Best Beach Vacations In Hawaii

Well, recently it has been a mixed period of weather for most of us. Many of northern parts of the United States have had snow and even some parts of Western Europe have had a small dusting. It makes me dream of getting away from it all and I start to think of my best beach vacations.

Let’s assume money and distance are no object (yeah we can all dream!) and going just for what would be my choice of best beach vacations – it has to be Hawaii.

There’s so much you can do and so many places you can do it! You can lay around on the beach all day beach relaxing; break that up with a long swim in the beautiful oceans, and then relax a bit more.

If you’re feeling more energetic, you could play some golf at one of the amazing courses and then indulge yourself in one of the spa treatments available. Hawaii boasts some of the best weather in the world – making it an easy choice for my best beach vacations destination.

So, having decided that Hawaii is my ultimate location for my best beach vacations – where would I go? Let’s look at the some of the options.

1) The Kona Village Resort

The Kona Village Resort has a good selection of activities including water-based activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours. If water is not your thing, you could always try volleyball or tennis.

2) Molokai Ranch and Lodge

Sited on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, you would stay in comfortable yet unique tents. Now, these are not boy-scout tents. Each tent forms a canvas bungalow and sits on wooden platforms. They provide a selection of queen size beds or twin beds, solar powered lights and a private bathroom with hot water showers. All the comforts of home!

Boredom is not an option at the Molokai Ranch and Lodge as it has over 54,000 acres, boasting seaside cliffs and very lush valleys. Outdoor activities include sea kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and even horseback rides. So, not just one of my best beach vacations – there is a lot more to do here as well besides laying on the beach.

3) Grand Wailea Resort and Spa

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy. Nowadays, with so much competition to be the top of the list of best beach vacations, resorts compete with water activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers.

The Grand Wailea Resort has a range of facilities; including a massive Hibiscus pool (about 4,600 square foot) and a Canyon Activity pool which at 25,700 square foot and is great for the family and sure to mean they add it to their list of best beach vacations as well.

4) Kahala Mandarin Oriental

If being pampered gets a place to the top of your list of best beach vacations then the Kahala Mandarin Oriental is the place for you. Conveniently located near Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, you can choose from the spa, classes in scuba diving or to swim with the dolphins – always a favorite.

Whether you’re a new visitor to Hawaii or returning, it offers unique experiences that will guarantee it’s impossible not to count your trip as one of your best beach vacations ever.

For a limited time, you can SAVE BIG on Hawaiian Hotels and Air – up to 75% OFF!!!

Regards, Lisa

Travelocity Deals

If you are looking for some deals over the Easter Weekend, Travelocity have some they have just announced – and some have quite long dates on so you don’t have to use them immediately.

Palm Springs Flight + Hotel for $75 off! – PROMO CODE: PALMSPR75

Expires: 31-Aug-08

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Expires: 24-Mar-08

Living is Mexico is Not Always Easy, But It IS Interesting!

It seems that each year, a larger number of Americans start living in Mexico. Canadians come too. Although the seasonal snowbird population accounts for a lot of the numbers around Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Mazatlan, and other places, many foreigners take up residence here. Of course, visiting family back home may pull them away at times, or perhaps the impulse to shop, but they become residents of Mexico.

Why do we come and stay here in Mexico? Few of us speak Spanish really well; complaining is a major pastime in expat communities; and we are baffled by the customs of the people in our new country of residence. So what is the draw?

Two aspects of life in Mexico are frequently mentioned as major draws: the climate and the cost of living. Of course, climate does vary around Mexico. The Lake Chapala area, at 5,000 feet elevation, is often described as having one of the best climates in the world: not too hot, not too cold, not too wet, not too dry. With about 34 inches of rain a year and temperatures that almost never dip as low as freezing, it’s mighty nice. Other Mexican cities popular with expats may have different climates, but you are not shoveling snow in any of them.

Cost of living is rather variable too, depending on the economic levels and personal tastes of the particular foreigners. Food, medical care, and other basics are quite reasonable. Many of us can afford gardeners and maids, since their wages are much lower here than back home. But in the popular expat colonies, rental costs and the prices of homes for sale are surprisingly comparable to those North of the Border, or as we say, NOB.

There’s another factor that is less often mentioned that might actually be even more important — it’s certainly at least as important as climate and costs. The Mexican people themselves are wonderfully courteous and welcoming to us. They are patient with our struggles to speak Spanish, and very helpful. One of the cultural differences that every expat has to get used to is that it is very hard indeed for Mexicans to say no to any request. They will very kindly give you inaccurate directions if you ask where a particular street is and they don’t happen to know.

You may say, “But of course they are kind and helpful. Expats are a huge help to their economy.” While that is undeniable, and many Mexicans I know are grateful for it, courtesy and enjoyment of life are a natural part of their culture. Just walk around anywhere and observe.

But there is no use trying to convey how different it is to live here. If you haven’t been to Mexico, and life here has an appealing ring to it, come down for a visit. Stay more than a week or two, and don’t buy a house on that first trip. Inform yourself. Living in Mexico is not for everyone, but for those who adapt, it offers many pleasures.

Considered A Cruise?

Personally, I have never been on a cruise but I know people who have and they rave about them. There are plenty of reasons for considering a cruise.

You could just want to get away from it all. There is no rushing around. There are few if any problems with missing your arrival times. There are lost of other reasons that maybe I should consider a cruise in future:

• It’s affordable. All vacations cost money and cruises are no less expensive than other quality destinations when you consider all that is included.
• A chance to do new things. Both on and off ship, the facilities are fantastic and there is sure to be sonmething that will help you pass the time.
• There is plenty to see. You can travel to an ever increasing varitey of laces on a large selection of cruise lines.
• Meet new people. Even though they are massive ships, they’re friendly communities too. It’s also a great place for single people too and not reserved for the over 60s as many people think.

I think I need to look into this further……

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