Travel Blog
Top 10 Places to Visit on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii's aloha culture is still very much alive on the Big Island. The geography varies from beautiful beaches to above-the-clouds mountains. These are our Top 10 for the Big Island:
- Snorkel trip to Captain Cooks Monument - awesome snorkel spot with beautiful coral and fish. There are several excellent tour companies, but our favorite is Fairwinds.
- Volcanos National Park - your experience will vary, depending on how active Kilauea and Mauna Loa are during your visit. Regardless, you will still see the results of devastating lava flow, walk through lava tubes and possibly new lava flow in the works.
- Night Time Manta Ray Snorkel - a magical, unforgettable experience with giant manta rays. These groups leave from the Kona area and take you by boat to where the manta rays come in the evening. The water is illuminated and the manta rays approach as gentle, graceful giants.
- Black sand beach - You will likely see turtles along the beach, too! Just give them their space as they are protected in Hawaii, but still a thrill to observe from a distance.
- Mauna Kea Summit and Observatory - You will climb, climb, climb to about 13,790 feet in elevation where the air is so clear, you feel as if you can see forever. Bright stars and phenomenal views await.
- Akaka Falls National Park - Take the beautiful trails lined with floral gardens and view waterfalls along the way. Allow time to stop on the path and take lots of photos!
- Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm - A favorite for those of us that love macadamia nuts! Take a tour of the farm and marvel at the varieties of treats made from macadamia nuts. There is also a store where you can purchase gifts to take home and savor some of your favorite flavors.
- Kealakekua Bay - Snorkelers will love this location where there is plenty of sea life and just a beautiful bay! You may see spinner dolphins and turtles, too.
- Rainbow Falls - Yes, this is a postcard waiting for you. There is almost always a rainbow visible in the falls (thus the name) which makes it a great place for a selfie with someone special.
- Japanese Gardens - Lillokalani Gardens is located on Hilo Bay. Stroll through the traditional Japanese flora and enjoy this peaceful setting. Great for photos, too!
Of course, wherever you go on the Big Island, you will see and experience Hawaiian culture and the beauty of the Islands. Aloha!
What to Wear in Iceland
Iceland was one of our most memorable trips. Indescribably beautiful mountains, moss-covered valleys and giant waterfalls will have you wanting to take a thousand pictures and selfies. No matter the camera angle, lighting or even the amount of photography expertise can convey the vistas through a picture.
The weather can be unpredictable and change at a moments notice. You will want water-proof (not water-resistant) jacket with a hood, pants and shoes. The rain may be torrential, sideways rain that will soak you to the bone in a matter of minutes. If you have warm, water-proof clothing, you will be comfortable and able to enjoy the day. regardless of the weather. Don't forget water-proof gloves, knit cap and a warm scarf for your face and neck. All of these items will be worth their weight in gold as you hike up to a waterfall or take a walking tour through a small village.
Face netting is a great idea, too. The flies can be relentless, especially on a calm day. We did not encounter any of the flying pests, but we had windy days that kept them at bay.
Layering is key. You can add or take off layers as needed when the weather changes. A long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt and jacket will give you options for each part of your day.
Gorgeous Day on Prince William Sound
One of the suggested tours from Seward would be a tour of Prince William Sound. You can take the Alaska Railway to the harbor for a day trip. The tour takes you around Prince William Sound and over to several glaciers. Along the way you will find seals basking in the sun on icebergs, sea otters playing in the water, and occasionally whales might appear. Ribbon waterfalls flow from the side of the peaks right into the ocean. And if the weather is sunny and nice, you will be doubly rewarded with vistas and panoramas your camera will love.
Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is the only state capital totally accessible by boat or plane. After arriving we walked over to the sky tram and took a trip to the top of Mt. Roberts. It is best to do this in the late morning after the fog has lifted. You get a terrific view of the bay and port and mountains around the port. We took another float plane trip over the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau. We flew up into the mountains and followed the glacier for miles and miles, until it merged with other glaciers that looked like a giant highway of ice from the air. Next, we stopped at the Salmon factory where we saw the amazing salmon coming back to their home to spawn. A drive around Juneau by car led us to some of the beautiful parks with the splendor of flowers blooming as if to say, “Come see me!” Our last stop was The Twisted Fish restaurant. Not far from the cruise port, it is one of the best restaurants you will find. The fish are transported right from the fishing ships by conveyor to the back of the restaurant which also processes them. The fish are guaranteed to be fresh from the ocean.
Make Sure Your Alaska Itinerary Includes Glacier Bay!
If you take a cruise to Alaska, double check to make sure your itinerary includes a day of scenic cruising inside Glacier Bay National Park. Not all cruise ships are allowed in the Bay, and many of the Alaska itineraries bypass this amazing cruising experience.
Our fourth day of our cruise took us into the majestic Glacier Bay National Park. No where on earth will you find more impressive scenery than here. As you enter the long inlet, you are met with vistas every direction, with ribbon waterfalls diving straight into the ocean. You will observe seals sunbathing on small icebergs, along with sea otters basking lazily in the sun on their backs. You will hear the sound of the icebergs calving as it called, where they moan and crack meeting the sea. Eventually you will see them as they calve and fall into the ocean causing a large splash and booming sound. An unforgettable sight. The ships navigate very close but a safe distance to allow you that experience.
A Trip Back in Time in Skagway
Skagway is an old mining town rich in history that was part of the Alaskan gold rush. Most of the prospectors started their mining exploration from this town, where they were outfitted and had to walk over the divide and on to the gold fields. Many prospectors died from exposure and starvation, as they were ill prepared for this challenging adventure. Skagway is also home to the White Pass Railroad. This is one of the highest alpine railroads in the world. You can plan a day trip on the train, which will take you from Skagway over White Pass. From there you can transfer to a bus that takes you to the closest gold field, where you can pan for gold and return by bus or simply stay on the train. It goes into Canada so you will need your passport to continue on to the gold fields.
Float Plane to the Misty Fjords
A trip to Alaska qualifies as one of the most memorable of all types of cruises or land tours you could ever imagine. It certainly exceeded any of my expectations. Ours started in Vancouver, Canada. The inside passage is a must do trip if you plan to cruise to Alaska. Our trip was planned through Princess Cruises and I cannot over emphasize the remarkable experience
First stop was Ketchikan where we took a float plane trip to the Misty Fiords National Park. A 30- minute flight, over the mountains and through the Fiords to a small platform in the middle of a lake. Totally remote and isolated from any civilization that causes you to pause and ask yourself, “Where am I?” And “I didn’t know places like this exist.”
Energize Your Team with Travel Incentives
In today's competitive business landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is more critical than ever. While salary and benefits packages have traditionally been the primary tools for achieving this, companies are now exploring creative ways to motivate their workforce. One such strategy gaining traction is incentive travel.
As a travel agent specializing in crafting unforgettable adventures, I've seen firsthand how incentive travel can transform not only employees' lives but also a company's bottom line. Let's dive into the myriad benefits of offering incentive travel to employees.
1. Boosts Employee Motivation and Productivity
Offering incentive travel as a reward for exceptional performance can significantly boost motivation among employees. The prospect of a luxurious getaway or an adventurous trip serves as a powerful motivator, encouraging employees to go above and beyond in their roles. When employees are motivated, productivity naturally follows suit. Companies that invest in incentive travel often see a noticeable uptick in overall performance and achievement of business goals.
2. Enhances Employee Loyalty and Retention
Incentive travel is more than just a perk; it's a statement that a company values and appreciates its employees. By offering unique travel experiences, companies can foster a sense of loyalty and belonging among their workforce. Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of recruiting and training new hires.
3. Fosters Team Building and Collaboration
Group travel experiences provide an excellent opportunity for employees to bond outside the confines of the office. Whether it's a team-building retreat in the serene landscapes of New Zealand or a cultural exploration in Europe, these shared experiences can strengthen relationships and improve collaboration back at work. Stronger team dynamics often lead to more effective communication and problem-solving, ultimately benefiting the company as a whole.
4. Promotes Work-Life Balance
Incentive travel encourages employees to take a break from their routine and recharge. By promoting work-life balance, companies can help prevent burnout and ensure their workforce remains energized and focused. Employees return from their travels refreshed, with renewed enthusiasm and creativity, ready to tackle new challenges.
5. Enhances Company Image and Attracts Talent
Offering incentive travel can enhance a company's image as an employer of choice. In a world where job seekers are increasingly looking for companies that offer unique benefits and prioritize employee well-being, incentive travel can be a powerful differentiator. Companies known for providing exceptional travel experiences are more likely to attract top talent eager to be part of a forward-thinking and employee-centric organization.
6. Provides Networking Opportunities
Incentive travel often brings together employees from different departments or even different branches of a company. This creates opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing that might not occur in the regular work environment. Employees can gain insights from their peers, share best practices, and return with new ideas to implement in their roles.
In conclusion, offering incentive travel is a strategic investment that yields numerous benefits for both employees and employers. As a travel agent with expertise in crafting personalized travel experiences, I'm here to help companies design unforgettable incentive trips that align with their goals and budget. Whether it's an adventurous expedition or a luxurious retreat, the right incentive travel program can unlock a world of possibilities for your organization. Let's embark on this journey together and create a brighter future for your team.