Disney Heads to Hawaii

A couple of weeks ago, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts broke ground for its first resort in Hawaii. The yet-to-be-named resort is located in O’ahu at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development and is scheduled to be opened in 2011.

This family-friendly resort will offer 350 hotel rooms, 480 Disney Vacation Club timeshare properties, expansive pools, a spa, a place for weddings, a convention center, children’s club, and restaurants. The new resort aims to offer something for the whole family from a child-friendly wading pool to a saltwater snorkel lagoon and slides through volcanic formations. The resort will be designed to reflect Hawaiian culture and architecture with materials that reflect the local terrain. To further incorporate Hawaiian culture, the resort will offer education on Hawaiian traditions and customs, as well as programs such as dance, music, and arts and crafts.

According to Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parts & Resorts, “This Disney destination resort will provide a unique way for families to experience Hawaii. By blending Disney’s high standard of guest services and creative storytelling, we’ll create a place where all family members can discover the wonder of these special islands.”

Mayor Mufi Hannemann says, “Disney leaders have met with Hawaiian cultural experts to gain an understanding and appreciation of our host culture. The end result will be a resort that local residents will be proud to have on our island, and it will be a family attraction that our residents and visitors will find enjoyable and meaningful.”

Amazing Australia

Judy, one of our Vacation Specialists, took a trip to Australia last spring, and I thought I’d share her trip with you:

Judy flew Northwest from Appleton to Los Angeles then from Los Angeles to Brisbane she flew Quantas. The flight was comfortable and offered several meal services and many entertainment options to make the long flight fly by.

After the long flight, travelers could refresh in a changing area located in the airport! This washroom area could be used for travelers arriving in the morning after a long flight, so that they can clean up and change clothes to start their first day touring and adjust to the time change. The showers had disposable towels.

Upon arriving in Brisbane, Judy transferred by motor coach to the Brisbane River for a leisurely cruise which gave her a unique view of the city. She disembarked at the South Bank Parkland which is located in the heart of the city. South Bank is the entertainment hub of Brisbane with more than thirty restaurants, cafes and bars.

The next day, Judy traveled by Quanta’s from Brisbane to Sydney. Upon arrival she transferred by HOTELBUS to her first big Australian adventure - the Bridge Climb (www.bridgeclimbe.com). On this tour you climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge while learning the inside workings of the bridge and taking in breathtaking views. The climb takes about 3 ½ hours and is not for the faint at heart, but Judy says it is totally worth it – an AMAZING and a totally rewarding experience!

In Sydney, Judy stayed at the BLUE Sydney; A Taj Hotel www.tajhotels.com. This boutique hotel is located at the Wharf in Woolloomooloo (say that ten times fast!), in the heart of a luxury marina area with great restaurants. The hotel’s 100 guest rooms all are unique and no two rooms are the same. Each is decorated with very modern décor and have great water views. The building is World Heritage listed and in the bar area you can see that the building has been left in its original form.

To experience Sydney by water, Judy boarded the MV Sydney, a Captain Cook dinner cruise, departing from Circular Quay area www.captaincook.com.au. This was the ultimate dining experience with white glove service and fine food; this cruise would be a great way for you to end your trip or to celebrate a special occasion. Captain Cooks offers an array of tours. Judy took a “hop on and off” tour which takes you to seven famous harbor attractions. Stops include Darling Harbor-Pier 26, Circular Quay, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay and Luna Park.

Judy made a stop at Costello’s Opal Center www.opaldiscovery.com. Costello’s is a specialist retailer of Australians precious gemstones such as Black, White Opals, and Sea Pearls etc.

The next tour was of the Sydney Opera House www.sydneyoperahouse.com. Judy took a newly offered tour called the Opera House Essentials Tour, which gave the entire history of the Opera House -from conception to current renovations. An interesting fact – the Opera House was projected to be completed in 3 years and it actually took 16 years to complete and was funded by lottery. Amazing!

Judy recommends stopping by the Waterfront Restaurant www.restrocks.com. It’s located at Campbell’s Cove in the historic Rocks area and specialized in the finest and freshest seafood. The building was built in 1788 and is World Heritage listed. While she was there, Judy dined outside on the terrace and enjoyed amazing views of the harbor and the Opera House. She says the food was OUTSTANDING.

To explore Sydney by land, Judy took a half day city tour with APT www.aptouring.com.au, which was packed full of information about the city. Stops included:

• Darling Harbor - a horseshoe shaped bay on the west side of the city, offering attractions including Sydney’s Aquarium, Star City Casino, Chinese Gardens, National Maritime Museum, wildlife world and many waterside restaurants.
• Bondi Beach - Australia’s most celebrated beach – where people watching is as much fun as surfing and sunbathing. Its located six miles from the city and offers a promenade popular for jogging, rollerblading, and water sports.
• Paddington - Oxford and High Streets are home to the fashion district. This area features boutiques, cafes, and shops surrounded by Victorian terrace homes.
• Sydney Olympic Park - built to host the 2000 Olympic Games, it’s now used as waterfront urban parkland and hosts festivals and concerts.

To maximize your Sydney experience, you can purchase a See Sydney and Beyond Card (www.seesydneycard.com) which gives admission to 40 of Sydney’s most popular attractions. The card can be purchase with or without the transportation. Available in 1, 2, 3 or 7 day options with costs ranging from $75.00 to $300 depending on the length and transportation. Children’s rates are also available. This is a great value to families and anyone wanting to make the most of their Sydney experience.

Judy also took a full day tour called the Blue Mountain Deluxe Tour, with a company called Eco Adventures Tour (www.ozeco.com.au). Stops included:

• Featherdale Wildlife Park - where visitors can enjoy breakfast and have some private time with a koala bear! Visitors can take a self guided tour of the wildlife park which includes kangaroos, emus, wombats, dingoes, and many types of birds.
• Blue Mountain Canyons - featuring beautiful views of Govett’s Leap and scenic Cliff Drive.
• Jamison Valley - a rainforest, where visitors can travel on the world’s steepest rail, ride a huge gondola, and wander through the rainforest on some of the many walkways built within.
• Euroka Valley – visitors can witnessed wild kangaroos grazing or partake in bird watching.

After all that excitement, Judy journeyed back to Brisbane and visited the rainforest covered mountains of the Lamington National Park and spent the night at the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (www.oreillys.com.au). Lamington National Park is World Heritage listed and is the largest sub-tropical rainforest in Australia. The O’Reilly family has been welcoming guest since 1926 and offers a range of guest rooms to cater to all tastes including their most recently opened two bedroom two bath villas with a fully equipped kitchen, living room with fireplace, large deck with private spa and magnificent views of the rainforest. She went on two different hikes that the O’Reilly’s offered - The Tree-Top Walk offered a close up view of the rainforest canopy and its wildlife. On the Guided Night Walk, hikers could view the nocturnal animals and their famous glow-works.

Australia is an amazing country and offers something for everyone!

Oasis of the Seas

The future of cruising is arriving soon, and it is Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Oasis of the Seas. Oasis of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s biggest, best ship yet – it’s an idea so grand they call it “a collection of amazing experiences that challenge all limitations.”

So that sounds nice, but what make it so great? Oasis of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s first ship to introduce a "neighborhood" concept onboard. What does that mean? It means that guests will have the opportunity to do the things they want to do on the ship in the places they want to do it. The seven neighborhoods include:

• Boardwalk – featuring the AquaTheater outdoor amphitheater, a carousel, the first ever Zip Line at sea, two rock-climbing walls, a Psychic and Tattoo parlor, kids and teen shopping, and great restaurants including Seafood Shack, Johnny Rockets and The Donut Shop
• Central Park - Open to the sky, with winding paths of quiet reading corners and other hidden surprises featuring Trellis Bar, Parkside Gallery & Picture This photo studio, Park Café & Vintages, 150 Central Park - upscale dining, Antonio's Table, and Chops Grille
• Royal Promenade - 3-level escalating, Rising Tide Bar, Sorrento's Pizzeria, Mondo Café, Café Promenade, Boleros Latin Lounge, Schooner Bar & Champagne Bar, and On-Air Club
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness – a fully functional spa and fitness center with a wide variety of spa services, a beauty parlor, and a state-of-the-art fitness center
• Pool and Sports Zone – a fun filled zone for all ages featuring multiple pools, rock-climbing walls, miniature golf, ping pong, two FlowRiders® surf simulators, a basketball court, a variety of bars, and the adults-only Solarium
• Entertainment Place – the central plaza of entertainment featuring a casino, comedy club, theater, nightclub, jazz club, and ice show.
• Youth Zone - home to Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program. A place where kids can be kids and parents can be worry-free! The Youth Zone has fun, age-appropriate activities for kids 6 months to 17 years.

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? There’s still more…loft-style staterooms, balcony cabins over looking Central Park… 2,700 staterooms in total! The Oasis of the Seas will set sail in December of 2009 for 7-Night Eastern Caribbean cruises making stops in: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas In May of 2010, the Oasis of the seas will begin an itinerary of 7-Night Western Caribbean cruises with ports including: Labadee®, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Relief for Chicago?

If you’ve ever been stranded in O’Hare Airport in Chicago because of delays, you will agree with the latest news from the FAA.

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Robert Sturgell, says Chicago needs to make airport adjustments or additions to keep up with current air travel demand. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is currently the world’s second busiest airport, and is undergoing a $15 billion expansion. In his plan, Sturgell outlined two options in addition to O’Hare’s expansion: build a new airport or expand an existing small airport.

The FAA anticipates that airport traffic in major hubs, like Chicago, will increase with the implementation of NextGen, a satellite-guided air traffic system set to replace the current, radar-based system used since the 1950s.

While this is good news for those of us who have ever experienced 8 hour delays in O’Hare, the FAA warns that airport additions will be met with opposition from political and environmental groups.

China

If you’ve turned on the TV at all last summer, no doubt you’ve caught a glimpse of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. And, if you’ve watched for more than a few hours, you had a chance to see how beautiful China is. Maybe by now you’re even thinking that you’d like to visit China.

But how do you get there? You may want to take a guided tour such as those offered by Brendan Vacations. Spend up to 10 days touring China with knowledgeable guides. Transportation, hotel stays, and some meals are often included. Check with your travel agent for more information on guided tours.

If you decide against a guided tour, you may want to hire a private tour guide and driver. Guides are available for reasonable fees, for varying lengths of time and outings. Most privately guided tours are completely customizable.
Places to go and things to see in China:

Beijing

• Tiananmen Square – Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, lies in central Beijing and was the sight of many key events in Chinese history. Today, it is famous for its monuments and museums. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a holiday, you will see the whole square covered in fresh flowers.
• the Forbidden City – Serving as the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City was once the political center of the Chinese Government. Today, the Forbidden City houses the Palace Museum, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With nearly a thousand buildings on the grounds, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore this historic wonder.
• the Summer Palace – The Chinese name for the Summer Palace literally means “Gardens of Nurtured Harmony”. Built in 1750, this beautiful palace on the shore of Kunming Lake is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that should not be missed. The Summer Palace has been called a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design”.
• the Great Wall of China – This Chinese icon, built in the 6th Century BC to keep out invaders, spans nearly 4,000 miles. Part of the wall is open to visitors in Beijing. For a truly memorable experience, take some time to walk along the Great Wall.
• Hutong (old town) area – Beijing’s hutongs are historic neighborhoods with residences separated by alleys and courtyards. Take a rickshaw tour of this area and visit a kindergarten, local home, and local shops for a true cultural experience.

Shanghai

• Shanghai – This is China’s largest city. A modern metropolis, home to branches of 300 of the world’s 500 largest enterprises; Shanghai is truly the epitome of east-meets-west culture. From modern skyscrapers to ancient history museums, Shanghai has something for everyone.
• Tiger Hill – While in Shanghai, do not miss the Tiger Hill gardens. This spectacular grounds feature lush foliage and traditional Chinese architecture. Make sure to bring your camera!
• Tailors – Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise. If you are a fan of fine fabrics like silk and cashmere, visit one of Shanghai’s fabric and tailor markets. Get custom clothing at unbelievable prices. One of our Fox World Travel agents got 2 cashmere blazers custom made for $62 USD!
• Pearl Markets – Stop by Shanghai’s famous pearl markets for a great deal on pearls and semi-precious stones. Pick the grade, color, and strand length, and watch your jewelry be made while you wait.
• Zhuijiajiao - Jiangnan Ancient Town – This town, known as Shanghai’s Venice, is famous for its bridge with five openings. Purchase a goldfish and throw it over the Fangsheng (setting-fish-free) Bridge for good luck. Visit the old post office, monastery, silk museum, pharmacy, and gardens.

Of course these are only the sights in China’s biggest cities; there are so many more than those listed here. If you are interested in learning more about China, contact the travel experts at Fox World Travel.

Follow These Tips When Planning to Travel Without Kids

Contributed by Rose Gray, Manager of Business Development - Vacation Sales Fox World Travel

Whether you are a recent empty nester, a 60’s + couple looking to celebrate a special anniversary, or a grandparent who helps out with your grandchildren’s childcare, you may be considering a child-free vacation. Sometimes, however, that is not as easy as it sounds, especially if you’re traveling during summer or holiday time when kids are out of school.

But with a little advance planning this may not be as difficult as one might think.

Try to avoid traveling during school holidays like Christmas and Easter. September is often an ideal time to travel since the kids have just returned back to school and much of the U.S. is still experiencing good weather. You may want to travel during the week rather than on weekends; you’ll avoid both kids and their working parents.

If your getaway involves a major city, plan your trip during the destination’s off-season if possible. Arrange excursions that are adult-friendly like pub tours, art galleries, botanical gardens and museums or monuments (call ahead to make sure that there is not a school group scheduled the day you plan to visit). Choose restaurants which are a bit more upscale rather than the casual chain restaurants. Or opt for an ethnic restaurant; children are notoriously picky eaters and parents avoid those restaurants at all costs. Also try eating later in the evening if you are hoping for that quiet, uninterrupted dining experience.

Cruising has become an increasingly family-friendly vacation option but there are plenty of ships where you won’t have to worry about being splashed every time you walk out on the pool deck. Try an upscale luxury line such as the Yachts of Seabourn, Silverseas Cruises, or Crystal Cruises which tend to draw a more mature crowd. You’ll also see fewer children if you book a longer cruise (more than seven nights) or try a more exotic cruise itinerary such as Tahiti or South America. And you’ll have fewer children in the dining rooms if you choose the late seating for dinner.

The best way to assure yourself a kids-free vacation is to book your stay at an adults-only resort. Popular all-inclusive, adults-only resorts include the Sandals chain which offers resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and the Bahamas, the El Dorado properties by Karisma Resorts in Mexico. Or select AM Resorts “Secrets” throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. A travel agent can help you sort through the options and choose the destination and adults-only property that’s right for you.

When planning a vacation to a destination which doesn’t offer adults-only hotels, investigate your options before choosing your accommodations. Avoid the popular budget chains and instead opt for intimate bed and breakfasts, historic inns or upscale hotels. Check out the properties’ website or give them a call to find out about their children’s policies. If they offer children’s programs or family packages, you might want to continue your hotel search.

If you are limited on time or working within a budget, you might want to consider other adult-friendly vacation options such as spa vacations or a casino trip to Reno, Atlantic City and yes, even Las Vegas. It wasn't long ago that Las Vegas was threatening to go family-friendly and shake off its decades-old reputation as “sin-city”. In recent years we have seen the pendulum swing back in the direction of good old-fashioned adult-focused entertainment.

As you plan your child-free vacation, it’s important to remain guilt-free. Remember that vacations are an important part of life. The freedom that retirement offers provides an excellent time to see our country and the world and doing so in a “kid-free” manner is nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve worked hard to get to the point in your life where you can choose your travel experiences. What’s holding you back? The options for a child-free vacation are endless and experienced travel consultants can help you make those vacation dreams become realities. Visit GoFox.com or call 866-GO-FOX-GO.

Enjoy Popular Attractions on the Eastcoast of Mexico

It’s amazing how much there is to see and do on and near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, yet there are many who prefer to get all they can out of their All-Inclusive resort enjoying unlimited drinks, food, and beaches. The time for relaxation is definitely worth the trip, and there is no doubt you should get all you can for what you paid for the All-Inclusive perks. But when you consider the memories you look to make on a vacation, the ones that will likely stick out are those like the time you zip-lined through the forest at Xcaret Eco Theme Park in Tulum or went on a snorkeling adventure overlooking coral reefs that are more diverse than you could imagine.

We encourage everyone to find a balance between enjoying your All-Inclusive resort and splurging on adventures that will make memories to last a lifetime.

Here is a list of the top attractions vacationers find themselves talking about years down the road:

Cancun

• Joe’s Jeep Adventure, La Isla Mall
• Nautilus Diving and Training Center, Hotel Zone
• La Isla Shopping Mall
• Selvatica Canopy Expedition and Adventure Tour
• Carlos’n Charlie’s
• Coco Bondo
• Senor Frog’s Hotel Zone
• El Rey Ruins
• Rancho Loma Bonita
• Snorkeling Adventures
• Aquaworld

Playa Del Carmen

• Mexico Blue Dream
• Xel-Ha natural Park
• Maya ruins of Tulum
• Diversity Diving
• Reef Quest Divers
• Geofish Dive
• El Alux
• Rio Secreto
• Discovery Jungle Park
• Xcaret Eco Theme Park
• Alltournative Off Track Adventures
• Dressel Divers at Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar

Cozumel

• Parque Chankanaab
• Isla de Pasion, Abrigo Bay
• Carlos'n Charlie's
• Palancar Reef
• Punta Sur Ecolgoical Park
• Paradise Beach
• San Gervasio Ruins
• Rancho Buenavista
• Chankanaab Reef
• Playa Corona

Choosing Between Cancun and Riviera Maya Resorts

If you have your heart set on taking a Caribbean vacation, consider Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The fine, white sand beaches and bright turquoise waters are a sight to be seen, and the resorts offer variety unlike any other destination. Spend your days lying on the beach, participating in an abundance of water sports, taking in Mayan history at one of the many archeological sites, or snorkeling and scuba diving in one of the world’s largest living reefs.

Over 150 unique resorts line the Caribbean coastline and provide the opportunity to enjoy a great vacation at a great value. It can be overwhelming to make a resort selection whether it’s your first visit to the Yucatan or you’ve been there many times before. Our goal is to identify your interests and match you to the resort that is perfect for you.

One factor for selecting a resort is based on the type of vacation you will be taking. For example, a couple on their honeymoon may opt for an “adults-only” resort, while a family with young children would most likely want a resort geared towards families. Other resort categories include spa and luxury. Each type of resort is set up to create an atmosphere and cater amenities for that certain type of vacation.

Many resorts in the Mexican Caribbean are All-Inclusive, meaning the cost of your stay at the resort generally includes all meals, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), tips and non-motorized sports. Not all resorts offer these packages, and amenities offered with an All-Inclusive can vary by resort. Many are rated on a 1-5 scale, differentiating in service, food quality and number of activities offered. Our specialists have stayed at a wide variety of these resorts and can help you determine which resort can best fit your needs. To ensure that you won’t be disappointed with your vacation experience, we highly recommend staying at a resort that has a rating of 3.5 or higher.

Resorts on the Yucatan’s Caribbean coast are largely divided between two areas: Cancun and Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen. Each offers high quality resorts, but with vastly different surroundings. Below is an overview of each area to determine which is best suited for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a bustling, modern city. High-rise hotels stand side-by-side along the beaches, and jet skis buzz across the sparkling aqua water. Staying at resorts directly in Cancun (or along the “7”, Cancun’s hotel district) is great for vacationers who want to explore outside of the resort, try different restaurants, walk to shops and experience the vibrant nightlife at nearby clubs. There are countless activities to try both day and night, and it’s impossible not to pick up on the air of excitement.

Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen

Just south of Cancun is the beautiful Riviera Maya and the town of Playa del Carmen. This area is a remote oasis away from the active city. Rising no more than three stories high, most resorts along the lush Riviera Maya are All-Inclusive with a wider variety of restaurants and bars than their Cancun counterparts. This area is better for travelers who prefer to stay right at the resort for dining and nightlife during the majority of their stay, yet most resorts in Riviera Maya are only a short distance from Playa Del Carmen, a quaint, yet modern city with excellent shopping and restaurants. The pristine beaches offer opportunities for relaxing or trying various water sports. You will also find more historical parks and ancient ruins in the Riviera Maya.

Below is a list of our travel specialists’ favorite resorts in the Cancun and Riviera Maya region:

Family Resorts

1. Grand Palladium Resorts (Riviera Maya)
2. Barcelo Maya (Riviera Maya)
3. Iberostar Resorts (Riviera Maya)
4. Sandos Playacar (Riviera Maya)
5. Gran Bahia Principe (Riviera Maya)
6. Great Parnassus (Cancun)

Adults-Only Resorts

1. El Dorado Royale (Riviera Maya)
2. El Dorado Maroma (Riviera Maya)
3. Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun (Playa Del Carmen)
4. Secrets Maroma Beach (Playa Del Carmen)
5. Excellence Playa Mujeres (Isla Mujeres)
6. Le Blanc Spa Resort (Cancun)

Spa Resorts

1. El Dorado Royal (Riviera Maya)
2. Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun (Playa Del Carmen)
3. Secrets Maroma (Playa Del Carmen)
4. Paraiso de la Bonita (Riviera Maya)
5. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort (Riviera Maya)
6. Le Blanc Spa Resort (Cancun)
7. Royal Hideaway (Playa Del Carmen)

Explore a list of over 150 resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya. Offers and values are abundant in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. One great tool we have brings back the hottest Funjet Vacation Packages, INCLUDING SPECIFIC TRAVEL DATES, which is extremely helpful if you have flexible travel dates! Many of these deals are last-minute or simply deeply discounted. We encourage you to check out the great values you can get on a vacation package to the Cancun or Riviera Maya.

Top Ten Favorite Things to Do Near Oahu, Hawaii

From the perspective of a Fox World Travel Specialist:

While many people think of Oahu as a stepping-stone to the other islands, I feel there is a multitude of things to see and do to make Oahu a destination in itself. I’d like to highlight some of my favorite things to see/do on Oahu.

Here, then, is my list of top ten things to take in on Oahu, listed in no particular order.

1. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - One of my favorite places to visit is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. It is a must for snorkeling or scuba enthusiasts, as well as those who just want to enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii. Its popularity almost led to its downfall. The enormous number of visitors resulted in neglect and overuse. In 1990 the city of Honolulu worked to restore it to its original pristine state by reducing the number of annual visitors. It is now closed every Tuesday. The hours vary depending on the season. The fee is $5.00 per person. The fee does not apply for children under 13 or residents of Hawaii.
   
   

2. Diamond Head Hike – This is something I do almost every time I go to Hawaii. The hike is less than a mile (.8 mile) one way from the floor of the crater to the summit. The US Army Coastal Artillery originally built the trail in 1908 as a defense system. The hike is composed of a dirt trail and two series of cement steps. One stairway has 74 steps followed by a dark tunnel 225 feet long. After that comes the second stairway comprised of 99 concrete steps. Most people are gasping for air by this point. There are several lookouts along the way, but the big payoff is the beautiful 360-degree view of Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, Koko Head and Koko Crater from the top. You can actually see some of the other islands of Hawaii from the top of Diamond Head. The name Diamond Head comes from explorers in the 1700’s. They mistook the glistening calcite crystals in the rocks for diamonds, and so it was thus named. The Hawaiian name is Mount Leahi. If you walk in, the fee is $1.00 per person. It is $5.00 per car load if you drive in.

3. Waikiki – For me, I enjoy just walking through Waikiki along Kalakaua Avenue more than spending time on the beach. This is Hawaii’s version of the Miracle Mile. The city of Honolulu spent considerable time and money on major renovations to the area in the past 5 years. There are a wide variety of shops and restaurants to appeal to any traveler, from the high end stores to ABC stores on almost every corner. On weekends you can enjoy “Sunset on the Beach.” Movies are shown on a 30-foot screen on the beach across from the Honolulu Zoo. There is often musical entertainment prior to the start of the movie. This is all free. You can bring your beach chairs, blankets or beach towels and enjoy an outdoor movie. Whatever your pleasure, Waikiki is the place to satisfy your desires.

4. Mt. Tantalus/Round Top Drive – I make sure I do this drive every trip. It is a winding drive into the hills of the Koolau Mountain range. A canopy of trees lines the road in spots. The drive takes you to a 2000 foot high ridge lookout – Pu’u Ualakaa, which offers a breath-taking view of Diamond Head, Waikiki, downtown Honolulu and Punchbowl Cemetery. This is a peaceful drive that provides exquisite scenery.

5. Punchbowl Cemetery – This should be visited the same day as Tantalus as it is in the same area. This is known as the Arlington of the Pacific. The Memorial was built in 1964 to honor those who lost their lives in the Pacific during World War II. It is educational and very sobering to read about the sacrifices made by those who fought to defend our country. 776 casualties from the attack on Pearl Harbor were among the first to be buried at Punchbowl. It is now filled to capacity with over 33,000 gravesites.

6. Pearl Harbor – This is a must. I don’t visit this every time, but have been to Pearl Harbor a number of times over the years. Much like Punchbowl, visiting Pearl Harbor provides a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Admission to the memorial is free, but you must watch a 23-minute video about the attack on Pearl Harbor before taking the boat to the Arizona Memorial. The tickets are issued on a first come, first serve basis. It is best to get there earlier in the day. The last program is at 3:00pm daily. A great website for information on Pearl Harbor and visiting the Arizona Memorial is http://www.nps.gov/usar/. You want to get your tour tickets at Pearl Harbor from the National Park Service to actually get on the Memorial - none of the commercial tours are allowed to access the memorial itself.
   
   

7. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail – This is another hike that I take on almost every trip. It is a 2-mile hike on a paved path that offers gorgeous views of the windward side of Oahu. This isn’t a difficult hike, but it is uphill. You can take a more difficult hike to the top on the exterior of the hillside. I always opt for the interior paved path. Again, the prize is at the top - the outstanding view of the lighthouse and the coastline. During the winter months (Nov.-Apr.) you may see Humpback whales along the coast. Humpbacks migrate from Alaska to Hawaii during the winter months and I have seen them on several occasions, including a mother and her calf swimming along the coast on hike back down. It was amazing! Make sure to bring the camera as well as binoculars along for this one.

8. Nuuanu Pali Lookout – This is another spot I visit just about every trip. This is the site where King Kamehameha and his warriors defeated the Oahu armies in 1795 and forced them over the cliffs. This defeat resulted in the unifying of the Hawaiian Islands under one ruler. The view of the Windward Side from the lookout is spectacular.
   

9. North Shore - Take a drive around the island, making sure to stop at the North Shore. Whether you are a surfing enthusiast or not, taking in the North Shore allows you to see many small towns along the way, and some big surf if the waves are up. We had two very rainy days, which resulted in some very high storm surf. It’s fun to watch surfers maneuver the high waves. Along the drive, make sure to stop at Matsumoto’s Shave Ice. On a hot day there is nothing more refreshing than a shave ice. Matsumoto’s offers it over ice cream and/or azuki beans on the very bottom. Azuki beans are dark red beans boiled in sugar water, giving them a sweet taste – outstanding! You can also have a fresh shrimp/prawns lunch from shrimp wagons along the drive.

10. Local Flavors – One of the best things about Hawaii is the diversity of food choices. You can find any kind of Asian cuisine imaginable. One of my favorite restaurants is Mekong II, a Thai restaurant. It’s small and inexpensive, but has great food. For authentic Hawaiian food, try Ono Hawaiian. Again, it’s a little hole in wall place, but is an authentic taste of Hawaii. Visit Chinatown for Dim Sum. You can either go to various take out places, or take in a restaurant where the waitresses come by with carts featuring freshly made dim sum. Then walk through Chinatown through the markets where you can buy fresh fish or produce. There are so many different places to eat in Waikiki, but one of my favorites is Duke’s. It is named after the Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian surfer. It is located on the sands of Waikiki Beach in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. There is something on the menu sure to please everyone, from huli huli chicken to a wide assortment of fresh fish to teriyaki. And you can’t miss the hula pie. One piece of this ice cream pie is large enough for four people. Another local favorite I enjoy at least once (usually more often than that) on each trip is malasadas. These are delicious yeast doughnuts with Portuguese origins. They are deep fried and then rolled in sugar or cinnamon/sugar mixture. They are golden on the outside, but soft and moist on the inside. It’s best to eat them while they are still warm. The best place for maladadas is Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue. They have been in business since 1952 and never disappoint.

There are so many more things to see and do while in Hawaii. The cost of living is definitely high, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great time. Most of my favorite things don’t cost very much, but allow me to enjoy all of the beauty that is Hawaii. Vacation packages to Hawaii are very reasonable right now, and when you combine low-cost island adventures, a vacation to Hawaii really can be the adventure of a lifetime. It's hard to image your could discover so much for little!

Disney Heads to Hawaii

A couple of weeks ago, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts broke ground for its first resort in Hawaii. The yet-to-be-named resort is located in O’ahu at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development and is scheduled to be opened in 2011.

This family-friendly resort will offer 350 hotel rooms, 480 Disney Vacation Club timeshare properties, expansive pools, a spa, a place for weddings, a convention center, children’s club, and restaurants.  The new resort aims to offer something for the whole family from a child-friendly wading pool to a saltwater snorkel lagoon and slides through volcanic formations.  The resort will be designed to reflect Hawaiian culture and architecture with materials that reflect the local terrain.  To further incorporate Hawaiian culture, the resort will offer education on Hawaiian traditions and customs, as well as programs such as dance, music, and arts and crafts. 

According to Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parts & Resorts, “This Disney destination resort will provide a unique way for families to experience Hawaii.  By blending Disney’s high standard of guest services and creative storytelling, we’ll create a place where all family members can discover the wonder of these special islands.” 

Mayor Mufi Hannemann says, “Disney leaders have met with Hawaiian cultural experts to gain an understanding and appreciation of our host culture. The end result will be a resort that local residents will be proud to have on our island, and it will be a family attraction that our residents and visitors will find enjoyable and meaningful.”  

Fox World Travel will most definitly bring you great savings when this resort opens, but for now, we have other great options, including exceptional deals at Disney. Currently we are promoting our Buy 4 Nights Get 3 Free at select Disney Resorts. If you are interested in All-Inclusive vacation packages, check our the many deals we have from Funjet Vacations, Travel Impressions and Apple Vacations.