The Thermal Baths of Budapest

Hungary is a landlocked nation, so it may be a little surprising that Hungarians call their country the Land of Waters.  While Lake Balaton is a popular vacation spot in Hungary, it is not the reason for the moniker.  It is the approximately 1,500 thermal springs that lie under the Carpathian Plain that gives Hungary the title of Land of Waters.  The springs make a visit to a thermal bath or spa a must on any Hungarian itinerary.  

The Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest is the most famous.  Located right in the City Park, it was built in a Neo-Baroque style in 1913, and it houses 21 pools and 10 saunas.  In addition to the thermal waters, you may also take part in a SPArty, a night-time spa party with lights and music.

If you're looking for a possible celebrity sighting, try the Gellért Thermal Bath, whose past guests include Dmitri Shostakovich, Jane Fonda, Uma Thurman, Ryan Gosling, as well as many heads of state.  Built in the Art Nouveau style behind the Gellért Hotel near the Liberty Bridge, the baths feature many pools and saunas, including the sliding-roofed main pool.  

The Lukács Baths sit on the riverbank just north of the Margaret Bridge.  Once a favorite of the Ottoman pasha Mustafa, the baths feature a wall of commemorative plaques of the healing that has taken place there.  SPArties are a big attraction of the baths, as well as five pools, several smaller Kneipp pools, saunas, and a salt cave.

The historic Rudas Thermal Baths date from the 16th century.  Located at the foot of Gellért Hill, the baths offer great views of the Danube and features a dim central dome and octagonal baths surrounded by four pools of different temperatures.  Days are reserved for male or female only visitors so be sure to plan in advance.  

Another historic bath is the Veli Bej Baths, also dating back to the 16th century.  Fully renovated, the baths feature five Turkish pools, sauna, steam cell, hydroxeur, and tangentor baths, Kneipp pools, and wellness facilities, as well as intricate mosaic ornaments in the style of the former Ottoman Empire.

For a more family-friendly experience, there is Palatinus, an open-air bath on Margaret Island with 14 pools and timed giant slides, and Aquaworld, an indoor, five story high building with 15 pools, 11 slides, and rope bridges.

These are just a few of the many thermal baths located in Budapest and throughout Hungary.  And of course most upscale hotels in Budapest offer a wide range of spa and wellness services as well.  Budapest has a lot to offer visitors, from drinking shots of pálinka in the ruin bars to the Jewish District and the historic attractions from the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires.  But certainly setting aside some time for thermal baths and wellness is a must.

US Delays REAL ID Implementation Until 2025

US Delays REAL ID Implementation Until 2025: The Department of Homeland Security is delaying the changes again.

Tips for the Introverted Traveler

If you're an introvert, you needn't be intimidated by travel, even solo travel.  If you do it the right way, it can be a rewarding experience.  By stepping outside of your comfort zone a little and connecting with strangers from a different culture, you develop better communication skills and you may make a few friends along the way.  Here are some good tips for introvert travelers. 

1. Find the Right Accommodations

Different accommodations have different levels of social interaction, so pick accommodations that are right for you.  Smaller boutique inns or B&B's may have communal breakfast.  Some beach resorts cater to younger party goers.  If you're not ready to socialize first thing in the morning or just want to have a quiet stay, you'll want to plan accordingly.

2. Develop an Itinerary

Make a travel plan and stick to it.  Having a plan for an activity or two during the day relieves stress and anxiety from travel.  But don't make it too busy, give yourself some room to breathe and allow for flexibility.

3. Schedule Some Alone Time

If you're in a destination with a beach or a destination known for its natural beauty, take some time out, go for a hike perhaps, and commune with nature.  Even if you're in a place not known for natural beauty, take some alone time, a walk along a river or in a park maybe.  Alone time is important for an introvert, especially away from home.  Be sure to include some alone time in your itinerary.

4. Write in a Journal

Introverts are thinkers, and what better way to record your thoughts on a trip than by keeping a journal.  You can share the journal online if you like and it will always be a keepsake of your travel experience.

5. Sign Up for Small Group Tours

It is easy to feel lost on a large group tour, crowded on a large bus, being driven around in a strange place, hopping on and hopping off busses, and racing to see as many tourist attractions as possible.  But small group tours are usually readily available and they can be a great way to bond with fellow travelers with similar interests.  If you're an art lover, maybe take a small group tour of a museum.  History lovers can take a small group history tour around a city.  The larger the city the more diverse the type of group tours offered. 

6. Take a Class

In addition to small group tours, a small group class is a good way to bond with some fellow travelers.  A cooking class in the local cuisine is always a popular choice, and the hands on experience may make you a better chef at home as well.  Arts & crafts classes are popular as well.

7. Hire a Greeter

For an even more personal experience than a small group tour, you may want to hire a greeter, a local volunteer who will show a small group, usually no more than six, around town.  Though not as readily available as small group tours or classes, greeters are passionate about where they live and having a greeter show you around town can be a great way to see a city for a few hours.  And because they are volunteers, it can save you a little money too.

8. Travel Slow and Get to Know the Locals

Introverted does not mean anti-social.  Slow travel encourages connection with local people, culture, food, history, and the environment.  Most destinations offer classes, activities, tours, or even dinners with locals.  And depending on the location, you can further immerse yourself in the local culture by staying in an old castle or a buddhist temple.  Travel is the most rewarding when you can take a little piece of your destination home with you.

Top 10 Things to Do in Barbados

Barbados is a melting pot of British, West African, Indian, and Creole cultures.  The beaches and tropical climes are the primary attractions, with many luxury resorts on the island.  The island is pretty small so it is easy to explore the island in a short period of time.  Bridgetown is the capital and largest city, and the logical place to begin for exploring Barbados.

1. Celebrate the Crop Over Festival

Crop Over is Barbados' most well-known festival.  It is held between July and August and marks the end of the sugar cane season.  The festival was actually terminated in the 1940's but was revived in the 1970's and has since become Barbados' biggest annual event, featuring parades, exhibits, and shows.  Calypso competitions are one of the biggest draws of the festival, where musicians compete for several titles.  The finale of the festival is a parade called the Grand Kadooment, where bands dress in elaborate costumes and march through the capital of Bridgetown.

2. Take a walking tour of Bridgetown

Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados.  In 2012, parts of the old city and garrison were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The garrison was headquarters for the British West India Regiment, and a hub for the sugar and slave trade, and still serves as headquarters for the Barbados Defense Force today.  Nearby is the Barbados Museum & Historical Society, which showcases the natural and human history of the island through exhibits and artifacts.  Downtown are the Parliamentary Buildings.  Next to the National Heroes' Square, the buildings contain a public library and a museum, while the West Wing hosts the National Heroes Gallery and depicts the history of democracy in Barbados.  The story of the Barbados Jewish community can be seen at the nearby Nidhe Israel Synagogue, a restored synagogue with an interactive museum.

3. Do a rum tasting at Mount Gay

Rum is an integral part of Barbados' history and culture.  Mount Gay was established in 1703 and is the world's oldest rum distillery.  There you will learn the techniques in distilling rum and you can mix your own rum cocktails as well.  If you happen to be in Barbados in November, you can also celebrate the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, which attracts top chefs and distillers from around the world.

4. Go on a catamaran snorkeling cruise

Off the coast of Barbados lie coral reefs and remains of shipwrecks, providing shelter and habitat for many sea creatures.  Tropical fish abound in these habitats and you may also swim among the sea turtles.  Food & drinks are provided as well for when you want to take a break and enjoy the ocean.

5. Explore Harrison's Cave

Harrison's Cave is an underground network of caverns, stalactites, and stalagmites in the central highlands of Barbados.  You can tour this the easy way, via a tram that runs through the caves.  Or you can explore  via a more challenging way, the eco-adventure tour, a three and a half hour hike where you sometimes have to get on your hands and knees.

6. Go on a Bajan food tour

Bajan cuisine reflects the island's multi-cultural heritage, a mix of the British Isles, West Africa, and the Caribbean.  On a food tour you will likely try local dishes like puddin' n' souse, a mixture of grated sweet potatoes, pork, and spices; Bajan macaroni pie; Bajan fish cakes;  barbecued pig tails, a local favorite; or what's considered the national dish, cou cou and flying fish.  Whether it's street food or gourmet dining, you will taste plenty of delicious local dishes.

7. Visit St. Nicholas Abbey

St. Nicholas Abbey was built in 1660 as a sugar plantation and is one of only three Jacobean buildings in the Western Hemisphere.  It is been converted into a rum distillery but there is a museum depicting life on a sugar plantation in the 18th century.  An easy way to explore the grounds is by the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway.  

8. Surf the Soup Bowl

Bathsheba Beach is named for the biblical wife of King David.  The white, frothy waters resemble the milk in which Bathsheba bathed to keep her skin smooth and soft.  Its rocks, cliffs, and strong currents are not ideal for swimming but it does make for some excellent surfing.  The Soup Bowl is one of the beaches at Bathsheba and its waves are ideal for beginner and expert surfers alike.  Famed surfer Kelly Slater said the waves at the Soup Bowl are some of his favorite.  Lessons and rentals are available for the beginner surfer.

9. Tour the George Washington House

Located within the Bridgetown UNESCO World Heritage Site is the house where George Washington stayed while he visited Barbados for two months in 1751.  In addition to being furnished in a manner befitting 1751, there is an exhibit on the painful reality of 1751 Barbados, slavery, that grapples with the moral dilemma Washington faced with being both a freedom fighter and a slaveowner.

10. Visit Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Located in a four acre mahogany forest on the northern coast of Barbados, you can walk among parrots, peacocks, flamingos, armadillos, agouti, iguanas, green monkeys, and other native non-dangerous animals in their natural environment.  The more dangerous ones such as pythons are kept enclosed.  Be sure to be there for at 2 p.m., which is feeding time for the parrots and other colorful birds.

Ten Things to Do in Singapore

 

Singapore, perhaps more than any other city in the world, embodies a fusion of a modern urban city with lush, green, eco-conscious spaces.  It is a multi-cultural financial center that has grown rapidly in the last few decades.  The best way to see Singapore is to start by purchasing a Singapore Explorer Pass.

1. Explore the Gardens by the Bay

Singapore prides itself as being a city that balances urban sophistication with natural beauty, and nothing epitomizes that more than the Gardens by the Bay.  Gardens by the Bay is a spectacular park in the Marina South area of Singapore.  Supertree Grove features gigantic "supertrees" that house 158,000 plants and light up at night.  The Cloud Forest is home to an indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome is a botanic garden with floral species from all over the globe.

2. Spend a day on Sentosa

Sentosa is a resort island off the coast of Singapore, and it has something for everyone.  Families will enjoy Universal Studios, Sentosa 4D Adventureland, Skyline Luge, water parks, marine life parks, and iFly Singapore, a simulated skydiving experience.   For a little more laid back day, you can play a round of golf at the Serapong or Sentosa golf courses, or you can simply spend the day chilling at the beach.  You can cap off the day at the casino or watch a laser show at Wings of Time.

3. Drink a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel

The Singapore Sling was invented at the historic Raffles Hotel in 1915.  The hotel was founded in 1887 and has hosted many celebrities throughout the years.  Afternoon tea is also a popular tradition at the hotel.  For a more hands-on experience, try a class at the Raffles Culinary Academy.  

4. View Singapore from the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

If you’re staying at the Marina Bay Sands you can get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the skyline from the famous infinity pool.  If you're not a guest of the hotel, you may still view the skyline from the observation deck, and perhaps grab a drink at the rooftop bar.

5. Attend the Singapore Grand Prix

The Singapore Grand Prix was Formula 1's first night race back in 2008 and has since become a late September tradition on the Grand Prix calendar.  The Formula 1 cars under the lights are spectacular and the circuit is not as tight as the more established Monaco circuit, which provides more opportunities for passing and racing.

6. Visit the National Museum of Singapore

Singapore has grown rapidly since Stamford Raffles established a trading post on Singapore in 1819.  The National Museum is housed in a beautiful neo-classical building, and the museum tells the story of Singapore with extensive exhibits such as the Singapore Gallery and Life in Singapore: The Past 100 Years.  The museum also features art installations, performances, and film screenings.

7. Explore Singapore's ethnic neighborhoods

Singapore has three notable ethnic neighborhoods, Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, Singapore's Muslim Quarter.  Chinatown is home to the traditional Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, built around what is believed to be a canine tooth of Buddha.  It is also home to the ornate Sri Mariamman Temple, the city's oldest Hindu temple.  Little India is home to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali.  Nearby Kampong Glam features the Sultan Mosque, with two golden domes.  It is the oldest mosque in Singapore and a focal point of Singapore's Muslim community.  Each district features modern shops and restaurants, and there are many food tours that sample the various cuisines, from street food to fine dining.  The food tours are among the most popular and they tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve well in advance.

8. Go on a night safari at the Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is home to over 315 animal species, including 60 endangered species.  The zoo is impressive on its own, but in addition, you can go on a night safari.  Over 100 nocturnal species can be viewed, including many endangered ones.  Many animals indigenous to the area can be seen, such as the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir, and the Malayan tiger.  Going on the night safari supports conservation efforts for these endagered species.

9. Take an architectural tour of Singapore

Singapore's architecture reflects its diverse cultural influences.  A tour will take you through Singapore's colonial and art deco architecture through the ornate mosques and temples of the Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim communities.  You will see the contrast between the older shophouse buildings along the Singapore River and the modern, sleek glass and steel skyscrapers that dominate Singapore's modern skyline.  

10. Visit the ArtScience Museum

The avant-garde architecture of the ArtScience Museum represents a welcoming hand to visitors of Singapore.  As the name suggests, the museum combines art and science exhibits and frequently collaborates with institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian.

Royal Caribbean Reveals First Look at Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Reveals First Look at Icon of the Seas: Bookings for the first Icon Class ship will open next week ahead of the vessel's debut in January 2024.

US State Department Temporarily Reopens Online Passport Renewal Program

US State Department Temporarily Reopens Online Passport Renewal Program: The government also announced another temporary reopening in November.

Six Things to Do in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Western Africa, almost halfway between Portugal and Brazil.  It was first settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century and quickly became a commercial hub for merchants, pirates, and inevitably, the Atlantic slave trade.  Due to its location, its culture reflects Portuguese, Brazilian, African influences.  Portuguese is the official language and  a Cape Verdean Creole is spoken by most of the population.  

Like the Caribbean, Cape Verde is home to many all-inclusive and luxury resorts, mostly on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.  Those of course, come with the amenities one would expect at luxury beach resort.  Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, and hiking are all readily available, as well as whale watching, turtle, and even shark viewing.  

1. Shark Viewing

There are whale watchings, and sea turtle viewing is popular as well, but for a more adventurous (but not dangerous) encounter, try a shark viewing, lemon sharks to be exact.  Off the coast of Sal, there is a natural nursery for lemon sharks.  You can enter the water and view them close up or view them from a boat or nearby beach, and learn about conservation efforts in the process.

2. Spend the Afternoon on a Catamaran

If you're staying in one of the luxury hotels on the island of Sal, a catamaran excursions is a great way to spend an afternoon.  A little less intense perhaps than the shark viewing, you can take it a little easier and snorkel, fish, or just chill out on the boat.  Adult beverages and entertainment are usually included in the package.

3. Walking Tour of Cidade Velha

Praia, on the island of Santiago, is the capital and largest city, and a logical starting point for exploring Cape Verde.  Tours are offered that take you through the old section of town and then on to nearby Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It was the first Portuguese settlement in the tropics and much of the original city still remains.  One of the original structures is Fort de São Filipe, which overlooks the city and offers great views of the island.  Be sure to sample the local seafood or try cachupa, the national dish, a mix of maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and chicken or meat.  On some tours you can also taste pontxi, a local cocktail made with grogue, a liquor similar to rum, and honey.  

4. Hike Pico de Fogo

On the island of Fogo is the 9,300 foot high volcano, Pico de Fogo, Cape Verde's highest point.  Wine and coffee are grown in the rich volcanic soil nearby.  Experienced hikers can spend an afternoon hiking up the peak with or without a guide.  Less experienced hikers will probably want to go on a guided hike.  It's about a 6-7 hour hike but the views from the summit are spectacular, and well worth the effort.

5. Listen to Morna

The different cultural influences on Cape Verde have naturally produced many different genres of music.  Morna is the most well known and Cesária Évora is the most celebrated morna singer.  Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, was her home and it still has a vibrant, cosmopolitan music scene, where you can also hear jazz and coladeira.  The island is also home to the Festival de Baía das Gatas, Cape Verde's biggest music festival, held in August.

6. Visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal

For some insight into Cape Verde's more recent turbulent history, visit Colonia Penal de Tarrafal, a prison and concentration camp used to keep political opponents of António de Oliveira Salazar, the dictator who ruled Portugal in the mid-20th century.  It is intense and not for the faint of heart, but it is an important visit.

  

State Department Issues Updated Travel Advisories for Popular Destinations

State Department Issues Updated Travel Advisories for Popular Destinations: Americans are being advised to exercise caution when visiting several top vacation locations.

Exploring the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail

Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked in Oak Park, Illinois for much of his life, where he developed his Prairie Style architecture. Many of his homes and edifices are scattered throughout Illinois and are open for tours, including two UNESCO Heritage sights, the Robie House and Unity Temple.  Architecture enthusiasts can follow an itinerary leading from Chicago to Springfield and tour many of Frank Lloyd Wright's finest Prairie Style buildings.

Starting in Chicago, one of Wright's first residential designs was the Charnley-Persky House, a collaboration with Louis Sullivan, whose studio Wright was working at while still learning his craft.  The Society of Architectural Historians offers guided tours on select days.  Wright's contribution to The Rookery was his redesign of the glass lobby, which allowed more sunlight into the interior.  The Frederick Robie House was built in 1910 and is considered one of Wright's early Prairie style masterpieces, and it is also a UNESCO heritage site.  The Emil Bach House from 1915 is located near Evanston and is the only Frank Lloyd Wright property in Chicago where you can stay.

Oak Park is a suburb west of Chicago where Wright designed many homes.  First and foremost was Wright's own home and studio, where he lived and worked from 1889 to 1909.  The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust offers tours of the home and surrounding neighborhood.  While many of the houses are still private residences, the Trust does a Wright Plus Housewalk once a year, where you get a rare glimpse into private homes not generally open to the public.  The Unity Temple in Oak Park is another Wright masterpiece that is a UNESCO heritage site.  Built after the original temple burned to the ground in 1905, he declared his cubist design "contribution to modern architecture."  

Northern Illinois, west of Chicago, features more of Wright's designs.  Colonel George Fabyan's villa in Geneva was designed in 1907 and comes with a Dutch windmill and Japanese gardens, at the request of the owner.  In Hampshire is the only known farmhouse designed by Wright, the Muirhead Farm.  Belvidere is home to the only known cemetary memorial designed by Wright, the Pettit Memorial Chapel, and further west in Rockford is the Laurent House, the only house Wright built designed for someone with a disability, as Kenneth Laurent, the owner was confined to a wheelchair.

Heading south, the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee is one of Wright's earlier Prairie style houses.  You can tour the house and then go on a short cruise on the Kankakee River, where the house lies, and view other stately Kankakee homes, including another Frank Lloyd Wright one next door.  The Dwight Banking Center in Dwight is an example of Wright's commercial aesthetic and still functions as a bank today.  Finish up in Springfield with the Dana-Thomas House, one of Wright's largest houses, with 35 rooms and 12,000 square feet.  While you're in Springfield, you can get to further know another American icon, Abraham Lincoln, and tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where he and Mary Todd Lincoln lived before moving on to Washington, DC.

Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust for more information on Frank Lloyd Wright.

Destination: Iceland

Iceland is believed to have been first settled in the 9th century.  In 930, the Althing was established and today it remains the world's oldest legislative body.  

Iceland is closer than one might think, about a 5-6 hour flight from the east coast, and it is one of the hottest destinations (figuratively, not literally) for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.   It is an untamed landscape dotted with geysers, geothermal springs, waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanoes.  The most spectacular natural wonder though has to be the Northern Lights.  The Northern Lights can normally be seen throughout the year except during midsummer.  Peak season is October through April.  If you do happen to be in Iceland in the summer and you aren't able to see the Northern Lights, there are still plenty of natural attractions to leave you awestruck.  A popular day trip called the Golden Circle Route will take you to some of Iceland's most visited attractions.  The route generally includes Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-listed site, with the Geysir geothermal area and Gulfoss Waterfall in the Hvita River canyon.  You can take on a guided tour or you can rent a car and explore the route yourself.  If time permits, visit the Kerid Crater Lake, a lake that occupies a volcanic crater easily accessible by foot.  

Another natural wonder is the Blue Lagoon, minutes from Reykjavik, which combines a geothermal pool with a few amenities of civilization, such as a luxurious spa and a swim-up bar.  During the summer, you can also get up close to see wildlife on a whale watching tour or take an excursion to one of the islands off of Iceland to see puffins in their natural habitat.

Iceland does have civilization too.  Its isolation and Viking heritage gives Iceland an eclectic culture to say the least.  Iceland is known musically for Björk and Sigur Rós, but music of many genres can be found on the streets of Reykjavik.  You can find everything from heavy metal to punk rock and even hip-hop.  The Harpa concert hall is home to the Icelandic Opera and Iceland Symphony Orchestra for a more formal musical experience.  If you want to know more about the history and culture of Iceland, be sure to visit the National Museum, with exhibits on Viking settlements, the introduction of Christianity, and modern times as well.  

Despite its isolation, Iceland has a wide variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisines.  Take a food tour around Reykjavik and sample everything from fine dining to street food, and be sure to try an Icelandic hot dog, a local specialty usually made of lamb, when you're there.

Family Vacation Tips and Tricks

My 3 year old son has been to 16 countries total because I never go out of the country without my son, my husband and my mother; and guess what? All of them are high maintenance (pun intended). Challenging but rewarding experience each time.  Travel for me personally is part of my life since I was born in Southeast Asia, Philippine Islands. We go on Island hopping trips with the whole family while growing up.

I have a Bachelors degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and I have been a travel agent by profession since year 2000. I discovered that I need to stay connected as Registered Travel Agent for me to keep reaping the perks.

I have traveled to few countries in Asia and Australia even before I did migrate to San Francisco California. I have lived in different States from east coast, Midwest, Arizona and back to California.

Driving around and exploring those parts unknown in small towns are my favorite. Then, I was blessed to explore three islands in Hawaii and few countries in the Caribbean and Mexico. I have driven around central Europe and I cannot wait to complete the seven continents of the world by next year, 2018.

Here are my tips and tricks when you plan on your next big family vacation:

• Plan ahead, six months or more in advance
• Get connected to the experienced travel professionals and agents - they know the best deals in advance and the latest travel trends
• Pick a destination that will suit all family members' individual needs: beach destination, resort, cruise or all inclusive destinations
• Never travel without travel insurance
• All airlines, hotels, resorts, land transportation, car rentals, transfers, tours, driving directions, and maps are all ready with print outs handy, and at the same time - electronic copies on your mobile devices
• Visas and passports are all arranged and are not expiring within a year (to be safe)
• Cash, money exchange funds, ATM access, and credit cards that have zero foreign transaction fees should be ready
• Research all the online reviews of each destination months in advance with questions and answers about overall safety
• Light packing for every member of the family, easy to manage, easy to move around
• Designate who will be in charge of your toddler and who will have fun each day - communication is the key to any harmonious relationships
• Create your Itinerary (day to day activities, adventure and reservations) with the help of experienced travel professionals/your favorite travel agent to save time, money and less stress for the whole trip
• Test all the gadgets few weeks before your travel departure: action cameras, still cameras, accessories, memory sticks, batteries and all the small stuff, to be sure that all memories and adventures will be captured and preserved safely and smoothly
• First aid, medications, any allergy pills, your toddler's vital prescriptions, and also the other family members meds (e.g. grandma's insulin and your spouse's special needs). You are in charge of all your needy family members' checklist (pun intended again)
• Mindset is everything! Positive attitude - be mindful and vigilant, and balance it with optimism, hands-on experience, expect the unexpected, lighten up, smile, and savor each moment! Knowledge is always powerful, study hard and travel often!!

Next stop: Alaska Cruise!!!

Written by Jamela Dizzy

Six Things to Do on the Island of Oahu

Hawaii is a breathtaking island, with so much to offer! The Hawaiian culture will engulf you and make you never want to leave. While on vacation in September of 2017, I was able to explore the island of Oahu with my family and friends! I believe these are 6 must do's when visiting Oahu!

1. Diamond Head Crater Trail

Although it’s only a 0.7-mile hike, it’s most definitely intense. It’ll take about an hour to reach the summit, and about 30 min. to head back down the mountain. There’s a trail with the mountain on one side and a railing on the other. You know you’re almost at the top when you reach the 99-step climb. These steps not only lead you to the summit, but also to a World War II bunker. From there, you’ll be able to view the impressive panoramic scene of Oahu. I love going on trails and hiking while on vacation because not only is it a workout, but you also get to see beautiful views and more!

2. The Polynesian Cultural Center

Attending a Luau is a MUST when you visit Hawaii, however, I strongly recommend you attend that Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center! This was one of the highlights of my trip because it was a full day event (from noon to 9 p.m.) learning the cultures of the various islands of Hawaii. We also enjoyed classes making fishes from leaves, the meaning behind a lei; the culture of the Samoans, Tahitians, Hawaiians, Tongans and more! The event is all day, so they provide dinner allowing you to eat traditional Hawaiian foods while enjoying more performances from the Polynesian Cultural staff. The finale was an amazing show, combining the history of all of the cultures!

[featured photo: My mother and I standing in front of the entrance of the Polynesian Cultural Center!]

3. Pearl Harbor Historic Sites

The tour of Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, included viewing the USS Arizona and other ships that were lost at sea that day, and touring the iconic USS Missouri. This tour was full of knowledge, but very touching. I learned a lot that day about our history, and actually being there and witnessing it, gives you a completely different perspective versus learning it in the classroom. I think everyone should visit this site to learn about what really happened during the invasion of Pearl Harbor and to pay your respects to those men who gave their lives to protect ours.

4. Dole Plantation

After viewing so many historical sites, it’s nice to visit a place that’s laid back and offers pineapple galore! The Dole Plantation is a huge farm and tourist site, to purchase and see any/everything pineapple. There is a maze, a gift shop, train ride and more! We took the train ride through the farm and learned a little about the history of Dole, while viewing all the agriculture!

5. Flea Market at the Aloha Stadium

The flea market at the Aloha Stadium is held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday! It’s the perfect place to get souvenirs and just things in general because it’s super affordable, great quality and tax free!

6. Go to the North Shore – Waimea Bay Beach Park

The north shore has many beaches that have HUGE waves! You’ll enjoy seeing the skills of the many surfers on the north shore.

Hope you enjoyed my suggestions and when you visit Hawaii will have the chance to check out these places!

This article is featured from travel blog, Beach Love Peace (www.beachlovepeace.com), and reproduced with permission.

Destination: The Bahamas

If you are in the Bahamas and are staying at one of Nassau's premier resorts, you will have plenty of activities to choose from, such as yoga classes, spas, golf courses, multiple pools, water parks, top restaurants, live entertainment, and casinos to keep you occupied. But take some time and explore Nassau and New Providence too.

Tour Nassau and visit historic landmarks such as the Queen's Staircase, the Government House, or Fort Charlotte. The Government House is the residence of the Governor-General of the Bahamas and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture. Many tours also include a trip to a rum distillery, as rum is firmly entrenched in the history and culture of the Bahamas. Spend an evening at Arawak Cay and sample a traditional fish fry. If you're lucky there'll be live music there as well.

Spend another day taking an excursion to nearby Rose Island, where you can spend an afternoon snorkeling by the coral reef, sunbathing, and perhaps take a swim with the pigs (it's a Bahamas thing). Top your time in the Bahamas off with a sunset dinner cruise.

If you have more time you can take in Nassau at a little slower pace, and delve deeper into Bahamian food, culture, history, and natural beauty.

There are many fine restaurants with Bahamian and international cuisines in Nassau to enjoy, but nothing compares to a dinner when a local family welcomes you into their home. The Bahamas has hundreds of local ambassadors ready to welcome you in the People-to-People program. Sign up in advance to ensure a memorable dinner with a local family.

Further explore the history and culture of the area with a trip to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, featuring many local artists, or a trip to the Pirates of Nassau museum, and take a trip back to Nassau's days as a pirate enclave in the 17th century.

If you're looking for more, take a day trip to the island of Exuma, enjoy the waters and perhaps even catch sight of a celebrity.

A week not only gives you time to explore Nassau and New Providence, but it also allows you to spend some time on the other islands in the Bahamas. There are dozens of inter-island flights daily so you can easily explore the other islands. There are many resorts on the smaller islands, but some do have minimum stay requirements, so you may need to plan on two or three days at an outer island.

If you are an avid golfer, there are several top level golf courses scattered throughout the islands, some are part of the top resorts. And clearly, the Bahamas is a haven for water activities. Charter a boat on any one of the islands for a day of deep sea fishing or spend a more laid back day fly fishing. A week-long itinerary can be designed for hardcore golfers or fishermen. A yacht may also be chartered too for a more secluded or romantic cruise.

A trip to the other islands will also allow you to spend time at some of The Bahamas' natural wonders. Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama has hiking trails, beaches, and one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world, well worth a day spent. Grand Bahama is also home to Freeport, the Bahamas second largest city. The island is more secluded but still has top resorts and restaurants if you still wants to enjoy the benefits of civilization. Eleuthera offers many upscale resorts as well.

A Weekend Guide to Seattle

Seattle has a ton of things to see and do and it is impossible to squeeze it all in in one weekend. You’ll still have time to catch all the highlights though! Seattle is a great place for a weekend getaway or for spending a few days before or after Alaska Cruises that typically depart from that area.

The number one must do in Seattle is definitely Pike Place Market. This place has everything: produce stands, fish markets, restaurants, retail businesses, personal services, crafts markets, and farm tables. Be sure to check out “The DownUnder” which are the lower levels of the market. Another great spot for food and shopping is Miner’s Landing. I would say it’s most similar to Pier 39 in San Francisco or the piers in Monterey, California.

Another historic area to visit is Pioneer Square, “Seattle’s first neighborhood”. Here you can visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the Last Resort Fire Department which has the largest collection of antique fire trucks in the Pacific Northwest. In the same area is a must do tour - the Seattle Underground Tour. After the Great Fire of 1889, Seattle was rebuilt on top of the destruction. Now you view all that is still intact underneath. If you’ve ever been to Edinburgh and explore underneath the city, it’s the same concept, and everyone should experience this at least once in their lives.

If you’ve ever seen any tv shows or movies that take place in Seattle, you’ve probably seen the Washington State Ferries. From Seattle, you can currently take these ferries to either Bainbridge Island or Bremerton. You can go watch them or maybe even book a round trip ticket just to say you’ve done it! The other icon that you always see represented in Seattle is the Space Needle. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and was designated a historic landmark in 1999. For those not afraid of heights, the elevators can ascend to the top of the Space Needles in 41 seconds, unless it’s an especially windy day. Then the elevators are slowed down to about half speed. Another attraction for those not afraid of heights is the Seattle Great Wheel. It’s just like the Ferris Wheels you see in London, Orlando, and Las Vegas.

If you’re visiting Seattle between mid-June and September, it is a great time to visit the Ballard Salmon Locks. During high tide you can see several different species of Pacific Salmon pass through these locks as they travel upstream to spawn.

If you’re traveling with kids or your comfort zone is to experience more traditional tourist attractions, Seattle has plenty of those too! We recommend the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, and Pacific Science Center. You definitely can’t go wrong with any of those!

Seattle also has a few unique tourist spots that are well known around the city. Seattle is home to the Fremont Troll which sits under a highway overpass and home to the Gum Wall. You can also visit the “Original” Starbucks. It’s not truly the first Starbucks location to exist, but it is celebrated as such.

Art lovers would have a great time in Olympic Sculpture Park. There are many Instagram worthy photo ops there, as well as at the Museum of Pop Culture, known as “MoPop”.

A couple honorable mentions if you have the time would be to do a Boeing Factory Tour or go wine tasting if you’re able to. Last but not least, there are 3 National Parks within a short driving distance, so if you’re wanting to get out of town a little bit you’ve got a few options. Olympic National Park is directly to the West of Seattle. If you take a ferry, then your driving distance is less than 100 miles, but if you don’t take the ferry it is about 50 miles longer of a drive. Then you have Mount Rainier National Park, which is about 80 miles Southeast of Seattle. During the Winter months some roads may be closed, making the route longer so you’ll need to plan ahead. Lastly, North Cascades National Park is about 120 miles Northeast of Seattle.

We hope this has inspired you to plan your own Seattle weekend getaway!

Written By Eva