Saturday, May 26, 2012

Why should I use a travel agent to book my trip instead of booking it myself on the internet?

Why should I use a travel agent to book my trip instead of booking it myself on the internet?

This is a question I had to answer recently for a potential client with whom I was speaking to for the first time. As a travel professional, I get this type of question a lot.

In this article I will reveal to you how I answered this question and how you can benefit from using the services of a professional travel agent versus booking your own travel online using a travel search engine.

1. Save time.
Sure you can spend hours, days, even months researching destinations and going from website to website in order to plan your own travel itinerary, but why would you want to do that? Time is a precious commodity that we can never get back. While you are spending all this time doing research and going from website to website to see if you can get a better deal, you could have more easily picked up the phone to have a travel agent do this research for you.
Professional travel agents are trained to do this because it's their job. A travel professional can do all the research, coordinate all the logistics, and put together a complete itinerary for your trip in a fraction of the time you can do it for yourself.

2. Use the agent's knowledge and resources.
Travel agents are trained travel professionals. It's their job to know the ins and outs of popular travel destinations. Although there is a ton of information on the internet readily available to the public, travel professionals have first-hand knowledge of many or most of the destinations you may choose to visit.
Secondly, travel professionals often have resources to inventory, special offers, and discounts available only to travel professionals to offer their clients. By using an agent, you'll be able to take advantage of these resources.

3. The travel agent advocates for you should something go wrong on your trip.
Let's say you have booked a flight and hotel online on one of the highly-advertised travel sites. Bingo! You're all set. Or are you?You check your confirmation and realize that you booked the wrong date. So you call customer service and you wait and wait; then finally you get a customer service representative who then tells you that there's a fee to change your reservation. Okay so you pay the fee, after all you don't have much of a choice.

The day comes for you to catch your flight. You get to your destination, but your luggage does not. The airline has lost one of your bags. So you're stuck again with a problem, and call customer service again. You get to your hotel to rest from your long day, and find that your hotel room isn't ready. Here you go again.
Now I'm not implying that a travel agent could have prevented all of this, but as a member of the travel industry, travel agents have special relationships with travel vendors. A complaint call or letter from a travel agent is more likely to get an expedited response than a letter from you, because of the agent's relationship with the travel vendor.






I know what you're thinking. You think that you'll pay more to use a travel agent. It's an incorrect assumption to think that using the services of a travel agent will be more expensive than booking your own travel online. Although some agents charge a service, (not us)  the benefits of using a professional travel agent far outweigh the risks of not using an agent.

We would be delighted to plan your next vacation, cruise or honeymoon...contact us for a free quote
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880
888-750-0825

www.thewaytogotravel.com
www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4171475

Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Day...the unofficial begining of The Summer


More about Memorial Day

Here are some interesting facts about the history of Memorial Day.
  • Memorial Day was was first observed on May 30, 1868.

  • Memorial Day was originally called "Decoration Day."

  • Memorial Day was originally created to honor Union soldiers who'd died while fighting in the Civil War. Because of this, southern states did not observe Memorial Day until after World War I, when the holiday was expanded to include soldiers from all wars.

  • The red poppy is a traditional symbol of Memorial Day (many veterans wear them to commemorate the day), perhaps inspired by World War One-era poem "In Flanders Field".

  • Memorial Day observance peaked in the first part of the 20th century, when aged Civil War veterans attended parades in towns across America.

  • Memorial Day did not become the holiday's official name until 1967, when federal law declared it.

  • In 1968, Memorial Day was moved from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May in order to ensure a three-day weekend.

Thoughts For A Summer's Day

  • "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."
    - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

  • "Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it" - Russell Baker

  • "In summer, the song sings itself." - William Carlos Williams

  • "Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world." - Ada Louise Huxtable

  • "Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet."- Bob Marley

Happy Travels....

Ron Trimper
owner and travel agent
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
and
HawaiianIslandExcursions.com

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Why travel as a group?

Here at The Way To Go Travel and Hawaiian Island Excursions we arrange several groups each year.
Here are some advantages:

1. Group Discounts

One of the major advantages of group travel is that you can usually get discounts on accommodations. For example, most hotels will offer you a percentage discount off of the nightly rate.Note however that some hotels state that you have to book at least 10 rooms to get the discount, but there is always room for negotiation. Also, remember that we can usually negotiate even better deals with hotel managers if you are traveling as a group during off-peak season. Sometimes they will throw in additional perks to make it even more worth your while staying.

2. Rent an Apartment, Condo or a Villa

For some destinations  you might consider renting a villa or a condo. Why? The added bonus is that most are equipped with kitchens so you’ll surely save money on eating out by cooking meals in

3. Airline Discounts

Some airlines offer group discounts however the terms and conditions vary significantly from company to company.

4. Sightseeing Discounts

Some museums and other sights offer family and group discounts so don’t hesitate to inquire.

5. Renting a Vehicle

Renting a car or a van will allow you to see much more of your destination at a lower cost if you split the cost between your group.

6. Book a Cruise

The best thing about going on a cruise is that you will find many group discounts available. There are so many different activities on board that everyone can enjoy themselves in one way or another. Even though you are confined to a ship, it actually gives group travelers more freedom.


To get a free no obligation quote on your next vacation or cruise contact us.....

The Way To Go Travel
Hawaiian Island Excursions
888-750-0825
816-392-5880
agent@thewaytogotravel.com
agent@hawaiianislandexcursions.com

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Way To Go Travel: Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation

The Way To Go Travel: Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation: Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation If you are used to the US generous luggage allowances on planes beware that on most overse...

Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation

Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation

  • If you are used to the US generous luggage allowances on planes beware that on most overseas flights not departing/arriving in the US you are restricted to 20kg per a passenger. Trust me that is not very much, fortunately you are not moving overseas permanently!
  • Remember that if you bring anything that needs electricity e.g. hairdryer,electric razor, camera battery charger, you may need to bring adapters as well. Do you really need to carry the item: even a cheap hotel often provides a hair-dryer and iron on request. Can you use disposal replacements for razors or batteries?
  • Baseball caps and tracksuits scream "American Tourist" - if you want to blend in consider alternatives.
  • Clearly mark your luggage with a distinctive tie or other mark so you can retrieve it easily from the luggage carousel.
  • Be familiar with the security restrictions for carry-on items particularly fluids. However make sure that you carry essential items such as prescriptions with you, in quantities that will see you through 48 hours if your luggage is mislaid.
  • Make sure you carry on to the plane your ticket, or E-ticket receipt, passport and a pen - you will invariably have to fill in an arrival form and customs declaration form - which are normally distributed in flight.
  • Consider local customs when choosing cloths: don't pack shorts and singlets, regardless of your sex, if you are traveling to the Middle East or other Muslim countries such as Indonesia Malaysia and Turkey. You won't be allowed into key churches in European countries including Italy and Spain dressed in them either. 

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel
Hawaiian Island Excursions
888-750-0825
www.thewaytogotravel.com
www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com

Sunday, May 20, 2012

101 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent/Expert/Specialist

101 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent/Expert/Specialist

1. Convenient One-Stop Shopping
Travel agents can handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging, ground transportation, activities, tours and more.
2. Consumer Advocate
If you should have a problem during your trip, travel agents can act on your behalf to see that proper restitution are made.
3. Expert Guidance
Travel agents are experts in helping travelers get where they need to go and in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed were possible.
4. Save Time
Avoid the headaches and let the travel agents call around and do all the time consuming work of planning a complex itinerary.
5. Choice
Travel agents offer you an array of options and price quotes from a variety of travel suppliers, giving you the upper hand when making your final travel decisions.
6. Less Stress
Planning a trip can be stressful. There are so many options and details to worry about. Travel agents do the work, resulting in less stress for you.
7. Updated Information
Travel agents are constantly communicating with the travel community, thus giving you the most up to date info on airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, travel visas, and other travel services to consider as you plan your trip.
8. Customer Service
Travel agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience- Offering help and advice that a website cannot provide.
9. Travel Documentation
Travel agents can help you to prepare and organize any necessary documents that you may need in order to travel outside of the country.  They can direct you to your local passport office, and they know where you need a visa, as well as any other documentation that you might need along the way.
10. Travel Expertise
Many travel agents are considered experts in the area you are traveling to and have probably already been to your chosen destination.
11. Best Value for Your Money Spent
Travel agents can help you to make your dollars go farther while you are away.  They have access to finding all sorts of deals ranging from flights to hotels to dinner recommendations. 
12. Location, Location, Location!!!!
Travel Specialists can help you to find a place to stay pretty much anywhere you desire.  If it’s a hotel with a view of the ocean in Hawaii or a jungle hut in the Nilgiri foothills, a travel agent can help you make it happen.
13. Knowledge of All the Ins and Outs
Travel specialists can help bring you up to speed on the local laws and regulations of wherever your travels take you.
14. Credentials
Travel agents attend all sorts of seminars and classes to prepare themselves for trip requests like yours.
15.  Tourist Attractions
Travel agents can give you a list of all the not-to-miss spots: such as amusement parks, museums, nature preserves, and historical locations.
16. Avoid International Flight Confusion
Travel specialists can help organize those confusing international flights that internet search engines don’t cover.
17. Where to Go With Kids
Travel agents can help you to find great locations that are kid- friendly.
18. Trip Cancellation
Something has come up and you need to cancel your trip? If you have used a travel agent they are the only person you need to call.
19. Travel Insurance
With all the countless options for travel insurance these days, it can become confusing.  A travel agent can help you pick which package works best for your needs.
20. Personalized Trips
A travel agent can prepare you a personalized trip based on where you want to go and what you want to do. 
21. Where to Go to Avoid Kids
Want to go somewhere without children running all over the place? A travel agent can help you to find excellent retreats that are open to adults only.
22. Good Senior Trips
Need a trip with a good balance of sight-seeing, rest and relaxation? Travel agents can help lucky retirees plan great extended trips that are senior-friendly.
23. Student Discounts
Some travel agents are an excellent go- to source for students looking to go on discounted trips.
24. Exotic Adventures
Travel experts can help to recommend great once in a lifetime experiences. They can help you to find the best/safest shark cages to dive into and the highest free-fall bungees to jump off.
25. Great Deals without Sitting at a Time Share Presentation
Want an affordable trip to Florida without having to sit through a timeshare presentation? A travel agent can help you to exceptional deals without the stipulations.
26. What to Eat
Where are all the top chefs at your destination? Travel specialists give great advice on the best restaurants to hit on your trip.
27. What Not to Eat
Leaving your home country and not familiar with the new language?  Travel agents can help give you some fore-warnings so you don’t accidentally order the local delicacy (which may or may not be specially prepared bugs) without meaning to.
28. Local Traditions
Travel specialists can update you on all local traditions and customs of places you are visiting, so you make a good impression. For example, in Japan many people expect their visitors to take their shoes off before entering their homes.
29. Local Laws
Many countries have laws that are very different from your own. Travel agents can help give you a quick rundown of what you need to be aware of before you go.
30. Busiest Travel Times to Avoid
If you want a quiet trip, travel experts know what dates you should avoid and can help you plan your trip accordingly.
31. Avoid Unexpected Expenses
Travel agents will be able to inform you about expenses you will incur on your trip, even ones you might never expect.
32. Exchange Rate Knowledge 
Travel agents are knowledgeable of the countries where your dollar can go further.
33. Useful Travel Books to Have with You
A travel expert can give you advice on what travel books are the most useful to have with you. Some of these books list restaurants, customs, and small amounts of the local language.
34. List of Not- to- Miss Places
Travel specialists can give you a great list of not- to- miss hikes, waterfalls, and cliffs that may or may not be published elsewhere.
35. What to Wear
Many restaurants have different types of dress codes. If you are interested in dining at specific places on your trip, your travel expert can advise you on appropriate dress wear for the occasion.
36. What Not to Wear
Travel agents can help you to be in the know of local dress code restrictions. So if a thong is part of your favorite beachwear, you should know that they are illegal in places like the Isle of Palms.
37. Crime Rates
Travel experts are great at informing you about questionable parts of town that you may be heading to and can give you tips on what to look out for.
38. Someone to Call if Having a Problem During Your Trip
An online travel agency is not going to answer the phone when you call with any complications during your trip. A travel agent continues to give you that personal support even while you are away.  
39. When You Shouldn’t Drink the Water
We are always told when you travel be careful of the water. Travel agents can advise you on when it is safe and when it’s not safe to drink the water.
40. Small Intercontinental Flights Delayed – What to do?
Travel agents can help you find somewhere to stay when you are left helpless at an airport overnight due to flight delays.
41. Saves You Precious Time on Your Trip
To avoid 36 hours in the airport, your travel expert can help plan your trip so your time spent getting to where you want to go is the shortest it can be. 
42. Anticipating Trouble
Travel agents are extremely useful if you are planning a trip to a known weather troubled area such as the hurricane plagued Caribbean islands. In the event of a natural disaster, your travel agent can work to immediately reschedule or cancel your trip so there are no worries for you.
43. Complicated Itineraries Made Simple
Travel experts can take care of all the details for those complicated around the world itineraries and all the extra headaches that go with them, such as hotel and transportation along the way. 
44. Special Needs Travelers
Travel specialists can prearrange any wheelchair or special need that someone in your travel party may have. They can also take the time to make sure your reserved accommodations are safe and easily accessible for the special needs traveler.
45. What to Pack
Some activities you choose to partake in may require different layers of clothing throughout the day. Your travel agent can advise you on what to bring. A bike trip down an extinct volcano in Hawaii for example, may require you to start out with jackets and wool socks, but when you get to the bottom you may be down to shorts and a tank top.
46. Let Them Wait on Hold
By using a travel agent you no longer have to wait on hold and talk to automated systems while trying to book different parts of your trip. 
47. Business Concerns
If the airline you are scheduled to use goes on strike or bankrupt while you are traveling, your travel agent can work to find you alternate travel means while you continue to relax at the hotel.
48.  Transportation in Smaller Countries
Travel agents can arrange all your transportation and travel needs, especially in those smaller countries where you may not know if cabs or van services are safe.
49. Group Hotel Reservations
Travel agents can help to keep everyone in your group on the same floor at a hotel.
50. Charter Private Boating Trips
Travel specialists can help you to avoid paying top dollar for chartered snorkeling or fishing trips for large groups. They can often find great deals for large groups who want to do personalized tours.
51. Immunizations That May Be Needed
To enter certain countries you may be required to obtain certain immunizations first. Your travel expert can advise you on the steps you need to take.
52. Special Deals Worked Out in Advance
Travel agents may have a relationship with certain tour operators and could be able to get you a special price that might not otherwise be available.
53. Make Travel Meaningful for Children
Travel agents can offer information about kid-friendly activities on your trip to make the experience exciting and meaningful for everyone.
54. Where to Shop
Travel agents can offer excellent advice on great shopping neighborhoods in your destination city.
55. Avoid Scams
Not all 5 star hotels are treated equally. Many times photos are outdated and information about the hotel you are considering may not be true. Travel agents can make sure that what you are seeing beforehand is what you get.
56.  What You Can Buy Later
New airline restrictions make packing for long trips hard. Travel experts can give you advice on what you might be able to purchase while you are on your trip to avoid having excess weight in your luggage beforehand.
57.  Advice on Where to Go if You Get Sick
If you happen to be unfortunate enough to get hurt or fall ill while on your trip, your travel agent can help you find somewhere clean and safe for medical attention.
58. Trust
If you should have any questions after booking your trip, you know how to reach your travel agent and can avoid the confusing FAQ section on a website.
59.  You Know How to Reach Them When You Need Them
Problems at the airport? Reservation issues at the hotel? Your travel agent is a phone call away from getting your problem solved.
60. Tips and Tricks
How early do you really need to be at the airport? What are the quickest ways to get through security? Your travel expert can advise you of the airport security levels the day of your trip and any new security checkpoints you may have to worry about.
61. Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Your travel expert can help you save money by helping you decide if certain upgrades at hotels are really worth the extra money.
62. Difference in Days to Save Money
Instead of playing around with dates on the internet for hours, your travel agent can advise you on any changes to your travel dates that might save you hundreds of dollars.
63. Staying In-the-Know of Daily Promotions
Travel agents get emails and faxes of daily money saving promotions.
64. Enhancing the Trip with Extra Amenities
Your travel specialist may be able to arrange for those little extras- like a bottle of champagne to be waiting in your room when you arrive.
65. Using Clout in Impossible Situations
Whether it is airline seats, cruise reservations, or overbooked activities travel experts have more buying power than the average consumer.
64. Clarifying the Fine Print
Your travel agent can advise you of all the cancelation penalties and restrictions hidden in the fine print of your travel documents.
65. Detailed Itineraries
Your travel expert can help you plan out your trip day- by -day to give you a good mix of fun and relaxation.
66. Advice on Activities to Book Beforehand
A travel expert can forewarn you of any activities that tend to sell out early so there are no unexpected disappointments when you are there. For example, character dining in Disney sells out months in advance.
67. General Ideas on Where to Go
A travel expert can offer excellent trip advice based on the details of what type of trip you want to take. Internet booking sites tend to require a destination up front.
68. A Trip to Nowhere…Sort ofWant to get away to somewhere that is not normally a vacation hot spot? Your travel specialist can help you find that perfect place.
69.  Great Singles Trips
A travel agent can help find you exciting singles trips and cruises.
70.  What to Pack
Your travel expert can give you great advice on what to pack to those exotic destinations.
71.  Plan a Trip Where you Bring the Kids but Can Still Get Some Alone Time
Many cruises and resorts now offer activities throughout the day for young children that make the day fun for them and give you some time to yourself. Travel experts can help you find great family destination options such as these.
72. Higher Productivity Benefits
You have your trip planned while you are hard at work in the office.
73. You Get to be the Boss
You get to tell someone what to do for a change.
74. Great Group Trips
Trying to organize a trip for big group of people? A travel expert can help get all the details finalized and update everyone in the group.
75. Someone to Complain to
If that slim chance were to occur that you do not get what you were promised, you have a real person to go back and complain to. Travel agents will work hard to rectify the matter.
76.  They Are Considered Travel Experts and Specialists
Wouldn’t you rather have a travel expert plan your trip rather than a preprogrammed website?
77. Best Pre-Seat Assignments Possible
Travel agents can talk directly with the airline to arrange for you to get the seats with the most leg room, seats that might not otherwise be released until the day of the flight.
78. Mapping Routes Out Ahead of Time
Not really good at reading maps? A good travel expert can help you to map out any basic directions you might need on your trip ahead of time.
79. Family with 3 Small Children and Only Want 1 Room?
A travel expert might be able to find a way to help a family with small children get around the hotel policies of only 4 to a room.
80.  Help, I’m Lost!!!!!!
If you should get lost somewhere along the way, your travel agent could be a good outlet for help.
81. It just Makes Sense to Use a Travel Agent.
82. They’re Out There… Use Them
Why do the work if someone else like a travel specialist can. 
83. Possibility of a Free Gift
Some travel agents offer free incentives. Who doesn’t like the possibility of free presents?
84. Even if the Internet Goes Down Your Trip Can Still Be Planned
Your travel agent is still getting your trip planned even if your internet at home or at the office is not working.
85. Back-up Distributor of Documents
You can give your travel agent a copy of all your travel documents so if anything were to get lost you have someone to call that can send copies. 
86. Because We Said So
Our business is to help you find a qualified travel specialist.
87. What to Expect on the Flight
Your travel expert can give you helpful answers on what to expect long flights to be like, and maybe some interesting activities to do while flying.
88. It is Their Job
Travel agents actually work to get different accreditation's to increase their qualifications as a travel expert.
89. Lost Baggage
If the airline should lose your baggage, your travel agent can get on the phone and make sure the airline works as quickly as they can to solve the problem allowing you to at least go relax at the hotel. 
90.  Travel Agents Must Be Doing Something Right.  They Sure Have a lot of Business
Travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels. *
91. Don’t Like Letter Writing?
A good travel agent will send a letter to the airline or hotel for you if you should have a bad flight or poor service at a hotel.
92. Sound Important When Talking About Your Trip
After a bragging about a great trip to coworkers or the neighbors, and they ask how you got all those details organized you can say, “My agent did it.”
93. Forbidden Fruit
Your travel agent can forewarn you of items not allowed to be brought back into the United States. –Yes, you have to smoke those Cuban cigars before you leave to come home and you can’t bring that “rattling rose apple” back with you from India!
94. Financial Planning
Travel experts can help you to create a budget to stick to while you are on your trip, so you can have a good time and not break the bank.
95. Good Babysitters
Travel experts might be able to help you find a local babysitter in the area you are traveling to if you want to plan a night out alone.
96. Good Lounge Recommendations
Travel specialists can help you decide if purchasing access to an airline lounge is worth it or not.
97. Good Airport Hangouts    
Travel agents travel a lot. They can probably help you figure out what to do with that extra time you have in an airport after getting through security.
98. Where to Watch Your Wallet More Carefully
Although you should always take extra care to hold onto your wallet when traveling, travel agents can warn you if pick-pocketing is common at your future destination.
99. What to Put in the Hotel Safe
Travel agents can give you good advice on what you should be keeping in that hotel safe while you are out exploring the sites so there is nothing important missing when you return.
100. Altering Your Travel Arrangements
If you have already booked your trip but want to change some details your travel agency can help get all the necessary steps done, leaving you without the headache and confusion.
101. It Makes Traveling Easy
Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.


*Source: American Society of Travel Agents


Of course, For a free vacation quote give us a call or email
The Way To Go Travel
888-750-0825
816-392-5880


also operating the follwing great travel websites:
www.hawaiianislandexscursions.com
www.mexcomatrimony.com


Sunday, May 6, 2012

Eleven reasons to use a travel agent

Do you  value your time and money?

If so.....Here  10 reasons for booking with a professional travel agent  like The Way to go Travel:


1.    We love our jobs. honestly we do!
2.    Supporting our U.S. Economy (ever wonder where those 800 phone calls go to?)
3.    We are on top of any airline schedule changes, delays or cancellations
4.    We can provide payment options and terms
5.    We are there 24/7  and 365 days if you need us
6.    Agents have toured many destinations and resorts, so yes…we know more than you!
7.    Have a better chance of scoring you a hotel upgrade
8.    Problems before/during/after the trip, we go to bat for you NOT THE COMPANY
9.    We will put you in the perfect resort for your expectations and budget
10.  We are travelers just like you
11. We can match or beat any price you find online! (vacation packages)

So for your next vacation why not use an agent?

Call or email us for a free quote.

The Way To Go Travel
Hawaiian Island Excursions
888-750-0825

Saturday, May 5, 2012

An introduction to Oahu's North Shore


If there is such a thing as a perfect wave, you’ll likely find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The big, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca attract the best surfers in the world, while summer waves are far smaller and more gentle – all of which makes the North Shore the perfect surf spot for beginners and veterans alike.

Stretching for more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak, winter months, including the Super Bowl of wave riding, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). Stroll in the thick sands of Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach — just leave the surfing to the pros.

The months between November and February are the best times to watch big wave surfing. These massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more and can even be dangerous for experienced surfers so please heed warning signs. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfing, swimming and sunbathing.

Roughly a one hour drive from Waikiki, the North Shore is also home to various condo rentals, the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort and Haleiwa Town, where you can shop, eat like a local and cool off with rainbow flavored shave ice, the perfect way to end your day on the North Shore.

For information or a free Hawaii vacation quote contact us at
888-750-0825 or email

 www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com

Friday, May 4, 2012

I am on vacation and I lost my passport, now what?

It’s the traveler’s worst nightmare…and no one likes to think that it could happen to them, but I’ve seen my share of travel tragedies during my tenure as a Travel Agent .


Lost Passport

 When you discover a lost or stolen passport, act immediately! If you think you lost it, ask someone who is calm and collected help you search your room and belonging with you.

 If it is still missing, contact the local police and your embassy. You will need to apply for an emergency passport at the embassy, which will only be valid for a limited time, but will get you back home.

Once you are back in the US, you will have to apply for a new passport.

My  advice is to pack a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport before you leave. It will save you time and money should the worst happen. If you are going on an extended trip, you might consider putting together an “emergency passport kit”, containing everything you would need for getting an emergency passport:

1. Passport application form DS-1, print out one from the State Department website
2. Three passport photos (some embassies only require two)
3. A photo ID such as a driver’s license
4. Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a copy of your birth certificate, social security card or Certificate of Naturalization)
5. Copy of your airline ticket, booking confirmation or itinerary
6. Phone number of the embassy or consulate for the countries you will be visiting (available from the Department of State)



The Way To Go Travel
888-750-0825
816-392-5880
www.thewaytogotravel.com

What to do in Waikiki

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this former home of Hawaiian royalty has undergone a breathtaking renaissance. Today, Waikiki is a vibrant center of activity, a destination that showcases the spirit of Aloha to the world.

Waikiki Water Activities
Begin your visit by strolling along Waikiki's beautiful beaches. Stretching from Duke Kahanamoku Beach near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Kuhio Beach and beyond, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe or take your first surfing lesson or group outrigger canoe ride.

Who knows, you may even get a surfing or outrigger paddling lesson from one of the real Waikiki Beach Boys, instructors who come from a long line of watermen taught by Duke Kahanamoku himself.

Waikiki Land Activities

After a day at the beach, explore Waikiki by foot, bike or even rented moped. Learn how to strum an ukulele or dance the hula at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Picnic with the family in Kapiolani Park then visit the Honolulu Zoo across the street. There are endless Waikiki attractions to explore. Or venture beyond Waikiki to Pearl Harbor or the North Shore to get the most out of your stay on Oahu.


Waikiki Restaurants and Bars

As the sun sets, explore Waikiki's lively restaurant, bar and nightlife scene in places like the new Waikiki Beach Walk. Before you know it, the sun will rise over Waikiki again, marking a fresh new day of fun and activity.



To book your next Waikiki Beach vacation 
call 888-750-0825
or email us

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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

FAQ's ..... Kauai.....


Kauai FAQs

Double Lines
  • What is the time difference from the continental US?

    • Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), which is 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time so add one extra hour to the time difference during this period (March through November).
  • Where is the main airport on Kauai?

    • Kauai’s main airport is Lihue Airport (LIH) in southeastern Lihue. Many airlines now offer direct service to Kauai. There is also the option of flying into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu first and then heading to Kauai.
  • Do I need a car to get around Kauai?

    • It’s possible to get around Kauai by shuttle, tour bus, taxi or public transportation system, but to really experience Kauai, you should consider renting a car.
  • Where are the major hotel and resort areas on Kauai?

    • There are five major resort destinations on Kauai: North Shore (Princeville), East Side (Coconut Coast), Lihue (Kalapaki), South Shore (Poipu), West Side (Waimea).
  • Do I need my passport to get to Kauai?

    • Since Hawaii is the 50th state, you won’t need to bring your passport unless you’re visiting from outside the United States or traveling to another country after Hawaii.
  • What should I pack on my trip to Kauai?

    • It’s warm on Kauai, so pack your summer attire. You may want to pack a light, waterproof jacket or sweater for the evenings. Suits and ties are rarely worn here. You also might want to bring a rain poncho for hiking trails in Kauai’s tropical rainforests. Bring some casual dress clothes or resort wear if you plan on experiencing some fine dining. You can buy an Aloha Shirt and flip-flops (or slippers, as the locals call them) when you get here.
      Traveler’s checks aren’t necessary since credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines are everywhere. Don’t worry if you forget something. Kauai’s stores and malls have everything you need, including plenty of sunscreen.
  • When is a good time to visit Kauai?

    • Anytime of year is a good time to visit Kauai. The average temperature ranges between 84 and 69 degrees. Trade winds keep things comfortable year-round. Whale watching season begins in December and ends in May. Peak whale watching months are between January and early April.
  • When and where are Sunshine Markets (Farmers Markets) on Kauai?

    • Remember to get to the Sunshine Markets a little early, giving you first choice at the fresh fruits and vegetables.
      Monday: Koloa Ball Park, Maluhia Road, noon.
      Tuesday: Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, 3:30pm; Hawaiian Farmers Market, Hanalei at Waipa, 2-4pm.
      Wednesday: Kapaa New Town Park (near the Armory), 3pm.
      Thursday: Kilauea Neighborhood Center, 4:30pm; Hanapepe Town Park (behind the fire station), 3:30-5:30pm.
      Friday: Vidinha Stadium parking lot on Hoolako Street in Lihue, 3pm.
      Saturday: Kekaha Neighborhood Center, 9am; Christ Memorial Church in Kilauea, 9-11am.
  • Which beaches have lifeguards on Kauai?

    • The following beaches have lifeguards: Kekaha Beach, Salt Pond Beach Park, Poipu Beach Park, Lydgate, Kealia, Hanalei Bay, Haena Beach Park and Kee Beach. We do not advise going to Queen’s Bath because conditions are extremely dangerous.
  • How can I get hiking/permit information on Kauai?

    • Please call the State Parks office at 808-274-3444 where you can obtain a hiking and camping permit for the State parks (Kalalau and Kokee). If you are interested in obtaining a camping permit in one of the County parks, please call the County Parks office at 808-241-4463.
  • Where can I go bird watching on Kauai?

    • For a nominal entry fee, the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge (at the Kilauea Lighthouse) is a uniquely special setting for bird lovers. Framed by breathtaking views of Kauai’s North Shore, Hawaii’s endangered birds can be seen nesting in the cliffs, including the Hawaiian Gallinule, red-footed boobies, tropicbirds, albatrosses and frigate birds.
  • How far is it from Lihue Airport (LIH) to:

    • Hanapepe: 30 minutes
      Kalalau Lookout: 1 hour, 40 minutes
      Koloa: 25 minutes
      Poipu: 30 minutes
      Princeville: 1 hour
      Wailua: 15 minutes
      Waimea Canyon: 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • What is the area code for Kauai?

    • The area code for the state of Hawaii is (808).



    All of our agents at The Way To Go Travel have visited Kauai.
    Please call or email for information or a free vacation quote!!


    Ron Trimper



    Hawaii Travel Specialist 
    The Way To Go Travel
    888-750-0825
    816-392-5880
    www.thewaytogotravel.com
    www.hawaiianislandexcursions.com