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

Maui and Lanai’s Golf Courses

Written by Marie Glodt
Hawaiian Destination Specialist at Travel to Maui

Hawaii has some of the finest golf courses in the world. Today I would like to focus on golf courses on the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Moloka’i.


All have countless panoramic views of the ocean and island scenery.

Kaanapali Golf Course is host to Champions Skins Game. It is located in the resort area on the west side of Maui. The 2 courses here are the Kaanapali Kai and the Royal Kaanapali Course. Built in the 1963, these courses have been home to some of the most renowned players on the PGA, Senior PGA and LPGA tours. The signature hole on the Royal course is the 5th hole. While the Kai’s more notable hole is the #11 with its picturesque view of Lanai.

You will know you have arrived in the famous Kapalua Resort by the 200’ Ironwood trees lining the drive. Since 1982 millions of television viewers have enjoyed watching professional tournaments like the PGA Tours like the Mercedes-Benz Championship.
The 18th hole is known as the favorite for its view.

Wailea has 2 clubhouses and has three 18 hole courses (Blue, Emerald & Gold). Both Golf Digest & Golf Magazine named Wailea one of the nation’s finest golf resorts.

Makena is known for its seclusion and a place of escape from urban life. Many holes make me feel like you are on the big island of Hawaii instead of here on Maui.

The island of Lanai is home to two world class golf courses. The Challenge at Manele and the Experience of Koele were designed by legends in the golf industry.


Maui:
Dunes at the Maui Lain 808-873-0422

Elleair Golf Course 808-874-0777

Kaanapali Golf Course 866-454-Golf (4653) or 808-661-3691

Kahili Golf Course 808-242-golf (4653)

Kapalua Golf Course 877-kapalua or 808-669-8044

Makena Golf Course 808-879-3344

Wailea Golf Course 888-328-maui or 808-875-7450

Waiehu Municipal Golf Course 808-234-7400





Lanai:Challenge at Manele Golf Course 808-565-2222

Experience at Ko’ele Golf Course 808-565-4653

Moloka’i:
Ironwood Hills Golf Course 808-567-6000


Golf tips:
Rent your clubs when once you arrive on Maui. Many airlines are charging upwards of $50.00 to take your clubs with you.

Golf carts are required when playing Maui Courses.

Many courses offer a “twilight times” if you plan afternoons or “off peak times.”
Some of the courses even offer special rates for golfers staying within the resort area. Make sure and ask when you make your tee times if they offer any further discounts or golf packages.

For rates and tee times please contact the golf courses directly. Most courses allow tee times 30-45 days prior to arrival.

The average temperature is 75-85 degrees year round here in Hawaii. Make sure and bring a hat, sunscreen and drink lots of water to offset our “tropical weather” here in the islands.

For travel packages including to Hawaii please contact the travel professionals at Travel to Maui. We are a Maui travel agency and Hawaiian Destination Specialist.
www.traveltomaui.net

Why should you hire a professional travel agent?

Written by Marie Glodt Travel to Maui

In the age of the internet I am frequently asked “do people still use a travel agent?”
My response is “the smart ones do!”

In my years in the travel industry I have found just because something looks good online doesn’t mean that it is going to actually look like that when you check in.

I found that the photos you see online are seldom what you can expect when you check in! Internet photos are frequently taken at “low tide” (when the beach looks empty of people and is at its largest point) or when the room has been recently renovated (but they don’t tell you that not all the rooms look like that, or that last renovation was 5 years ago).

As a travel professional I make it my job to actually tour, inspect and stay at every property we offer our clients.

Working with a travel expert who specializes in your destination will make your travel plans stress free and the vacation of a life time!

“Being a Hawaiian Destination Specialist, and a resident of Maui, Hawaii allows me to know the best properties to fit your tastes and budget.”

“When creating your customized quote we work with the top rated discounted wholesalers to get you the best value on your travel package to Paradise.”

The extra benefit of working with a Hawaiian Travel agent would be our contacts with the management of the property you will be staying. We can also provide tours and excursions to complete your travel plans prior to your arrival in the islands.

Still thinking of shopping online? Please check out these quotes below!
• "The time an agency spends on your behalf may be worth any fees you'll have to pay." Frommer's Hawaii
• “A competent agent takes the time to listen to what you want, and then makes recommendations based on your needs. In fact, good travel agents don't consider themselves agents at all, but "specialists in a destination or travel type.” "They can get you information that can't be found on the Web. They listen more than they speak and then wow you with the perfect trip!”
• “The right travel agent that will save you the most money will have a few distinct traits. First, the travel agent will ask you tons of questions about your plans, travel itinerary, preferences, and flexibility. The travel agent that asks these questions will have a better chance of finding you deals that you can work with!”
• “Without a travel agent you are on your own!” “Asta”

For more information on travel packages to Hawaii and beyond please contact Travel to Maui at www.traveltomaui.net

Photo credit to Grand Hyatt Kauai