Cool Cruise Deals to Paradise

Regular readers of this blog know that I track travel deals to Hawaii very carefully. And with the recent demise of Aloha Airlines and the skyrocketing price of fuel, bargains to paradise are relatively non-existent. So when I was notified of this next cruise deal to the Pearls of the Pacific my jaw dropped. Some of the Aloha State sailings reflect savings of nearly 50%. Take a look: NORWEGIAN This early-bird special offered by Orbitz is a real steal. It takes place aboard Norwegian’s Pride of America and sets sail in December 2009. The seven-night voyage departs round trip from … Continue reading

Paradise Found

This is a follow up to a blog I recently wrote bemoaning the fact that finding affordable airfare to Hawaii is next to impossible these days. A few days ago I received an email informing me of an outstanding package deal to Maui that is being offered for a limited time during Hawaii’s low season. The offer is good from August 18-December 8, 2008, but you must book a spot by July 13, 2008. For $645 per person you can fly round-trip from L.A., San Francisco or Seattle ($1,119 per person from Chicago) to Maui on United Airlines and stay … Continue reading

Ticket to Paradise

As much as I like to think that my hometown is the ultimate exotic destination, the truth is it’s just one of many tropical paradises that dot the planet. If you are searching for a dream destination to escape to following a summer wedding or just need to take a break from the chaos that rules your life, you might consider the following deals to tiny gems that will leave you refreshed… but not broke. Cook Islands This stunning 15-island Polynesian archipelago is a common getaway for the rich and famous, but right now Virgin Vacations is giving you the … Continue reading

Tickets to Paradise on the Rise

I have got to stop looking at airline rates to Hawaii. Doing so just depresses me. But I just can’t seem to help myself. I’ve subscribed to several travel sites that automatically send me updates on ticket prices for the dates that I am planning to travel home… and the news is not good. With record-breaking fuel prices and the recent demise of several carriers servicing the islands things are not looking sunny for my trip to the “Aloha State.” What’s more, from now until at least September, airlines have scheduled 14% fewer seats than last year between the mainland … Continue reading

Paradise Lost

I knew it was too good to last. Whereas I was hopeful that inter-island airfare in Hawaii would remain affordable at least until my daughter graduated from high school (in about 15 years), the recent demise of Aloha Airlines all but obliterated that dream. On March 31st, Aloha Airlines, a legend (think 60 years plus) in Hawaiian aviation, abruptly stopped flying. Two days later ATA, an airline that offered cheap flights from the West Coast to Hawaii shut down as well. The combined work stoppage meant Hawaii lost 15% of its service from the mainland, or about 1.1 million seats … Continue reading

Holiday Travel Deals in Paradise

Are you ready for some football… in Hawaii? The NFL’s regular season is far from over, but travel deals for the 2008 Pro Bowl are already popping up. If you want to watch the best of the best take to the field and catch a tan at the same time you might consider heading to Honolulu in February. Panda Travel is offering a heck of a Valentine’s Day present for your football-loving sweetie. The four-night package includes airfare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, game tickets and special activities. The package prices range from $799 to $2,999 per person. The higher price … Continue reading

A Concert Made In Paradise

In the early ‘90s I joined about 60,000 others to experience an unbelievable concert by the rock band U2 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. It was a memory that remains with me to this day. The band was incredible and my seat was pretty good too. I have always dreamed of attending another one of their concerts, so when a friend told me that the band was scheduling a rare tour stop in Hawaii (where I was born and raised), I thought it was meant to be. Or, maybe not. U2’s April 8th Aloha Stadium date was postponed … Continue reading

When Will Disney Parks Reopen?

Many families make trips to theme parks during the summer. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many parks to close. Some are beginning to open up for the summer of 2020. Parents should be aware that most, if not all theme parks, will be requiring masks and social distancing. Disneyland posted information on June 1, 2020, stating that a reopening date has not been identified. This includes the Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney. Upon reopening, certain Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels, restaurants and other locations may be limited in capacity and subject to restricted availability or even closure … Continue reading

Sweet and Sexy Travel Deals

If you love the idea of escaping February’s bitter cold to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your lover in the warm California sun, then you are going to adore these amazing travel deals. The following sweet and sexy Love Day offerings will warm your heart without burning a hole in your wallet: SWEET This sweetheart of a deal is being offered by the US GRANT hotel in San Diego’s historic downtown district.  From now through February 28th you and your true love can take advantage of the “Romancing the Epicurean” package, which features deluxe accommodations, two welcome cocktails, an edible “Artist’s … Continue reading

Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels

Disneyland and Disney World aren’t identical. One of the big ways they differ is in size; Disney World is much larger than Disneyland. Because of this there are far fewer hotels at Disneyland than Disney World; I can think of dozens in Orlando, but Disneyland has only three: the Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian, and Paradise Pier. Disneyland makes up for that by teaming up with several local Anaheim Hotels as part of its Good Neighbor program. A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel isn’t officially a Disney hotel. Anyone can stay at them without going to the park (though I suppose … Continue reading