10 Mistakes First-Time Visitors to Hawaii Make

For most people, the best part of going on vacation is the spontaneity that comes with being away from home. For a handful of people, having an unscheduled vacation is too chaotic and it makes it hard for them to enjoy it. That is where guided vacations or tours, (also known as escorted tours) are a great option. However, guided vacations are not for everyone. You’ll be on a specific schedule of stops and stays, and you’ll be traveling with a small group of strangers. However, if you are traveling solo, or you’re a couple that enjoys meeting new people, these guided vacations offer the opportunity to meet other like minded travelers and make new friends. What is a Guided Vacation? These trips are generally an all-inclusive group travel experience led by a guide and will follow a specific itinerary. There are even options for guided tours that cater to every age, length of travel, and budget.

Thinking of planning a destination wedding? Winter destination weddings are a fantastic way to celebrate your love without the chaos of the busy summer season. Plus, wouldn’t it be better to celebrate your devotion to your love in the beautiful tropics while the rest of the world chills back home in the cold? You get to escape your chilly hometown to make new memories with family and friends and they get a vacation from the cold as well. Further, if you plan to explore paradise with your loved ones before or after the wedding ceremony, you’ll have a wide range of places to see, and things to do.

Welcome to the month of June, and that means PRIDE month starts today! If you need help finding the right LGBTQ Friendly Destinations for pride, then this blog is for you! There are tons of fabulous LGBTQ Friendly Destinations for Pride that are pulling out all the stops to celebrate with you this year, and well into the rest of the year. It’s about time you celebrated and enjoy a hard-earned, queer-friendly safe vacation, honeymoon, or destination wedding.

Summer is almost here, and for many, that means a summer vacation coming up. Whether your itinerary has you exploring a new city or spending a week with your toes in the sand, there are always some things you should remember to pack for a peaceful and stress-free vacation. When you forget to pack something important, it can be inconvenient, or it can be catastrophic. Forgetting a bathing suit or sunscreen isn’t as devastating because your destination likely has a place where you can buy it. However, leaving home without your passport or ID or your prescription medications can cause much bigger problems. Get out a piece of paper and let’s get started with your packing list! 10 Things You Should Remember to Pack for Your Vacation Setting yourself up for success with a list of things you Must Have before leaving is a significant first step in preparing for your summer vacation. Use this list as a basis to get it started. There are plenty of other things that can be added to this list, but this is just the bare essentials list of some things you should remember to pack. Feel free to let us know what your additions are in the comments on our facebook page where we’ll have this posted. 1. Passport, ID, Cell Phone, and House Keys

As a rugged rainforest full of beauty and adventure, Costa Rica has a lot to offer to many types of travelers. Before planning your trip, you’ll want to know when is the best time to go to Costa Rica so you can have the best experience possible. Costa Rica is primarily rainforest, bookended by the Caribbean ocean to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West, and with that it has two main cultures . Tico’s (Costa Ricans) on the Pacific side and on the Atlantic side, especially in and around Limon, is an English-speaking, Jamaican influenced African-Caribbean culture. 

Hawaii is truly an amazing place to visit. The islands also have millions of annual tourists , and the boom with tourism recently has caused some issues to arise. Since there is a huge elephant in the room regarding tourism in Hawaii right now, I felt it was appropriate to talk about it and give some tips on how to be a better tourist in Hawaii. Plan Several Months Ahead While many travelers enjoy spontaneity, right now it’s better to make a plan well in advance. Many popular destinations require reservations, and car rental shortages are a real thing, so booking last minute flight deals isn’t going to do you any favors. As a result of Hawaii’s recent popularity, accommodations, cars, and experiences are often booked up months in advance. If you wait until the last minute to book your trip, you’re likely to be without a car or you’ll be paying a premium price for a less than stellar hotel. Anyone that has been to Hawaii also knows how important it is to have a car to get around. Not having a car is going to put a real damper on your trip. It’s always best to leave the planning to an experienced travel agent. Contact me at anytime to personalize your Hawaiian getaway with expert knowledge of the activities and experiences you prefer most. See the “Real” Hawaii and Support Local There are numerous resorts and hotels, as well as tourist-heavy areas on some islands. However, anyone who lives in a popular metro area knows these spots aren’t always what you want to experience. You can visit kitschy merchandise stands and chain restaurants anywhere. Why not choose local businesses and experiences instead of crowded tourist traps? Another advantage of having me help you is because I know what the locals know. If you want to experience cultural activities and mom-and-pop shops, I’ve got you covered. I know many people would rather see a natural waterfall or enjoy a locally owned coffee shop than another Starbucks. Each island is also unique, so it’s really tough to choose only one to visit. If you are having trouble picking out the island or islands to visit, I have another blog that discusses which island is the right fit for you here . Below are a couple of my preferred mom and pop stops to visit throughout the islands of Hawai’i . Oahu A great way to learn and experience some of Hawaii’s rich culture is to visit one of the many museums on this island. The Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace are fantastic places to learn more about Hawaiian history. Fun fact – The Iolani palace is the only palace located in the United States that has ever housed an actual King and Queen. If you’re looking for a great place to eat, there’s no shortage on this island. There are many options all over the island that you can choose from that are locally owned and operated. One of my all time favorites that is a local staple is Leonard’s Bakery . If you’re looking to tame your sweet tooth or want to grab and go some breakfast, you NEED to stop here. Try the haupia (coconut custard) malasadas. You won’t be disappointed. Kauai If you are an avid and experienced hiker, the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park should be at the top of your list. There, you can hike the famous Kalalau Trail or make reservations for picturesque camping. If instead you’re looking for a good book to read while relaxing on the beach, head over to Talk Story BookStore . This little gem located in quiet Hanapepe is an independent bookstore offering new and used titles with plantation-style charm. Maui You can’t go to Maui without visiting my friend Ann at Maui Chocolate & Coffee Tours . This is nothing like the usual candy store experience. This tour is held on acres of lush organic farmland. While they grow many plants, it’s coffee and cocoa beans that take center stage. In addition to gorgeous coasts and desert landscapes, Maui is an ideal place to see the migrating humpback whales . Winter is the best season for viewing them. You can take a tour out on the water to get closer to them or you can opt to watch them from the shore. The Big Island Papakōlea Green Sand Beach , is a unique experience and is one of four green sand beaches in the world. While rustic, it’s also highly scenic and serene. You will need a 4×4 vehicle to get to it or hike the 3 miles in. However, many local boys hang out in their 4×4’s and will drive you in and drive you back out for a cost. This is how a lot of them make extra money to support their families. If you’re in Hilo and want to go where the locals go for some ono grindz (good food) head to Cafe 100 . Legend has it that this restaurant served the very first loco moco (a traditional Hawaiian dish) in the 1940s. Put Yourself on “Island Time” Possibly one of the hardest concepts for tourists to understand is that locals aren’t in a rush. While you may have a jam-packed itinerary, they live and work there. There’s something to say for punctuality, but while you’re in Hawaii, just go with the flow. It may take a few days, but breathe and “embrace the pace.” Remember, as idyllic as the islands are, they aren’t a theme park. It’s important to take things at a slower pace – “island time”. As long as you don’t pack too much into one day, it’s easy to manage. Remember, you can feel stressed out and rushed all you want at home. Learn to Live Aloha Every mainlander knows the phrase, but not everyone understands the meaning. Living Aloha is much closer to the Golden Rule than saying hello or goodbye. The locals of the islands are known for their generosity and welcoming attitudes. However, you don’t want to risk outstaying your welcome. It’s so important to remember you are a visitor to a sacred place. As long as you show respect for the aina (land) and locals, you’ll fit right in. ‘Aloha aku, Aloha mai’ (love given, love received). The Rules Apply (Even to You) As beautiful as the ecosystem is in Hawaii , it’s also incredibly delicate. It doesn’t take much to harm a plant, animal, or a beach severely. Make sure you follow any posted rules, especially against touching wildlife. Doing so helps preserve the islands and ensure you can return later. Show respect to all living things and live Aloha. This alone will help you be a better tourist in Hawaii. Another important restriction that many do not know about, is about the type of sunscreen you wear. Many common brands are hurtful to coral reefs and other marine life. Sunscreens that are not reef safe are banned in Hawaii. If you are unsure about what type of sunscreen you have, leave your sunscreen at home and buy the correct stuff at a local store in Hawaii after you arrive. Not only must you respect the natural surroundings, but you also need to be aware of local COVID-19 restrictions. As a group of remote islands with nearly 1.5 million residents , safety is always a concern because medical services aren’t as plentiful as on the mainland. All of these rules and restrictions are there for a reason and they change often. A travel agent who specializes in Hawaii can keep you updated on any restrictions so you’re well informed. Choose a Travel Agent to Help You Be a Better Tourist When you’ve never been to Hawaii before, planning your trip can get really overwhelming really fast. Factor in pandemic restrictions and required reservations to state parks and many restaurants, and it becomes a handful. Choosing an experienced travel agent that knows the islands inside and out will help you customize your trip with hassle-free plans. Whether you love nature, watersports, or just want to relax, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t go to the islands unprepared, and contact me today . I guarantee that with my help you’ll have the best experience possible and I’ll help you know what to do to be a better tourist in Hawaii.

Making memories during your next trip shouldn’t be filled with stress and anxiety. That is why we want to help you with planning a stress free family vacation that you can fully enjoy. Whether you travel by plane or car, you can have fun with the whole family without the drama. All In Vacay's owner Angela, is a woman who loves to travel, and also has a disability. She’s got the experience to help your trip run smoothly and with minimal fuss. Here are some tips for planning a stress free family vacation for all ages.

Road trips are a staple of travel enthusiasts around the world, and the US is a great place for one because it offers so many different regions. There are so many unique places in the US to visit that it’s incredibly hard to narrow them all down to one trip. The trick is to find out what you’re interested in and break them up into smaller trips. We’ve discovered five very unique places in the US that you can visit on your next road trip. These ideas will give you a different perspective and a little “quirkiness” to add to your plans. We’ve also included a bonus road trip that hits some major American landmarks for the history buffs in your car. 5 Unique Places in the US to Visit on Your Next Road Trip  Sure, there’s incredible beauty in the significant and traditional attractions nationwide, but so many fun and quirky places are often skipped over. Since the freeway systems have taken over the primary transport infrastructure, they bypass nearly all tiny towns, essentially erasing them from living memory—the tragedy described in Radiator Springs with the Pixar film, Cars. That being said, we picked out some interesting, unique, and quirky places you can include on your next road trip below. 1. Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX

More than ever before, it’s critical to be flexible in your travel plans, and travel insurance makes that possible. We tell all of our clients that it’s essential to invest in travel insurance if you’re traveling right now, especially because of covid. Things can change so quickly and it’s better to be covered than take the risk without it. Whether your trip is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, an annual family trip, or a business trip, you’ll want to know that your expenses are covered in the case of an emergency. With restrictions that are continually changing, and flights being canceled last minute, investing in travel insurance certainly takes a load off your shoulders.