Depending on what you want out of your vacation, frenetic levels of activity, rocking night life, or peaceful sandy beaches, you’ll want to choose an island that fits your personal preferences.  While sharing the basics of beautiful sun, sand, and surf, each island has its own special ambience, so be sure to make the right match up and have a perfect vacation in paradise.

Here’s a brief rundown to help with your preliminary research.

Waikiki Beach shortly after sunrise, ©2009, Mary Jo Manzanares

Hawaii, the Big Island:  This is the largest of the islands, and also the youngest in development.  On the windward side of the island, you’ll find lush, tropical rain forests and quaint little inns, while on the leeward side of the island is lava rock beaches and big resorts.  There’s also an active volcano on the island, Kilauea.  The Big Island has lots of off-the-beaten-path kind of spots, and with a little luck you’ll be able to find one of the island’s hidden black sand beaches.  If you want activity, you’ll find resorts along the Kohala-Kona Coast offering golf, sport fishing, snorkeling, and tennis.  Specialty tours include Kona coffee plantation tours, swimming with manta rays, hiking across lava beds in Volcanoes National Park, or gazing at the stars at Imiloa Astronomy Center.

Oahu, the Gathering Place:  The most populated of the islands, you’ll find the best in shopping, dining, nightlife, and beautiful hotels and resorts.  The most popular area is Waikiki Beach, where you’ll find options, in all budget ranges, for hotels, dining, shopping, and things to do.  The trade off, however, is beaches that are more crowded, and a little faster, more hectic pace.  Drive or hike Diamond Head, get a little culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center or Iolani Palace, or spend a day at the beach or out on the water.  For a quieter Oahu experience, you could check out the North Shore.  With only one resort (Turtle Bay Resort), it’s a slower, more relaxed pace, and a wonderful antidote the frenzy that can overcome Waikiki.

Maui, the Valley Isle:  Offering something for everyone, Maui is full of quiet, peaceful activities as well as home to bustling and energetic nightlife.  The windward side is fairly remote, with plenty of out-of-the-way spots to spend some quiet time.  The leeward side has plenty of resorts, and development, but you’ll also find a few secluded areas as well.  You may want the solitude of watching sunrise from the top of Mount Haleakala or the adventure of driving the road to Hana, or exploring the shopping, dining and nightlife of the former whaling village (and now main tourist town) of Lahaina.  You’ll find plenty of beautiful water for diving, swimming and snorkeling, and can choose to stay at a major resort (Kapalua, Kaanapali, or Wailea) or find a condo of small hotel.  Maui, with all it’s variety, is a popular spot with honeymooners.

Bench sitting on Kauai, ©2009, Mary Jo Manzanares

Kauai, the Garden Isle:  Less commercial, less developed, and more tropical, Kauai is the oldest of the islands.  This is a wonderful island on which to relax, while still offering a few attractions and things to do.  Most activity centers around the lush tropical foliage of the island, with Fern Grotto (a natural lava-rock grotto with hanging ferns, accessible only by the Wailua River), Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), Na Pali Coast (cliffs, sea caves, remote beaches and waterfalls), hiking, inner tubing, and zip-lining.  Princeville and Poipu are the resort areas, and a little more upscale, and Hanalei and Koloa are older, more historic Hawaiian towns.

Lanai, the Pineapple Isle:  The smallest of the island, Lanai will appeal to people who want to escape the crowds, and be alone.  With only a couple resorts, you won’t find a lot of tourists here.  But that doesn’t mean you won’t find upscale accommodations –- two of the resorts are operated by the Four Seasons.  There’s still a variety of terrain, though, and you can go from beach to forest in very little time.  Rent a jeep and go island exploring, check out Shipwreck Beach, Kaunolu (King Kamehameha’s summer fishing village), and Garden of the Gods (which some swear looks a bit like Mars).

Molokai, the Friendly Isle:  The most secluded and laid back of the island, Molokai harkens back to what Hawaii was like years and years ago, making it one of the most historic and cultural significant islands.  There is only one resort (the Aqua Hotel Molokai with 53 rooms), although you’ll find a few small inns and private residences that rent out rooms, so the island never gets very crowded. Molokai was the residence of Father Damien, a Catholic Priest who cared for the lepers who once sought refuge on the island.  Many of the residents of the island are descendants from the original lepers who lived here.  There are, however, NO active cases on leprosy on Molokai, so it is a safe place to visit.

Photo credit:  both from Mary Jo Manzanares

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Due to its prime location at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge, much of Sausalito’s history has been playing a supporting role to nearby San Francisco.  The area has been a fishing village, transit hub, and a center for bootlegging during Prohibition, and during World War II was a major shipyard supporting the war.

Colorful floating homes dot the Sausalito landscape

Following the war, the shipyards were abandoned, and they became the location for a number of communities of houseboats.  Eventually a rather eclectic houseboat community sprouted up, eventually becoming a the side of the “Hill People,: rich families who lived on the hill and felt the houseboats were a blight on their view.  This led to the “Houseboat Wars” pitting the two groups of homeowners against one another in what seemed like an endless amount of legal battles.

Two house boat communities remain, Gallilee Harbor (at Waldo Point) and the Gates Cooperative (just outside the city limits).  Over 400 houseboats are within those communities, spanning a wide range of shapes, sizes, and values.  It’s as eclectic and diverse as ever.

Following a brief hiatus, the floating homes (as they are now properly called), will host a Floating Home Tour, opening the doors on 20 unique floating homes.  The self-guided tour will allow you to take a look at the interior of the homes, talk to residents of the community, and get a feel for what water life is like.

The tour begins at Kappas Marina (on Gate 6 Road off Bridgeway), with registration at the Green.  From there, the self-guided tour takes you through a selection of floating homes, including the “Train Wreck” which was built from an 1889 North Pacific Railway Pullman car that was cut in half.

The floating home tours is September 26th, 2009, from 11 am – 4 pm.  Advance tickets for the tour are $35 and are strong recommended.  Tickets can be purchased online.  If you can’t make it to Sausalito, and still want a little glimpse at houseboat life, you can check on their virtual tour.

Photo credit: wikimedia

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

So what are you going to do?  Well, at LAX, if you have enough time to get away, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the airport and head to the beach!

Manhattan Beach Pier

There are several stops along Century Boulevard, so you can pick up a stop near the airport or near your hotel if your stuck without a car.  The airport is a very big place, and you’ll need to walk out to Century Boulevard, so check at one of the information centers in the airport to get directions from whatever terminal you’re in.  Here are the stops in the general LAX area:

• 5249 West Century Boulevard
• Century Boulevard & Concourse Way
• 5757 West Century Boulevard
• Century Boulevard & Airport Boulevard
• Century Boulevard & Avian Way
• Century Boulevard & Vicksburg Drive

The shuttle costs $3 round trip.  If you’re near at airport hotel, you can buy a ticket from the hotel front desk or concierge.  If you’re coming from the airport, you can buy a ticket when you get onboard.  Cash only, although the driver can typically make change.

The shuttle operates in a loop, and it will take about a half hour to get to the beach.  Make sure that you calculate your return, allowing yourself plenty of time walk back into the airport, clear security and get to your gate.

If your staying at an airport hotel, as I was last week, Ocean Express is a great way to see a little of the sights without the need for a rental car. 

I caught a shuttle around 1 pm and headed to the beach, getting off at the Manhattan Pier stop.  From there, I grabbed a quick late lunch, and then walked along the beach until I got to Hermosa Beach.  It was a bit of a walk, but nothing too strenuous, and a great way to enjoy a few hours.  After exploring Hermosa Beach, I walked back, and jumped on the trolley for a return to my hotel.  A GREAT way to spend an afternoon away from the airport!

Photo credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

So check it out, I did, and boy – have I been missing a lot!

Turns out that Bermuda is not just one island, but 138 islands, although when someone says Bermuda chances are they are referring to the main island.  Bermuda is an affluent country, and although it has over 300 beaches, tourism ranks #2 behind finance as the mainstay of the economy.

Tropical weather, pink sand beaches, an azure colored ocean, shopping, and a variety of attractions.  What’s not to like?  Hmmmm, more research required!

Take a look at one person’s opinion on the Top 10 Beaches in Bermuda:

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

You don’t have to be a celebrity, or come as part of their entourage, but you do have to have money.

Little Whale Cay, a private island in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, is available for parties of up to 12 to rent out.  The 93-acres island has its own airstrip, allowing you to fly directly into the island, along with three villas for guests:  Little Whale, Peacock, and Flamingo.  A staff of 13 keeps the island and its resort humming along.

Little Whale House is the main villa, and serves as a popular spot to gather.  It has a bar, satellite fed flat screen television, 2 bedroom suites, a study with a computer (there’s wifi on the island), living room/dining area with a fireplace, terrace, and a variety of outdoor dining spots.  Flamingo House has 4 bedrooms (2 of which are suites), a living room and terrace.  Peacock House has one bedroom suite, a living room and terrace.  A pathway connects the villas, but each is still private.

The resort is set on a white sand beach, surrounded by beautiful blue water.  It also features an infinity pool, fitness center, tennis court, kayaks, and a variety of boats for fishing, cruising, or water sports.  You can lounge around all day, or just take it easy, whatever your heart desires.

The rest of the island serves as a sanctuary to different species of birds, including flamingos, Bahamian ducks, and Bahama woodstar humming birds.  In the water you’ll see lots of beautiful sea life, and if you’re luck, maybe a manatee (in photo).

What’s this over-the-top experience going to cost?  Keep reading to find out.

$9,500 per day.

That price tag includes accommodations, all meals (prepared by a private chef based on your personal preferences), beverages (including house wine and spirits), use of all island facilities and boats (including fuel), telephone calls, and satellite wifi,  Tennis pro, bone fish guide, spa services, wave runners, and scuba diving can be arranged for an additional cost.  An additional 15% charge is made to cover Bahamian room tax and staff gratuities.

If you have the money to splurge for a special occasion (like a birthday the end of this month, hint, hint), Little Whale Cay will give you a once in a lifetime vacation experience.

Photo credit: divemasterking2000 @flickr

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Here are 10 reasons why I think visiting Barbados may be a good choice for me:

1. I haven’t been there before, and visiting a new country takes me a step closer to the Century Club.
2. It’s a small island, only about 14 by 21 miles, with over 70 miles of powdery, white sand beaches.  Plenty of great spots to pull up a lounge chair and spend some quality time.
3. Sun year round.  Over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, in fact.  And that means year round warm temperatures of about 80-85 degrees.  What’s not to like about that?!
4. Tax free shopping in chic boutiques, modern department stores, and trendy shops making it a great spot for buying something wonderfully decadent.
5. Warm water.  Perfect temperatures for enjoying water activities like swimming with the turtles, snorkeling, or a boat ride.
6. Great food and drink.  Those who know me well were probably wondering when I’d get around to this topic.  With strong influence from around the world, Barbados gives a special twist to Caribbean cuisine.  And then there’s the Mount Gay rum!
7. Favorable exchange rate.  The practical side of me always looks for good value, and $1 US equals $1.98 BDS.  More bang for the buck.
8. Internet is available.  A girl’s got to blog, you know.
9. English is the primary language.  After navigating Italian and Croatian this summer, it would be nice not to have to worry about communication on my next trip.
10. History and culture.  Continuously under British rule until its independence in 1966, Barbados still has a strong British flavor about it.  Besides, this is the only place outside of the US that George Washington ever visited.    If it’s good enough for George, it’s good enough for me!

Have you been to Barbados?  Would you recommend it?

Photo credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Today’s questions comes from Addison Schonland, a principal in IAG (Innovation Analysis Group), a consulting firm to the transportation and travel industry. 

Q.  Would you be willing to talk with me a little bit more about your experience in Cancun for a podcast?

A.  Sure!

Addison always has a good handle on what’s going on in the industry, and keeps up on the news and trends.  Plus, he’s an interesting guy to talk to talk to, so I jumped at the chance to share a little more about my trip to Cancun, and why the stories of swine flu don’t make me afraid to travel.

I invite you to take a listen to what I have to say in the podcast about why I choose to go to Mexico.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

And here’s another:

I’m taking lots of common sense precautions, the kind that we should all take whether we’re traveling or at home, and heading off for a bit of a sun fix.  Besides, it’s time to take a few more photos to keep me company during the long rainy season here.

Are you traveling?  Are you changing your plans?  Have you scratched Mexico off your vacation list?

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Villa Verano is a vacation rental located in the most elite residential neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, on the beach in Conchas Chinas.  You’ll have a beautiful view of the Bay of Banderas, and a steps away from the beach.

The villa is privately owned, but is occasionally available for rental.  This is luxury at its finest, and you can make arrangements for a private chef and staff to cater to your every whim.  Enjoy some time by the pool, or walk down the stairs to the beach – although you’re walking distance away from shops, restaurant,s and nightlife, you may not want to leave.

Big sigh!

Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for a special getaway, this romantic destination is to die for.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

The Cayman Islands consist of three British Crown islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman) in the Caribbean Sea.  Grand Cayman is the more populated of the three islands, and is a popular stop for cruise ships.  Besides hiding assets, the Caymans are a popular spots for beach lovers, divers, and other water sports.

One of the most popular things to do on Grand Cayman is a visit to Stingray City.  Here you can feed and “pet” stingrays while snorkeling in knee deep water.  They are remarkable tame and friendly creatures.  There are also boats that will take visitors a little further out to do some “swimming” with the rays.

It’s been several years since I’ve been to the Caymans, but maybe I should make a plan to go next year for Tax Day.  Not hiding asses – just vacationing.

Photo credit:  wikimedia

Post from: Fly Away Cafe