Q: Where is it New Years first?

A: Kiritimati (Christmas Island)

Happy New Year!!

Coffee on Kauai

While Kona gets most of the attention in the Hawaiian coffee market, Kauai has some great coffee to offer as well.

Located in a easy to reach section on Kauai, The Kauai Coffee Plantation should not be missed on your next visit. It takes about an hour or so and its free!

On my most recent trip I had the pleasure of visiting this plantation and sampling most of the available brews, and I was thoroughly impressed by their blends and the standard (non-flavored) roasts. The flavored varieties, are as satisfying and there are many to sample.

There are quite a few great souvenirs available in the gift shop, so be sure to check it out!

Laguna Beach California in December?

Just returned for California and enjoyed a beautiful December morning walking on the beach in Laguna. Believe it or not temperatures were in the 80's.

Laguna Beach is a great place to vacation year round!

Laguna Beach is southern California's premier, seaside destination midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. A year-round retreat for art lovers, nature enthusiasts and beach-goers, Laguna Beach features seven miles of soft sand and the sound of the surf.

Ron
www.thewaytogotravel.com
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com

Knott's Berry Farm--pie o my!

Here is a slice of Knott's Berry Farms famous boysenberry pie. I enjoyed a piece of this treat on a recent visit to Southern California. Although I am a California native this was my first piece of the Knott's Berry Farm classic. So don't miss out, grab yourself a slice the next time you are in Southern California.

In case you are wondering a boysenberry is a between a raspberry, a blackberry , and a loganberry. more to come on the famous Knott's Berrry Farm chicken dinners!

Ron
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com

20 Holiday Travel Hints

Here is are 20 things to do to make travel easier this holiday season.

1. Place houselights on timer to make it appear as if you're home.
2. Temporarily suspend mail and newspaper deliveries.
3. Ask trusted friend or neighbor to keep watch over your home. Provide your contact information to them.
4. Charge cell phone or mobile devices prior to traveling.
5. Pack strategically and as lightly as possible. Most airlines typically allow just one carry-on bag.
6. Remember TSA's 3-1-1 Rules: for all liquids and gels you pack in carry-on luggage.
7. Print boarding passes 24 hours prior to your flight.
8. Place government-issued ID that matches reservation exactly into wallet or purse you'll take with you.
9. Make copies of itineraries and confirmation numbers for airlines, hotels and rental cars. Bring with you.
10. Make list of important telephone numbers for airlines, hotel, rental cars and travel agent. Carry with you.
11. Wear comfortable clothes and easily removable shoes. This will speed up airport security.
12. Leave home with cushion of time to get you to airport at least two hours before domestic departures or three hours before international flights.
13. Be prepared for crowds. Even for seasoned travelers, remember that this may be the only time of the year when many are traveling, so they may be less prepared or informed than you.
14. Be prepared to pay for checked bags. Exceptions typically include those who have preferred status with the airline, those who are traveling in first class, and those carrying certain airlines' preferred credit cards, including Delta's American Express Card and Continental's MasterCard.
15. Know which items are prohibited by law.
16. Place all metal items (wallet, watch, jewelry, cell phone, etc.) in your carry-on or in a security binas you approach security.
17. Remove laptops, DVD players and other similar items from bag and place into security bin. The exception is the TSA-approved laptop bag.
18. Remove all coats, jackets and sweatshirts with front zippers and place into security bin.
19. Remove shoes and place on security conveyor belt.
20. Remember that patience is a virtue and that the holiday spirit begins with you.

Tsunami.....head for the hills!

When visiting Hawaii keep this in mind....

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 50 tsunamis have been reported in Hawaii since the early 1800’s. Of those seven caused major damage. Five of those were generated from areas outside the state.

The worst tsunami to strike Hawaii in modern history occurred in 1946 and was caused by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands. The tsunami struck without warning and claimed the lives of 170 people, mainly near Laupahoehoe and Hilo. Wave heights near Hilo reached 30 feet while the maximum height was 55 feet at the northern tip of the island near the Pololu Valley.

Modern warning and detection systems should put your mind at ease.

What your sign ?

I have made it a hobby of mine to photograph unusual (at least to me) signs when I travel. Above I have a shot from Kauai, Hawaii. I think the message to stay off the rocks at Wailua Falls is clear. However, it appears that you might want to listen for gunshots as well. The falls were made famous when it was featured in the opening scene of the popular television show, Fantasy Island.

The second sign shot is from the marina area of Puerto Vallarta. Not sure if the are actually crocodiles in the waters of the marina but I would rather not hang around to find out.

Many more to come.