Who else is ready for a beach vacation?

A Beach Vacation: The Destinations Are Endless

Copyright © 2008 Thomas Husnik

A beach vacation is possible at any time of the year. Given the way seasons change around the world, there's always a beach somewhere that's full of sand, crystal clear waters, and warm sunshine. The only decisions to be made are where to go, what to do, and where to stay.

Given how popular the beach vacation is, it's no surprise that the choice of accommodations is as varied as the colors in a setting-sun horizon. From luxury beach resorts to private huts on the shore, you'll have your pick. Budget can help with some decisions, but for most destinations, there are enough options to accommodate your preference, no matter how much you have to spend.

As for what to do, a beach vacation is naturally the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Recreation ideas include surfing in Waikiki, golfing in Wailea, scuba diving in Fiji, sailing in the Caribbean, or bird-watching in Australia. For those who would prefer to relax, there's always somewhere quiet to do so. A beach vacation is a way to get away from the noise, crowds, and distractions of daily life. From tropical gardens to tidal pools to kayaking to the center of the sea, visiting the beach is definitely a "right" step towards paradise.

Deciding where to go will depend somewhat on when you plan your vacation, as well as how much you have to spend. Do you have enough to get all the way to Australia? Or will a trip to Mexico leave you with more spending cash? Planning your trip is part of the fun though, as you explore the many destinations around the world- all perfect for a beach vacation. From Kauai, Hawaii, to Jamaica to Thailand to the remote Out Islands of the Bahamas, each offers the visitor something unique and memorable.

The purpose of your beach vacation will also help pinpoint where to go. For a weekend getaway for instance, you'll likely want to stay closer to home, to cut down on travel time and leave more for relaxation, recreation, sightseeing, and fun. For a family vacation, there are certain destinations that cater to families, such as Maui and Molokai, Hawaii; Palm Beach, Florida; and San Diego, California. For the romantic beach vacation, choose from secluded villages, spa resorts, and peaceful beach rentals right on the sand.

Finally, there's the destination wedding, where a beach vacation is the honeymoon. For many couples, there's nothing more romantic than a beach or island wedding, with the sun setting behind them as they exchange I do's. What's more, after the ceremony, there's no place to rush off to for a honeymoon as it's right there. Guests of the wedding are also totally set to enjoy a beach vacation of their own.

Popular destinations for beach weddings include the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island; Jamaica; each of the Caribbean Islands; Mexico; and Fiji. In truth however, if you're determined, you can have a dream wedding with a beach setting most anywhere. All you need is the beach and as said, the destinations are endless!

Destination Weddings - A Dream Come True

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who enjoy traveling. In the United States there are 360,000 destination weddings or more per year, with a prediction of a 20 percent increase in the next 15 years.

Couples who choose a destination wedding generally do so because of the following reasons:

• The couple wants to do something different and personal
• The couple is paying for the wedding themselves and would like to save money.
• Many resorts and destination wedding locations offer lower rates to destination wedding groups.
• Couples will spend on average 41% less on a destination wedding compared to a traditional wedding in their hometown.
• Wedding packages can be customized and can be all-inclusive.
• When engaged couples are from different areas of the country it becomes difficult to decide where to hold a wedding.
• With destination weddings, both families are in neutral territory. Everyone has to travel and is therefore on common ground.
• The couple desires a carefree event.
• The couple is renewing vows or are getting married for a second time.
• All attendees have the opportunity to spend quality time together, while taking a vacation.
  
  “A destination wedding is a great way to get your closest family and friends together and minimize the usual stress of a traditional wedding. With the help of your travel agent and wedding coordinator at a resort of your choice, not only will you spend less than you would on a traditional wedding, you will have the beauty of your chosen destination for your wedding photos, plenty of activities or relaxation for yourself and guests, and a honeymoon all in one!”
  -Katie, Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit Destination Wedding Specialist

Where do people hold their destination weddings?

The top wedding destinations are:

• Hawaii


• Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island


• Caribbean


• Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas


• South Pacific


• Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Fiji


• Bermuda


• Las Vegas


• Mexico


• Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos


• Lake Tahoe

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