Mindful Meanderings

The Whole Dam Thing

2012-03-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

There are many reasons I can think of that might entice you to go on a cruise. Maybe you would like to see a new part of the world, or revisit somewhere you once enjoyed. Maybe you like sitting back and relaxing while beautiful scenery floats by. Maybe you enjoy the atmosphere of fine dining and entertainment.

Whatever your reasons, they can all be fulfilled by Holland America, who have taken a long history of cruising (137 years, to be exact) and refined it into an art form. It is an excellent option for those who are looking for a bit of luxury without the price tag. It is also a fantastic alternative for that once-in-a-lifetime family vacation.

A cruise is the ultimate vacation. Not only do you get to lounge by the pool in beautiful surroundings, but the surroundings are brought to you. You will never once have to unpack and repack your belongings to go see another locale; you will simply arrive at your destination and disembark, if you feel so inclined. At the end of the day you can pack up, head back to your stateroom, and rest in the lap of luxury until you arrive at your next destination.

There are many destinations to choose from. Holland America has a wide variety of destinations and durations sure to please. Choose from Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe or Australia/New Zealand. Any of these itineraries are sure to please. Alaska is a particular favourite in the summer – see the frontier towns, take a look at some wholesale jewellery, or stand in awe as an iceberg calves directly in front of you. Another example is Australia; take a look at the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pacific islands, see the Great Barrier Reef, explore Sydney and Melbourne, and experience for yourself the gardens and waterfalls of Tasmania.

The staterooms are luxuriously appointed, designed with your relaxation in mind. Every room comes with full service, premium linens, and in-room dining.

The dining, of course, always deserves a paragraph of its own. From a casual bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in the classic main Dining Room, the crew of Holland America Line will orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience. Holland America calls their system “As You Wish” dining, which is designed to accommodate your every whim with regard to venue or style. Special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, diabetic or gluten-free meals, are easily accommodated.

There will never be a lack of things to do onboard Holland America. Aside from the meals, which are pure entertainment in themselves, there are movie showings, nightly shows, and several themed lounges, such as a piano bar, and the crow’s nest, which is located at the very top of the ship with a panoramic view. In addition, there are any number of other activities and amenities such as youth programs, a fitness centre, spa & salon, internet cafe, and onboard shopping.

All in all, Holland America is a Dam good thing.

Silversea - Unparallelled Luxury

2012-01-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

Many of us dream of getting away on that all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacation, but few of us actually believe that we can afford it. If you thought that you could not afford a luxury cruise – think again. Silversea is an exceptional cruise line offering exceptional value. These days travel companies are vying hard for your business, and Silversea is no exception.

The crew to guest ratio on these luxury cruises are nearly one to one, and all the staff is geared toward creating the perfect holiday for you. Every aspect of your trip is personalized, every need you may have looked after. The best news about this is that often the final cost of a five star cruise such as you may find on cruise lines such as Holland America or Celebrity may be comparable to the cost of a six star Silversea cruise. How can this be?

On a five star cruise there is a long list of items that are not included in the sticker price of your vacation. At the top of that list are soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Transportation into town is extra, fitness classes are extra, room service is extra. With Silversea, your preferred selection of wines, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks are delivered by your butler and replenished upon request. This service is included. Fitness classes are included, as are gratuities. Included also is personalized stationery in every room, a gesture that is unique and timeless.

A feature that is often greatly appreciated is the anytime dining. Typically on any all-inclusive vacation, you are tied down to a dinner hour that is set in stone. Not so on Silversea; anytime dining means exactly that. You can dine with whom you want, when you want in the restaurant or course-by-course in the comfort of your own suite and you can order room service anytime. Because there is almost a one to one ratio of staff, not only will they be able to accommodate you, but they will also be able to address you by name and provide your preferred drinks or snacks without prompting.

Another good reason to take a look at Silversea is the unparalleled sense of personalization and luxury. All of the suites are Ocean-View, and 80 - 90% of them have private verandas. Silversea has flexible and fascinating itineraries, and features a variety of celebrity guests on board, such as John Cleese, Dan Rather, or other internationally renowned people.

Silversea’s intimate setting demands smaller ships, allowing them more flexibility with their itineraries. They are able to access places the larger ships cannot. A good example of this is Mauritius. The unique itineraries and the ability to sail for whatever length of time you can manage means that there are a wide range of people on board. There are friendships to be made and new places to explore.

In view of these many positives, next time you are looking for a cruise, why not consider Silversea? Its unparalleled hospitality and excellent pricing make Silversea where ultimate luxury meets incredible value.

Group Tours: Low-Risk Travel

2012-01-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

Valentino Castle, Torino, Italy

There are many travel opportunities right now. Many reasons centre on the low Euro and Great Britain Pound and the relativley high Canadian Dollar. In addition, travel suppliers and destinations are offering excellent value; from free flights to half price tours to on-board credits for cruises. This IS the time to take that journey, experience new cultures and taste culinary delights.

Not everyone feels comfortable travelling on his or her own. A group excursion requires a minimum of planning and a maximum of experience organized by people who know how to make the most of travel. It is a low-risk travel solution that has a high probability of success. Groups go anywhere from the Great Wall of China, the outback of Australia, the 24-hour sun of Scandinavia to the markets of Asia Minor.

So what do you need to consider? Your travel agent will have information on specific tour companies and what they offer. Try starting with the Five-W basics.

Who?

What kind of company is the tour operator and who will lead the tour? Tour companies have varying reputations when it comes to the product and service they supply. Be discerning and do some research into the company with which you want to travel.

Check with your travel agent, the better business bureau, and friends who have previously taken these tours to ensure the company delivers what it promises. You’ll want to know that the person designated to lead the tour is truly qualified to guide and lecture on the themes of the trip.

What?

What are you actually buying in your tour package? Most include air, hotel, transfers, some meals and some admission prices. Tour companies make their money on volume deals with the hotels and other suppliers they use in your chosen destination so there should be some cost savings associated with group travel. Assess whether you are going to get value for money for the trip.

Where?

Your preferred destination will dictate which company you will travel with. If you want to tour ancient civilizations, you will likely travel with a different company than if you want to do an adventure tour in Costa Rica. Remember, too, that there is little flexibility to change your mind on group tours. The schedule is pretty much set, so pick the destination that will hold your interest for the duration of the trip.

When?

Timing is necessary to good planning. Ski trips (unless you’re heading to South America) take place during the northern hemisphere’s winter months. European summer tours have to battle overcrowding. Garden tours start in the spring. Southeast Asia gets monsoons from November through April, depending on where you are relative to the equator.

Why?

Be certain a group tour is really what you want. The advantage is you’ll meet new friends and be able to concentrate on your experience rather than the travel details. Group tours, with the right questions answered, can provide the ideal travel options for many travellers.

Sandals: A Perfect Fit!

2012-01-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

Deluxe Beachfront Concierge Suite: Sandals Whitehouse, Jamaica

As we move into the bitter cold of winter, many of us are beginning to plan for that much-needed mid-winter vacation. An excellent option for banning those mid-winter blues is the classic Sandals Resorts, because everyone deserves to be spoiled! Well known for being a high-end all-inclusive, Sandals has now upgraded their brand to reflect the tagline “luxury included”. Sandals is much more than a destination for your wedding (although it is a fabulous one!), it is also a great place to get away and relax on a completely new all-butler property, a perfect place for a family vacation, or an incredible all-inclusive destination for divers.

The all-inclusive model makes it excellent value for your dollar. You get more value with Sandals than you do with almost any other all-inclusive. Some larger hotels have only two or three restaurants even though they might have 700 rooms, but with Sandals you will always have enough premium restaurants to accommodate all of the guests at any given time. There will never be any need to search off the property for dining options. In addition, all of your incidentals are already taken care of. It makes a big difference not having to tip your waiter, pay for premium drinks or arrange airport transfers.

Sandals is also the recipient of many prestigious awards. A few examples of these are: Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for 16 years in a row, World’s Leading All-Inclusive for 14 years, World’s Leading Family Resort for Beaches for12 years, and the Green Globe Award for environmental stewardship.

For those looking for unparalleled luxury, Sandals has two new all-butler resorts; the Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, an intimate 74-suite property and Emerald Bay in Great Exuma Bahamas, an exclusive 183-room property. These resorts have been completely refurbished, and feature such things as private candlelit dinners for two on the beach, all motorized sports included, and a-la-carte dining.

Those looking for a great destination for their wedding need look no further. Although Sandals already had a great reputation in the destination wedding industry, they have now teamed up with Martha Stewart to create a memorable wedding day.

Beaches is Sandals’ answer to the family vacation. It is the same Sandals luxury and value with the added benefit of family-friendly facilities. Sandals has an agreement with Sesame Street, so your children will be able to play along with Elmo, Bert and Ernie, and Big Bird.

Perhaps one of the most interesting new things about Sandals resorts is their focus on diving. They now have the largest diving operation in the Caribbean. All of their properties now have up to 2 dives a day included for certified divers. All of their equipment is state-of-the-art. There are also beginner programs available for those who are not certified.

With this kind of flexibility and award-winning value, it is easy to see why Sandals could be a perfect cure fit for those escaping Ontario’s cold winters.

10 Tips for Business Travellers

2011-12-16T16:00:00.000-05:00

1. Avoid setting meetings around the holidays
Whether it's March Break, Reading Week, Christmas or Thanksgiving (Canadian and American), avoid having to travel for business around these holidays as airline seats and hotels are at a premium.

2. Avoid travelling when everyone else is
The best airfare deals often happen for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Also look at the time of day you are travelling; a late-night or early-morning departure/arrival might save you some money.

3. Pack light
Packing lightly for your travels can save you money. Many airlines charge fees for overweight bags, oversized bags, and for checking more than the allowed number of bags per passenger.For shorter business trips, try to pack everything you need in your carry-on. Not only will you avoid the possibility of lost luggage, but you won't be spending time waiting around the luggage carousel looking for your bags. Confirm with your airline what exactly you're allowed to bring in your carry-on, as well as to see if a laptop bag counts (it often doesn't.) If it doesn't count as a carry-on then not only can you bring it with you on the plane but you can also bring along another small bag with your personal effects.

4. Keep your airport options open
In large cities, your airfare could depend on which airport you fly out of, or into. If it makes sense, look into nearby airports to see how it affects the cost of your ticket.

5. Reuse unused tickets
While most discounted airfares are non-refundable and non-transferrable, did you know that if you are unable to make your trip you can use the money you paid for your airfare towards another ticket with the same carrier? If available, there is often an administrative fee.

6. Book the smallest car you need
Not only will it cost you less than a mid-sized or full-sized car, but often if your compact isn't ready for you they'll upgrade you for free to a roomier vehicle.

7. Avoid renting a car at the airport
It's often cheaper to rent from an off-site office. Some rental companies will pick you up and drop you off at no charge.

8. Return the car on time
If you return the rental after the scheduled return time, you could get dinged for a whole extra day's fee.

9. Learn how to share
If you're travelling with a colleague, you might consider sharing a room. If not, at minimum you could share a rental car. It's likely not necessary that you will both need one.

10. Get travel insurance
Emergency medical travel insurance is a must-have for all travelling Canadians. Even Canada's Consular Affairs don't mince words when they say on their website "DO NOT leave Canada without supplementary medical insurance." Even for the smallest of accidents, or the most common illnesses, emergency medical travel insurance offers you protection by ensuring you get the attention you need, when you need it while not having to worry about how your emergency treatment will get paid.

The Diversity that is India

2011-12-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

India is an incredibly versatile destination. Whether you are looking for adventure, peace, culinary experiences or awe-inspiring architecture, India is sure to dazzle with its jaw-dropping history and cultural experiences. It has fascinating regional differences that I will attempt to touch on.

The North contains the golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, an unbelievable mix of architecture dating back centuries, bustling markets, beautiful scenery, and, of course, fine dining. This region boasts lush jungles, beautiful Himalayan scenery, and picturesque desert that can be seen from camelback.
The South is a completely different world. The effects of many different European peoples are felt along the coast. There are beautiful beaches and quaint coastal towns, which offer snorkelling and other relaxing pastimes. The architecture and art are fascinating and varied here as well; for example Mamallapuram, close to Chennai, is an open air museum set along a fabulous beach with an array of sculptured edifices, cave temples and bas reliefs.

In the East is Calcutta. The capital of the state of West Bengal, Calcutta has a charm all its own. Imperial edifices, teeming bazaars, clubs and golf courses, museums and elegant hotels and the River Hooghly winding through the city are all part of its fascination. Take a toy train to the magnificent hill station of Darjeeling for an unusual travel experience. From Calcutta you can wander off in the south eastern direction for a break to the spectacular Andaman Islands - 300 odd islands in the Bay of Bengal with their lush rain forests and sparkling beaches.

Finally, in the West you will find Mumbai, a major metropolis and the financial capital of India. The Gateway of India, built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the Delhi Durbar, is a major landmark as also the imposing Taj Mahal Hotel close by. Take a boat ride out to the Elephanta Island to see the marvellous rock cut caves noted for their huge sculpted panels. Other interesting destinations close by include the Kanheri Caves, the beach resorts at Madh Island and Manori and the charming little hill station of Matheran, all within easy reach.

India has made tremendous strides in the past years toward being a tourist-friendly destination, but it is always advisable to follow these tips:

1) Pre-book everything, and make sure any guides, money exchangers and travel agencies are government-approved and carrying the identity cards issued by Indiatourism. This will ensure that the people you deal with will give you accurate information.

2) Keep your valuables in lockers and avoid overt displays of expensive items in public.

3) Shop at fixed-rate shops, do not allow lavish hospitality from strangers and never share taxis with people you don’t know.

That being said, a guided tour is an excellent option if you want to see the highlights without worrying about anything. India is a fascinating, dazzling and wildly varied country, and is well worth a visit.

TravelYour Way

2011-12-12T09:42:00.000-05:00

We all know that travelling on a new adventure can be one of the most enjoyable experiences possible. The opportunity to experience a destination might have been your dream for quite some time. However, it might also have been a challenge to find a tour or company that provided what it was you were seeking. Certainly there might have been large group tours or cruises that hit some of the locations, but not all. The programs available might have been close to what you wanted, but not exactly the way of travelling or the type of experience that would have made you very satisfied.

As travellers have become more sophisticated, it has become very apparent to many larger operators that they needed to address the growing interest in customized or self-directed journeys.

Trafalgar Tours, for example, now has a new program called “At Leisure”. Insight Vacations also has a program called “Select Choices”. Both of these seek to address the independent traveller’s needs. Many other suppliers, such as Holiday House, Royal Irish Tours, Horizon Holidays, and Air Canada Vacations have programs that allow people to be independent without sacrificing quality, safety and guided learning. People now wish to travel on their terms, but also want to come home with the knowledge that they have learned a great deal and can confidently strike the destination’s name off their Bucket List.

The advantage to a customized tour is that your specific area of interest can be addressed. If you want to see a specific area of the world and have a list a places you want to see, then that can be done easily, and at a reasonable cost. If you are a lover of music, why not attract some friends like a group of ours, and go to Paris in the Spring to celebrate the city and the Arts? Or, if you love shopping, why not go to New York with some colleagues and have a wonderful time. If you have dreamt of going to Turkey, you can make a list, check it twice if you wish, and get a tour tailored to not only what you want to see, but in the manner you wish to travel.

The possibilities are endless. You might have a tour where just two of you are taken around by a driver/guide. This can also be combined with group tours that take you to common destinations during your trip. For example, in Turkey, you may have an individual itinerary, but may combine with a group to see Ephesus. You might even combine your adventure with a cruise.

It does take a little longer to put together such an adventure. What is important is that you find a travel agent who also loves arranging individual dream journeys, is well-travelled, listens patiently to your wishes and keeps your budget in mind while organizing. A customized itinerary may be as luxurious or as simple as you wish. The bonus is that you get exactly what you are seeking.

Maui-A Series of Observations - Part Four

2011-12-07T09:26:00.001-05:00

I have chatted about Maui for some time now. As you can tell, I really like the island. Let me spend a few minutes highlighting some more attributes of this destination. I gave you a taste iof what kinds of activities you could enjoy; the basic lay of the land. Let's get more specific!

Regarding activities, there are a host of them.

We went snorkelling. Was it the best we had ever experienced? No. However, we were there in late November, not the best time. As I was told by Captain Buzz, our snorkelling leader, winds do start to increase as you enter November. As a result we were not able to swim around Molokini, a haven for a myriad of sea creatures - too rough! The water was also cool, necessitating a wet suit jacket. Because the weather was rather unsettled, the water was mirky. That being said, our hosts were wonderful. If you are looking for a small group snorkelling experience, this is one I would recommend. Captain Buzz, Beth and Charlene were excellent. Check out http://www.mauicharters.com/ and click on Maui Magic when you get there. This excursion departs from Ma'alea at 7:30 every morning. Regarding when to go, I did ask Captain Buzz what month he preferred. He indicated October. It is not too hot, the winds have not started to increase and there is excellent visibility. I also tried out Snuba, a hybrid of snorkelling and scuba. the advantage is that you are able to swim to a depth of around twelve feet. This allows to to get up close and personal with marine life.

For more water sports, there are kayaking expereinces, sailing, jetskiing and parasailing. There is also surfing and the hybrid, stand-up paddling that employs many of the skills of surfing and the enjoyment of paddling along the coast at a leisurely pace.

If you wish an overview from the air, there are a number of helicopter tours. A fifty-minute to one-hour experience will cost you in the neighbourhood of $205 to $265 USD. A customized experience will cost around $1750 per hour. Check out http://www.airmaui.com/ for more specific information.

What really impressed me was the presence of bicycle lanes. I saw many bicyclists enjoying the landscape as they proceeded around the island. In addition to bicycles, motor scooters and motorcycles were apparent. While in the north I saw a number of Harley Davidson enthusisasts appreciating hills and curves. Check out http://www.alohamotorsports.com/ for more details.

These modes of transportation can be really enjoyed in the areas cal;led Haleakala (House of the Sun), a dormant volcano rising to over 10,000 feet. Inj addition to wonderful views there are hiking trails around the area and down into the caldera. The top of this area is Haleakala National Park and does have a $10 per vehicle charge. In this area, for those of you seeking an adreniline fix, there are ziplining opportunities.

There is a road that does encircle the island. The those of you who love to drive, this is something worthwhile. Be aware there are unpaved sections and portions where there are no guardrails.

I had mentioned golfing as a passtime earlier. There are sixteen golfcourses for duffers such as myself to professional-level on Maui and Lanai.

Whalewatching is also a favoutite pastime. This along with looking for dolphins and turtles are good reasons to set out into the Pacific. Mid-December to May are the optimum times to view your beloved humpback. That does not mean you will not see one.

There are so many activities you might wish to try out; from dinner cruises to eating out to enjoying a luau. There is no shortage of things to do. If you are a history buff, then you will enjoy learning about its royal past and whaling heritage. I would suggest checking out the toursim web page that can be found at http://www.gohawaii.com/maui. This site, other than being beautidful, is filled with valuable information about this lovely island.

Would I return? Absolutely! There is so much that I have not yet experienced. Maybe I will see you there.

For now, Aloha.

Maui - A Series of Observations - Part Three

2011-11-29T12:30:00.001-05:00

Today, let's follow Highway 30 to the east - really south-east toward Ma'alaea. Again, the drice is very nice. The highway is paved, has bicycle lanes and snakes along the coast. Just prior to arriving in Ma'alaea, there is a wonderful scenic overlook at Papawai Point. This is also a great spot for whale watching, especially after December 15, the time the humpbacks arrive.

Ma'alaea Harbor is a lovely village that acts as a port for snorkelling, scuba and other tours. We will chat a bit about that in the next article.

After you pass this village, continue along Highway 30 as it curves northward. When you come to the traffic lights that mark the intersection of Highway 30 and 310, turn right. This highway will take you first past the Kealia Bird Sanctuary. Here you will need to make a decision. If you are in a rush to get to Wailea, then merge left to to new four-lane throughway, Highway 31 that bypasses most of the towns along the coast. While it is a quicker route, you will not have the pleasure of experiencing town life. There are a few traffic lights along the way as well. When you arrive in Wailea, the highway does curve suddenly southwards toward the old Highway 31. This, a more established area, has a number of resorts and golf courses available to you.

The topography in this part of the island is less hilly than along the west coast. It does become more rolling as we proceed southeast. Past Makena, it does become rolling, and the road does get narrower.

We then proceed into Ahihi-Kina'u, a natural underwater preserve. The land in area is quite wild and the beaches undeveloped. You will pass a few areas where snorkellers have parked at the edge of the road in order to take advantage of some pretty good conditions.

The now-narrow track ends at La Perouse Bay. This is a very interesting area, apparently the site of the last lava flow in around 1790. This is also the location where a French expedition put aground in 1788. A fairly rough area, there are a number of very satisfying strolls to be had.

This is also the area that is said to have the best snorkelling in Maui. It is rough getting in, but can also be very rewarding. If the water is rough though, the viewing will not be as spectacular. since this is rocky area, please always travel with a companion and don't go in if the water is rough.

Returning from South Maui can be a most enjoyable ramble. Take your time through Wailea and Kehei. The beaches in this area are sandy and you might be lucky enough to see some outrigger canoes coursing along the coast.

If you follow the old highway along the coast, you will evenutally reconnect with Highway 310 just south and east of Ma'alaea. then it back onto Highway 30 and back to Ka'anapali.

Maui - A Series of Observations - Part Two

2011-11-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

Maui continues to enchant. As mentioned, there appears to be options for most types of travellers. I had made a comment about the climatic regions. Do take another look at the previous article's map. To further illustrate the reasons for such variation, take a look at the picture below.

I stayed on the leeward west side of the island, just north of Lahaina, the original capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii (1820 to 1845). As mentioned in the previous article, there are many resorts found on the west side. Let me take a few minutes now to chat about what there is to do on Maui, other than just enjoy the glorious climate.

I had mentioned driving. Below you will see a roadmap of Maui where you can see the main roads available to you. Since the west is more developed and accessible, it is quite convenient to enjoy a drive, view some excellent scenery and and try out a few beaches.

Leaving from Lahaina along Highway 30 travel west for about ten minutes, where you will come to lovely Ka'apanali Beach. Not only is there good swimming and sunning locations, as you move north, there are snorkelling opportunities. In addition, if you like walking, there is a Beach Walk that is beautifully maintained by a local non-profit organization. It winds for around 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) along the picturesque beach. It also allows you the pleasure of wandering past some very nice resorts; from cottage style to large condominiums. This also an area known for its golfing. You will walk past a few. I shall address this in a subsequent article.

While at Ka'anapali be certain to check out Black Rock, also known as Pu'u Keka'a. Black Rock is the site where ancient Hawaiians believed that their spirits "jumped off" or left this world. It was believed that a spirit left this world to join it ancestors. If there were no ancestors to greet the spirit, it would wander the earth causing mischief. In addition, there is good snorkelling to be had in this area.

Further along the highway, you will find D.T. Fleming Beach Park, near the town of Kapalua where you find changerooms and washrooms, along with lifeguards. Be careful here as there can be a strong riptide. As a result you will find a combination of swimmers and surfers, depending upon the water conditions. I must say though that this is a great spot if you wish to crash about in the waves. If watching others take such risks is your thing, this quite a nice sandy beach on which to relax.

Continuing west, let's stop at Honolua Bay where you may be fortunate enough to see some significant marine life such as, green turtles. This is a protected area, so you may very well get to view some sea life. Do go early in the morning for the best snorlelling experience. This spot is also a popular location for surfers. The north shore of Maui provides some excellent opportunities if that is your passion. The surf comes up later in the day or as you move into later November and December.

The stop is not particularly well-marked. The road becomes windy and hilly past Kapalua. About .8 kilometres (.5 miles) past mile marker 32, you will find parking on the left in an area looking more overgrown. You will not find a sign indicating this is Honolua. Past a metal gate, a pathway leads into a lovely wooded area. Follow the it to the shore. This is a stoney beach that has been kept as natural as possible. Please be aware that it is requested that whatever you take in should also be removed. There are no facilities such as washrooms or changerooms.

Now it is time to return to our hotel room. This is a holiday after all. Tomorrow, we will head south to view a quite different landscape. Today's rather short excursion has hopefully given you a glimpse into the varying aspects of Maui.

Maui - A Series of Observations - Part One

2011-11-22T18:28:00.000-05:00

Maui has the reputation of being a paradise for a price. I will take a look at a number of considerations: distance, climate, expenses, accommodation, why here and not the Caribbean, etc.

How about the distance? Those who live in Ontario may wish to evaluate whether or not getting to paradise is worth the time and potential price. You can certainly get there efficiently, taking a carrier out of Toronto through Vancouver. It takes around six hours to six and one-half hours to get to Kahului Airport from Vancouver. A suggestion is to watch for airline or supplier bargains or sales. Realize that the better price will most likely be tied to more connections. For example, if you chose to fly out of Kitchener on Westjet, you will need to go through Calgary and possibly other cities like Kamloops to get to Vancouver. Once there, depending upon the connections, you may need to stay overnight. If your goal is to get onto the beach ASAP, then consider flying out of Toronto Pearson.

Climate is also a very important consideration. We chose November, more to accommodate our schedules. Weather has been in the low to mid-eighties Fahrenheit during the day and low seventies in the evening. Those of us who prefer Celsius would consider the days to be around 27 to 30 and the evenings to be around 21 degrees. The average charts predict the nightly temperature to be a bit lower, so I guess we are lucky. I used the site http://www.onlineconversion.com/temperature.htm to assist me. If you prefer an rougher calculation, subtract 30 from the Fahrenheit temperature and then divide by 2. Therefore a temperature of 80 would be roughly 25 in the Celsius scale. Later in the season, the temperatures seem to stay in the same vicinity. December, January and February are the coolest with averages during the day at around 80 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit and nightly temperatures at around 63 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Check out http://www.mauihawaii.org/maui-weather.htm or long-range and current forecasts. Precipitation has been low, only a few showers; not like the freezing versions we enjoy (sic) in Ontario at this time of year.

The above averages are just that. The topography of Maui has created different climate zones. The Valley Isle is comprised of two mountainous ends with a valley joining them. Take a look at the picture below.

I will chat about these regions next post as they all provide not only weather variations, but activities peculiar to their environments.

I chose Maui, called the Valley Isle over some of the other Hawai'i possibilities because it is known for excellent accommodations, but not the busyness of Oahu. I can't say viewing the set for Hawai'i Five-0 is a draw either. A bit of research and chatting with travellers also led me to determine that we would be comfortable in this environment. Available are small hotels to housekeeping units to private villas to international time-share operations. Water from the tap is potable, although a little heavy in chlorine for my taste. Groceries are readily available through speciality shops and larger grocery chains like Safeway.

In addition, the transportation infrastructure is in good shape. Paved roads link the primary destinations. In addition there is a bus system and the availability of rental vehicles such as cars, four-wheel drive trucks, scooters and motorcycles. Certainly I would suggest renting a vehicle that matches your requirements. Since we were not intending to venture into back country, an economy car was very satisfactory; a Dodge Caliber.

I shall talk to you later. I need to catch some rays.

Paul

Adventure Travel – There’s an Experience for You!

2011-11-20T18:49:00.000-05:00

When you travel do you wince at the thought of lounging on a beach, blanch when considering a week of inactivity and overeating? Do you crave adventure, exhilaration and discovery?
Have you thought of Adventure Travel? This somewhat overused term may represent the way you like to become acquainted with new environs. I have said it before about other types of travel; there WILL be an adventure that fits your passion and style.

For the activity junkie, get busy and see the Yucatan from a different perspective: dive under or paddle over the waves, swim through caves and stay in less-visited Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Round it out with Mayan ruins and colonial Mérida. You not only get your activity fix, but also have an opportunity to experience a culture of Mexico long past. Really, how better to enjoy Mexico than by biking, snorkeling, kayaking, camping and sundry other activities? Cap that off with drinking in the Playa del Carman and the Mayan Riviera. Yes, you also get to experience the beautiful beaches and turquoise waters.

Want something a little more exotic and off the beaten path?

A jewel in the Himalayas and one of several thorns in the side of China 's rulers, Tibet is massive, exotic, and culturally under siege. Source of no lesser rivers than the Yangtze, Yellow, Mekong, Indus and Ganges, to name but a few, and surrounded by the jagged peaks of the highest mountains in the world, Tibet 's landscape makes you weak in the knees. In the shadow of Everest the Tibetan people have developed a gentle, mysterious culture, and visitors find a country lined with stupas and adorned with fluttering prayer flags. Everywhere the influence of Tibetan Buddhism can be seen, from old Tibetans spinning prayer wheels to 1300 year-old Lhasa and its otherworldly Potala Palace, home to Dalai Lamas past. The capital's name means literally " Holy Land ," and it certainly is.

Here you take an amazing overland journey across the roof of the world. From the frenzied streets of Beijing travel the high-altitude railway to charming Lhasa and overland to Kathmandu via the great monastic centers of Central Tibet and Everest Base Camp. Take part in temple rituals and haggle for a bargain in the markets. This experience feeds those of you whose adrenalin is pumped not only by activity, but also by discovery of fabled lands. Lhasa , Paradise Lost, cultural turmoil, breath-stopping topography and ancient cultures … it’s all here, waiting for you.

Do you still want an experience to remember, but wish to be closer to home? How about Newfoundland and Labrador ?

The place is storied. Glaciers carved the land and Vikings camped on its western shores more than a thousand years ago. Those giants of the sea, whales and icebergs, make this their summer home. Thousands of seabirds feast on the riches of the ocean and raise their young. In this adventure you find yourself in the midst of Newfoundland's beauty on a photographic adventure tour. Here you are in your own country, albeit in an awesome location. You get to take pictures; perhaps not as spine-tingling as climbing through the Himalayans, but certainly inspiring. You do hike to find subject matter, while also experiencing and learning about the natural beauty of the area. This is indeed an adventure filled with cultural and ecological interplay. And what kind of adventure would it be without home-cooked meals and the best of Newfoundland hospitality?

Perhaps adventure for you involves a bit more contemplation, a little less frenetic discovery. Does cycling get you pumped? How about biking and sipping wine? How about if you could have both of these, while experiencing fine cuisine, beautiful French countryside, fascinating culture and awesome history? Got your interest?

Peter Mayle's book 'A Year in Provence ' painted a picture of mouth-watering Provençale cuisine, featuring fresh herbs and local olive oil and garlic, and of the beautiful Lubéron hills, now a National Park. The chance to cycle through the Lubéron Hills, Ménerbes, and other areas described by Peter Mayle, and to see these amazing Roman remains would make Provence quite memorable enough. But during a week in Provence you would visit Avignon , home to the Popes in the 14th Century, and dominated by the truly huge Palais des Papes. Then you visit Chateauneuf du Pape on the banks of the Rhone, producing some of the finest wines in France . It would be criminal not to find out what all the fuss is about.

Well, we have been somewhat active, really active, artistically appreciative and connoisseur-like. What else could there be, you say?

Even though adventure does involve all of the above, you cannot forget the exhilaration of appreciating wildness; unbridled open spaces, where animals do really rule. I am, of course, speaking about Africa. This one example addresses South Africa. There are scores of options. The pleasure of South Africa is its variety; from cultural centres such as Capetown to the open spaces of Kruger. You could enjoy a private tour of South Africa ’s Winelands, with tastings at wine estates near Stellenbosch. Explore Cape Town, Table Mountain Cape Peninsula, and the south coast. It is really worth it. Go on safari in Sabi Sands Private Reserve, and be pampered at luxurious Cybele Forest Lodge & Spa in the Drakensberg Escarpment area. All of this is possible in one country. If you go just a little further afield, you can also experience Victoria Falls as you cruise aboard the African Queen, watching clouds of mist rise above the rumbling falls. In addition, consider Botswana, one of the last truly unspoiled wilderness areas on the continent, with some of the largest remaining wildlife herds in the world.

You may not be winded as a result of testing your physical mettle, but be assured your experiences on game drives, overland excursions or viewing the Great Migration will leave you breathless.

Is there anything left? Of course! Travel is adventure. Sailing through the Grenadines, trekking the Silk Road, standing on the Scottish Heath, soaking in Reykjavik’s hot springs, golfing in Nunavut, experiencing lives lived and cultures past. There is so much more. Another time I will address a few more possibilities.

Until then, what will be your next adventure?