Say Aloha To Hawaii

Once upon a time, the Polynesians sailed the seas in their large canoes in search of land and in pursuit of adventure. They found the Hawaiian Islands and made these beautiful islands their home. In the late 18th century, American trading vessels, too, came across Hawaii, and after many years of turbulence, tourists discovered the astounding beaches of the Hawaiian Islands. From then on, it has been and will be, a tourists' paradise. We are going to tell you about Hawaii, and then we will clue you on how to plan a cheap vacation - if you want to see this paradise at astoundingly cheap rates.

Hawaii is made up of four main islands Oahu, Maui, Big Island and Kauai - and that is why people refer to it as Hawaiian Islands. The focus of a traveler will be on Oahu and Maui, and here is their brief description:

Oahu Oahu can be said to be the "city" in Hawaii - full of metropolitan people and sporting a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Oahu houses about 75% of Hawaii's population. Pearl Harbor, Honolulu and Waikiki are in Oahu and life in Oahu is just like any other big city.

You would have guessed by now that Pear Harbor and Waikiki are the big tourist hooks - but there are other great tourist spots too: For example, Hanauma Bay is a well-known snorkeling address across the world; Sea Life Park is full of rich species of marine life, and there are many other attractions as well.

You may be planning a cheap vacation to Hawaii, but, remember, you need to be in Oahu for 2-3 days, at least, to soak it in.

Maui It's hard to describe Maui - to the elite traveler, it appears as chic and sophisticated; to the economy traveler, it's a hip, rugged place. Whatever angle you look at Maui, it meets your expectations of a great travel destination!

The attractions are manifold - you can bike down a volcano, or go whale spotting (in the winter),or even drive a sea vehicle through exotic sea life habitat! Of course, the usual stuff's there too - windsurfing, chopper rides, golf, partying, blah, blah.

Maui's USP is its natural beauty, its volcano (Haleakala), the national park, and the raw fact that Maui was formed when it emerged from the sea because of volcanic activity! Like Oahu, you need to stay in Maui for at least 2-3 days to get a grip on it.

Besides these, the Big Island of Hawaii (which is the youngest place on Earth) and Kauai (famous for its raw scenic unhindered beauty - Kauai does not have any high-rises and development is minimal) will take up the rest of your vacation.

Saving Money When Planning a Hawaiian Vacation

Are you wondering if planning a Hawaiian vacation on a budget is possible? Many Hawaii natives and frequent visitors have found some great money-saving tips for stretching your dollar while on a vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.

Tips for Planning a Hawaiian Vacation on a Budget

1. Vacation packages can be obtained at a discount price over booking separate airline tickets, hotel accommodations and a rental car.

2. Renting a vacation home, cottage, or condominium is often cheaper than booking a luxury hotel. You can chose to vacation with a friend or another family and split the cost of lodging since most Hawaii vacation homes sleep 4-6 people.

3. Cut your dining expenses by eating in your room, preparing your own breakfast and lunch, or seeking out restaurants where the local frequent. Pack a picnic and eat dinner on the beach as the sun sets or pack granola and fresh fruit to eat on a morning hike. You can also dine out by selecting items from the lunch wagons dotting the beaches of the islands. Shopping at the local farmers markets can save you a small fortune in food costs

4. Limit the number of paid tours you participate in during your stay. Hawaiian locals are very friendly and will share information readily when questioned. You can ask around to find the best places to visit and the must-see sights of Hawaii.

5. Hawaii often has the highest prices for gasoline in the U.S. Limit your amount of travel and fuel up your rental car in large cities rather than small towns to get the best prices.

6. Research attractions before you leave home and plan a rough itinerary for your trip in advance. You can find recommendations and reviews written by other tourists online.

7. Hiking, snorkeling, and lounging on the beach are low cost activities to occupy your time.

8. Consider purchasing an entertainment book from http://www.entertainment.com for your Hawaii trip.

9. Once you arrive in Hawaii, take advantage of free brochures offered at the airport, hotels and local attractions. They often contain valuable coupons and unadvertised discounts for popular attractions and restaurants.

10.Begin and end your Hawaiian vacation in the middle of the week. Flights are cheaper mid-week than on weekends.

11.Get a detailed map of the island once you pick up your rental car. Most rental agencies will provide one for free- but only if you request it.

12.Fill up your own water bottles before venturing out for the day.

13.Avoid purchasing souvenirs at the local stands and shops. The local Wal-Marts carry Hawaiian souvenirs at reasonable prices.

14.If you have a military ID, ask about military discounts. Many places honor a military discount if you ask for it.

15.Check Roomsaver.com for discount coupons before you book lodgings.

These money-saving tips can help you enjoy your dream vacation to Hawaii without breaking you piggy bank. Planning a vacation to Hawaii on a budget is not only possible, it is an enjoyable challenge for many travelers.

Places to Stay in Oahu

Oahu is the third-largest island in the Hawaiian Islands. Known as the gathering place, Oahu lodgings offer the relaxation of its beautiful beaches and the luxury of a major cosmopolitan city.

The Kahala Resort is world-renowned for its luxury and comfort. In fact, in 2006, it was named the top place to stay on Oahu by the Conde Nast Reader's Choice and was placed on the Conde Nast Gold List. Spa services are available to guests staying in the Kahala, but the Kahala There is also a spa destination. People can choose this path, the taste experience all standard spa treatments as well as those with a Hawaiian. Kahala dolphin experience has a place for visitors and the usual water sports available. Other amenities include a Kid's Club and Hawaiian cultural classes for the entire family.

Each room or suite is decorated in Kahala with dark wood and bright Hawaii and each has a balconyoverlooking the ocean or the lush vegetation around the hotel. The five restaurants at the resort should meet anyone's culinary needs, but the lodging is also only fifteen minutes away from the shopping and restaurants of Waikiki. For reservations or more information, call 1.800.367.2525.

If visitors want to be in Waikiki, the Westin Moana Surfrider might be a good choice. One of the first hotels in Waikiki on Oahu, The Surfrider first opened in 1901. A recent 50 million dollar renovation let the Surfrider keep its old world colonial style while infusing it with the modern elegance of the 21st century. The Surfrider offers premier spa services and unlimited opportunities for relaxation on the beach or by the pool. There is an onsite sports center and opportunities for water sports through the lodging. If visitors want more excitement, the concierge staff can help plan a Hawaiian cultural experience or steer guest towards the abundant shopping nearby. Plan a stay in 2008 when the spa and fitness center expansions will be complete. To learn more about the Moana Surfrider, call 800-937-8461.

For more of a getaway from the city vacation, the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu might be what visitors are looking for. Like the previously mentioned lodgings, Turtle Bay offers spa services and luxurious oceanfront accommodations. But Turtle Bay is more isolated, with 5 miles of pristine beaches and surrounded by lush Hawaiian vegetation. Turtle Bay also has a golf course, some of the best surfing in the world, horseback riding, and hiking. For a luxurious getaway in nature, call 808.447.6508.

Another lodging on Oahu that offers golf is JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa. Also located outside a major city, the Ihilani give a sense of isolation. Call 1-800-626-4446. Oahu offers enough different lodgings and spas to accommodate most visitors' desires. White sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, sports, golf, culture, shopping, fine dining, and spas - a vacation can be tailor made in Oahu.

Hawaiian Vacation Package

Everyone knows there's something about an island holiday which is generally unlike any other holiday type. Many have cited many reasons for it. Perhaps it's the clear distinction that can be drawn between your 'normal' live and your break, the closeness with Mother Nature or maybe the clear ocean air. Whatever it is, you can be sure that with a holiday on the beach you will return home feeling relaxed and refreshed.

So with all the choices and options of places to go and to visit, where's the best to go? You will be bedazzled with the range of choices available. There are islands in the Caribbean, the pacific, the Mediterranean, etc. What to do...?

The pacific is a favourite for many, many people. It goes without saying why. The weather is good here and it's within relative easy reach from the US. Among the many locations, Hawaii is arguably on the favourites. Hawaiian vacation packages have given tourists the opportunity to rest and 'find themselves' again for decades now already. So what is the charm of a Hawaiian holiday?

First you should know is that you have more than just one island to choose from. There are eight different islands of which six of them are available to tourists. If you want to visit the capital city, Honolulu, you need to visit the island of Oahu. This is a favourite for many as you will also find here Pearl Harbour. This is where the infamous attack on the US took place by Japan that effectively got the States involved in the Second World War. Nowadays it's a frequently visited historical site as well as being an active Naval operating base. A Definite something to do as part of a Hawaiian vacation package.

Sites and attractions aside, Hawaii is about the white sandy beaches and beautiful waves. If you're a surfer you won't need to be reminded of the fact that the Hawaiian waves are some of the best in the world. Inland you will also find Mother Nature in all its glory. Any good Hawaiian vacation package must include a trip into the rainforests. The wildlife and bird watching opportunities are endless. You may find that it looks very familiar as very well known TV-shows such as Lost has been filmed here.

Whatever you like to do and whatever your preferences are, you'll easily come to realise that Hawaii has a lot of it on offer. So start booking those tickets and prepare to say, 'Aloha'.

Popular Cruise Destinations of the World

Choosing a cruise destination is somehow a confusing process. We can travel across the world through ships and there are thousands of options to visit. All places, be it an island or a posh city, are so beautiful on this Earth that we cannot resist visiting any of the place. A world cruise tour is best of all and lets one see beautiful places & destinations across the globe. But not everybody can afford going on a world tour, it is extremely expensive. To sort out your dilemma of choosing a location, we bring information about most popular cruise destinations of the world so that you can choose the appropriate one for you and your family.

Alaska
Alaska is well known for its splendid nature sceneries. The extreme beauty offered by the icy climate of Alaska make it an absolutely not to be missed cruise destination. The cold climate of Alaska combined with natural beauty adds a charm to the surroundings and mesmerize the visitors.

The Caribbean
If you are a lover of beach areas, Caribbean is the best place to visit. The spellbinding beauty of Caribbean beaches leaves its visitors with wonderful memories. White sand, clear blue water, lots of sunshine and great fun; what else a person needs on a cruise vacation. If you are going very first time on ship, it is advised to choose a Caribbean cruise destination.

European Cruises
For those who are lovers of history and notable monuments, European cruise is the best available option. On this tour, one can visit all major and beautiful European countries & cities including Venice, Italy, Spain, London and even Moscow. The beauty of the historical monuments and elegance depicted by them can be observed very closely on a European Cruise.

Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most popular cruise travel destinations among honeymoon couples and its' because of the extremely beautiful sea shores and black sand of Hawaiian beaches. The food offered by this travel destination is simply fabulous and is among one of the main attractions of the island.

The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean cruises are renowned for the reflection of Greek beauty. The clean and large Greek monuments, crystal-clear blue water and city sceneries are some of the main attractions of The Mediterranean. The best time to visit The Mediterranean is summer months; May to September, when the atmosphere is very refreshing and soothing here.

Antarctica
Antarctica cruises are not easy to afford due to their extreme expensiveness. But this destination gives a chance to see actual beauty of nature through its icebergs and glaciers. The lovely penguins can be seen only here in their habitat, that is, Antarctica. The ships to this place do not operate during March to September.

The Disney
Your kids would definitely love traveling on The Disney cruise. This would not only entertain them, but would also become one of the cherished memories for them. This tour is also recommended for romantic couples, as it gives a lot of chances of having great fun with your partner. So talk to your travel agent now and ask him about your favorite cruise destination.

Hawaiian Clothing For a Tropical Getaway

Destination: Hawaii, sunny days, warm starry nights and the ocean breeze; a world of relaxation.  Images of fires on the beach and palm trees silhouetted by the moon flush through the mind when those islands are mentioned.  There's so much to do between the beaches, luaus and sightseeing.  Still, one question keeps coming to mind; what Hawaiian clothing do I have to wear for those vacation occasions?

Hawaiian Clothes for the Beach

It's going to be warm and the sun is going to be shining.  Without a doubt you're going to catch some rays and spend time in the ocean.  Picking the right outfit is as essential as finding the perfect spot to lie in the sand.  For the men, you can't go wrong with board shorts and a loose cotton t-shirt.  The shorts give color to the already vibrant scenery, making you feel right at home.  Yet, like the shirt, the shorts are breathable and dry easily, so you can take a dip whenever the notion pops into your head.  Ladies, you have a huge assortment of clothing styles to choose from.  A long skirt set screams fashion and gives you a breezy outfit.  Another choice is the traditional, but highly fashionable, sarong.  Wrapping around your waist like a skirt, it's fantastic for sitting on the beach or long walks along the coast.  Don't forget a comfortable pair of flip-flops, out-an-out the best footwear for the seaside.  

The Right Hawaiian Clothing for Sight Seeing

Besides the many beaches in Hawaii there are also mountains and volcanoes to explore.  The right piece of clothing can be the difference between a wonderful trip and a down right bummer.  A sturdy pair of trainers or hiking boots is necessary for these long walks.  There's nothing worse than trying to walk up a trail with an uncomfortable pair of shoes and a blister.  The weather is warm in Hawaii, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pack a pair of jeans or cargo pants.  Bugs do bite and rocks can scratch.  It's best to keep those legs protected.  That being said, it doesn't mean you have to give up looking fashionable.  The right blouse or tropical jacket will make those pictures in your vacation album shout out the fun you had.  And guys, a good long sleeve shirt is a wise choice, just remember to pick a bright color or tropical pattern.

Hawaiian Dresses for a Night on the Town

Hawaii is stock full of activities to do in the evening.  There's fine dining and luaus to attend, sunset cruises and stargazing expeditions.  Whatever choice you make, fine evening wear is tantamount.  A nice pair of chinos or khakis, and a complementing Hawaiian shirt, decorated with an array of floral patterns, is the standard men's wear on the islands.  The shirts say fun while the pants say sophisticated, creating the perfect mixture for an exciting evening.  Ladies, the nights are full of dining and dancing.  There's nothing better to don than a long Hawaiian dress.  If you take a sunset cruise or decide to go stargazing, there's a chance the night might become chilly.  A matching shawl is best thing to fight off the cold and still look stunning in your stunning Hawaiian dress.

Lower Blood Pressure With Hibiscus Tea

The hibiscus is a tropical flower that conjures up images of Hawaiian beaches or Caribbean resorts, and it is popular in island cuisine. The hibiscus tea known as kakade, however, is the national beverage not of a tropical island but of the world's most populous desert nation, Egypt. Islamic medicine has recognized the health properties of hibiscus for centuries, recently confirmed in research around the world.

Researchers at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia have found that the traditional understanding of hibiscus as "detoxifying" is not precisely correct. Their laboratory experiments with animals have found that the herb helps the liver recover after exposure to noxious chemicals and pharmaceutical agents, and the rejuvenated liver is more able to fulfill its detox function.

Although hibiscus is a good source of the trace element copper, Chinese laboratory studies find that chemicals in hibiscus tea prevent copper in the bloodstream from accelerating the conversion of LDL cholesterol into atherogenic forms. Clinical studies at the Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Iran have found that drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea a day for two weeks lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 11 percent in hypertensive men and women over age fifty, with the effect lasting several days after the tea is discontinued (that is, if you don't drink the tea every day, you still get the benefits as long as you resume drinking it within three days). And clinical studies in Thailand have found various beneficial effects of drinking hibiscus teas on kidney health, increasing the excretion of oxalate, one of the chemical building blocks of kidney stones.

Hibiscus blossoms can be used either dried or fresh. Be forewarned that hibiscus teas (including red zinger tea backs) have a mild laxative effect, and that they also increase frequency and volume of urination. The cuisine of the American Southwest uses hibiscus in salsas and sauces; they are a tangy companion to beef or pork or a tart contrasting flavor for fruit, especially apricots.