Green Travel Tips

The planet isn't getting any cooler or less crowded. Travelers should be mindful of this simple fact, as we contribute to pollution, climate change, and other negative environmental impacts in our every day lives. Consider the amount of gasoline required just to take a weekend road trip, now imagine how much fuel is used if you want to fly around the world. You don't have to give up travel to be eco-conscious. Not everyone can afford to buy organic or purchase expensive eco-gear. However it is becoming easier to care about the environment, because the eco-travel industry has taken off during the last few years. Here are a few suggestions for painlessly lowering your carbon footprint while traveling:

1) Bring your own water bottle. It is a waste of money and landfill space to purchase bottled water. In some places in Latin America it can be unsafe to fill up your water bottle with tap water, but you can easily boil water, bring your own filter, or use iodine tablets.

2) Walk, bike, or use public transportation. Use your legs as transportation. It is not only better for the planet, but better for you too. The more exercise you get, the more delicious local food you can enjoy. When taking pricey cabs, travelers often miss the fascinating little things about a destination. Walking will allow you to take in your surroundings fully. Public transportation such as buses may bring you closer to locals as well.

3) Pick up your trash, and pick up the trash of others while you're at it. Discarded bottles, plastic bags, and other trash can hurt delicate ecosystems, which ultimately affects human health. Make a point of cleaning up after yourself, and while on a hike or a stroll along the beach pick up a few items of other people's trash. Preserve the natural beauty of your travel destination and you will feel better about yourself and the planet.

4) Select your souvenirs wisely. Ivory, sea turtle shells, rhinoceros horn, and some other animal and plant products should be avoided. Just because items made from wildlife are sold in other countries does not mean that it is okay to bring them home. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora seeks to protect the world's most precious plants and animals. Many times such items are confiscated at the airport.

5) Conserve. This goes for electricity, water, and other precious resources. While staying in hotels it is just as important to turn off the light, heat, A/C, or ceiling fan, even though you're not paying for utilities directly. Keep in mind that devices and appliances continue to draw electricity even when not in use, so unplug them before you leave. Take shorter showers and be mindful to turn off the tap when you don't need it.  Henri Arnault 

Reasons to Take a Vacation

When was the last time you had a vacation? Has it been so long ago that you can't even remember?

Many of us view vacations as needless or superfluous; we say 'it must be nice' to those we see who are getting away. But, inside we're a little jealous and wish we could do the same.

We tell ourselves we can't afford to take the time or spend the money right now. Or, we tell ourselves that we'll have time later in life, once we're retired.

If you own your own business or love your work, it may be even more difficult to get away; you might have zero income when you're not working. Or, you may be telling yourself that your work is your life; though you thoroughly enjoy it, a break can still do you good.

An essential component of living a balanced life, a life in which you feel whole, complete, and have a deep sense of well-being, includes making time for fun and leisure. Making time for this is just as important as eating right is to your health or as having control of your money and spending are to your finances.

If your lifestyle currently doesn't include making time to get away, it's probably because you don't have it high on your priority list; you may not realize how important it is to your peace of mind and well-being. Here are five reasons to take a vacation and put it higher on your list of priorities:

1. It adds variety to your life. It's human nature to repeat daily routines, and repeated routines become 'ruts'. A change in your environment is an easy way to mix up your routines. Variety is like a breath of fresh air; it refreshes.
2. It allows your creativity to surface. Ruts aren't conducive to creativity.
3. It helps you gain perspective. When you are immersed in something, it's difficult to be objective about it. Getting away will help you see parts of your life in a new light. Having a new perspective is important; it will help you assess whether your actions are aligned with what you really want out of life.
4. It helps you dial down a notch or two on your stress levels. If you tend to live a fast-paced life, use caffeine to keep you going, when one project ends you take on two more, you probably don't even realize how stressed you are. You know you need to wind down a bit when the thought of slowing down stresses you!
5. It frees up time and energy, which could then be invested into your own self-care and into important relationships in your life.

 We all make time for those activities we believe to be important and we spend money in alignment with what we value. I challenge you to look at how you spend these two valuable commodities (time & money).  Levya Braman

4 Top Places for South African Safari Holidays

South Africa offers you many different opportunities for safari holidays. There are many reserves and national parks which allow you the chance to explore the famous African landscape and come into close contact (or as close as is safe) with wildlife in their natural surroundings. With so many from which to choose, it can be confusing and even overwhelming. If you have only a short time to visit, you might want to consider the following suggestions.

Addo Elephant National Park

Some say Addo boasts not the Big Five but the Big Seven. It has, in other words, the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, whale and great white shark. This makes Addo both a land and marine adventure playground for those on safari holidays. However, Addo is best known for boasting the largest population of elephants in the world. If you can't see an elephant here, you won't see one anywhere else in South Africa!

Hluhuwe-Imfolozo Game Reserve

Located in KwaZulu Natal, Hluhuwe-Imfolozo is almost unspoilt wilderness, with rolling hills as well as acacia woodland and subtropical forest. This is the park to visit if you want to see rhino on your safari holidays. In fact, the park is home to both white and black rhino and is part of a famed program of rhino conservation.

Other wildlife roams freely around the park. A haven for the Big Five, Hluhuwe-Imfolozo provides you with rare sightings of wildlife in the misty forests and grass-covered hills. The park provides shelter for the rarely seen nyala antelope and the bataleur eagle. Fast flowing rivers cut down on hippo sightings, but you can see giraffes, zebra, wild dogs, spotted hyena and blue wildebeest.

Kruger National Park

By far the most popular park in South Africa, Kruger provides the best game viewing for those on safari holidays. The park has more than 507 species of birds, 147 mammal, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and an incredible amount of plant varieties. Take a guided tour to view the kudu (large antelope), sable antelope, giraffes and the endangered roan antelope, as well as zebra herds and, of course, the Big Five - elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo and lion.

Pilansberg National Park

Pilansberg is known for its copious amounts of birds. These include the world's heaviest flying bird - the Kori bustard. You can also see ostriches, secretary birds, golden and red bishops, weavers and widows. Yet, Pilansberg is much more than a bird sanctuary. It offers visitors on safari holidays one of the best chances to view both rhinos and elephants. While hippos splash in the waters of the Mankwe Dam, leopards are abundant and lions have been growing in numbers since 1994. If you want to see the black rhino, however, you may need to go on a night game ride - very popular at this park. On a guided night drive, you can see many different species including spotted eagle owls, genets, Jameson's red rocket rabbits and the lesser bushbaby. You may even catch sight of the largest rodent in Africa - the Cape porcupine.  Rachel Hill

Tips to Plan A Perfect Brazil Vacation

Planning a trip can be sometimes cumbersome as there are so many aspects to consider in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly during your vacation. You need to be well prepared to avoid any surprises as when the time comes to travel around the world, you surely do not want to find yourself with an expired passport, non-refundable flight, or a cancelled hotel reservation.

Brazil is an immense and wonderful country with lots to offer the traveler. Whether you are looking culture, history, beach scene or pristine nature, Brazil has it. The one minor problem is that you probably do not speak Portuguese, which can sometimes make things a bit more complicated while traveling. But don't worry, there's always a way to make things happen the right way. And this starts with planning your trip as best as you can before you actually board the plane and fly out to Rio de Janiero for your exciting Brazil vacation.

One of the first things you need to take care of to plan your trip to Brazil is to make sure you fulfill the visa requirements. You need a passport valid until 6 months after you enter the country. If you are a national of the United States, Canada or Australia, you will also need to pay a reciprocity fee to enter the country.

The money question is also an important one in planning your trip. Before you leave, make sure you let your bank know where you are going so they will not block your credit card thinking some kind of fraud happened. Debit and credit cards are the most convenient ways to pay and withdraw money in the country as you will easily find ATMs wherever you go. Make sure you know how much your bank or the ATM charges you to withdraw money internationally, and avoid bad surprises.

The currency used in Brazil is the Real (R$), with US$1 worth about R$1.56. The exchange rate can fluctuate but has been relatively stable in the past years. With the strengthening of the Real in recent years, Brazil has become an expensive travel destination, with the highest prices found in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Make sure you take this into account while deciding on your travel budget.

As you travel across the country, you might want to stay in touch with your loved ones who stayed at home, or be able to communicate within the country, for example to confirm hotel reservations and such. You can use your own cell phone if you have an international plan but be aware that prices are high. It is very difficult to buy a local SIM to use in your cell phone as you need a Brazilian social security number, but you can rent one for a specific period. Internet is widely spread across the country and you will have access in most hotels as well as in internet cafés found around most cities.  Hortense Soulier

Vacationing In The New Singapore

When you go on vacation part of the thrill is seeing things that you don't see in your everyday life. To those ends, you should consider booking a vacation package to Singapore. It is a world away from what you see all the time and you will be pleasantly surprised at what you will find there.

Most people do not have an accurate mental image of Singapore. They have visions of the colonial days or possible of an over-crowded urban city but that is simple not the case. This city-state has become a jewel in the Pacific crown and is a center for growth and development. It is a perfect place for tourist.

Singapore is a 24 hour city that never sleeps so it won't matter which package you book, you will find the type of vacation you want. You might want to just relax at one of the many resorts and enjoy their spas and other amenities. If you have kids you might want to take them to the Universal Studios there. It has over 20 themed rides and most of them can only be found at this location. Your kids will return to school the envy of their peers.

There are plenty of things that are free to enjoy there as well. You have to make time to see the Lake of Dreams while you are there. It is centrally located and features a water show powered by two huge canes. The whole thing is set to lights, music, and fireworks. It is a joy for all ages.

Voyage De la Vie is another attraction you will want to make time for. It features some of the top circus performers in the world working with elaborate costumes and enticing music that brings the whole show together.

If you want to stay active on your trip them head right outside the city to Bedok Reservoir Park. There you will spend the day in the jungle trees sliding on zip lines and climbing ladders. They also have a special area that is reserved for the youngest tourist and the whole facility is kept up to western safety standards.

When you are done there it will be time to head back to the city and get cleaned up. Its time for the night life of a world class city. There are hot discos that are alive with the fashions that won't hit the US for another season or two. Singapore is a stylish as Paris or Milan.

When you a looking to book a vacation package you should keep Singapore in mind. It is a world class city that will give you memories that will bring you a lifetime of smiles.  Thaddeus McCleskey

Water Parks for Summer Fun

As spring gives way to summer, families start thinking of staying cool in the heat. The obvious places to go are the beach and the pool, but when those start to bore the kids, plan a trip to the water park.

Many modern water amusement parks combine the best elements of theme parks and a day at the beach. Water slides are no longer the 15 second, stick-and-go ride with a piece of Styrofoam from yesteryear. These new parks continuously find new and innovative designs to draw visitors. The largest single-person drop slide, for example, plunges 120 feet. Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Texas has perfected the uphill ride, and Six Flags White Water in Atlanta is famous for its thrilling "Tornado".

As visitors expect more, the parks deliver. Many of them encompass 20 acres or more, with the largest in the United States spanning 70 acres. Besides coasters and slides, they now include kiddie pools and playgrounds, lazy rivers to float down, surf machines and wave pools.

And water-themed parks are no longer limited to day trips. Entire resorts have sprung up around the splish-splash fun. Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari Resorts are two such places. Each company now runs several themed water resorts, as does the wet summer fun icon, Six Flags. Indoor water resorts, such as those in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, enable visitors to enjoy balmy weather and wet fun year-round, even when it's snowing outside.

Of course, water parks are not just found in the United States. One of the largest in the world is housed in an old airship hangar in Germany. Spain and Britain are home to numerous such parks. Malaysia has a Aqualand, Cancun is home to a Wet 'N Wild, and in Dubai three such water playgrounds exist.

Municipalities are also getting in on the fun. Though the city's wet park may not be as large or exciting as Wet 'N Wild, it still makes for a fun day, especially for toddlers and younger children. Often called splashparks or spraygrounds, these parks feature fountains, jumping water, small slides and buckets that tip on unsuspecting children when they fill up.

So what does all this water fun mean for you? There's bound to be a water park near you for your summer, or winter, enjoyment. So pack the suits, towels and sunscreen and head out for a day at the park... the water park, that is.  Marisol Dayton

London: Peculiarities and Hidden Treasures

London attracts nearly 14 million foreign tourists, annually. The city imprints its mark on each visitor, who leaves this place with a distinctly British flair. Maybe, it is the aurora of the British Empire that never seems to fade away, which somehow keeps on imposing its unique character. When in London, many visitors feel that the rules have changed, suddenly. Actually, it is just that English do things differently.

Peculiar

Things are different when peculiar exhibits make the list of top 10 attractions. For example, Madame Tussaud, Ripley's Believe It or Not, London Dungeon and Dr. Who Experience offer extraordinary display. Perhaps, it is the only city in the world where people enjoy the Double Decker Bus and Black Taxi rides as much as they enjoy the actual sightseeing tour. Where else would you get a free entry to the most famous places on the planet? Entry to such famous landmarks as British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery and Tate Museum does not require any fee. Just in the middle of London and steps away from the Royal Palace, you can actually relish the true notion of free speech, without any repercussions, in the Speakers Corner of the Hyde Park. Strangely, the police become deaf to whatever you say, unless someone complains of profanity.

Hidden Gems

If you haven't heard celebrities shopping for bargain clothing then try Primark or Topshop. Topshop flagship store at Oxford Circus offers huge range of cheap clothes that are also popular among the rich & famous. Kate Moss has become a devoted fan by designing her own range for the store. In contrast, Primark attracts young customers who crave for designer inspired pieces just week after the debut on London's famous catwalks. If you have some money to spare, don't ever miss out on the tea evening at Hotel Ritz or the Savoy. Even after five different tea sessions, the tea evenings at the Ritz have become so popular that you will need to reserve a month in advance. Likewise, the Thames Foyer at Savoy offers yet another elegant tea affair accompanied by award-winning music on white pianos.

Perhaps, the hidden gems of London are its dinner and show packages. These packages offer great discounts on a combination of world-class theatre performance and culinary experience. What make these packages special are the ultimate bargain prices that are often less than half the price of such packages in other major cities. No city is more famous for its city walks than London. Join the famous Jack the Ripper walk or delve into the thematic surroundings of the Beatles. Whatever you do, just remember that London is truly different and the English certainly do things little differently.  Martin Luck Webb

Romance in Rome

Whether you're looking for love in a plate of spaghetti, a glass of red wine or the enchanting views of the Eternal City, here's a hand-picked selection of places which would make any heart flutter.

1. Passion. Inspired by Stendhal's novel, 16 Rosso is the place for romance near Piazza Vescovio. It's small but perfectly proportioned with its scarlet walls embracing you as you enter. Luxury lies in the details: black floors and napkins contrasted by china white plates, and all surrounded by design objects. Some say it reminds them of New York, others say French bistro. Perhaps it's the artwork of Avedon, Bert Stern, Mappletorpe or Man Ray lining the walls which evoke such feelings, or perhaps the soft jazz permeating through the restaurant. Via Stimigliano 16, ROMA Telephone 0686211816

2. Seduction. The sumptuos Hotel Relais Castello Della Castelluccia is offering lovers an exclusive package for €265.00 per person which offers: 2 nights in a deluxe room with buffet breakfast, a welcome champagne cocktail, fresh fruit upon arrival, a romantic candlelit dinner for two (excluding drinks), a bottle of Pommery Champagne and free entry to the spa center. Call Tel 06 30207041 for info and reservations.

3. Trust. Nothing solves a little lover's spat than humour. Go to the Bocca della Verità (mouth of truth) and face the evil stone face with a wide open mouth. Legend says that if you place your hand inside the mouth and lie to a question that's been asked, it will bite your hand off! Lover beware! This mouth has been known to break up and make up couples.

4. Communication. Make the person you long for think you're not just after what's hiding under the clothes. Walk in the Monti neighbourhood and stroll on quiet via Urbania 'till you reach a small, independent movie club called Detour - 25 red velvet chairs and a small screen showing black & white Japanese silent movies with a live band making all the sounds. Try blowing into a flute and making it sound like rice fields bending in the wind.

5. Complicity. A trip to Rome would not be complete without admiring the Trevi Fountain. Look your better half in the eyes, turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin into the water while you wish for.. anything your beating heart desires!

Nothing says romance better than a tour of artwork and masterpieces by artists inspired by their muses. Intrigue, lust, and rivalries in art unveil timeless works which still stand in modern Rome today. Listen to poems written by Caravaggio, Raphael and Bramante while they created Art.  Chiara Moriconi

Peru Travel: 3 Reasons to Visit Peru in 2011

Are you trying to plan your next vacation but don't know yet where you want to go? Latin America is easily accessible, relatively cheap, and home to extraordinary countries filled with history, amazing culture and congenial people. But where to go? Unless you actually plan on traveling for months at a time, there is no way you'll be able to see it all in one trip, so you have to pick a specific destination to start your explorations in South America. Read this guide and learn 3 reasons to choose to travel to Peru in the next months.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or this is your first trip abroad, you should always be concerned about airport security and facilities as you travel. It may not seem like a priority, but you may end up staying for a while in airports as you travel around. Layovers and delays are always part of a trip. Well you need not worry about Peru's international airport in Lima, which has recently been declared the best in South America for the third consecutive year by Skytrax Research at the 2011 World Airport Awards held in Copenhagen. The Jorge Chavez airport is the gateway to Peru and is indeed very efficient, easy to navigate, with friendly services and plenty of opportunities for shopping and eating to keep you entertained as you wait for your next flight.

April is a particularly interesting month to be traveling in Peru, as the celebrations of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Easter generally overtake the entire country and are truly a sight to behold. Make sure to make your reservations in advance as this time of year is generally busy. However, you are guaranteed to get a unique experience and real insights into the Peruvian culture. Processions, fairs, and other festivities characterize this period. Make sure to be in Peru on April 28th-30th to attend the 12th Peru Gift Show, an international handmade gift and home accessories held yearly, which includes hundreds of companies from Peru and abroad.

This year, Peru is celebrating the centennial of the re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is the perfect time to visit this newly appointed World Wonder and catch a glimpse of the Incas' extraordinary might and technological skills. Even the world-recognized magazine National Geographic invites you to explore the citadel, which is featured on the cover of its April issue.  Hortense Soulier

Poland - Travel Guide

Poland, a small country situated in the serene location of Central Europe, is one of the top tourist destinations of the world. Every year travelers and adventurers from all around the world, visit this amazing country to make their holidays special. Poland has so much to offer to every one that one can never get bored here. The enchanting charm of this country will surely inspire you to come here again and again.

History:

The rich history of Poland has many facets. This country has seen many kings and their rule. Piast, Jagiellon, Salvs also these dynasties rules the country in their respective periods. With the changing time the monarchy also changed here. During world wars it was also attacked by the Nazi Germany and Soviet Union forces. Finally in 1989 the Polish government here changed from Communism to Capitalism.

Weather:

The climate of Poland varies according to different seasons. In winters its very cold in here, even all the lakes froze in winters. During spring the wonderful colors of blooming flowers will surely mesmerize you with its charm. Even the summers here are not so hot and offer a very relaxing break to the visitors.

Best time to visit:

May-September are the best months to visit this awesome country. If you winters and snow come here between November-March.

Top attractions:

Poland is one country that has always fascinated the travelers with its irresistible aura. Whether you are an adventurer, a wildlife lover or nature lover you will find several travel destinations here that will cast their magic on you. Bieszczady mountains, Danzig, Czestochowa, Cracow, Malbrok, Masurian lake, Jefferson memorial forest, Nietoperek Bat reserve are some of the most visited travel places of Poland. Apart from this it is also a paradise for the shoppers. You can buy many awesome souvenirs from the local markets as it shares its borders with Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Slovakia, Germany and Czech Republic you will find a wide variety of gifting options from here.

Culture:

One can say that the rich cultural heritage of Poland is a major factor that attracts the tourist to this place. It is like a long bridge that connects the ancient traditional values to the modern ethics that has also given the uniqueness to the country. You can experience its culture in Poland's cuisines, music, costumes, festivals, literature, buildings etc. Once you will come here, you can surely can not escape its magic.  Manisha Chopra

Best Museums in New York: New Museum of Contemporary Art

Like the Whitney Museum, the New Museum of Contemporary Art is dedicated to innovation and newness in art. Unlike the Whitney, however, the New Museum expresses that dedication by focusing specifically on contemporary art rather than on the notion of "avant-garde." If you're interested in catching the work of emerging artists working on fascinating new projects the New Museum might be your ideal location to visit.

Housed in a new building, which according to the architects was designed to make the shape of the interior transparent, this New York Museum has been noted by visitors and critics for the quality of light inside due to windows in unusual locations. This museum was founded in 1977, when it was the only museum of all on the New York museums list to focus on contemporary art. Over the past few years in existence at its location in the hip, artistic neighborhood of the Bowery, the New Museum New York has begun the careers of artists from countries all over the world.

Located at the heart of the Bowery, the New Museum New York is situated among a number of small galleries, museums, art house cafes and little stores in this (admittedly gentrifying) creative neighborhood. Even if it may not be affordable for most to live in any more, the Bowery nevertheless is home to a variety of fascinating locales. From the haunted Merchant House Museum to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum just around the corner, and other interesting neighborhoods in the area, visitors to this area are sure to find something interesting to do before and after their museum visit. Additionally, shopping at nearby South Broadway in SoHo provides a fun opportunity to get away from the contemporary art scene and into the contemporary fashion world. Trains to the New Museum are numerous, but the best one to take would be the J into the Bowery stop. However, other train stops near the New Museum are at Prince St., 2nd Ave - Lower East Side, Broadway-Lafayette, Grand St and Spring Street-Lexington. The lines serving these stops are the B, D, F, M, N, R, 4 and 6, so there are plenty of options for train travel to this New York museum.

As for the works of art you can see at the New Museum, the museum has hosted wonderful exhibits of contemporary art from all over the world. In the past 5 years the New Museum has exhibited art from more than countries from all corners of the earth. The wide variety make it a good chance that there is at least something that you'll like here. If you are a fan of modern or conceptual art, you are to find the New Museum to be a worthwhile experience. The radical sculptures, paintings, and mixed media work showcased here is sure to be interesting and informative.

Because it is solely focused on showing contemporary artists, the New Museum New York is unlike many New York museums in that it doesn't have a permanent collection. It is, like its seven-story architecture would suggest, simply a luminous space for the always changing pieces of art created by artists working today. At any given time, thousands of these works may inhabit the space of the New Museum. Because the galleries and exhibitions are always in flux, the New Museum is unlike any other museums in New York City in that you can always come back to see what's new.

We encourage visitors of the New Museum of Contemporary Art to share their reviews, photos and videos of the museum with the broader NYC Museums community. The New Museum, more than any other on our New York museums list, is designed to spark conversation. So respond, then post your response at NYC Museums! We welcome any thoughts and feelings you might have toward a particular exhibit. Everything you share on NYC Museums helps our community enjoy the arts and culture of New York City, so share your content and help us add to the NYC Museums community.  Wayland Myers

Hawaii Islands and Hawaii Hotels

Beautiful white sand beaches and cold, clear, blue waters, only one summer destination comes to mind -Hawaii! One way to truly enjoy the beautiful of Hawaii is to go island hopping. As a matter of fact, one out of three Hawaiian tourists visits at least two or more islands during their whole vacation. But before you start packing your bags, here's a bit of information about the 6 Hawaii islands.

If you are looking for beach resorts and all sorts of fun activities, then Maui Island or the Valley Isle, the second largest Hawaii island, has got it all for you. Here get to enjoy watching the beautiful sunsets; eat delicious food; shop till you drop in a multitude of stores and art galleries; enjoy swimming in less crowded beaches; go diving or snorkelling and stay in luxurious resorts and hotels like the following: 5-star hotel 'Four Seasons Resort Maui'in Wailea, 'Honua Kai Resort & Spa' and 'Kaanapali Alii' in Lahaina, 'Maui Coast Hotel' in Kihei and 'Hana Kai Maui' in Hana.

Next is the island of Oahu. Here you can find the famous Honolulu and Waikiki beach and the infamous Pearl Harbor. Shopping, dining and partying are some of what you can do here. You can also go sight-seeing to famous tourist attractions which includes the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Sea Life Park. Aside from that you can also try snorkelling in the crystal-waters of Hanauma Bay; explore the world of the ocean through submarine dive or maybe set sail and dine on a cruise. When staying in Oahu, you can check out the following hotels: 'Aqua Bamboo & Spa', 'The Kahala Hotel and Resort' and 'Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort' all located in Honolulu, 'Turtle Bay Resort' in north shore Oahu and 'JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa' in Kapolei.

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauaiis the fourth largest and oldest Hawaii island. This island is filled with luscious greens, unique tropical flowers, hidden waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This island is also considered as the most romantic island and the "wettest spot on earth" with all its cascading waterfalls. When staying in Kauai, you can check out the following hotels: 'Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas'and 'Hanalei Bay Resort' in Princeville, 'Kauai Beach Resort and Aqua Boutique' in Lihue, 'Aston Islander on the Beach' in Kapaa and the 'Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa' in Poipu.

If however you enjoy having your own privacy, then staying in Lanai Island suits you best. They say that lodging here is like staying at your very own private island. This island offers its tourist with a combination of adventure with its diving spots of shipwrecks stuck on corals and elegance with pristine resorts, high-class dining, golf, and several unique spa services. When staying in Lanai, you can check out the following hotels: 'Hotel Lanai and Lanai City Grille' in Lanai City, 'Four Seasons Resort Lana'i' at Manele Bay and 'Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, The Lodge' at Koele

Molokai Island or the Hidden Isle, is the "most Hawaiian Island" among all the other islands because most of its residents are of Hawaiian decent. This island is considered the least place for tourists due to its old lifestyle; streets without lights and a few cars and no fast food restaurants. In this island you will the longest white sand beaches, ancient fish ponds, and lush verdant valleys perfect for outdoor adventures. When staying in Molokai, you can check out the following hotels: 'Sheraton Molokai Lodge Beach Village' and 'Molokai Komohana' in Maunaloa, 'Molokai Hilltop Cottage & West End Studio', 'Aqua Hotel Molokai' and 'Ka Hale Mala' in Kaunakakai.

Last stop is the Big Island. Yep, as the name suggests, this is the biggest among the other Hawaii Islands. This island is home to Mount Kilauea, the most active volcano in the world and this island is famous for its black, green and red sand beaches. Other activities that you can do here includes golf; scuba diving with the Manta Rays; mountain biking and hiking. When staying in the Big Island, you can check out the following hotels: 'Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows', 'Keauhou Kona Surf And Racquet Club Resort' and 'Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort' in Kailua-Kona, 'Kalani Oceanside Retreat' in Pahoa and 'Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel' in Hilo.

So that's it. Now you have an idea on what you can do on each island and where to stay in case you have chosen to go island hopping. There are a lot of Hawaii Hotels ready to accommodate you and your family and no matter what package you choose, the islands of Hawaii will surely make your stay enjoyable and unforgettable.  Joanna Alcachupas