| How to Prepare for a Hawaiian Vacation Posted: 11 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST When it comes to tropical vacation destinations, it's hard to beat Hawaii. From the pristine beaches to the beautiful weather, Hawaii is arguably the best place in the world for a laid-back getaway. But with so many options, it's easy to feel like you're overlooking something. Luckily, we've done the research and we've got you covered—from the basic dos and don'ts to what every tourist needs to pack for a trip to aloha country. [Edit]Choose the islands you want to visit. - Set aside roughly 5-7 days for each island you want to visit. It takes time to travel between islands since you can't drive between them, and each island is bigger than you'd think. As a result, it's probably best to minimize the number of islands you visit if you aren't planning an extended stay. Each island has its own draws and they're surprisingly unique, so choose a few islands based on how long you're staying. Your options are:[1]
- Oahu – This is where Honolulu and the infamous Waikiki beaches are located. Oahu is the busiest island, which is great if you want some busy nightlife to pair with lovely beaches.
- Kauai – Home to Koke's State Park and Waimea Canyon, this island is ideal if you want to hike, camp, and take in Hawaii's natural beauty. Many visitors consider Kauai to be the "prettiest" island.
- Big Island (Hawaii) – Beaches, jungles, and volcanoes. If you want to lounge on an uncrowded beach, this is a great option!
- Maui – Maui tends to be a little more touristy than the other islands (except Oahu, maybe), but it's very balanced. There's a good mix of shopping, restaurants, beaches, and pristine wilderness.
- Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe – These smaller islands are the least popular among tourists, but there some secluded resorts worth looking into if that's what you want!
[Edit]Save up ahead of time for the trip. - Hawaii can be one of the pricier vacation destinations, so save early! Basic goods and services tend to be pretty expensive on the Hawaiian Islands, and Hawaii isn't particularly close to any larger landmass, so airfare tends to be costly. If you don't already have money set aside for the trip, start saving now! You'll thank yourself by the time the trip comes around.[2]
- On average, a weeklong trip to Hawaii for 2 people will run about $6,000.[3]
- Your two biggest expenses will likely be airfare and accommodations. The flight is likely to run $400-1,250 per person. Expect to spend roughly $350 a night on lodging.[4]
[Edit]Bring comfortable, casual clothing for a tropical climate. - It might rain, but it will basically always be . You won't need a winter coat or thick sweat pants for this trip—even late at night.[5] Prioritize shorts, T-shirts, comfortable shoes, sun dresses, and other lightweight clothing.[6]
- If you're doing any mountain climbing or early-morning boating, bring a sweater and jeans. It might turn into sweater weather for a bit if you plan on doing either of these activities.
- Bring at least one set of fresh clothes for each day, but pack some extra socks and underwear. You may get sweaty out there during the day, and you'll be happy to have a few extras.
- Unless you plan on doing a lot of fine dining, you don't need any cocktail dresses, high heels, suits, or Oxfords. Keep things cool, comfy, and colorful![7]
[Edit]Pack any beach gear you'll need. - Pack your swimsuit and a nice set of shades. Even if you normally aren't a huge fan of the beach, Hawaii's beaches really are something else and you'll likely spend plenty of time in the sun. Bring your swimsuit, some sunglasses, and flip flops so that you don't have to buy any of that stuff there where it will be more expensive. A wide-brimmed sun hat or visor is also essential.[8]
- You can buy sunscreen when you land, but you can pack it if you'd like. You should bring some lip balm with sunscreen in it, though.
- If you have any snorkeling gear or goggles, by all means bring it!
- Bring swim shoes! Outside of Waikiki, many of Hawaii's shores are rocky—the islands are composed of volcanic rock after all.
- You can rent boogie boards and surfboards at any of the major beaches.
[Edit]Bring hiking gear if you're doing nature walks. - A lot of Hawaii is rocky, rough terrain, so plan accordingly. For most hikers, that means a pair of thick, sturdy, hiking shoes or boots. You'll likely want to bring a big water bottle for your extended walks in the heat. It may not get super cold, but you may want long sleeves and hiking pants to protect your skin from the sun and insects.[9]
- You may want a hiking pack and camping gear as well if you plan on spending an extended period of time out in the wilderness!
- Consider packing some binoculars if you're hiking in any areas where the sights extend for miles out ahead of you or you're a birdwatcher.
[Edit]Tuck a few canvas totes in your suitcase. - Plastic bags are banned in Hawaii, so bring lightweight storage. You need something to carry your beach gear, snacks, water, or guidebooks. You won't be offered plastic bags anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands, so plan accordingly and bring something easy to carry and light to carry you stuff.[10]
- If you bring a big bulky backpack, your back may get sweaty as you're walking around. Canvas athletic bags and smaller lightweight backpacks are going to be better options in most cases.
[Edit]Book a rental car if you plan on exploring outside a city. - If you want to explore at all, you'll need to reserve a rental car. You can rely on taxis and rideshare services if you're just going to the airport or taking short trips in the city, but most folks like to explore whatever island they're staying on. You can (and should) go car-free in Honolulu, but you'll want to rent a car anywhere else if you want to poke around. Reserve a car in advance so that you aren't stuck without a way to get around![11]
- Book your rental cars at least 3-4 months in advance. Rental car companies can run out of stock, so the earlier the better.
- A rental car will typically run $100 or so per day. If you're staying outside of a city, it's typically important to have wheels, unfortunately.[12]
- Unfortunately, most of the Hawaiian Islands don't have particularly good public transit.[13] There are areas where biking is a viable option, but it's generally pretty difficult to bike long distances.
- Hotels will often offer pick up and drop off services to major tourist locations depending on where you're staying.
[Edit]Bring plenty of entertainment for the plane. - Regardless of where you're coming from, it's a long flight. Pack some extra external batteries or chargers for your laptop, e-reader, or phone, and bring plenty of reading material. If possible, book a flight where there's going to be in-air entertainment (Hawaiian Airlines has TVs on most flights). It's typically at least a six-hour flight, so plan accordingly.[14]
- You may be the "I hate layovers" type normally, but breaking your flight up with layovers and connections can actually make it more comfortable for you!
- If there were ever a trip where it's worth upgrading your seat, this would be it.
[Edit]Buy sunscreen and bug spray when you land. - If you didn't pack them, pick these up once you've landed. The sun can be pretty intense in Hawaii, regardless of where you're staying. Before you go outside anywhere, you'll need to put on sunscreen. The insects on Hawaii can be a little intense for main landers and tourists alike. Bring bug spray with you wherever you go so that you can keep the creepy crawlies off of you.[15]
- Hawaiian officials recommend any EPA-registered bug spray that contains 20-30% DEET.[16]
- It is illegal to use sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate in Hawaii, since those ingredients can harm marine life.[17]
[Edit]Pick 1-2 activities or events for each day. - Do some research and choose a few things you want to do. If you have your heart set on a certain hiking trail, or there's a waterfall you really want to visit, start by setting time aside that. Then, hop online and research what's available on the islands you're staying at. Build your itinerary for the trip so that you have at least one thing planned for each day of your trip.[18]
- Book tickets for any tours or activities that require them at least 60 days in advance.
- There are so many beautiful volcanoes, waterfalls, and hikes to be found on each island.
- Take part in the Hawaiian/Polynesian culture at some point. Go to a luau, pig roast, or traditional dance event!
- Get some surf lessons at some point! Hawaii is a world-class surfing spot, and if you're going to try surfing anywhere, make it Hawaii.
[Edit]Set time aside for relaxation and exploration. - Leave plenty of open space on your itinerary to chill out. It's really easy to over-plan in Hawaii. There are neat beaches, beautiful sights, and cool tiki bars hidden all over the place. Leave time in your schedule to go wherever your heart desires. Hawaii is all about keeping things relaxed, so take it easy![19]
- If you book tons of tours, events, and fancy dinners, you won't have any time set aside for just sitting out in the sand or wading in the ocean. For most folks, that's the best part of Hawaii!
[Edit]Check surf reports before you hit the water. - Waves and tides can be powerful in Hawaii, so respect the ocean. You must check the surf reports on days you plan on going out into the water. Local surf reports are readily available at basically every hotel and tourist spot. Do not neglect them! If it's unsafe to swim, don't go out.[20]
- Drowning is the leading cause of death for tourists in Hawaii. You may be used to calm waters where you live, but you really must get in your mind now that Hawaiian waters are to be respected.[21]
- You don't need to know any Hawaiian to get around and communicate with people, but the locals will appreciate it![22]
- You will need a negative COVID test unless you were vaccinated in the US. If you were vaccinated, you'll need to upload a copy to Hawaii's Safe Travels website, and bring a physical copy of the card with you.[23]
[Edit]Warnings - Hawaii has more endangered or threatened species per square mile than any other place on the planet.[24] If you come across any unique wildlife, do not touch or interfere with it. It's likely illegal.
[Edit]References |
| How to Do a Road Trip in America Posted: 10 Dec 2021 04:00 PM PST If you're looking for your next fun vacation, cruising through the USA can be an unforgettable experience. Since America is so big, it can be a little tough knowing the best routes to check out. Luckily, there are so many options to choose from and it all depends on what activities you want to do on your trip. We've put together some of the most popular routes and destinations from the East Coast to the West Coast so you can explore no matter where you are! [Edit]Fall New England Tour - Surround yourself in colorful trees during this autumn drive. If you're traveling in October, don't miss out on the red, yellow, and orange leaves in the New England forests. Driving through the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont takes you through some cute small towns before opening up to a huge maple forest. Relax on the drive along Route 112 in New Hampshire and on Route 2 in Massachusetts as you pass through all of the fall trees.[1]
- Try stopping in North Adams, Massachusetts in early October for the Fall Foliage festival with celebrations and parades based on the fall's changing colors.
- If you want to make an adventurous detour, stop at the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour in New Hampshire to zipline through the trees.
- Don't forget to enjoy some authentic New England clam chowder while you're in the area.
[Edit]East Coast Historical Tour - Learn about American history by traveling from Williamsburg to Boston. If you're intrigued about the founding of the United States, this trip is perfect for you. Starting in Williamsburg lets you see reenactments of colonial life before moving onto Jamestown and Yorktown, some of the first settlements in the US. Follow I-95 up to stop in Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston to see some of the places important to the Revolution.[2]
- Stop by The Smithsonian, The Capitol building, or the various monuments when you hit DC.
- Check out Fort McHenry while you're in Baltimore where the battle was fought that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner."
- See Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell when you stop off in Philadelphia.
[Edit]Blue Ridge Parkway - Explore scenic Appalachia in this North Carolina stretch. This route runs from Cherokee, NC for up to the Virginia state border. While you're on the road, pull aside to view the rolling landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains and the forests between them. Just be careful and don't go over the speed limit since the roads are a little windy.[3]
- You could lose cell phone service up in the mountains, so bring a map with you so you can still find your way.
- Take a detour in Cherokee to learn more about Cherokee Indian history and culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
- Stop at any shops you see along the way to find some traditional handmade crafts, like baskets, pottery, and even carved instruments.
[Edit]Florida Keys - Enjoy the beaches and island life along the Overseas Highway. The Florida Keys are a group of small islands off of the southern coast, but you can easily drive between them on Highway 1. While it's only in one direction, it's worth it to take your time. As you make the drive, check out the state parks and coral reefs along the way. There are also a ton of resorts and areas to stay so you can plan your trip out for a couple of days.[4]
- Learn more about the history of the Keys on Islamorada in the Keys History and Discovery Center.
- Enjoy some fresh seafood at the various fish shops and restaurants.
- The Keys are also a great location if you want to try snorkeling, diving, or bird-watching.
[Edit]Great River Road - Follow the Mississippi River for a trip through middle America. While the full trip is around , you can tackle any section of the route that sounds the most interesting. Starting in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Great River Road takes you through the Midwest and into the South where it ends in Louisiana. Check out the riverboats along the river, stop in St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch, pass through Memphis for some BBQ and music, and end in New Orleans to explore the French Quarter.[5]
- Other stops you can check out include Graceland, The National Civil Rights Museum, and Hannibal, MO, which was where Mark Twain was born.
- Have some ideas for what you want to do along your drive, but stay a little flexible. If you see something interesting, don't be afraid to pull off and check it out.
[Edit]Route 66 - Cruise down this route for a historic tour from Chicago to Los Angeles. Route 66 stretches for across the country through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. If you can't make a full road trip along a route, just choose a smaller section to try out. Even though interstates are faster, taking your time down Route 66 gives you a taste of some classic Americana.[6] Keep an eye out for historic buildings and road signs, classic diners, and art sculptures along the way.[7]
- Route 66 has a ton of roadside attractions, so stop off whenever you see something interesting. Some places along the way include the Grand Canyon, Cadillac Park, and the San Miguel Mission.
- Be sure to make reservations at hotels along the route before you leave so you can save some money. If you're driving an RV, there are a ton of campsites where you can stop off.
[Edit]Yellowstone Loop - Hit this western Wyoming route to visit some beautiful national parks. You can hit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park following this loop. You'll visit some small frontier towns throughout Wyoming, and large plains where you can see bison and elk roaming. As you continue north, visit Jackson Hole before making your way to the parks and spending time in nature.[8]
- Visit The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole if you really want to embrace the cowboy theme of the frontier.
[Edit]Trail Ridge Road - Cut through the Rocky Mountains on this stunning Colorado drive. Even though Trail Ridge Road is only , it's a stunning view you won't get anywhere else. Carefully wind through this mountain pass, and look out over the crags and cliffs between the mountains. You may even see some elk or bighorn sheep along the way.[9]
- Since the road passes through the mountains, it could be closed due to bad weather. You can always call (970) 586-1222 to find out the current status of the road.
[Edit]Texas Hill Country - Drive through rolling landscapes in the heart of Texas on this route. The main destinations in Hill Country are San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg. Start by taking in all the art and culture in Austin at the museums and in downtown. In the spring, make your way to Fredericksburg to see some wildflower fields and enjoy fresh wine nearby in Johnson City. When you get near San Antonio, be sure to check out The Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.[10]
- Stick to the backroads rather than the highways since you'll get better views and scenery.
[Edit]Pacific Coastal Highway - Travel along the California coast for picturesque ocean views. The Pacific Coastal Highway, or PCH, stretches throughout the entire state of California, but the most popular stretch is from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Since it runs right alongside the Pacific Ocean, you can pop into any small coastal towns you find or visit the sandy beaches along the way. Take your time and enjoy the ocean air while you're driving for an unforgettable trip.[11]
- The PCH from LA to San Francisco is about .
- San Luis Obispo is a popular area originally founded as a mission and is a great stop to learn about California history.
- Coastal towns like Cuyocos and Morro Bay offer authentic seafood and small coastal shops you can explore.
[Edit]Route 50 - Drive coast-to-coast on a single highway for a cross-country adventure. Route 50 starts in Maryland and ends all the way in Sacramento, CA, so buckle in for a trip that takes a couple of weeks to complete. While it may be the longest drive, you'll get to pass through 12 states and 4 state capitals along the way. Just be sure to plan out a few stops along the way so you have some time to rest in between driving.[12]
- Some notable stops along this route include Washington DC, Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and Arches National Park in Utah.
- The total distance of Route 50 is and it takes at least 14 days to complete.
- Always get your vehicle checked out by a mechanic before going on a cross-country trip to make sure it's safe to drive. Some things to check are the oil, engine, tires, and brakes.[13]
[Edit]Alaskan Scenic Byways - Get spectacular mountain and glacier views from these popular routes. While it may seem out of the way, Alaska has some of the most beautiful wilderness to drive through.[14] The Scenic Byways stretch throughout the entire state, but there are smaller sections that you can explore if you don't want to drive the whole thing. Just be sure to plan your trip in the warmer summer months since road conditions can get pretty bad in the winter.[15]
- Check out the Parks Highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks to see Denali State Park and Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in the country.[16]
- For one of the most scenic experiences, take the Seward Highway near the coast to see glaciers, wildlife like beluga whales, and historic mining towns.[17]
[Edit]Hana Highway - Wind through the Hawaiian landscape on this stunning drive. The Hana Highway is a stretch along the northern coast of Maui. Since it follows the coast, you'll get some beautiful views of oceans, jungles, and rocky cliffs. Even though it may seem like a short trip, there's a slow speed limit and a lot of sharp turns, so take your time and enjoy the scenery![18]
- It usually takes about 2½ hours to drive along the Hana Highway.
- Be sure to pull off at the Puaa Kaa Falls or Hanawi Falls to check out some popular swimming holes.
- Some areas in the US may require masks due to COVID, so make sure you bring some with you just in case.[19]
- Plan your route and itinerary out before you leave on your trip so you can familiarize yourself with where you're going.[20]
- Pack your vehicle with a first aid kit and emergency supplies, like jumper cables, flares, a jack, and basic repair tools.[21]
- Stock up on a lot of snacks and water in your vehicle so you don't have to stop for food.
[Edit]Warnings - Always get your vehicle checked by a mechanic before going on a road trip to make sure it's safe for the drive.[22]
[Edit]References |
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