Search Results for: blog paradise on a roll

Winter Deals in Paradise

It’s that time of year again… a time when 30-foot swells reach Oahu’s North Shore and dozens of professional surfers hit the water to show off their moves during the “Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.” If you are planning to visit Hawaii in the next month, forget about the dozens of pro wave shredders, you need to concern yourself with the tens of thousands of other tourists who travel to the Hawaiian Islands to watch surfers take on Mother Nature. For those of you who don’t know, the “Vans Triple Crown of Surfing” is celebrating its 25th anniversary this winter … Continue reading →

Save on the Souvenir Experience

When budgeting for a dream vacation, don’t forget to include the cost of souvenirs.  After all, you want to take home at least one tangible memory of your ultimate getaway… and hopefully, it’s not just the toiletries from your hotel. These days several properties are making it easier and more affordable for guests to leave their favorite vacation destinations with souvenirs that will last longer than a plastic dashboard hula dancer.  The select hotels are offering guests a chance to make their own souvenirs via classes, workshops, and other creative hands-on programs. Some of the most popular include: The Viceroy … Continue reading →

Hawaii Genealogy Resources

Hawaii is “the Aloha state”. The word “aloha” can mean either hello or goodbye. Genealogists who are searching for their “ohana”, (their family), can use the following Hawaii genealogy resources to help them with their research. You might find ohana that you had no idea were part of your family tree. Say aloha! Ancestry.com has a page that is filled with links to all of their Hawaii genealogy collections of records. The majority of the collections are only accessible by people who have an Ancestry.com membership. Some are offered for free every once in a while. Return to this page … Continue reading →

Beach Theme Background Paper

With much of the nation baking under record high temperatures, it’s no surprise that area beaches are packed to the gills. After all, who doesn’t enjoy soaking up the sun, sand and surf? Whether you are visiting the sea solo, or you are there with your entire clan, a trip to the beach is a memorable occasion. In fact, beach-themed layouts are extremely popular with summer scrapbooking fans who want to preserve the season’s highlights. Photos of family members burying each other in the sand, surfing, frolicking in white wash, collecting shells or watching the sunset make great additions to … Continue reading →

Under the Sea

Tis the season to ditch Old Man Winter for sunny skies, soft sand, and warm water. If you are fortunate enough to jet-off to a tropical locale you’ll likely do so to the chorus of “take lots of pictures.” Whether you are documenting your vacation under the sea for posterity or you just want to make your Facebook friends jealous, you need the right equipment. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank purchasing a waterproof camera for your upcoming trip to paradise. These days you can buy disposable point-and-shoot underwater cameras, though if you are a serious shooter, a … Continue reading →

Scrap Your Winter Escape

Old Man Winter is alive and well here in the Upper Midwest. Judging by the Weather Channel, he is kicking up trouble from coast-to-coast, which is probably why so many people are looking to jet-off to tropical locales right about now. If you are one of the lucky ones and a trip to paradise is in your near future, don’t forget to document your fun in the sun. You’ll need those photos and mementos to create a beach-themed scrapbook when you return. Crafting eye-popping beach vacation layouts is always fun, especially since the theme is so casual. Unlike wedding or … Continue reading →

Spring Special Offers at Disney

Now that we’re firmly into spring, it’s time for the latest round of special offers at the Disney parks. Today I’ll focus on the two domestic parks. To change it up a little bit, I’ll lead with the Disneyland deals. Like usual, there are discounted rates for Disneyland resort hotels available if tickets are booked by a certain date. This time, if you make a reservation for a Disneyland stay by May 28, you’ll enjoy a cheaper stay at any one of the three Disneyland resort hotels: the Paradise Pier, Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or the Disneyland Hotel. Prices … Continue reading →

Fabulous Fall Color Excursions

My bucket list contains a ton of high-flying adventures (and even more non-stop food binges), including taking a hot air balloon ride to view nature’s magnificent color show in Asheville, North Carolina. The area is a Mecca for leaf peepers, but instead of viewing the awe-inspiring burnt oranges, golden yellows and fire-engine red leaves from the ground, I would love to get a bird’s-eye-view of the Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains from 500 to 2,000 feet in the sky. Of course, hot air balloon rides are not the only unique ways you can view fall’s spectacular colors. … Continue reading →

Travelers Fired Up Over California Smoking Ban

I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, where smoking is banned in all public recreational areas, such as parks and beaches. To me, the decision to snuff out smokers in these pristine areas of paradise is a no brainer. Still, the vote to ban smoking from some of tbe island’s most prized real estate didn’t take place until 2008. Hard to believe, right? After all, when you think of parks and beaches, don’t the words “fresh air” immediately come to mind? If I am hiking to Akaka Falls or tanning myself at Hapuna Beach I sure don’t want … Continue reading →

More End of the Summer Travel Destinations

Where have you gone this summer? Did you finally take that family trip to Hawaii or were you able to scrape up enough cash to jet off to Europe? With the economy in a slump many families have opted to stay closer to home this summer and it has paid off. You needn’t take a long flight or drive 300 miles to have the vacation of a lifetime; rather if you live near popular tourist attractions you can simply make the most of what’s in your own backyard. Miami, Florida The ritzy neighborhoods on the north end of Miami Beach … Continue reading →