Tahiti Vacation

Travel to Maui offers the finest accommodations in Tahitian vacations. Our travel packages to Tahiti range from the luxury resort of Le Taha’a as seen in the The Bachelorette, to affordable hotel rooms based on your travel requests and budget!

Tahiti is known for the warm hospitality of her people. The beautiful contrasts of azure blue oceans and lush, emerald green, volcanic mountains are a feast for the eyes!

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Tahiti and its surrounding islands are only a 5-hour nonstop flight from Hawaii. This flight out of Honolulu is offered once a week making it a great stop-over point enroute from the mainland, United States. From the west coast, there are also nonstop flights from Los Angeles operating several times a week.

The Tahitian islands offer intimate resorts, tiny private islands, and warm waters for honeymooners or romantics alike. Bask in privacy in your over-the-water bungalow watching tropical fish through your private viewing port, or get pampered in world class spas. For the more adventurous travelers, spend a morning swimming with the dolphins, scuba diving, feeding the sharks, or petting a manta ray. Whatever your pleasure, the tropical islands of Tahiti offer a traveler's paradise.

Accommodations:
Over the water bungalows: Like no hotel room you have ever experienced. These traditional thatched roof bungalows are perched over calm lagoon waters teeming with tropical fish, but not without all of the first class amenities you expect.

Beach bungalows: Looking for oceanfront view without being directly over the water? This option allows you to walk directly from your bungalow to the sandy beach. Some of the finer properties also include your own pool or jacuzzi.

Garden bungalows: Trying to keep your costs down on your Tahiti vacation? A garden view is less expensive option while still offering all the amenities the resorts have to offer. Because the Tahitian islands are small and most aren't densely populated, the garden bungalows offer privacy without the ocean view price.

For a quote or consulting appointment please contact Travel to Maui at www.traveltomaui.net
Written by Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui

29th Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival returns to Maui

Written by Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui

Hawaii’s longest-running wine and food festival returns June 24-27, 2010 at the Kapalua Resort.

This year the 4 day event is themed “Summer Soiree.” It will highlight Hawaii’s Regional Cuisine and local products, including collaboration with Maui Farm Bureau and its members.

Master Sommelier Fred Dame will bring several of the worlds most famous winemakers, and celebrated chefs, to wine tasting, and gala functions throughout the weekend.

Schedule of events:

Friday June 25th
•Cab Franc Retrospective 1:30-3pm. This wine was established in the southwest of France around the 17th century.
• Grand Tasting will be held from 6-9pm. This event will feature close to 200 wines from around the world to sample, plus food by Executive Chef John Zaner from the Ritz Carlton Maui.

Saturday June 26th
• Heal the World with Pinot Noir 11am-12pm. Noted Pinot Noir Masters Pisoni, Patz & Hall, Sherrer, Brewer-Clifton, and Sapphire Hall.
• Kapalua Wine Tour 12:45-2:45pm. Local wine distributors showcase their unique and hard to fine wines.
• Zins and Cheese Beautiful paired Zins with wonderful cheeses from the Cheese Shop in Carmel & Santa Barbara.

Sunday June 27th
• Wine Idol 11am-12:30pm An open conversation with the master sommeliers providing insight regarding their favorite wines.
• DK Secrets: Sansei-Style 1-3pm Featured chef DK Kodama will share his secrets with you.
• Kapalua Seafood Festival 6-9pm Enjoy live entertainment, wine, beer and the best seafood in Hawaii by Maui’s top chefs.


4 day Festival passes or Ala-Carte tickets are available.
For ticket prices to the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival please call 808-665-9160.

For travel packages to Hawaii please contact Travel to Maui at www.traveltomaui.net

How much should you allow when considering your travel budget?

How much should you allow when considering your travel budget?

Written by Marie Glodt a Maui travel agent and Hawaiian Destination specialist.

When I ask clients their travel budget their answer is always the same. “I want the best price.”
As a travel agent based here on Maui part of my job is to get you the best value for your travel package. The other portion of my job is to find out what property is going to fit your needs including your travel budget.

When figuring out your travel budget there is many things to take in consideration.

1. Length of stay
2. View type required
3. Type of accommodations
4. What size vehicle works best for you?
5. It is best not to include your tours, activities or meals into your travel package budget.
6. When giving a dollar figure for your budget do not give a per person rate.

If you are visiting Hawaii on your vacation and you plan on visiting more than one island you should allow 9-14 days.

View types range from the least expensive view (standard) to the most expensive view type (ocean front). I always tell clients to go with the best view type your budget allows. The view type will be something you will remember when you look back on your vacation years from now!

Accommodations range from “no frills” or 1-2 star properties to “luxury” hotel or condos with 4-5 star ratings.

Most travel packages are based on double occupancy in their pricing. Giving a per person rate will not be ½ the cost of a double occupancy. This holds true on cruises and most travel packages.

When considering your departure city the closest airport isn’t always the best option. Many times the smaller airports have little or no competition and their airfare reflects this. It is advisable to consult a travel specialist to help you find the best departure city to save you money and time!

For more information click on our FAQ page at http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/travel-faq.php

For a quote request or to schedule a consulting appointment please contact Travel to Maui www.traveltomaui.net

Honeymoons and destination wedding travel packages to Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand & Australia!: What is a honeymoon? What are the top honeymoon destinations?

Honeymoons and destination wedding travel packages to Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand & Australia!: What is a honeymoon? What are the top honeymoon destinations?

What is a honeymoon? What are the top honeymoon destinations?

What is a honeymoon? What are the top honeymoon destinations?

Written by Marie Glodt, Travel to Maui.
Travel to Maui is a Hawaiian travel agency located on the island of Maui, Hawaii.

The dictionary describes a honeymoon as:
• Vacation for newly-married couple
• A period of time spent alone together, especially away, usually immediately following the wedding or reception.

What are the top 5 locations for honeymoons?
According to Modern Bride Magazine the top 5 honeymoon destinations are as follows:
1. Hawaii
2. Mexico
3. Jamaica
4. Tahiti
5. Bermuda

It isn’t hard to understand why Hawaii is the #1 destination for honeymoons. With our romantic sunset cruises, beautiful beaches, spas and romance packages how can you pass up the beauty of Hawaii for your “vacation of a life time!”

As a Hawaiian travel agency we have the advantage of offering our clients our first hand knowledge of living in the islands. This allows us to create the perfect travel package and get you the best value within your requested budget.

To get a quote request for your honeymoon to Hawaii or Tahiti please contact us at
http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/contact.php

Hawaii travel tips

Travel tips to Hawaii

Written by Marie Glodt
Hawaiian Destination Specialist at Travel to Maui.

Here are my 10 favorite travel tips that I have learned in my 20+ years in the travel industry.

1. Plan early when booking your trip. This will allow you to the best promotions available and will save you money as well. A good rule of thumb is 4-12 months prior to your travel dates will get you the best prices.
2. Hire a travel expert. As a Maui travel agent we are made aware of travel specials to Hawaii before they are made public. With our local contacts at the properties and insider information we have saved our clients hundreds of dollars on their travel packages to the Hawaiian Islands!
3. When packing your luggage consider what you can live without and what you can’t! With the new baggage fees checking in a second piece of luggage could end up costing you an additional $50-100 round trip.
4. If you do tend to over pack, or buy too much on your trip, then send yourself home a package! With the flat rate priority mail package you can send up to 20 pounds for as little as $10.70 to anywhere in the United States.
5. Get to the airport on time. Most airlines suggest up to 2 hours prior to flight time.
6. When traveling make sure and bring small bills to tip the porters, skycaps, and bellman. You don’t want to be searching for change when the time comes to tip.
7. Don’t leave your valuables in the trunk or under the seat of the car. Especially when renting a convertible or jeep.
8. When checking in to the hotel or resort please is patient if your room isn’t ready until check in time. Check in time is normally 3 pm or later. Check out time is generally noon. This allows the cleaning crew time to service your room.
9. When traveling during busy times please don’t expect an early check in or late check out. If you have a redeye flight home consider booking an additional night on the hotel if you want to check out later than noon.
10. Stay away from the in room minibar! Even better don’t take the key when you check in. Some hotels will actually charge you if you even move an item. I learned this one firsthand!

For more information or a quote please contact Travel to Maui at www.traveltomaui.net

Spas on Maui

Spas on Maui Written by Marie Glodt of Travel to Maui.

Looking for a spa and romance package in Hawaii?

As a so called “spa junkie” I have made it a point to check out as many spas as possible during my 20+ years as a travel agent. While I am not able to visit every spa here in Hawaii on a yearly basis, I do my best.

This year I have been concentrating on the ones here locally on Maui.
You will find most of the spas are located at deluxe or luxury hotels.
Moderate hotels generally have minimal spa services on property, done in a hotel room type setting.

Here is a list of my favorite top spas on Maui. I have included websites that take you directly to the spa services menu when possible. Some of these websites may take a few moments to load due to all of their photos.

When checking out spas I like to make a day out of it. I especially enjoy bringing a friend or loved one with me. This makes the experience extra special.

A tandem massage in your own private hale is one of the most romantic things you can do here on your honeymoon in Hawaii.

Having your destination wedding here in Hawaii? A spa day with “the girls” is a wonderful way to relax just prior to your big day!
I like to try out the spas special for the month or their signature treatment when possible.

For example at the Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea I just had a lavender scrub and massage. That was so relaxing. I love their terme prior to your treatment. It is a great way to start your day of pampering!
Spa Grande at Grand Wailea
http://www.grandwailea.com/spa-grande/spa-programs.cfm

At the Kapalua Spa I had a wonderful tandem massage in their beautiful outdoor hale.
Kapalua Spa
http://cms.kapalua.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=213&Itemid=1084

The Fairmont Kealani Spa has a monthly special. The month I went it included a hydrotherapy bath and a 50 minute massage. The hydrotherapy bath was scented and had flowers floating in the biggest tub I had ever seen.
Fairmont Kealani Spa
http://www.fairmont.com/kealani/guestservices/SPA


The Ritz Carlton recently renovated their spa. The result is the luxury spa you would expect at a Ritz Carlton property.
Ritz Carlton http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/Spa/Menu.htm


The Spa Moana at the Hyatt Maui wins my award for the best view at any spa in the state of Hawaii. Prior to your treatment you can enjoy the steam room, Jacuzzi and then sit in the relaxation room and look directly at the ocean! Or you can have an outdoor massage in their oceanfront cabanas.
Hyatt Maui Spa Moana
http://maui.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/index.jsp?_requestid=1357607


The Four Seasons Maui Spa is known for all of their signature treatments. Some you will find only here in Hawaii.
http://www.fourseasons.com/maui/spa.html


At the Westin Maui Heavenly Spa the first thing you will notice at this 15,000 square feet spa is the wonderful smell of lavender.
http://www.westinmaui.com/spa/overview


While staying at the Westin Kaanapali Villas make sure and check out the Helani Spa. I am sure you will enjoy this wonderful spa within your condo setting.
http://www.westinkaanapali.com/spa/


My next spa visits will be on the island of Kauai, followed by the Big Island of Hawaii.

Travel to Maui is a Maui Travel agency and a Hawaiian Destination Specialist.
www.traveltomaui.net