Fun things to see and do in Maui, Hawaii.

3/7/12
Aloha from Hawaii,
My name is Marie Glodt. I am a travel agent at Travel to Maui and a Hawaiian Destination Specialist with the Hawaii Visitor Bureau.

Today I would like to point out the fun things happening in March of 2012 here on Maui.

Grease will be playing at the Iao Theater in Wailuku until Sunday March 11th.
For prices and show times call 808-242-6969 or visit http://www.mauionstage.com

Lahaina Whale and Ocean Arts Festival Campbell Park
Artists display their best marine-themed art for sale while you are entertained by Hawaiian music and hula display. FREE! For more information call 808-667-9194.

Lobsterfest 2012 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
Rotary Club of Wailuku annual fundraising event on Sunday March 11th. Tickets are $100 per person. For more information call 808-242-SHOW or visit www.mauiarts.org

Maui Ocean Center celebrates their 14th anniversary on Tuesday March 13th.
Join the festivities and enjoy anniversary cake while supplies and more! Call 808-270-7000 or visit www.mauioceancenter.com

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will be at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on Friday March 16th. Tickets start at $59.00 for general seating. For tickets call 808-242-SHOW or www.mauiarts.org

4th aannual St. Patricks Day run ‘til you’re green three-mile race with Kahului Ale House
Hurry pre-registration fee by 3/9/12 is $25.00 for kids 4-18, and $35 for adults. The price will increase to $40 for everyone after 3/9. www.mauirunning.com

On March 24th you can participate in a community clean up, do half marathon in beautiful central Maui, or the American Heart association heart walk.
For the community clean up contact Larissa at 808-344-2533. To join the 1/2 marathon call 808-280-5801. For the fundraiser and walk call 808-244-7185.

Friday 3/30 don’t miss the Maui Arts and Cultural Center Na Ali’I of Comedy.
Hawaii’s comedy legends are coming together for the first time. See Frank De Lima, Mel Cabang, and Andy Bumatai. Tickets start at $22.50 www.mauiarts.org

Written by Marie Glodt. Travel agent at Travel to Maui http://www.traveltomaui.net

Maui Master and Hawaiian Destination Specialist with the Hawaii Visitor Bureau

If you would like a quote on a Hawaiian vacation please contact us at
http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/contact.php

Photo credit to the Hawaiian tourism bureau. Mahalo!

All-inclusive vacation to Hawaii

As a resident of Hawaii and a travel agent I have people ask me this question all the time?

Why doesn’t Hawaii offer all inclusive vacations like Mexico?

The reason is simple. All inclusive vacations work best in places where you really want to keep the traveler from leaving the resort.

In the case of Mexico you need to be concerned about health issues from eating outside food and drinking the local water. Another worry would be the high crime towards visitors and residents.

 

Luckily for Hawaii we have the lowest crime rate in the nation, and our food and water is not only good it is GREAT!  

Often times a hotel or resort here in Hawaii will offer a meal promotion such as a free breakfast.

 As a Hawaiian Destination Specialist with the Hawaii visitor bureau and a travel agent at Travel to Maui I know that such promotions are not always the best price! I always double check with our discounts wholesalers to get the cheapest and best options for our clients!  I have found that unless you are a big breakfast eater for example you  will wind up paying more for this.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are many tours and excursions that you will want to engage in when here in Hawaii. This includes tours and excursions such as: a zip line tour, or snorkel trip to a marine preserve. These tours normally include food and drinks. If you have prepaid your meals you will feel cheated if you leave the property to enjoy one of these activities.

If you really have your heart set on an all inclusive vacation to Hawaii we do have one option. There are cruises that include all your meals, and shows. Drinks and tours are not normally included. There is one exception to this rule. We do have one cruise line that runs for 6 months of the year (when it is not in Alaska) that offers a true all inclusive cruises. Starting prices are around $3,500 per person based on double occupancy for 7 days.

If you would like more information about your Hawaiian vacation or an all inclusive package contact us at http://www.traveltomaui.net

Travel to Maui is a Hawaiian Destination Specialist and Maui Master with the Hawaii Visitor Bureau.

 

Written by Marie Glodt a Maui travel agent at Travel to Maui.

What decides the price of airline tickets?

 Today is Travel Tuesday on Twitter, otherwise known as #travelTuesday.

 In this week’s blog I wanted to address the price of airline tickets. As a travel agent for Travel to Maui I get asked this question all the time.  Why are tickets so expensive this year? 

There are many things that factor in when pricing your airline ticket.

For example:

1. Dates of travel. When is high season and when is the cheap time to travel to Hawaii and Tahiti?
2. Day of the week. What days of the week are cheaper than others and why?

 

On our Travel to Maui website FAQ page http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/travel-faq.php we address these questions and more. For example when booking a trip to Hawaii to get the cheapest airline ticket Monday-Thursday will be the least expensive day to fly. Friday, Saturday and Sundays have a weekend surcharge imposed by the airlines. Saturday is always the most popular day and the most expensive day of the week to fly.

What else will make your airline ticket price jump?

• Price of fuel (as the cost of fuel goes up so does the price of your airline ticket)
• Supply and demand (holidays, or peak travel dates will make the ticket prices more expensive)
• Departure city (often times the cities with the most competition will have the best rates, but not always)
• How booked the flight is when you make your reservation? Is the lowest fares already gone? They seldom come back. Even if there was a sale if your flight is full you won’t be able to cash in on the sale!
• Are you purchasing a refundable or nonrefundable ticket? Most airline and online travel websites push the nonrefundable ticket. Here at Travel to Maui we offer a cancel waiver to cover your travel package. This policy gives you piece of mind especially when you are booking months in advance. That way you can secure the lowest prices on your airplane ticket and travel package and still be rest assured “just in case of an emergency.”

 

For more information on travel packages to Hawaii or Tahiti contact us at http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/contact.php

 Written by Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui.

Certified Hawaii and Tahiti Specialist at the Hawaiian Visitor Bureau and Tahitian Visitor Bureau. 

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Honeymoons and destination wedding travel packages to Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand & Australia!: Brides ask the question "I am engaged now what do ...

Honeymoons and destination wedding travel packages to Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand & Australia!: Brides ask the question "I am engaged now what do ...: Aloha from Maui , Hawaii Yours truly has just popped the question. You said YES! You are now officially engaged, the families have been...

Brides ask the question "I am engaged now what do I do?"

Aloha from Maui, Hawaii

Yours truly has just popped the question. You said YES! You are now officially engaged, the families have been told, what is next?

There will be lots of decisions that need to be made:
What to wear on your wedding day and night? What type of wedding favors should you have?  What type of flowers will you have at your wedding? When and where should you get married? Where will you honeymoon? What photographer will you use?

Without a doubt the most important step is to hire a wedding coordinator and a travel agent who specializes in your requested destination.

 

You hire a coordinator to help make your wedding planning fun and stress free. Hiring a professional travel agency will assure your honeymoon or destination wedding travel will be exactly as you dreamed of.

Wedding in Hawaii

Custom party favors for your destination wedding.

Carey's Flowers

Tracie Howe Photography

Veils by Jules

Consider this quote from CNN travel: “Travel agents nowadays are not your Grandmothers travel agent. In an age where travelers of all ages turn to the Internet to book flight and hotel reservations, modern travel agents are offering expert advice on cruises and tour packages to far-flung locales, advice on the best of everything a particular city has to offer, exclusive perks, hidden discount prices and the security of an adviser in case of inconvenience or disaster. “

“Successful agents know that their customers have access to lots of travel information -- often too much -- and want time-saving guidance, exclusivity and security in a complicated world.”

Or this quote by Travel & Leisure magazine: “The average traveler is spending something like ... nine web sessions and visiting 21 websites in order to book their travel," "Travelers are really looking for some advice, somebody who can answer questions for them, somebody who has experience in traveling, and they can't always get that online."

Your planning process with Travel to Maui will begin with a consulting appointment with one of our Hawaii Destination Specialist. During the course of this appointment we will discuss all the possible options regarding your Hawaiian vacation. This includes the island the best suits your requests, the most desirable locations and properties, tours and excursions and so much more!

We will then provide you a quote based on your travel consulting appointment and give you payment options to ensure you of the best prices.

In addition to your travel needs we are also available to set up golf tee times, dining reservations and more!

You will rest assured knowing your vacation plans are exactly what you are looking for!

Check out our comments from our most recent clients:

 “Let me begin by saying unequivocally that you are a shining star within your industry. Besides your great prices and your ability to handle a families entire vacation planning from A to Z, your knowledge of the islands and the resorts is second to none. I found your timely follow-ups and sincere phone calls to be a delight given today’s business executive acumen. What more can I say: you are the best I have ever dealt with and I am sincere in saying that if I choose to head to the islands again -- well, I have your contact info and don't be surprised if you hear from me.”
“The resort was very, very nice. Their beach was wonderful and the rooms were exactly as you described them. We truly loved the trip and what's more are we had no surprises on the negative side of the scale but more than several on the positive side. I have given your info to several friends and associates in the hopes of passing some business your way for all you accomplished for me and my family.” Larry Kanter Scottsdale, AZ

“Thanks so much, Marie!! While the on-line forums are helpful for background information, it's nice to know there's a local professional like you available to help negotiate the process. We can enjoy the planning rather than stressing about it!” Laurie D. from Portland, Oregon

Ready to start planning “your vacation of a life time?”

For rates or to schedule a consulting appointment contact us at Travel to Maui http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/contact.php

Written by Marie Glodt a Certified Hawaiian Destination Specialist and travel agent at Travel to Maui.
 

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

Providing quality travel packages to Hawaii and beyond since 2001!

 

 

Photo credit to the following: Tracie Howe Photography, Veils by Jules, Carey's Flowers, Party Favor Websites, Sheer Delights, Hawaiian Visitor Bureau, Grand Hyatt Kauai, Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui.

Tips for your Hawaiian vacation

Aloha from Maui, Hawaii.

As a resident of Hawaii and a travel agent I would like to share some of my favorite Hawaiian travel tips.

Travel to Maui specializes in honeymoons and destination wedding travel to Hawaii. We book everyone from the first time travelers to the most avid traveler. Included with their documents they also receive lots of great travel tips for their upcoming Hawaiian vacation.

I would like to share my top #4 tips with you today regarding your flights to Hawaii.

1. Make sure and read your documents carefully.
2. Reconfirm your flights and issue your boarding passes online as soon as they become available. This is generally allowed by the airlines 24 hours prior to your departure flight.
3. Arrive early at the airport. At least 2 hours prior to flight on domestic flights to insure the best seating and allow for adequate time to clear security with TSA.
4. If you plan on eating on the flight bring a credit card. Most airlines no longer accept cash!



For more travel tips check out Travel to Maui FAQ *(frequently asked page) on our website http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/travel-faq.php

If you would like a quote or to schedule a consulting appointment with one of our Hawaiian Destination Specialist visit our website at http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/contact.php

http://www.traveltomaui.net/index.php

Written by Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui.  Maui Master and Hawaiian Destination Specialist with the Hawaii Visitor Bureau.




Photo credit to Hawaii Visitor Bureau and Marie Glodt at Travel to Maui.







http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/hawaii-travel.php

Destination wedding in Hawaii

As a travel agent who specializes in destination weddings I hear lots of great ideas regarding weddings.

This information comes from past wedding couples, wedding vendors such as photographers, wedding coordinators, and more.
The first and foremost important thing to keep in mind is “it is your special day!”

Try to not let your guests determine your wedding date or location. If they are not able to attend your destination wedding due to finances or health reasons let them know you will miss them. Then do your best to include them later by sharing your wedding video and photos.

Many wedding couples have a small function when they return home. This is a great way to include all the guests in your special day who were not able to attend your wedding.

The first step when planning your destination wedding is to set a date and location.
It may be a good idea to have some flexibility with this to lock in the best prices.

For example many private locations offer a discount if you do a day of event verses a nightly function. This may not be available 365 days of the year.

The next step would be to secure a wedding planner or coordinator. They will be able to save you time and money in addition to hiring with the best vendors in the business.

After you have locked in your wedding date, location and venue the next phase would be your travel planning.  You will be able to lock in your airfare 330-300 days prior to departure. Because most wedding sites become available a year in advance this will be perfect timing.

Travel to Maui averages 50+ destination weddings per year for the last 11 years. During this time we have arranged travel packages from 2-120 people.

The bride and groom normally secure their travel reservations first. This is followed closely by the wedding party, including close family members. Guests tend to wait until the last minute. That is why it is a good idea to set your RSVP date 45 days or more prior to the wedding.

I have heard of wedding parties where the guests never RSVP and just showed up at the destination wedding. Or worse they did RSVP and then no showed. In either event this added extra stress at the day of wedding, not to mention the expense.

When you book your wedding with Travel to Maui we advise you of each and every guest once they have confirmed their travel plans.

It is a good idea to send out your save the date information 6-12 months in advance. This allows your guests time to request the time off, and to arrange their travel.

One cute idea I have seen when doing a destination wedding to Hawaii is to send out a Hawaiian post card with the wedding information on it.

This would be followed by a formal invitation closer to the wedding date.

Another great tip when planning your destination wedding is to set up a wedding website. Here you can list your travel agents contact information, wedding details and any other information necessary.

Once you have completed all the above information you can sit back, relax and count the days until your upcoming wedding in paradise!

For more information check out our FAQ page at Travel to Maui.

To schedule a consulting appointment with one of our destination specialist contact us at Travel to Maui

Check out Travel to Maui reviews

Written by Marie Glodt
Certified Hawaii Specialist and Maui Master with the Hawaii Visitor Bureau.
Tiare Tahiti Specialist with the Tahiti Visitor Bureau and Pearl Partner with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Links:
Hawaii Travel agent http://www.traveltomaui.net/index.php
Hawaii vacation http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/hawaii-travel.php
Contact us http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/contact.php
Honeymoon http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/honeymoon-packages.php
FAQ http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/travel-faq.php
Reviews http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/testimonials.php
Tahiti http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/tahiti-travel.php
Weddings http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/weddings.php
Cruises http://www.traveltomaui.net/php/cruise-vacations.php






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