships look identical with their designs, but it has a few differences in entertainment venues and restaurants.

Both the cruise ship's design has designated areas specifically for various age groups. It has areas for toddlers, young children, teens and adults to ensure maximum enjoyment for the whole family.

The Disney Cruise Lines are the first in the industry to build a ship from the keel up exclusively for family entertainment. These family cruise liners have a goal of accommodating both adults and kids.

Both family cruises depart from Port Canaveral, Florida in the Disney's Art Deco terminal. They have different packages that offer a stay at Walt Disney World Resort before and after the cruise.

There are so many reasons why you should take your family on a cruise with the Disney Cruise Lines. Here are some of them:

* They can play with their favorite Disney cartoon character

* It has great kids programs

* It has areas specifically built for kids and teens

* There is a variety of entertainment every single night

* The flexibility of the package can combine theme park packages and Disney cruises.

However, you should not expect that the ship would look like Toontown. The interior will look classy with the Mickey Mouse character can be found all over the place.

The food in Disney Cruise Lines, as with any other cruise liners, is superb. They have menus ranging from formal to casual dining. Here are some of the restaurants available in the Disney Wonder:

* Palo Restaurant – It is an adults-only restaurant, which serves first class cuisines from North Italy.

* Animators Palate – This restaurant has black and white decorations and paints. The cartoons on the wall will eventually become colorful.

* Ice cream stations – Kids and adults alike can grab a scoop of ice cream.

* Casual Buffets – This is perfect for family that would want to have quick meals.

Like an all-inclusive resort, kids can get food and drinks all day long free. However, sodas are not included. Kids can have their occasionally soda if you buy a soda package.

There are many facilities and programs in Disney Cruise Lines where you and your family can enjoy. They have pools for adults, for the whole family, and even an exclusive swimming pool for kids. They also have movies that you can enjoy watching while you are in the pool.

The programs for kids are endless. Your kids will be amazed on what they will find on every corner of the Disney Cruise ships. Here are some examples of activities for kids of specific age:

* Oceaneer Club – This activity is for kids aged 3-7 years old. They can dress up as a pirate or a brave captain and play with cartoon characters of Disney that will visit.

* Teens-only Getaway – This room has many activities that teens will enjoy. It has a lounge area, internet connection, DVD's, games, and more. Teens can also take up special programs like photography or videography.

* Castaway Cay – Teens can go on an adventure with biking, kayaking, and snorkeling. You should sign up fast for this activity for it sells fast.

You can enjoy more entertainments with your family in Disney Cruise Lines. It has theaters that can accommodate more than 900 people and more.

Consider booking in Disney Cruise Lines when you are planning to spend your vacation with your family.

Timeshare Is It Right For You

Ed — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:17:01 +0000

Many people buy timeshares after a lot of research and analysis. But same is not true with some people who simply buy timeshares hearing the buzz surrounding it with poor perception and ignorance about timeshares. Buying a timeshare is a huge investment and thus should be dealt with utmost importance. Before buying a timeshare you have to first question yourself whether is it really for you? How often do you go for vacation? Is that place right for you to go year after year? Do you want to buy a timeshare just for vacation purpose or you are buying it as an investment?

Even if you decide to buy a timeshare property you should start your research at least nine months before you buy a timeshare. But let us weigh in various factors to know whether timeshare is really for you or not. A vacation home might be a minor financial investment for few rich and wealthy but to many middle class people it is possible only in dreams. Middle class people badly needed an alternative to this costly investment. The search for an alternative resulted in the discovery of timeshare in Europe in 1970's. This was a welcome relief to many people who could not afford to buy an expensive vacation home. This concept gained huge popularity with every passing year and today over two million Americans own timeshare properties which is a big number.

A timeshare is nothing but a real estate property split into many ownerships. The cost is shared among the owners. Timeshares are basically classified into two types of plans, deeded and non-deeded. In a deeded plan the owner buys the timeshare unit and the unit for 30-40 years. It can again be classified into fixed use and flexible use. A fixed use allows only a specific time and specific number of years where as a flexible use timeshare allows you to choose vacation at any time of the year but only on first come first serve basis as many people would like to go for that option. The other types of plan called non-deeded plan is also called right to use plan which is like a lease, you have the same facilities but only for specific period and you lose all the rights after the lease expires.

Having understood what a timeshare is and different types it is also important to dig into the facts of timeshare. Timeshares are usually common in a tourist place. The cost depends on the location and season of the year. Apart from cost of timeshare you have to pay the maintenance and various other fees also. This also may vary depending on the location. But one good thing about timeshare is that you don't have to worry about the upkeep and maintenance of your timeshare unit. But you have to think is it really worth to pay hundreds of dollars every year in addition to the thousands you have already paid to buy the timeshare and that too to spend only one or two weeks in a year. This may be reasonable only if the maintenance fee is low which is generally not.

But if you see the other side of the coin, in long term a timeshare will be cheaper than a hotel or vacation home. If you add up the cost of hotel for thirty years and compare it with timeshare it will be way higher. But then again, if you decide to go to a different vacation spot every year hotel may be ideal for you. Although timeshare offer exchange of properties with other owners across the states and countries it may not be that easy to do it. Also one should compare the other alternatives to a timeshare available in that place. In some seasons timeshares could really be expensive due to their close proximity to beach fronts etc. So a quick market survey to find cheap alternative should never be ruled out.

Taking A Cruise Make It A Romantic Getaway

Ed — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:10:01 +0000

Taking a cruise can be one of the most authentically romantic experiences that you can share with your loved one. The water, the stars, the clear sky…these are all things that SCREAM love and romance and make a cruise an excellent choice for an engagement trip, a honeymoon, or just a run of the mill romantic getaway.

Cruises are a great option for a romantic getaway for several reasons. The first reason is that if you take a cruise to spend time with your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend, chances are that you were not the only one with that great idea. Cruises are a great time to make "couple friends" all across the United States and even the world! Also, cruises are on the ocean away from a great majority of the woes of the world, and it is a great time to reflect on your relationship and put in quality time.

Honeymooners and newlyweds are among the most popular groups of people that come on board cruise ships these days. To accommodate this, many cruise lines will offer perks to couples just starting out, such as wedding cake, breakfast in bed, or special fluffy robes in their state rooms. In some cases, perks like this are freebies, but in cases where there are no freebies available to you cruise lines do tend to offer some pretty neat deals. For example, some cruise lines will give the new husband (or wife, for that matter) the option of pre ordering roses that the crew will place in your cabin or state room prior to your boarding. Still others will offer special tables for two with a view for honeymooning couples on their ship, which is pretty hard to come by on a cruise ship without a reservation.

Carnival Cruises is one of the most popular lines for honeymooners, or even couples who are looking to put the spice back into their relationship and may appear to be honey mooning. Carnival is among those cruise lines that offer free wedding cake to their honey mooning couples at dinner on their first night out at sea. For a fee of course, the Carnival Cruise crew will also decorate your door and cabin with balloons, banners, and flags congratulating the happy couple on their nuptials. Carnival also has a honeymoon package available for purchase that includes champagne and two champagne glasses, tee shirts, visors, cameras and other vacation paraphernalia, as well as drink specials, a framed picture, and a bottle of champagne.

Princess cruises also offers an excellent experience for honeymooners. They decorate the door and the inside of the state room of the happy couple, using Mylar balloons and banners for free, and they have the same free wedding cake offer as the Carnival line. Princess also has two honey moon packages available to their happy new couples. The most inexpensive one is called the Honeymoon Experience and for a little under $150 dollars the newlyweds are given champagne, two engraved champagne flutes, strawberries dipped in chocolate, and two long stemmed roses. The Princess Honeymoon Experience is the pricier option of the two, but it is a good deal, offering the same as its cheaper version, adding a couples massage, fluffy robes, breakfast in bed with champagne, and special hors douevrs delivered to their room with dinner.

The Beauty Of Molokai

Ed — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:20:01 +0000

Looking out from the view in Maui, you can look across the ocean and see the remote island of Molokai. Although it is visible they are miles apart in beliefs, traditions, and culture. Even though they are related islands, the two Hawaiian Islands are worlds apart. In Maui there is a very high tourist rate and an urbanized twist to the perfect tropical fairyland. In Molokai you will find the same beauty but everything slows down because the natives there want it to stay that way.

There are many lighthouses on the Hawaiian Islands but none more spectacular than the one that sits on the shoreline of Molokai. Tourists and natives alike agree that this lighthouse not only has a long history behind it but is also the most beautiful. In the park where this lighthouse is located there is also a rain forest, a volcanic crater, and caves as well.

Everything in Molokai is natural and there is no pollution. The air is fresh and clean. The trip is non conventional and doesn't offer leis for souvenirs just the kind of pure tranquility that people read about in books. Undeveloped civilization is prominent but by no means will you do without a thing. Everything that you would want or need is ample just in a very non traditional manner.

To get a real experience of the true beauty that Molokai does offer, you can take a helicopter tour which will take you right above Molokai's waterfall which is the tallest in all of Hawaii and past the amazing sea cliffs that are so prominent of this island. Molokai is a step back in time and there is a chance that you won't want to leave once you are there.

Even with all of the remoteness that Molokai hangs on to there are a few concessions that have been made including an eighteen hole golf course that is ocean side. Car and bicycle rentals, a few restaurants, and some tours as well. Molokai residents try at all costs to live off of the land and sea and the residents of the island do whatever it takes to protect their natural resources. This is how the land on Molokai has managed to stay wild and almost untouched. There are many parts of Molokai that have not been changed or unpreserved by man for many years.

Some of the foods that are exclusive to Molokai are their sensational breads, macadamia nuts, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, and sweet potatoes that are purple in color. There is not much of a party atmosphere on Molokai and it is just purely laid back but is certain that every person that you pass will look you directly in the eye and bid you a hello. If you happen to stop and engage in any conversation with them, the slightest insinuation will have them telling stories that only the natives of Molokai could tell.

Watching the sunset is magnificent and as you peer into the night time skies you will feel as if you can actually reach out and grab a star. It is simply gorgeous.