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Archive for May, 2011

Are you interested in taking a Hawaii vacation, but would you like privacy at the same time?  If you so, then Lanai is the perfect destination for you.  It seems as if the Hawaiian Island of Lanai was untouched from most of the commercialization that took place in other popular Hawaii vacation destinations.  Although Lanai is not as popular as Big Island, Maui, Oahu, or Kauai, it is home to a number of must see attractions, a few of which are outlined below.

Although Hawaii is filled with endless green gardens that are home to distinctive, rare flowers and plants, the island of Lanai is known for their Keahiakawelo.  Keahiakawelo is also called the “Garden of the Gods.”  Here you will find a beautiful, yet mysterious rock garden.  Many of the rocks are stacked to create both small and large towers.  According to tourists, the best time to visit Keahiakawelo is around sunset.  Due to the terrain, Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site recommends the use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

The Munro Trail, located near the well-known Lanai city, is a must visit attraction for those looking for adventure and the perfect sightseeing destination.  The Munro Trail is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles, which can be rented nearby.  The trial is a seven mile road of dirt.  Along the way, your breath will be taken away, as there is so much for you to see.  Cooke pine trees, the Maunalei Canyon, and the nearby island of Maui can be seen.  You will also end up atop of Mount Lanaihale, which according to Hawaii’s Official Tourism website, is the highest peak on the island.

Hulopoe Bay, located on the southern end of Lanai, is often referred to as one of the beast beaches in the United States.  In fact, many travel websites and television channels have stated so.  Hulopoe Bay, like most beaches of Hawaii, is known for its all-year round activities.  In the summer months, Hulopoe Bay is perfect for swimming, body boarding, snorkeling, and walks along the volcanic rocks.  Spinner dolphins are also common seen from the shoreline.  Should you visit in the winter, you may be able to spot Humpback whales from the coastline.

While the beauty of Hawaii is a big draw for tourists, so is its rich history.  If you would like to learn more about the history and culture of Lanai, you are encouraged to visit the Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center.  The Lanai Cultural and Heritage Center is located in Lanai City.  Here you can see documents important to the history of Lanai, as well as Hawaiian artifacts.

If you are looking for privacy and adventure on your next Hawaii vacation then the Polihua Beach is just for you.  Unfortunately, the Polihua Beach is only accessible by 4-wheel drive and the ten mile drive can leave some non-adventurers wishing to turn back.  However, once you arrive at Polihua Beach, you will be glad you made the journey.  The beach is commonly deserted, often giving you the ultimate level of privacy.

If golfing is a sport that you enjoy or if you have been thinking about taking it up, the Challenge at Manele Clubhouse is the spot for you.  The Challenge at Manele Clubhouse is not only heaven for golfers, for those who enjoy sightseeing as well.  The golf course is built on natural terrain that includes cliffs, gorges, and ravines.  The Pacific Ocean is viewable from just about every area on the course.  Even if other members of your traveling party aren’t golfers, you may find that they want to take up the sport for the day.  Yes, the views from this golf course are that good.  The onsite restaurant is also known for its great food and amazing view of the ocean.

At first glance, it may seem like Lanai is geared more towards locals than tourists, as the island has basically been left untouched.  However, as highlighted above, there is so much for you to do and see on the beautiful, amazing, and relatively private island of Lanai.

Are you interested in taking a trip to Hawaii soon?  If so, you are definitely not alone.  Hawaii vacations are in high demand.  That will work out to your advantage when it comes time to make your travel plans.  Why?  Because you are provided with more booking options.

One of the many ways that Hawaii vacations are booked is through online travel websites.  If you are interested in taking this approach, you can get started with a standard internet search.  All you need to do is key in your intended destination, such as Maui Hawaii, and what you need, such as a hotel, airline reservations, or a car rental.  Your options will automatically appear on your screen.  If you are vacationing on a budget, be sure to set your options so that they appear in order of affordability.

When using online travel websites to make your Hawaii travel arrangements, you will also want to look at vacation packages.  Vacation packages, also known as travel packages, are a great way to save yourself both time and money.  Popular package combinations include airline reservations and a hotel or airline reservations, a hotel, and a car rental.  Many travel websites offer small to medium size discounts when travel arrangements are made in packaged formats.

Online travel websites are a great way to book a vacation, as they can prevent you from overpaying.  Comparing vacation rates online couldn’t be any easier.  As previously stated, most travel websites allow you to customize your results based on affordability.

As nice as online travel websites are for booking Hawaii vacations, some travelers prefer to take the more traditional approach.  If you are one of those individuals, you may want to make all of your travel arrangements directly.  This involves booking your hotel directly through the hotel, as well as your car rental and airline reservations.  To get started, you can use online business directories.  They can help you find Hawaii car rentals and hotels that are conveniently located.

Making all of your Hawaii vacation plans individually is nice, as you may find unique deals and discounts not offered anywhere else.  With that said, this process can be time consuming, especially if you are interested in comparing the rates of different airlines, hotels, and car rental companies.

For ease and convenience with booking your next Hawaii vacation, you should consider using the services of a professional travel agent.  Travel agents and agencies operate both locally and online.  Often times, all you need to do is let your travel agent know where you want to travel to, what you want to do, and what your vacation budget is.  The rest should be taken care of by your travel agent.

As convenient as it is to let a professional travel agent book your Hawaii vacation for you, be sure to proceed with caution.  Do not signoff on vacation plans unless you see them for yourself first.  Although your travel agent will have your best interests in mind, the last thing you want is to be disappointment.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to making your Hawaii travel plans.  When making your decision, choose the option that is best for your wants and needs, whether they be ease of planning, convenience, or affordability.

Have you recently decided that you would like to stay at a private Maui vacation rental, as opposed to a hotel?  If you have, you may be pleased with all of your options.  On the beautiful island of Maui, there are a large number of vacation rentals for you to choose from. You should also know that private rentals come in a number of different formats, which include apartment rentals, homes, villas, and condos.

As nice as it is to have options, in terms of your overnight accommodations, it can make making a decision seem like a huge and overwhelming task.  There is good news though.  With a small amount of thought and careful consideration, you can easily find the perfect Maui vacation rental for you and your trip.

The first step in finding a great Maui rental is creating a budget for yourself.  This is particularly important if you are traveling on a limited budget.  Even if money is not a concern, a travel budget can still do you wonders.  Having a set budget in place can make finding a vacation rental easier, as you may be able to eliminate those that are too costly.  It is also important to note overpayment; why pay more than you need to?

Next, it is important to examine and compare all of your options.  As stated above, you have a number of private Maui vacation rentals to choose from.  For that reason, do not choose the first one that you come across.  Doing so may later result in disappointment.  Instead, you should visit an online travel website and start comparing all of your options.  Speaking of which, there are websites that are designed for Hawaii trips only, as well as those that specialize in private rentals, like homes, cottages, villas, apartment rentals, and condos.

When comparing Maui vacation rentals, there are a number of factors that you will want to keep in mind and take into consideration.  One of those is location.  Don’t spend your vacation on the road traveling to participate in or see the Maui activities and attractions on your vacation to do list.  Instead, examine location.  You will want to choose a rental that is conveniently located.  Doing so can save you money in travel expenses, as well hassle.

Perhaps, the most important factor to take into consideration is rental fees.  When examining Maui vacation rentals, always compare rental fees.  Some vacation rentals can appear identical in nature, but have very different rental rates.  As a reminder, do not overpay.  Instead, search for the best deals.  Also, examine extra fees, such as cleaning fees and security deposits, as they are often required for private rentals.

Vacation rental features should also be examined and compared.  You will want to choose a Maui vacation rental that can give you want you want and what you need.  After all, that is what vacations are all about.  Features are particularly important if your Hawaii vacation is an extended trip.  Despite variances, many travelers like having internet access, an onsite swimming pool, a private garden or patio area, as well as a dishwasher.

In short, since you do have a number of different options, in terms of private Maui vacation rentals, take the time to find the vacation rental that is perfect for you.  By doing so, you are less likely to be disappointment and you won’t be left second guessing your decision days before your vacation.

Hawaii is the perfect vacation paradise for beach lovers and ocean lovers alike.  All of the islands offer beautiful scenery both above and below sea level.  If you ever had inkling to try scuba diving this is the place.  There are hundreds of miles of barrier reef that have equally as many different species of sea life; there are craters and ship wrecks, as well as good old fashioned reefs.   The water temperature is always perfect in Hawaii making it a great place to explore underwater.

Oahu is a great place for beginners to learn to scuba dive.  There are a few different dive shops that offer same day certification at a competitive price.  The best thing about these quickie one day certification courses is that you learn everything you need to know for the one day dive and then you are out in the ocean exploring at sea level in just a few short hours.

Oahu is the place to be for wreck diving.  The fish aren’t as impressive as diving on a reef.  However, I think that everyone should do a wreck dive at least once.  It’s impressive to the power of the ocean to sink those huge heavy ships.  It’s amazing to see how the fish adapt to this alien object in their natural habitat.

On the big island, Ka’awaloa Cove offers a great opportunity for scuba diving.   The cove is located on the western side of Hawaii.  The site is accessible only by boat, but there are several companies that operate tours daily.  There are also several dive sites near Kona on the big island.  They offer a wide variety of options from beginner dives to the more challenging dives, such as night dives.  One popular night dive is around Kailua-Kona. The divers hold lights that attract plankton, which is the main food source for giant manta rays.

The plankton in turn, draw the rays.  There are many tour companies offering such night time entertainment.  Red Hill is another popular dive site near Kona.  It has lava formations that are a breathtaking sight to say the least.  The sun reflects light of the lava tubes, thus the name Red Hill. In the deeper water off the Kona coast there are over thirty dive areas accessible only by boat.  One site not to be missed is an airplane wreck near Keahole Point.

The island of Maui offers it own spectacular dive sites.  Molokini is a volcanic crater in the bottom of the pacific.  It has steep ledges and walls that create an amazing site.  This particular crater attracts such sea life as reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and a huge variety of tropical fish. This site should be on the top of your list when visiting Hawaii.  For a tamer and less crowded taste of scuba diving in Maui, try Black Rock or Makena State park.

The crystal clear warm waters of Hawaii are a scuba divers paradise.  You could literally stay in Hawaii for a year and not explore all of the amazing dive spots.

There couldn’t be a more relaxing vacation spot than Hawaii.  There are lots of activities on both the land and in the water.  The landscape provides the perfect backdrop for all sorts of outdoor activities.  There will be plenty of things for the kids to do, so bring them with you.

The whole family will love boogie boarding or body surfing on one of the great beaches in Hawaii, like world famous Waikiki Beach.  Waikiki even has a cheeseburger in paradise restaurant.  The kids will love it.  They can get any kind of toppings they want on these world famous burgers.  Don’t forget the Honolulu zoo.  It is a small city zoo, but it’s worth taking a tour.  The flamingo pond in the front is sure to please the kids and will offer a great photo taking opportunity.  The Waikiki Aquarium is another fun family stop.

It has a touch pond for the viewing pleasure of the kids and adults alike.  Lastly, the bishop museum is worth taking a tour.  They have demonstrations on the art of making lei’s as well as hula dancing performances.  Before leaving the island take the kids to visit the world famous beaches of the North Shore.  It’s worth the drive to see the very beaches where world class surfers congregate.

When visiting Maui a sure bet is the Maui Ocean Center, home to the largest tropical fish aquarium in the United States.  The dolphin statues out front make a great background for a souvenir photo.  Don’t forget to check out the whaling museum located in Lahaina.  If you are visiting during the winter months go ahead and take a whale watching tour from the Lahaina harbor.  It’s sure to please. The beaches at the resort are of Ka’anapali are fun for kids as well.  Most of these resorts have awesome pools for little swimmers.  Some even have water parks within the hotel themselves. Parents should take advantage of the kids programs at these resorts for some quiet time to themselves.

On the big island of Hawaii take a drive through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  You can see active volcanoes and possibly some lava flow from the comfort and safety of your own rental car.  Next take a ride over to Waimea and take the kids for a horseback ride through the valley.  You could do an all day excursion complete with lunch, or perhaps just pony rides for the little kids. Lastly you could go to North Kohala and try kayaking.  This is a great place for beginners.

The island of Molokai will offer some good old fashioned rest and relaxation in an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.  You could rent mountain bikes and explore the island together.  Be careful, however, not to go too far off the trails, because it’s easy to get lost on the mostly undeveloped island.  On this island you should consider renting a house so the kids will have plenty of room to spread out.  Also there aren’t too many hotel options here on Molokai.

Pets are wonderful.  They cheer you up when you are down, keep you laughing, and love you no matter what.  There is very little more heartwarming than seeing a child who has fallen asleep curled up next to a puppy.

Pets are a very common gift for children at holidays.  Puppies and kittens at Christmas, baby ducks, chicks and bunnies at Easter and so forth.  What child’s eyes wouldn’t light up at the sight of a brand new baby animal to hold and hug?  The promises to love, feed and take care of the new additions to the family flow like water.

The critters are soft, warm and fuzzy gifts for certain but, and it’s a big but, they all grow up and in just a few short weeks are no longer cute little puppies but big romping barking dogs, the cuddly little kittens have turned into large aloof cats.  The baby ducks and chicks are no longer soft and fuzzy, but big, noisy and messy, and those two bunnies, Fred and George turned out to be Fred and Georgia!

Pets are a long term commitment and buying a pet as a gift should be a well planned and thought out move not a spur of the moment decision based on emotional reaction.

If you are honestly thinking of getting someone a pet for the holidays (even if it is not for a child) be sure it is something you would do even if there were no holiday involved.

Make sure the gift fits.  If the primary responsibility of caring for the animal is going to fall to a young child you don’t want to get a dog that will quickly grow to the size of a small pony which the child wouldn’t be capable of handling.  You might also want to make sure you expose your child to other people’s pets for decent lengths of time before buying a pet, so if by chance they have allergic reactions to animals you will know before you bring one home for them to fall in love with.  This will also give you the time to  convince them that they would really prefer a turtle, lizard or something else that doesn’t have dander.

Keep in mind those animals, like babies, cost money way above and beyond the purchase price.   Food, leashes, food, collars, food and water bowls, training supplies, food, toys, vet bills, food, licenses and tags, and more food!

There is a great deal of time that has to be invested in most any pet and the holidays are not always a good time to be doing that.  The hustle and excitement of a houseful of friends and family may not be the ideal setting for a new puppy, kitten, or any other young animal.  A better idea might be to cut out a picture of the pet you have in mind and put that in a card and make sure the child understands that as soon as the holidays have passed and things have gone back to a normal relaxed state they can help pick out the newest member of the family.

It’s eternally frustrating to find yourself in a position of needing something only to root through your carry on luggage bag to and not find it. With airline security rules becoming stricter, knowing what to bring on the plane can be difficult. Always consult the airline before packing for your trip.

There are a few things which, as a general rule, you should keep with you at all times while traveling. Keep this list handy while you pack your carry on bag. It will help ensure you don’t forget anything important.

Diapers – Figure one diaper per hour in the air. It’s likely you won’t need this many, but it’s always better to have too many than not enough.

Baby wipes – Wipes are convenient and versatile. Not only are they great at cleaning diaper messes, but also work wonders on messy hands and faces, too.

Comfort items – Flying can be stressful for young children, so it’s important to bring along their favorite snuggle toy or blanket

Small blanket – Depending on where you are in the plane, it’s possible your child will get cold. While most airplanes do have blankets, they are not usually washed between flights. Better to bring your own. If breastfeeding on the plane, be sure the blanket is large enough to give you some privacy.

Snacks – Many airlines are not serving snacks anymore, so bring your own. Good airplane snacks include crackers, cheese sandwiches, a favorite dry cereal and cut fruit.

Drinks – Airplane air is dry. Be sure to bring plenty if bottled water for you and baby. Don’t forget the sippy cup or straw, if baby uses them.

Activities – Let’s face it, there isn’t much to do on an airplane. Bring coloring books and crayons, books to read, and a favorite toy. Clothes – Spills and accidents happen. Remember to pack at least one change of clothes for each of you.

When flying with babies and young toddlers, the most difficult part of the flight is likely to be take off and landing. As the plane gains altitude the cabin pressure changes, making the air pressure around the inner ear off balance. This causes pressure on the inner ear drum, uncomfortable enough for an adult, but usually very painful for a baby or small child who can’t pop their ears.

Experienced traveling parents know there are a few tricks you can use to help minimize the pressure and keep your child comfortable. While making take off more pleasant for your child doesn’t guarantee a peaceful, relaxing flight, it will to a long way to making baby’s flight less stressful.

First, try to plan ahead and schedule a fight close to your baby’s regular feeding time. Breastfeeding is the most effective way to calm your fussy baby and minimize that inner ear pressure. If you don’t breastfeed, or are uncomfortable nursing in public, offer baby a bottle or pacifier as the plane takes off.

For a toddler, try putting earplugs or cotton balls in their ears before take off. The earplugs will help equalize the pressure. Be sure your child’s favorite comfort item is not under the plane. Stash it in your carry on bag and give it to your child before take off and landing. Having a familiar cuddle item will help your child cope with the odd sensations in their ears.

Older children can chew gum and make funny faces, opening their mouth as wide as they can. Also, before the flight teach your older child to pop their ears by holding their nose and blowing.

By taking a few simple steps to eliminate the pain of take off and landing you will ensure a more pleasant flight for your baby, yourself, and your fellow passengers.

Are you in the process of planning a trip, namely one in which you will be traveling by RV?  If so, have you taken the time to create a checklist for yourself?  If not, you will want to consider doing so.  A checklist can help to ensure that you have all needed supplies for your next RV trip.

When creating an RV trip checklist for yourself, your list will typically depend on your own personal wants and needs.  That is why you are urged against relying on checklists that you can print off the internet.  Yes, they can serve as great starting points or guides, but be sure to personalize your list so that it includes what you and your family want or need to bring.  To get you started in doing so, a few supplies that you should definitely stock up on for your next RV trip are outlined below.

Generally, where food and drinks are concerned, there is no harm in overstocking.  Although it is a thought that you would like to avoid, it is important to take emergencies, like being stranded in your motor home, into consideration.  As for drinks, it is important to always have lots of bottled water on hand.  Water is great to have in the event of an emergency.  Other drinks on your checklist should depend on the personal preferences of you and your traveling party, such as soda, milk, and juice.

As for food, it is always a good idea to have a some meats and other full meals available for your next RV trip, but don’t forget the snacks.  In fact, it is a wise idea to stock up on non-perishable foods, such as canned foods.  These are items that can be consumed without electricity, in the event of an emergency.  If your RV trip involves spending a considerable amount of time on the road, as opposed to being stationed in an RV campground or park, foods that are convenient to prepare and eat are advised.

Speaking of emergencies, it is important to stock up on first aid supplies for your upcoming RV trip.  Whether you will be traveling on the road or if you will be parked in an RV campground, it is important to remember that the risk of injury increases when away from home.  That is why your motor home should be fully stocked with first aid supplies, such as bandages.  First aid kits are a great idea, but make sure that you purchase one that is large in size.  It is important to have enough first aid supplies, such as bandages, to go around for your whole traveling party just in case.

Toiletries are another type of item that you will want to stock up on, when traveling by RV, especially for long distance trips.  It is important to have the necessities that will keep you clean and healthy.  These items should include towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and so forth.  One of the quickest ways to ruin an otherwise perfect RV trip is to be unprepared in terms of your hygiene.

Of course, clothing is an important component of preparing for an RV trip.  With that being said, you will want to ensure that you stock up on clothing and other related items that can assist you in the event of bad weather.  These items should include umbrellas, raincoats, mud boots, and winter jackets.  As a reminder, there is no harm in preparing for the worst, especially when traveling by RV.

As highlighted above, food, drinks, first aid supplies, toiletries, and clothing are just a few of the many items that you will want to pack for an RV trip.  With that being said, there items are referred to as essentials by many motor home travelers.  As a reminder, create a checklist for yourself, preferably well in advance of your trip.  A checklist will help to ensure that you are fully prepared, which can also help to improve the overall satisfaction of your travels.

Cooking for toddlers and growing children presents some unique challenges along the way. While you want to provide them with those ever so important nutrients, it is often difficult to get them to eat those foods that are best for their growing bodies. We are all probably well aware of the food pyramid and the number of servings our children need of healthy grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and calcium products. Getting them to eat these nourishing products is another matter all together unfortunately.

The good news when cooking for children is that you do not necessarily need to incorporate all the important nutrients into dinner food. The truth of the matter is that raw cucumbers, which are thinly sliced and sprinkled with salt make a much healthier snack than potato chips and many little ones love this for a snack. You get a vegetable in their system and they are getting a treat at snack time. The same holds true for melon and cantaloupes. These make excellent snacks and are a much-needed fruit in these important diets for little ones.

When it comes to cooking for little ones, however man, woman, and child cannot live on macaroni and cheese alone. It’s been tried and tested and failed miserably.  Try mixing things up whenever you can while keeping meals kid friendly. It is important that you try to introduce whole grains, proteins, and vegetables whenever possible at meal times around your home. The good news is that there are many prepackaged convenience foods that are introducing whole grains like never before in order to meet the growing demand of consumers for healthier meals that can be prepared with little fan fare or fuss.

Cooking healthier meals for kids is now easier than ever before. Fresh fruits and vegetables are best whenever possible. However, if you cannot manage fresh, you should avoid canned (fruits especially as they are often swimming in sugary sweetness) whenever possible. Frozen is far preferable to canned when it comes to both fruit and vegetables, as there are often fewer additives.

If you need some great meal ideas that are kid friendly and easy on the budget, you can often find recipes readily available online. You can meet your child’s calcium and dairy product needs by adding milk as the drink of choice for meals or a slice of cheese melted over their favorite vegetable. Ice cream, yogurt, and pudding also make excellent calcium rich treats, in moderation of course.

Encourage your children to try new things rather than cooking the same few meals over and over again that you know they are likely to eat. This prevents two things from happening. First of all, it helps you not to get bored when cooking for your children. Second, it allows your children to try new flavors and textures and form opinions about them. By trying new things they will learn not only about the things they dislike but also the foods they really enjoy.

You should also keep in mind that your children are people too when cooking for them. Just as you have foods you like and dislike they also will develop tastes over time. Those tastes may also change in time as well. It’s frustrating, I know, to spend time and money preparing a meal only to have your child push the plate away and refuse to even try the meal. For this, I recommend enlisting their help in the kitchen. Children are much more likely to eat the things they had a hand in preparing as a matter of accomplishment and pride. It’s psychological warfare I know but all is fair in war and dinnertime.

Perhaps the greatest gift you can give yourself (much greater than the help in the kitchen) by ‘forcing’ your little ones to help prepare dinner is that they will learn to better appreciate your culinary efforts and eat peacefully rather than sullenly. This tactic has met with great success in my household when cooking for little ones. I hope you will enjoy the same degree of success as well.