Hawaii: Maui
A wonderful family vacation spot is on the island of Maui in Hawaii. If you are planning a family vacation this summer, why not check out the Westin Maui Resort. Here are some highlights of this grand hotel.
Your children will never get bored at this report. With an aquatic playground that includes: five pools, grottos, waterfalls, spa tubs, and a water slide; you will always know where the children will be spending most of their time as the hotel also offers a supervised children’s program.
With their open-air restaurant, poolside grill, and outdoor café that hosts nightly entertainment, the Westin Maui Resort has it all. Children of ages 12 and younger receive complementary meals at most restaurants.
Nestled on a white sandy beach, the resort also has tropical gardens, a full health spa, a sauna, non-smoking air-conditioned rooms, arcade and game room, coffee shop, hair salon, fitness equipment, and much more.
The rooms offer private, furnished lanais, with island décor; refrigerator, TV, coffee maker, bathrobes, child care, iron and ironing board, cribs, and rollaway beds.
Some of the activities you and your family can participate in include: miniature golf, a golf course, snorkeling, whale-watching, bicycle rentals, hiking, horseback riding, helicopter sightseeing, and a nearby playground. There are many more activities available.
The restaurants offer a wide array of choices. One overlooks Kaanapali Beach and is an open-air restaurant offering fresh island seafood and grilled food as well. The poolside bar and grill offers breakfast buffets, sandwiches, fish, salads, and tapas. The dining room café, overlooking the ponds and waterfalls, serves light foods throughout the day. There is also a food stand near the pool and beach area where you can obtain cold drinks and snacks.
The Westin Maui Resort also has a Kids’ Club that offers cultural activities for children ages 5 to 12.
Spending your family vacation at an island report in Maui that caters to families has become the norm, rather than the exception. In year’s past, Maui was considered the “honeymooner’s” island.
With more visitors to Hawaii than ever before, it seems only fitting that some of the hotels on the island of Maui have changed their collective mind-set and offer a family vacation resort that provides a myriad of activities and clubs for everyone to enjoy.
Popularity: 27% [?]
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Tags: Maui, Hawaii, beach vacationBoston - So Much More Than A Tea Party!
America has some incredible history, and the eastern coast has more than its fair share. By combining history with exciting attractions, Boston may be just the type of destination you are looking for. Whether you are traveling alone, with your partner or with your family or friends on a summer vacation there is sure to be something that will keep everyone happy.
With hotels conveniently located near all the best sites, one that is certainly worth trying out is the Marriott Boston Long Wharf, which is located at Boston Harbor. You wont be far away from other attractions as also nearby is the New England Aquarium where you or your family can view a variety of fish, sharks, and barracudas. If marine-life doesn’t suit all the family, there is also an IMAX 3-D movie you can enjoy while there.
As you would expect from a big chain like Marriott, the Marriott Boston Long Wharf hotel has all the amenities you or your family will need. It is worth noting that it is a smoke-free environment as well. There is an indoor pool for the kids and a sun-deck for mom and dad.
When you need to stretch your legs, also nearby is the busy Quincy Market where you can dine and shop to your heart’s delight.
As I said, Boston has more than its fair share of history and along with that Boston has many museums. The one that may attract the children is the Museum of Science. They have an outdoor area where the kids can test out Newton’s law of physics, as well as the Theater of Electricity will really “shock” the kids. Be sure to take a look - it makes science so much more fun than reading books all the time.
The Children’s Museum is particularly wonderful for younger children. Here, the children can spend a few hours playing in the water or engage in all the fun activities specifically designed for children.
Since the Marriott Boston Long Wharf is also a block away from Faneuil Hall, you can dine outdoors whilst watching the amazing array of street performers that engage the crowds.
Of course, no trip to Boston would be complete without a visit the Boston Tea Party ship and museum. Here you can board the ship, view the tall ships at the harbor, and have a light lunch while there.
If you have older children, perhaps you will want to take the Freedom Trail walking tour. It covers over a dozen historical sites and is quite fascinating, and is a great learning experience for the kids. You can also take a tour of the house of Paul Revere located in downtown Boston.
Is the family sports fans? If so, you can go to Fenway Park, or catch a baseball game while there. Attend a Boston Symphony performance, visit the Franklin Park Zoo; make a visit to Beadworks where the kids can make their own jewelry; or take the Boston Movie Mile walking tour. There is a special place where this tour will take you. Here’s a hint: It’s a place where everybody knows your name!
Dine on delicious American cuisine including Boston’s famous beans at either Faneuil Hall or on the waterfront, or check out the many other restaurants that serve delicious international fare. Check with the concierge at your hotel to find out where the nearest clambake is being offered as well.
You and your family will love everything Boston has to offer, so check out the aforementioned Marriott Boston Long Wharf hotel as well as others that may suit your needs and plan to spend an exciting vacation in this historic city.
Popularity: 21% [?]
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
Popularity: 100% [?]
Tags: Hawaii, Best_Beach_Vacations, Kona_Village_Resort, Beach_Vacations, Kahala_Mandarin_Oriental, Molokai_Ranch, Grand_Wailea_ResortLiving is Mexico is Not Always Easy, But It IS Interesting!
March 13, 2008 by Rosana Hart · Leave a Comment
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.
Popularity: 54% [?]
Tags: MexicoRbd: A Band Created For Success
February 18, 2008 by Jason Lancaster · Leave a Comment
Television is a vital part of Mexican culture. Producers of soap operas will try almost anything to capture audiences. Adapted from the Argentine soap opera Rebelde Way, Rebelde is a Mexican soap opera whose producer had an idea that would capture his audience. The idea was to create a musical group for the soap opera that would support the characters and further storylines. In 2004, RBD was created.
The popularity of the band soon exceeded that of the soap opera. As the television audience became fans of the band, they wanted to hear RBD’s music more than watching the show. The show aired for three seasons only: 2004, 2005, and 2006. A new television series emerged to document the life of RBD and its members: Maite Perroni, Anah, Cristopher Uckermann, Dulce Mara, Alfonso Herrera, and Christian Chvez. The first season of RBD - La Familia, which means RBD - The Family, has thirteen chapters about the band’s life which include: the personal life of each member, recording in the studio, the concerts and backstage.
The group has already recorded albums in three different languages including Spanish, English, and Portuguese. The band’s greatest success has been in Brazil, but they have followers from around the world. The band is known in almost all of Latin America except Argentina, where they still have not released any albums. The most surprising thing about the group is the amount of awards they have been nominated for and won in the four years they have been in the music industry.
In the World Music Awards, they were nominated for the “Best Latin Artist on the World.” In the Latin Grammy Awards, they were nominated for “Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocal.” In the Premios Juventud, or Young People’s Awards, they were nominated for twenty-one awards and won seventeen. They won, in Brazil, “Best Duo or Group” and “Melhor Banda Internacional”, or “Best International Band.”
In the Billboard Latin Music Awards, they have been nominated in thirteen different categories and won awards including: “Solo Qudate en Silencio,” meaning “Just Stay in Silence,” for Latin Pop Airplay Song of the Year - Duo or Group, “Rebelde” and “Celestial” for Latin Pop Album of the Year 2006 and 2007, and “Tour Generacin 2006″ for Latin Tour of the Year.
“Tour Generacin RBD” was the fourth most sold tour in Mexico with Cure as the first, followed by Britney Spears as the second, and The Backstreet Boys as the third.
RBD started out as a simple promotion. In little time, they grew and reached an impressive level in the Mexican music industry. Towards the future, they have great potential to continue growing. I believe they will win many more awards, awards that they truly deserve. It has been a true pleasure for me to write about such a great band.
Popularity: 24% [?]
Tags: MexicoTop 5 Fly Fishing Destinations
February 7, 2008 by Aazdak Alisimo · Leave a Comment
There is fishing around your local spots and then there is heading out to fly fish at one of the epic locations around the world. All you need is a week or so and you too can fly off to a paradise of trout, salmon and so on. It just takes a dream, some time and a few bucks.
As you well know, there are thousands upon thousands of great spots to hit. Heck, I’ve fished in Siberia of all places. Caught mostly vodka, but that is another story. Regardless, picking 5 is difficult, so don’t send me blazing emails about how wrong I am!
1. Alaska is home to some of the great fly fishing. Nakalilok Bay on the Pacific side of the Alaska peninsula offers remote, uncrowded fishing you can only dream of. Staying at a wilderness camp is the best way to go, so look it up online.
2. Mardi Gras in Brazil is legendary and so is a particular fishing spot - the Rio Negro. Peacock bass are the explosive fighting fish legendary for breaking rods. They are actually cichlid, but who is going to quibble. Late winter is the best time of the year.
3. New Zealand is one of the more beautiful countries in the world and the South Island is known to have some excellent fly fishing. Browns and rainbows are on the menu. It is a very informal place, so ask around or buy a local guide to find the best spots.
4. If you like a fish that not only fights, but will win, the tiger of the river is your fish. The Golden Dorado is found at the mouth of the Parana River and swamp area of Estero Ibera in Argentina. These brawler fish average 15 pounds and fights!
5. The Green River in Utah is a controversial pick. It is an epic river with incredible fishing for trout. So, what could be the downside? The river gets busy with people. If you are looking to avoid the crowd, the Green River may be a bad choice these days.
The real beauty of fly fishing is that there are tremendous spots around the world. Most focus on the states and Canada, but we aren’t the only ones who have the hot spots. Regardless, any day fishing is a good day, so get out there and have some fun.
Popularity: 25% [?]
Tags: AlaskaThe Joy Of A Mexican Vacation
January 26, 2008 by Bill Speck · Leave a Comment
The instant you get there, a trip to Mexico is an incredible experience that you will treasure for a long time. December to April is the peak season when traveling to Mexico, while May to November is the low season.
An important thing to consider when planning a Mexican vacation is that most Mexicans vacation in July and August. However, visiting Mexico is an excellent choice at any time of year.
The choice of hotels in Mexico is exciting and diverse. Mexico is also home to many all-inclusive resorts, which provide wonderful value for travelers. A great way to learn about all the different options is to read up on the various travel articles that experienced travelers have written.
I will concede that All-Inclusive Mexican Vacations let you to do more for less. An All Inclusive Mexican Vacation is basically what it sounds like. Don’t be scared to ask questions and do research to ensure you’re getting the best Inclusive Mexican Vacation you can. It is really a buyers market considering all the different options out there.
Unless you just want to sit in your hotel and eat cheeseburgers, escaping from inside the walls of the resorts is a great way to get a taste of the local culture. Let your hair down and have some fun!
You may be wondering, “Why is Mexico such a special destination?” Mexico has a fertile past and is one of the oldest cultures in the world. Mexico is a very popular vacation destination because it offers many options for a vacation, from tours of ancient archaeological sites, to relaxing beach holidays, to exciting city breaks.
Mexico offers the vacationer opportunities to visit awesome archaeological sites such as Teotihuacn, Monte Alban, and Palanque, in addition to having breath taking beaches and a variety of water activities to enjoy.
However, if beaches and golf courses are your thing, you can find lots of these on Mexico’s more relaxed Pacific coast, where you will find many luxurious resorts and retreats.
From the rich culture to the wonderful scenery, relaxation and peaceful environment, you will love every moment of your Mexican vacation. By doing a little research and planning, a Mexican getaway can become a reality.
Popularity: 19% [?]
Getting Your Passport In Person
January 5, 2008 by Aazdak Alissimmo · Leave a Comment
It’s vacation time! There are a lot of things to think about when traveling - where you want to go to and when you want to go, and how much time you’d like to spend there - but you also need to think about those little annoying things like the rules of travel, and even, getting your passport.
If you are planning to travel outside of the United States, you will need a US passport as your main form of identification while traveling. There are no exceptions to this rule except for Mexico and Canada - and those are only in specific circumstances.
Popularity: 21% [?]
