Just a great shot to enjoy........
Sunset at the Hilton Waikoloa on Hawaii's Big Island
Ron Trimper
888-750-0825
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
www.thewaytogotravel.com
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Just a beautiful Hawaii Sunset
Just a great shot to enjoy........
Sunset at the Hilton Waikoloa on Hawaii's Big Island
Ron Trimper
888-750-0825
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
www.thewaytogotravel.com
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The History of the Lei
'I got leid in Hawaii', proclaims a favorite bumper sticker that many visitors take back to the mainland. What is it about those fragrant flower garlands and the sensual image invoked by the words lei and Hawaii?
From the earliest times, men and women worldwide have adorned themselves with leis. Perhaps what has made Hawaii's leis so unique in history, is the fact that its rich culture was isolated so many centuries from other civilizations. The tropics offered an abundance of blossoms, beads, and leaves.
Hawaii leis mark any important event in a person's life. There are leis of grief, and leis of love, leis of love-making, leis of marriage, of dying, and of birthing. There are leis for political, community, social, personal, farming, and religious ceremony.
In old Hawaii, all those activities overlapped. The farmer blessing the new crop, the fisherman praying for safety, and the chief chanting in the heiau, all belonged to a people united by a deep-rooted belief in their gods. Each Hawaiian flower and leaf has a specific symbolic meaning, with its own legends and oral history.
The island of Hawaii is the island of the lehua flower, ohia lehua, the tragic fire flower of the sisters Pele and Hi'iaka. The emotional legend of Hi'iaka and her red-tufted fragrant lehua is chanted in the greatest Hawaiian meles. Even today, one shouldn't pick the lehua flower on the way to the volcano, Pele's home.
Another lei, frequently used, is the maile leaf lei. The lei maile was the lei of all people, all classes, and all occasions, but most especially, it was associated with the worship of the gods of hula. Maile, sweetly perfumed, has many siblings, with different shaped leaves and traditions. In Hawaii legend there once was a greedy maile, a brittle maile, a luxuriant maile, and a sweetly scented maile. They were abandoned in the forest by their angry demi-god brother, because they weren't able to help him in his conquest of a beautiful chiefess.
Most visitors are only aware of the plumeria lei, widely available at airports and hotels. The plumeria is a relative newcomer in the old tradition. Harder to find is the lei pikake with its unequaled perfume, or the lei of the magnificent red or turquoise jade vine.
The ancient Hawaiians excelled in the creation of permanent leis, construed of feathers, ivory, beads, and even teeth. Often, these leis were an emblem of ali'i.
Leis in Hawaii are for men, women, and children, of all ages and ranks. They tell the story of the Hawaiian people, their mythology, their legends, their history, and their culture. It's good to get leid in Hawaii.
Aloha,
Ron
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel
www.thewaytogotravel.com
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
From the earliest times, men and women worldwide have adorned themselves with leis. Perhaps what has made Hawaii's leis so unique in history, is the fact that its rich culture was isolated so many centuries from other civilizations. The tropics offered an abundance of blossoms, beads, and leaves.
Hawaii leis mark any important event in a person's life. There are leis of grief, and leis of love, leis of love-making, leis of marriage, of dying, and of birthing. There are leis for political, community, social, personal, farming, and religious ceremony.
In old Hawaii, all those activities overlapped. The farmer blessing the new crop, the fisherman praying for safety, and the chief chanting in the heiau, all belonged to a people united by a deep-rooted belief in their gods. Each Hawaiian flower and leaf has a specific symbolic meaning, with its own legends and oral history.
The island of Hawaii is the island of the lehua flower, ohia lehua, the tragic fire flower of the sisters Pele and Hi'iaka. The emotional legend of Hi'iaka and her red-tufted fragrant lehua is chanted in the greatest Hawaiian meles. Even today, one shouldn't pick the lehua flower on the way to the volcano, Pele's home.
Another lei, frequently used, is the maile leaf lei. The lei maile was the lei of all people, all classes, and all occasions, but most especially, it was associated with the worship of the gods of hula. Maile, sweetly perfumed, has many siblings, with different shaped leaves and traditions. In Hawaii legend there once was a greedy maile, a brittle maile, a luxuriant maile, and a sweetly scented maile. They were abandoned in the forest by their angry demi-god brother, because they weren't able to help him in his conquest of a beautiful chiefess.
Most visitors are only aware of the plumeria lei, widely available at airports and hotels. The plumeria is a relative newcomer in the old tradition. Harder to find is the lei pikake with its unequaled perfume, or the lei of the magnificent red or turquoise jade vine.
The ancient Hawaiians excelled in the creation of permanent leis, construed of feathers, ivory, beads, and even teeth. Often, these leis were an emblem of ali'i.
Leis in Hawaii are for men, women, and children, of all ages and ranks. They tell the story of the Hawaiian people, their mythology, their legends, their history, and their culture. It's good to get leid in Hawaii.
Aloha,
Ron
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel
www.thewaytogotravel.com
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
Monday, October 24, 2011
Taking better travel photos
We all do it… come home from a trip and find that very few of the photos we took are worth sharing, much less keeping. What is it that makes some photos able to really capture the spirit and sensation of the trip?
You do not need to be a professional photographer nor have expensive photographic equipment to get some memorable pictures. But there are a few things you can do to improve your “keep/delete” ratio. These low-tech tips will help even when using a simple point-and shoot camera, a smartphone, or an iPad!
Get up! Shots at sunrise and sunset can be stunning pictures. The low light makes everything glow.
Get your back to the sun and your subject facing it. Whatever you are shooting will sparkle.
Get close! When you stand closer to your subjects, you fill the frame. Zoom in until you like what you see.
Get down – on your knees or just crouching can provide a more interesting angel.
Get the people first, background second. Don’t make your friends a tiny speck in the photo just to shoot the view. Buy postcards for the scenic view.
Get vertical shots by turning your camera on its side…or even angle to provide interest.
Get involved in the scene. Don’t always be a spectator standing apart from the action.
And finally, the most important get is Get Ready! Look around before you shoot, decide what you really want to capture, try different angles from different positions, and the zoom in for the shot. You’ll come home with photos that better capture your experience.
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
www.thewaytogotravel.com
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
You do not need to be a professional photographer nor have expensive photographic equipment to get some memorable pictures. But there are a few things you can do to improve your “keep/delete” ratio. These low-tech tips will help even when using a simple point-and shoot camera, a smartphone, or an iPad!
Get up! Shots at sunrise and sunset can be stunning pictures. The low light makes everything glow.
Get your back to the sun and your subject facing it. Whatever you are shooting will sparkle.
Get close! When you stand closer to your subjects, you fill the frame. Zoom in until you like what you see.
Get down – on your knees or just crouching can provide a more interesting angel.
Get the people first, background second. Don’t make your friends a tiny speck in the photo just to shoot the view. Buy postcards for the scenic view.
Get vertical shots by turning your camera on its side…or even angle to provide interest.
Get involved in the scene. Don’t always be a spectator standing apart from the action.
And finally, the most important get is Get Ready! Look around before you shoot, decide what you really want to capture, try different angles from different positions, and the zoom in for the shot. You’ll come home with photos that better capture your experience.
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
www.thewaytogotravel.com
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tips on Tipping When You Travel
I am always amazed at people who will think nothing of tipping the valet $5 but think it’s appropriate to give just a buck to tour guides or bus drivers. Unlike valets, the service provided by tour guides and drivers requires special skills and in many cases licensing. More importantly, they spend anywhere from four hours to several days making sure that the passengers are safe and enjoy the trip.
Sure, you know that you are supposed to tip your tour guide something – but how much? And when is the appropriate time to give the tip? Here are a few tips for giving the right gratuity every time.
Day-tour – Tip your tour guide 10-20% based on the cost of the tour. You should not tip tour guides if they are employees of National Parks or other government sites. Tip your driver $1-$2/person for a half-day tour and $3-$5 for a full-day tour. Hand the tip to the driver and guide when departing at the end of their service.
Driver-guides – If your driver is also delivering commentary, tip 10-20% of the tour price. I like to add a personal thank you to the driver-guide when I hand them their gratuity.
Multi-day tours – During a multi-day tour program, the guide has many more responsibilities than just delivering commentary and the driver is loading and unloading luggage daily.
Tour Guide: $7-$10/person per day
Driver: $5/person per day
Shuttle Driver – Drivers shuttling you to parking lots or car rentals should receive $1/bag. If you don’t have luggage, then $1/person is sufficient. You can increase that amount if it is a long or complicated drive.
Independent Guides – If you use fishing or hunting guides, plan on tipping 15%-20% of the trip fee. If the guide makes an exceptional effort, tipping well makes good sense, but don’t consider buying the guide dinner part of a tip!
Sailing excursions – Whether you are fishing or sightseeing, you should tip the Captain as well as the mates taking care of you. If you are fishing, plan on tipping at least $10/person for the Captain and $5/person for each crew member. You can tip half that amount if just sightseeing.
Airlines – Basic guidelines: Skycaps $2/bag; electric cart drivers $2/person; wheel-chair pushers from gate to carousel $5.
Trains – Dining steward 15% of the bill; porters $1/bag; and sleeping car attendant $5/person per day.
Taxi/Limo Drivers – Tips should be 15% of the total fare; but be sure that the rate quoted for limos doesn’t already include gratuity. Keep in mind that door men calling a limo for you is already getting a kick back from the limo driver.
The worst mistake is not to tip. Be excessive if the spirit of the occasion warrants it, but if you are unhappy with the service you’ve received… it is never okay not to tip. It is far better to express your dissatisfaction with management.
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880
888-750-0825
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
Sure, you know that you are supposed to tip your tour guide something – but how much? And when is the appropriate time to give the tip? Here are a few tips for giving the right gratuity every time.
Day-tour – Tip your tour guide 10-20% based on the cost of the tour. You should not tip tour guides if they are employees of National Parks or other government sites. Tip your driver $1-$2/person for a half-day tour and $3-$5 for a full-day tour. Hand the tip to the driver and guide when departing at the end of their service.
Driver-guides – If your driver is also delivering commentary, tip 10-20% of the tour price. I like to add a personal thank you to the driver-guide when I hand them their gratuity.
Multi-day tours – During a multi-day tour program, the guide has many more responsibilities than just delivering commentary and the driver is loading and unloading luggage daily.
Tour Guide: $7-$10/person per day
Driver: $5/person per day
Shuttle Driver – Drivers shuttling you to parking lots or car rentals should receive $1/bag. If you don’t have luggage, then $1/person is sufficient. You can increase that amount if it is a long or complicated drive.
Independent Guides – If you use fishing or hunting guides, plan on tipping 15%-20% of the trip fee. If the guide makes an exceptional effort, tipping well makes good sense, but don’t consider buying the guide dinner part of a tip!
Sailing excursions – Whether you are fishing or sightseeing, you should tip the Captain as well as the mates taking care of you. If you are fishing, plan on tipping at least $10/person for the Captain and $5/person for each crew member. You can tip half that amount if just sightseeing.
Airlines – Basic guidelines: Skycaps $2/bag; electric cart drivers $2/person; wheel-chair pushers from gate to carousel $5.
Trains – Dining steward 15% of the bill; porters $1/bag; and sleeping car attendant $5/person per day.
Taxi/Limo Drivers – Tips should be 15% of the total fare; but be sure that the rate quoted for limos doesn’t already include gratuity. Keep in mind that door men calling a limo for you is already getting a kick back from the limo driver.
The worst mistake is not to tip. Be excessive if the spirit of the occasion warrants it, but if you are unhappy with the service you’ve received… it is never okay not to tip. It is far better to express your dissatisfaction with management.
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880
888-750-0825
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Scoring the best seat or upgrade
We all want upgrades – no one ever asked for a smaller room or a seat in the back of the plane. So how do you load the odds of scoring better service when you are on the road? Here are a few tips solicited from frequent travelers and industry insiders.
Smile – If you have ever worked with the public, you know that nothing is worse than dealing with an angry client. Make yourself likable and disarm the desk clerk or airline agent with a smile and friendly hello. You also want to make a good first impression with bartenders, waiters, and cabin stewards if you are on a cruise or staying in a resort.
Dress Professionally – When upgrades are available, agents are not going to give them to the grungy guy with a backpack. Airlines, hotels and restaurants want people who look like they paid for the premium spot, especially if they are going to give it away.
Introductions – When you get to a hotel, introduce yourself to the concierge and share your preferences personally rather than on the phone in your room. Likewise, if you are moving from one hotel to another, ask the hotel manager to make an introductory call on your behalf. But be sure to ask for it in person.
Give a Reason – When asking for hotel upgrades, give a reason rather than just asking “Do you have anything better?” If you say “I’m traveling alone with a child” or “Since I’ll be staying with you for several days, could I have something where I can spread out?” Remember that yelling doesn’t work.
Off Season – If you want special attention, know that you have better chances when you travel during off-peak times. You can also check Priceline which now lists hotels that are offering upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, parking, and other amenities.
Say Thanks – This should go without saying, but sometimes travelers forget their manners when under stress. Follow the golden rule, remember to thank those who serve you, and be sincere. Better yet, write a formal thank you and send it to the general manager! Saying thanks in the local language is worth the extra effort - and greatly appreciated.
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel
888-750-0825
Happy Traveling !!
Smile – If you have ever worked with the public, you know that nothing is worse than dealing with an angry client. Make yourself likable and disarm the desk clerk or airline agent with a smile and friendly hello. You also want to make a good first impression with bartenders, waiters, and cabin stewards if you are on a cruise or staying in a resort.
Dress Professionally – When upgrades are available, agents are not going to give them to the grungy guy with a backpack. Airlines, hotels and restaurants want people who look like they paid for the premium spot, especially if they are going to give it away.
Introductions – When you get to a hotel, introduce yourself to the concierge and share your preferences personally rather than on the phone in your room. Likewise, if you are moving from one hotel to another, ask the hotel manager to make an introductory call on your behalf. But be sure to ask for it in person.
Give a Reason – When asking for hotel upgrades, give a reason rather than just asking “Do you have anything better?” If you say “I’m traveling alone with a child” or “Since I’ll be staying with you for several days, could I have something where I can spread out?” Remember that yelling doesn’t work.
Off Season – If you want special attention, know that you have better chances when you travel during off-peak times. You can also check Priceline which now lists hotels that are offering upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, parking, and other amenities.
Say Thanks – This should go without saying, but sometimes travelers forget their manners when under stress. Follow the golden rule, remember to thank those who serve you, and be sincere. Better yet, write a formal thank you and send it to the general manager! Saying thanks in the local language is worth the extra effort - and greatly appreciated.
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel
888-750-0825
Happy Traveling !!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
All Inclusive Vacation Q & A
How do I know if a hotel is all-inclusive?
"All-Inclusive", this means that the hotel price only includes the room rate and does not traditionally include additional services and amenities such as meals, drinks or tips. Hotels listed as “All-Inclusive Optional” mean that you have the option of purchasing either an All-Inclusive or European meal plan as part of your vacation.
"All-Inclusive", this means that the hotel price only includes the room rate and does not traditionally include additional services and amenities such as meals, drinks or tips. Hotels listed as “All-Inclusive Optional” mean that you have the option of purchasing either an All-Inclusive or European meal plan as part of your vacation.
What is typically included in an all-inclusive resort/vacation?
Although the definition of all-inclusive can vary from resort to resort, standard inclusions would be all of your meals, beverages, taxes, tips, room service, shows and entertainment and on-site activities such as non-motorized water sports. Items in your room such as bottled water, snacks, toiletries and mini-bar, items are almost always included at no additional charge. Check with your hotel for a full list of amenities and services as part of their all-inclusive plan.
Although the definition of all-inclusive can vary from resort to resort, standard inclusions would be all of your meals, beverages, taxes, tips, room service, shows and entertainment and on-site activities such as non-motorized water sports. Items in your room such as bottled water, snacks, toiletries and mini-bar, items are almost always included at no additional charge. Check with your hotel for a full list of amenities and services as part of their all-inclusive plan.
What types of amenities or services typically aren’t included with an all-inclusive hotel?
Included services and amenities will vary by hotel, but typically spa treatments, outside telephone calls, casinos/gambling, special occasion packages, babysitting services and destination excursions are some exceptions that typically are not included in the all-inclusive vacation price. Unless you purchase a service or amenity at your hotel that is not part of the all-inclusive plan, you will not have to worry about any additional or hidden fees after paying for your initial reservation.
Included services and amenities will vary by hotel, but typically spa treatments, outside telephone calls, casinos/gambling, special occasion packages, babysitting services and destination excursions are some exceptions that typically are not included in the all-inclusive vacation price. Unless you purchase a service or amenity at your hotel that is not part of the all-inclusive plan, you will not have to worry about any additional or hidden fees after paying for your initial reservation.
What activities are available as part of an all-inclusive plan?
All-inclusive resorts are experienced at making sure you have enough options to be as active as possible. In addition to the non-motorized water sports that are usually offered (snorkeling, scuba lessons, kayaks, etc.), many all-inclusive resorts also offer a variety of free daily activities such as tennis, exercise facilities, kids’ clubs and playgrounds, pool activities and more. Numerous all-inclusive resorts offer nightlife options from on-site discotheques to live shows and music that guests can enjoy free of charge.
All-inclusive resorts are experienced at making sure you have enough options to be as active as possible. In addition to the non-motorized water sports that are usually offered (snorkeling, scuba lessons, kayaks, etc.), many all-inclusive resorts also offer a variety of free daily activities such as tennis, exercise facilities, kids’ clubs and playgrounds, pool activities and more. Numerous all-inclusive resorts offer nightlife options from on-site discotheques to live shows and music that guests can enjoy free of charge.
What dining options are available at an all-inclusive resort?
Dining options at an all-inclusive resort are typically abundant and offer an array of cuisine ranging from local specialties to international gourmet dining options. Most all-inclusive resorts also offer at least one a-la-carte restaurant in addition to buffet options with frequently changing menu options and even theme nights. Depending on the resort, reservations may be required at some a-la-carte restaurants, so check with your travel agent or hotel for information on reservation requirements or options for special dietary needs you may have while on vacation.
Dining options at an all-inclusive resort are typically abundant and offer an array of cuisine ranging from local specialties to international gourmet dining options. Most all-inclusive resorts also offer at least one a-la-carte restaurant in addition to buffet options with frequently changing menu options and even theme nights. Depending on the resort, reservations may be required at some a-la-carte restaurants, so check with your travel agent or hotel for information on reservation requirements or options for special dietary needs you may have while on vacation.
How much cash should I carry?
Leave your wallet in your room! Cash is not needed for meals, beverages & gratuities as these are included in the cost of an all-inclusive vacation. It is recommended to bring credit cards and a sufficient amount of cash for additional expenses such as spa treatments, telephone and internet services, special occasion packages or services, babysitting services, shopping, and destination excursions. Travel safety tip - bring multiple forms of payment (credit card vs. cash) and keep in more than one place! Most all-inclusive hotels also offer complimentary in-room safes where you can store your valuables.
Leave your wallet in your room! Cash is not needed for meals, beverages & gratuities as these are included in the cost of an all-inclusive vacation. It is recommended to bring credit cards and a sufficient amount of cash for additional expenses such as spa treatments, telephone and internet services, special occasion packages or services, babysitting services, shopping, and destination excursions. Travel safety tip - bring multiple forms of payment (credit card vs. cash) and keep in more than one place! Most all-inclusive hotels also offer complimentary in-room safes where you can store your valuables.
Can I book an all-inclusive vacation last minute?
Booking an all-inclusive vacation last minute has great benefits! Not only is this a fantastic way to find last minute reduced rates, but the planning is quick and easy as most details are included in one, upfront price.
Booking an all-inclusive vacation last minute has great benefits! Not only is this a fantastic way to find last minute reduced rates, but the planning is quick and easy as most details are included in one, upfront price.
Are all-inclusive resorts ideal for families?
All-inclusive resorts can be the perfect option for the whole family since their broad range of activities and amenities have something for everyone. From kids’ clubs and playgrounds, kids’ activities, video games, teen discos and even water parks to adults-only designated pools, nightly entertainment and spa facilities, most resorts are extremely diverse so you can do your own thing together or apart at the hotel. While some all-inclusive resorts are adults-only, there are many great hotel chains that are family-focused.
All-inclusive resorts can be the perfect option for the whole family since their broad range of activities and amenities have something for everyone. From kids’ clubs and playgrounds, kids’ activities, video games, teen discos and even water parks to adults-only designated pools, nightly entertainment and spa facilities, most resorts are extremely diverse so you can do your own thing together or apart at the hotel. While some all-inclusive resorts are adults-only, there are many great hotel chains that are family-focused.
Can I plan my wedding and/or honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort?
Most all-inclusive resorts offer fabulous wedding or honeymoon packages. Check with your hotel for information on wedding packages and services offered in addition to free inclusions for honeymooners.
Most all-inclusive resorts offer fabulous wedding or honeymoon packages. Check with your hotel for information on wedding packages and services offered in addition to free inclusions for honeymooners.
Ron Trimper
The Way To GoTravel
888-750-0825
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