Emerging Destinations Around the Globe

Some travel destinations – Hawaii, Las Vegas and London come to mind – seem to be perennial favorites, always popular with tourists. But travel has trends, and over time new favorite destinations emerge.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s 2008 Travel Trends Survey identified several destinations currently emerging for vacation travel. Travelers’ desire for new adventures and their cultural curiosity – even the desire to use the passports that more Americans now possess – contribute to the up-and-coming status of new locations around the globe.

Several destinations in Eastern Europe rated “emerging” status this year, including Croatia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In Asia, China leads the way as an emerging destination, perhaps due to the 2008 Summer Olympics, which will be held there. In the Middle East, Dubai is an emerging destination, based mainly on growing interest from upscale travelers. South America offers a range of emerging destinations, including Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela and the Galapagos Islands.

In Central America, Costa Rica is the overwhelming choice as an emerging destination. To help meet the quickly rising demand for vacations in Costa Rica, Pleasant Holidays recently launched new travel programs that feature more than 20 resorts in Costa Rica. Vacationers can choose from hotels and resorts, including some all-inclusive options, in Guanacaste, Puntarenas, San Jose, Monteverde and Arenal.

To plan your next vacation to an emerging destination, talk with your travel professional.

Hawaii

It is not hard to discover why Hawaii often makes it onto the top ten list for vacation destinations.

Hawaii's chain of islands features beautiful beaches, clear ocean views, stunning volcanoes, a remarkable atmosphere, and a one-of-a-kind experience that you will cherish forever.

I have talked to quite a few people who have visited the Hawaiian islands and not one of them was disappointed. Many even said it was the best trip they have ever taken.

The Hawaiian islands are comprised of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii's Big Island. Each island is unique and offers its own individual experience.

Here is some information about the islands directly from Hawaii's Convention and Visitors Bureau:

KAUAI
The oldest and northernmost island in the Island chain is graced with dramatic, natural beauty. Outdoor adventures and romantic escapades flourish on Kauai.

Explore the golden sand beaches of the Coconut Coast.
See the massive Waimea Canyon, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Take a boat ride to marvel at the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast.

OAHU
Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii's population, Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural and cultural wonders with the modern arts, entertainment, and amenities of the 21st century.

See pro surfers charge the big winter waves of the famous North Shore.
Learn about American history at the memorials and museums in Pearl Harbor.
Soak up the sun and learn to surf yourself on legendary Waikiki Beach.

MOLOKAI
With almost half of its population being of native Hawaiian ancestry, Molokai is an island that has preserved its connection to the past and its love for the outdoors.
Step back to a simpler time in the sleepy town of Kaunakakaki.
View the verdant flora in Halawa Valley.
Learn about the works of Father Damien at Kalaupapa Settlement.

LANAI
Without a single traffic light, Lanai is a true island getaway for luxury, romance, and privacy away from crowds.
Play golf at Lanai's two prestigious courses.
See the rock formations at Keahiakawelo, "The Garden of the Gods."
Off-road amongst the pine trees along Munro Trail.

MAUI
The second largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world, as well as Humpback whales who migrate off Maui's shores every winter.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise atop Haleakala Crater.
Stroll through historic Lahaina, and learn about Maui's whaling past.
Drive the long and winding road to Hana for spectacular scenery.

HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND
Bigger than all of the other islands combined, the island of Hawaii, or Hawaii's Big Island, is vast enough to hold 11 of the world’s 13 climactic zones—from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains.
See the waterfalls and seascapes off the Hamakua Coast.
Snorkel, scuba, or fish off the Kohala Coast.
View Kilauea, the world's most active volcano in Volcano's National Park.

Activities that are popular in Hawaii include:

• Surfing
• Swimming
• Parasailing
• Cliff Diving
• Site seeing
• Hiking
• Shopping
• Beaches
• Luaus
• Swimming with the dolphins

And the list goes on and on!

Everyone should visit this dream destination at least once in their life. Here are some tips for when you take your trip to Hawaii:

Packing For Hawaii

The weather in Hawaii varies depending on your location. For example, many of the national parks, such as Haleakala National Park and Volcanoes National Park, are located at high altitudes. The temperature will be slightly cooler there compared to when you are on the beach or in town.

The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85º F. (29.4 C) while the average daytime winter temperature is 78º (25.6º C). Temperatures at night are approximately 10º F. lower. Because of this temperature difference, plan on packing something a bit warmer to wear during the evenings.

Sturdy shoes are recommended for exploring the islands, along with bugspray and sunscreen.

Staying Safe in Hawaii

As with any popular tourist destination, remember not to leave your luggage unattended or store anything very valuable in the hotel safe, and do not carry large amounts of cash with you, as this may put you at risk of being targeted by pickpocketers.

Enjoy Your Stay

A trip to Hawaii is guaranteed to be a memorable one. The sights are amazing and the atmosphere is something that will be remembered for a long time.

http://www.ttravel.com/

Hawaii - Romance in the Islands of Aloha

Hawaii - Romance in the Islands of Aloha

http://www.travelsense.org/destinations/hawaii.asp

As one of the oldest languages, Hawaiian is a beautiful, flowing collection of words and phrases that captures the natural beauty of the islands with melody, hidden meanings and wonderful mysteries. A special language is needed to describe Hawaii, for Webster’s words cannot adequately portray the palm trees on the coast of Oahu backlit and ablaze by the setting sun, let alone the endless black sand beaches of Kalapana, the dominant rainforests across the Big Island or the cascading waterfalls that prance over Molokai’s volcanic rocks.

Yet the Hawaiian language contains no word for romance. While some say Eskimos have over 20 words for snow, Hawaiians should have over a hundred words for romance considering the islands’ idyllic surroundings, luxurious hotels, celebrated restaurants and relaxing spas. Even without the definitive word, Hawaii stands alone as the tropical beacon of romance, dedicated to the secrets and songs that stir the heart.

Romance and paradise go hand-in-hand for couples in Hawaii, defined by moonlit walks on the beach where only palm trees hear your whispers, clear ocean views from the balcony of your suite and leisurely horseback rides in the surf. The Islands of Aloha add a special backdrop that is simply unavailable anywhere else.

Small wonder that Hawaii is the number one dream destination for honeymoons in the world. It comes down to timing, for any time of the year is perfect for a romantic visit according to knowledgeable travel agents. Well versed in the ways of aloha, travel agents combine experience in finding the best air and hotel rates with extensive knowledge of the islands to give you peace of mind long before you set foot in paradise.

Peace of mind is important to newlyweds, for some weddings can be as stressful as they are joyous. Nothing relieves wedding stress more than the melodious rush of the warm Pacific waters surging around your ankles as your feet delightfully sink into the moist white sand.

Nothing is more relaxing than lying in an over-sized hammock steps away from your bungalow, waiting for the sun to slide below a crisp horizon. Hawaii is as therapeutic as it is romantic.
Which of Hawaii’s islands is the most romantic? Luckily this is not a choice with dire consequences, for each island provides a unique and irresistible charm along with the tropical elegance to create the perfect romantic setting.

The tumultuously beautiful power of creation itself is highly visible on Hawaii's Big Island, twice the size of the other islands combined and growing larger every day as its active volcano, Kilauea, sends new land into the ocean. This primordial landscape gushes with waterfalls and lush rainforests that conceal secret paths to unspoiled beaches.

On Maui, the Magic Isle, whales swim close by to admire the heavenly beaches. The best sights on the island, though, are rewarded to those who wake up at 3:30 in the morning to trek up to the top of the Haleakala volcano to catch the sun’s first peek at the new day.

Solitude is easy to come by on Lanai, Hawaii’s most exclusive island. Amazing geographic landmarks astound visitors, such as the Garden of the Gods where boulders are strewn across a crimson landscape as if abandoned by a Herculean child after playtime. The trails of the Kanepu'u Preserve always lead to wonder, while the summit of Lana'ihale, a 3,370-ft-high windswept perch, provides a view of the other islands floating in the distance like passing ships.
The roads on Molokai are few and usually empty, for there is little traffic and no traffic lights on an island where no building stands taller than a coconut tree. Steeped in tradition, its small population prefers to live by raising crops, catching fish and adhering to the old ways, creating an authentic Hawaiian experience far away from commercial luaus and vast resorts.

The heart of Hawaii beats in Oahu, where city and scenery harmoniously unite. Here you can “hang loose” at the world-famous Waikiki Beach, learn to respect the wave on the legendary North Shore and dine at Hawaii’s finest restaurants in historic Honolulu.

The islands are indeed beautiful, but for beautiful memories romance must take center stage. To ensure honeymoon bliss, hotels and resorts offer packages guaranteed to add spark and sizzle to an already perfect vacation.

Packages include amorous highlights such as champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries waiting in the room to ocean view rooms and tickets to a show. The “Passion Package” at the Kohala Coast’s Mauna Lani Bay Hotel offers unlimited golf, a professional massage and dinner for two. While the “Perfect Honeymoon Package” at the Big Island’s Hilton Waikoloa Village provides a daily breakfast, a seaside cabana massage for two, dinner and a sunset catamaran sail.

Romance and beauty in Hawaii—aloha sums it up best, a word that not only means hello and goodbye, but also love. More than a beautiful word, aloha is both prized and practiced, spreading a special warmth throughout these magical islands. It's Hawaii's unique gift to you and the world.

Discover the true meaning of aloha with a loved one the Hawaiian way. Whether it is a honeymoon getaway, an anniversary celebration or a romantic escape, your Hawaiian romance can be designed just for you. Find a travel agent specializing in romantic getaways to handle the travel arrangements, leaving you to discover new ways to say romance.

Say aloha for hello, goodbye and love. Call Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit today and discover the magic and romance of Hawaii.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

PGA MasterCard Championship Golf Tournament – January

Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival – February

Annual Stampede Rodeo – March

Annual International Festival of the Pacific – May/June

Annual Waiki’I Music Festival – June

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival – November

Peaman’s Post Pig-Out Plunge Biathlon – December