Planning a Trip to Hawaii

Planning a trip to Hawaii well in advance of your departure can help you save time and money. Careful preparation for a vacation to paradise also allows you to soak up the sun, sand and surf without sacrificing your sanity should unexpected situations arise.

For many travelers, a Hawaiian vacation is a once in a lifetime experience. Making the most of the opportunity requires patience and planning. Fortunately, there are a number of tips designed to help you savor your time in the "Aloha State":

Hawaii sees the highest number of visitors from November through February. These months attract millions of snowbirds and holiday travelers. In addition, the winter months are also when whale watching season starts and big-name events like the Honolulu Marathon and the Triple Crown of Surfing take place. You'll find the best bargains on airfare, hotel accommodations and car rentals from mid-April to mid-June and from September to mid-December. The exception is the last week in April to mid-May, which is Japan's "Golden Week." The Japanese holiday brings a flood of visitors to the 50th State and causes airfare and hotel prices to skyrocket. Also, keep in mid that Hawaii public schools operate on a year-round calendar, which means if you are looking for empty beaches, don't plan to take your Hawaiian holiday during the students' extended breaks in March, July, October and December.

The state of Hawaii consists of eight primary islands: Niihau, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. However, it's the latter four that attract the most visitors given their size and infrastructure. If you are looking for world-class, shopping, restaurants and hotels, in addition to a bustling nightlife and a big city feel, then head to the island of Oahu, which is home to busy Honolulu and world-famous Waikiki Beach. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are better suited for travelers looking to explore Hawaii's natural gems, such as active volcanoes, lush rainforests, stunning sunsets, seaside cliffs, and pink, black and white sand beaches.

In regards to finding the right hotel, consider your budget and plans. If you intend to spend your days tanning and swimming, then look for waterfront hotels to help cut down on travel time to the beach. Likewise, if you are traveling with children, plan to stay at a family-friendly resort that features a range of activities from dolphin experiences to snorkeling and horseback riding.

Planning a trip to Hawaii without going broke is possible; however, it requires research and help from a variety of sources. Both the Internet and travel agents can provide useful information on Hawaii travel packages. These vacation budget savers combine airfare, hotel accommodations, car rental and meals in one convenient price. Hawaii fly-and-drive packages are also extremely popular for visitors looking to travel to more than one island during their trip to the Pacific's string of pearls. By booking air and car together through one of Hawaii's major carriers, you can save a substantial amount of money.

Another way to save during your Hawaiian vacation is to look for all applicable discounts. For example, if you're a senior citizen, student, or active member of the military, be sure to bring proper identification with you. Hundreds of businesses around the islands offer money-saving discounts to the aforementioned groups, as well as those with AAA memberships or corporate or government affiliations.

You don't need to speak Hawaiian in order to make the most of your trip to the land of Aloha. However, it doesn't hurt to embrace the melodious language, as the natives use certain words quite frequently throughout the islands. Knowing the following Hawaiian words will serve you well during your trip to paradise:

Aloha: A warm expression with multiple definitions. Aloha means "hello," "goodbye," and "love." Expect to hear it while frequently while boarding and disembarking from various forms of public transportation. Mahalo: An expression of thanks. It is frequently used by store clerks and employees at various local attractions. Makai: Means towards the sea. Mauka: Heading towards the mountains or inland. Lanai: Porch, balcony or veranda. When you check into a hotel, you may be asked if you prefer a room with or without a lanai.

Maximize your Hawaii vacation by planning a trip that includes a healthy balance of sightseeing and relaxation. If your vacation is very limited, then it's a good idea to research the activities and attractions that are at the top of your to-do list. Get the driving directions and inquire about parking. Unexpected parking fees can really throw a wrench into your travel budget. Finally, if you don't have the time to do extensive research on your own, consider hooking up with a booking agency which can help you find the best deals in the islands. Just remember to inquire about fees. Some agencies charge a flat fee while others offer their services for free if you stay at a property they are affiliated with.

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Planning Fun Road Trips

The key to planning fun road trips is having the right attitude. For some, hitting the highway is worse than giving birth, while others look at long road trips as a chance to fulfill a life-long fantasy.

Whether you are crisscrossing the country on a month-long road trip or you are simply heading to grandma's house for the weekend, preparation is key when driving long distances. Road travel can be your ticket to big adventures or it can lead you down a disastrous detour to vacation purgatory. To ensure your next journey is filled with f-u-n, consider the following road trip tips:

Loading up on individual handheld video games is one option to keep the kids calm and your sanity in check, but nothing spells fun more than a classic road trip games, such as I Spy, 20 Questions and License Plate Bingo. What's more, even the youngest members of the family can get in on the action by playing car versions of Simon Says and Scavenger Hunt.

Another option is to turn storytelling into a game. Simply select a rider to start by having him make up a sentence or two with a cliffhanger ending, such as: "Once upon a time there lived a big brown moose who loved chocolate, but every time he sunk his teeth into a piece he…" The next person finishes that sentence and adds a couple more funny lines before adding his own cliffhanger. Rev up your creative juices and you can keep the story going for miles.

Music is a quintessential part of a road trip. Decades ago long car rides consisted of passengers taking turns singing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall," but these days you can create your soundtrack and load it on a MP3 player or burn a bunch of CDs to make cruising down the highway an enjoyable experience.

Today's technology allows you to choose music that the entire clan can rock out to, from children's favorites to rap, country, pop and everything in between. Play your personal road trip compilation when the chorus of "Are we there yet?" rises to an uncomfortable decibel level. You will be surprised by how a little car karaoke can lighten the mood of crabby passengers.

If you are really inspired, you could burn travel-themed songs onto a single CD. Some titles for consideration include:

Ventura Highway by America Every Day is a Winding Road by Sheryl Crow My City was Gone by The Pretenders New York, New York by Frank Sinatra Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

In addition, consider packing some audiobooks when planning fun road trips. You can choose from colorful kids' books to current New York Times' best-sellers. Books on tape are the perfect alternative to played-out playlists.

You can't survive a road trip without good eats. Food is often a saving grace when you are trapped in a moving vehicle for hours on end with friends or family. Pack a cooler with your favorite portable snacks and make eating fun by picnicking at wacky travel attractions, such as:

World's Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin, Minnesota The Toilet Bowl Museum in Alamo Heights, Texas Museum of Bad Art in Dedham, Massachusetts World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois

Road side gourmets can also pack a small grill to make hot meals at scenic rest areas along the way. Grilling your own hamburgers and hot dogs can help save a ton of money and you can have fun in the process by swapping stories with fellow travelers who are also making pit stops on the side of the highway.

The bottom line when planning fun road trips is to eliminate as many road blocks as possible. Make sure to have your vehicle inspected prior to hitting the highway. Change the oil, check your tire pressure and make sure you have enough gas to get where you are going. Also, make sure your license, registration and insurance are current. Finally, don't forget to pack a few trash bags. Nothing is less fun than driving in a moving landfill piled high with food wrappers, empty soda bottles and mounds of half-eaten sandwiches.

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Planning a Trip to Paris

Planning a trip to Paris begins with choosing the best time of year to visit. Poets and films often depict Paris in the springtime. Spring is indeed one of the most popular times of year for tourists to flock to the historic French city.

International trip planning requires you to have your travel documents in order, including your passport. Travelers flying to France are not required to get any unique shots or take particular safety precautions. However, you should stay informed via the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Enrolling?on the website allows you to receive travel updates as they are posted. The Embassy Paris webpage also keeps you notified of any current travel notices.

Flying?is the most common method of travel from locations within the United States to Paris. Flight times vary depending on what part of the country you depart.? Typically, you can expect the flight to take eight hours from New York, a little over nine hours from Chicago and?11.5 hours from Los Angeles. Charles de Gaulle airport is located near Paris and has a number of passenger options from the airport to the city.

If you are plannig to rent a car while in Paris, check international driver’s license requirements. For the record, the French drive on the right just as they do in the United States.

Depending on the amount of time you have for your vacation, you’ll want to plan your itinerary to include?Paris'?major attractions. If you aren’t sure what you want to see the most, plan a bus tour. It’s a must for any first time visitor to a major city particularly those that offer the double-decker type tours. One such bus tour in Paris is called L’Open Tour, which?allows you an unobstructed view of the city. The tour is provided in eight different languages and features stops at all the major attractions from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame and more. Passengers who buy the day pass can get on and off at the different attractions including:

Eiffel Tower – The quintessential Parisian landmark was constructed for the World’s Fair in 1889. Visitors can travel to the top and take stunning pictures of the French landscape. It’s best to visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the afternoon crowds.Notre Dame – Built in 1163, Notre Dame is a historical and architectural marvel. You can tour the entire cathedral and climb to the top as well as see the gargoyles. Visit the website for tour information.Catacombs of Paris – The subterranean tunnels and caverns are gothic in?nature, and will appeal to the historian, the romantic and the adventurer in you. Explore the official website for more information.The Louvre – The world-famous museum is well-recognized by the geometric pyramids decorating?its front. The collection is enormous and includes Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory. The enormous museum may be hard to navigate, so allot?plenty of time for the visit.Les Invalides – The complex of buildings is the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Many of France’s war heroes are buried amongst the museums and monuments here.Champs Elysees – Take a long walk down the famous avenue. The Arc de Triomphe is located on the street. Built by Napoleon to commemorate his victories, the arch also holds the tomb of France’s unknown soldier.Disneyland Paris - Located just outside of Paris, Disney enthusiasts will enjoys?visiting the European jewel in the Disney crown.

No matter what time of year you visit Paris,?you should consider taking?at least one sunset cruise on the River Seine. The lazy drift of the river coupled with the picturesque lights and view of the city at?night?is a worthy addition to any trip to Paris.

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