Slow Travel, Fine Life - Hilaya State of Mind

(Must Read) Parents Island Survival Kit

Hi Lingling,

 

I have two young kids (one 2 yr, another 5 yr) and we’d like to bring them to

Hawaii

for a week or so. They have never been to an island before, and I am a bit nervous for what we should prepare as parents.

 

Would appreciate any insights that you might have.

 

Mary Ann

 

 

Hi Mary Ann,

 

Let me share with you the following “Parents Island Survival Kit” from a fellow travel counselor – I have shared that with many of my friends and Hilaya travelers and they all love this!

• Sunscreen-is a must

• Any stuffed animal or blanket that a child is extremely attached to.

• Coloring or activity books and crayons-this is good to have on the plane, in restaurants, and on long car rides.

• A stroller and a backpack carrier are great items to bring for infants and toddlers. And of course, car seats( you could rent one as well)

• Dramamine for motion sickness

• Snacks and beverages

• Disposable cameras for each child-this is a great way to keep the kids interested in what is going on around them. They are able to save memories of their vacation memories after their own perspective.

• You can also have fun with your kids by creating a scrap book of your island vacation memories after you return and have photos developed!

• Map-free mays are provided when you rent a car.

• Small first aid kit

• Sense of humor! Kids  will be kids and there is nothing worth ruining your entire vacation over.

 

 

What's an all-inclusive vacation?

•H

Hi Lingling,

What’s all-inclusive vacation about? 

 

Sally

 

 

Hi Sally,

 

I’ve compiled the frequently-asked-questions for all-inclusive vacation as below and hope this helps.

 

What’s an all-inclusive vacation?

• Round-trip air fare and airport transfer, hotel room accommodation, all the meals, and entertainment programs

• It is much cheaper than if you buy them separately (and… sometimes, kids can stay free!)

• People also use all-inclusive resorts for weddings, group reunions and other large events

• Again, travel agents have better deals and deeper knowledge than a website

 

What do families do there?

· Day activities: Whale watching, Scuba lesson, Watching the sun rise... or set... on the beach, Biking through the breeze, Euro-bungee, Aqua gym, Yoga, Practice putting on a beautiful green , Tennis, Beach volley ball , Cooking classes, Cocktail lessons, Slow beach walks, Archery, Badminton, Toss horseshoes, Croquet, Soccer, Ping-pong…

 

· Evening activities: Moonlit theme parties, Outstanding music and shows, Big screen outdoor movies under the stars, Evening craft market  ... and other surprises every night

 

What are popular destinations for all-inclusive vacation?

• Caribbean, Bahamas, and Costa Rica

• Mexico (Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun)

 

What’s the best time to go?

• High-season: Mid-November through May

• Low-season: June through Mid-November

• Best time: Late October/early November

• Best-to-avoid time: August to November is the Hurricane season

 

How to ensure a great cruise vacation?

Hi Lingling,

I am interested in cruise but not sure how to make most out of it.  Any tips or suggestions?

Cruiser-wannabe

 

 

Hi Cruiser-wannabe,

Thank you for asking this great question. You're not alone in this :-) ! 

Sometimes even people have been cruised might have same questions if they just treat cruise as any other travel products like airline ticket - they book the cruises online, go there, and come back home with not-so-great experience - and they start asking themselves,  "why everyone else seems to like cruise, while I am not...".

Well, cruise is quite different and unique. 

And let me share with you a few tips that how you could ensure that you have a great cruise vacation next time (or this time if you haven't cruised before):

• Plan early for early booking discount and the best stateroom available.

– 6-12 months in advance for Alaska cruise

– 3 – 6 months in advance for Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe cruise

– 3 + month in advance for Mexico cruise

• Avoid holidays, school breaks, take longer cruises and/or get a group

– Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring break are most crowded time

– 3 to 4 days cruises are busier than 7 days or longer cruise

– Group rate (7 or more staterooms) can give you at least 10% discount

• Select cruise lines best for your style and family situation

– Most family-friendly cruise: Princess and Disney

– Most romantic and exotic:  Cunard and Seven Seas

– Most popular destinations: Western Caribbean, Mexican Rivera and Alaska.

• Use a good travel agent

– Travel agents sell over 70% of total cruises, so they have absolutely better deals than websites

– Travel agents can take care of everything – cruise, shore excursions, insurance, air, etc.

– Travel agents look at their customers for long-term relationships, not short-term transactions

Itchy to go cruise now?