hawaii Helicopter Tours – Tips for choosing
One of the attractions of Hawaii is its diverse terrain. And the best way you can enjoy the full impact of its beautiful landscape is by taking a helicopter tour. But there are several things you should consider before deciding which one would be the best tour for you. We present a few useful tips to plan an enjoyable helicopter tour of Hawaii.
Pick the right timing: It would be best to book your helicopter tour within the first two days of your visit. That way you would get a better idea of the orientation of the place right at the start. Also, during early afternoon or late morning flights the colors of the island would appear more brilliant and vivid due to the brighter light. On Kauai, the Na Pali Coast being located on the west of the island, it would be best toured in the afternoon light.
Pick the right islands: Kauai and the Big Island are the best picks for a helicopter tour. At Kauai you’ll enjoy splendid views of the Na Pali Coast, the Waimea Canyon, and the waterfalls at the Waialeale Crater. A tour of the Big Island would let you view the volcanic activity at Kilauea.
Pick the right operator: It is important to pick a tour operator with a clean accident-free record. Always go for tour operators that declare they have FAA Part 135 Air Carrier certification, meaning they adhere to higher standards as compared to other general aviation operators. As an added precaution, you could look up the accidents database recorded by the National Transportation Safety Board. To get results for Hawaii, pick Hawaii as the state, and then Helicopter as the type of aircraft. For each accident check the name of the tour company involved.
Pick the best price: An online search would help you compare the prices charged by different tour operators. Many companies offer attractive discounts if you book a tour directly with them.
Pick the right seats: Most of the helicopters like the Eco-Star and A-Star type helicopters seat six passengers, two in the front and four in the back, with the two people in the middle seats behind getting a limited view. But the Hughes 500 used by operators like Jack Harter Helicopters seats two passengers in the front and two passengers in the back. The Eco-Stars however offer slightly extra room, more window space and less noise than the A-Star helicopters.
The best seats for helicopter tours are the seats in front. However, seating is often decided based on the weight of passengers. For touring Kauai, seats on the right side provide the best views, including that of the Na Pali Coast, since most tours will circle the island in a clockwise direction.
A few Dos and Don’ts:
Take proper medication in advance if you tend to get motion sickness.
Wear dark clothing to reduce the glare on the aircraft windows.
Make sure your camera has high speed film/settings.
Understand and observe all the safety instructions.
Don’t wear earrings as they could obstruct your headphones.
Don’t waste too much time gazing at the scenery below through your camera.
A helicopter tour of Hawaii is a thrilling experience. There’s no better way to feast your eyes on the forests, cliffs, volcanic shapes, craters and beaches of this wonderful destination.
Financial Considerations
Whether you have an expense account with a limited amount or are on a budget, finding a hotel within an affordable price range is vital. There are several ways to do this and these include:
Hotel coupon books. These free guides can be found in many places, including travel centers, convenience stores, airports, supermarkets, restaurants, and attractions. One of the most popular hotel coupon books is called "Travel Buddy." Look inside for clip and save coupons to major hotels. Savings are less than standard rate but carry some restrictions. Most hotels won’t accept discount coupons during holidays or special events or with near full occupancy. Be sure and understand any limitations before you book a room or check in. Some coupons are for walk-ins only; others allow travelers to call ahead to make a reservation at the lower rate.
Go online to save. Many online travel booking sites exist that offer consumers lower cost lodging. Some of these include Expedia, Travelocity, and PriceLine. Book through one of these sites and save.
If you prefer a chain hotel, go to the main website and book. In order to compete with online travel services, many hotel chains have lower rates online for those who make an advance reservation. Compare rates and save.
Join a travel group. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the best known of these but there are others. Such groups offer members savings beyond those offered to the general public.
Consider making a trip during off-season or on days that are not peak. In resort areas, weekday rates are sometimes less expensive than weekends. Las Vegas and other popular gambling destinations often offer lower rates on Mondays and Tuesdays than later in the week.
Visit the website of an independent hotel to check rates and book a room.
Choosing The Right Hotel
After establishing the price range wished to spend on lodging, the traveler needs to narrow hotel choices. This is your opportunity to get the amenities that you want or to have the level of lodging preferred. Hotels run the gamut from very basic economy style rooms to luxurious suites. Know what you want and research a little before you book.
Consult travel guides, tour books, or brochures to ensure that the hotel you choose offers what you want. Whether it’s an indoor swimming pool, onsite restaurant, in house laundry, Internet connections, or a gym, make sure the hotel you consider has what you need.
Visit the website of the individual hotel if one exists. Look at photographs and read text about the guest services on site. Remember that photos of a property are designed to provide the best view.
Read reviews. Epinions.com provides a collection of candid reviews of many hotels. So do Expedia and Travelocity. Read reviews of the hotel you plan to stay in and find out now if others have been satisfied. Such reviews offer the opportunity to hear firsthand about issues such as dirty rooms, pest infestations, or shoddy services.
Call the Tourist Bureau or Chamber of Commerce in the city where you’ll be staying and ask them to recommend a good hotel. In most cases, locals will be honest and point you toward one of the better hotels.
Learn to compare prices and to research a property before you make reservations. Save yourself the hassle of an unpleasant hotel stay by doing your homework first.
by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
1. Wonderful grounds for safe exploration
Kids of all ages love interesting places: acres of grounds to explore; maybe features such as a labyrinth or a stone circle or two; even the possibility of spotting wildlife. The best family friendly hotels have plenty of safe, spacious grounds where children can let their imaginations run wild as they let off steam before or after a long journey.
2. Interconnected rooms – comforting for children with privacy for adults
The latest family friendly hotels ensure a wide choice of interconnected rooms. Parents and kids can have their own space. Adults and elder children get the privacy they want – while younger children feel safe with adults close at hand.
3. Refreshments available 24/7
Holidays are busy times, especially if your hotel has lots of exciting grounds to explore. Children often need a snack, while adults will appreciate the opportunity to unwind with a drink and a bite to eat. When you're planning your family friendly hotel accommodation, make sure the hotel has onsite facilities for delicious refreshments around the clock. Day or night, you'll appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a favorite treat whenever you feel hungry.
4. Child friendly staff makes all the family welcome
Remember when you were little and the staff at a hotel or restaurant made a special fuss of you? Enlightened family hotels make special efforts to accommodate the needs of children: around the hotel grounds, at mealtimes or when your kids have special needs, child friendly staff makes the difference between simple accommodation and a holiday experience that children will remember for a lifetime.
5. Internet connection for older children to use
Most modern youngsters will be keen to keep in touch with their friends even while they're on holiday. Modern family friendly hotels with wireless broadband access mean they can access their favorite social networking or entertainment websites. And of course, reliable Internet access is a boon when you need to make last minute travel arrangements, check email or plan a day out.
Choosing a suitable hotel is easy if you follow a few simple guidelines. As usual, it's the little details that make the best possible holiday experience for all the family.
Choosing the right hotel is always a trying task, and with the enormous number of promotions, deals and programs out there, it can be downright overwhelming. It doesn't help that these days most hotels have Web sites full of tantalizing photos and slick promotional copy that make you believe you'll be bathed in luxury as soon as you step foot into the lobby. How can you tell if a hotel will live up to its own hype -- and, more importantly, if it's the right hotel for you?
Since every traveler has different needs when searching for a hotel, you'll need to ask yourself what's most important to you. Whether you're looking for a great deal, a great location or a great B&B, we've broken down the hotel selection process to make it easier for you to find the best hotel for your trip.
What Matters Most?
Before beginning your search, ask yourself what type of accommodations you want and what your budget will permit. Does location trump price, or are you limited to hotels under $150 a night? Do you need a hotel with a pool for the kids, or would you rather stay at a small property with lots of local charm?
Once you've decided on your top priority, then you can make a more targeted search. Following are the most common determining factors in choosing a hotel, as well as tips for finding properties that suit each particular need.
Price: Nearly every major booking engine gives you the option to sort your results by price. Don't limit yourself to the big three (Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz) -- you should also pay a visit to aggregator sites like Kayak and Sidestep, and lodging sites like Hotels.com and PlacestoStay.com. And don't forget to check our very own discount hotel deals!
Tip: Use the booking engines to see what's available and test rates at the properties you're interested in, and then go straight to the hotel's Web site to book directly -- most hotels guarantee you the lowest rate when you book on their site, and will match a lower price you find elsewhere.
If price is your only concern, you may want to try bidding on Priceline.com, where you won't see the name of your hotel (only the star rating) until you've actually booked it. Learn more about landing a cheap deal in Get the Best Hotel Rate.
Location: All the major booking sites allow you to view search results on a map so you can see which ones are right on the beach or in the neighborhoods you prefer. Many, including Expedia and Hotels.com, also have the extra capability of searching for and mapping a hotel in relation to a particular point of interest, such as Times Square or the San Diego Zoo. Good old-fashioned guidebooks are another good source for finding hotels in a certain location, as hotels are often listed by neighborhood and plotted on a city map.
Amenities: Most of the major hotel booking engines allow you to specify certain amenities when you're searching, such as a fitness center, swimming pool or restaurant. Travelocity makes the process easier by allowing you to compare up to four hotels side by side so you can easily weigh such factors as star ratings, amenities, rates and room types.
Family-Friendliness: If you're taking the kids on your next trip, you'll want to check for both special deals and family-friendly policies. Your first stop for family hotel and resort reviews should be our brand-new family travel site, FamilyVacationCritic.com; we also love the hotel reviews at WeJustGotBack.com. For bargains, check out Family Vacation Critic's family travel deals and our own family deals.
Luxury: Looking to go luxe? You'll find the creme de la creme in groups like the Leading Hotels of the World, the Five Star Alliance and Boutique Hotels & Resorts International.
Ambience and Local Flavor: If you'd rather avoid the big chains, you're in luck -- there are many B&B's, inns and small independent hotels that don't appear on the major booking engines. However, finding them can take a little time and ingenuity, as Traveler's Ed explains in Finding Hidden Hotel Hideaways. For a roundup of non-hotel lodging, including vacation rentals and home exchange, see Ditch the Hotel: 10 Alternative Ways to Stay. And if you're looking for something truly different -- like a treehouse or an igloo -- take a browse through the Unusual Hotels of the World.
Loyalty Programs and Frequent Flier Miles: If you travel a lot or if you're a member of a frequent flier program, it may be worth your while to join a hotel loyalty program. Not only can you earn points toward a future hotel stay, but you may also be able to accumulate airline miles if your hotel is partnered with your frequent flier program. Check your hotel or airline Web site to see a list of qualifying partners. Many programs also allow you to redeem points for other purchases, such as cruises, car rentals and entertainment.
Eco-Friendliness: Travelers who are looking to minimize their environmental impact can search for green hotels through a number of organizations, including Green Globe and the Green Hotels Association. You can find a comprehensive list in our Go Green Travel Center.
Real Life Experiences
It's all well and good to read guidebook reviews and study hotel Web sites, but often the most valuable information about a hotel comes from other travelers just like you. That's where sites like TripAdvisor, Virtual Tourist and MyTravelGuide come in.
These sites (and many others, including the major booking engines) offer honest hotel ratings and reviews straight from the mouths of real travelers. This is where you can read about how the staff behaves, get an idea of how clean the rooms are and learn whether the wireless Internet connection actually works. Many sites also allow users to post photos of their hotel -- which are usually more realistic and less glamorous than the professional snapshots you'll see on the hotel's own Web site.
Of course, it's always a good idea to take traveler reviews with a certain degree of skepticism. Overly fawning reviews may actually have been written by hotel employees in disguise, while some negative reviews may come from super-fussy travelers who simply have an ax to grind. But despite the occasional misleading review, most traveler ratings are an honest, unbiased and invaluable resource when deciding between hotels.
Another way to get feedback from other travelers is by posting on our message boards. When asking for advice and recommendations, be specific about what you're looking for. Do you have any special requests, such as a view or kid-friendly accommodations? Do you need a queen-size or king-size bed? Do you want something close to town or in the country? The more explicit you can be about what you really want, the better chance you'll have of finding something you'll be happy with.
Pick Up the Phone
Though these days you can do a lot of research on the Internet, sometimes it still pays to pick up the phone. Calling a hotel directly, rather than dialing the chain's main 800 number, might get you a room at the last minute or during peak travel times.
National reservations desks often have a cap on the number of rooms they can fill at any given hotel, with the rest left to the specific hotel staff. Those working at the front desk have a better sense of the hotel's capacity and will be more likely to check for cancellations or no-shows. Whomever you call, having a list of prepared questions will help you. Avoid calling in the morning or mid-afternoon, when front desks are busiest. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Does one side of the hotel have a better view or less noise?
Is there parking nearby?
Is the hotel near public transportation?
Is there a restaurant, and is breakfast included in your rate?
Is there a fitness center on the premises?
How far is the hotel from the beach/theater/meeting/convention center/highway?
What are the neighborhood attractions?
How safe is the neighborhood?
What is the hotel's cancellation policy?
Does the hotel offer smoking/nonsmoking rooms?
What are the hotel's environmental policies?
What facilities are there for the disabled?
If you are overseas or in a bed and breakfast, ask if there are shared bathrooms or showers, and how many there are per room. Also, ask about air-conditioning and where to make meal arrangements. Keep in mind that if you're not dealing with a known chain, user ratings and guidebook reviews are suddenly even more important -- and you should always ask about special packages and rates.
Before You Sign
When you do finally decide on your accommodations, ask to see the room before you actually check in. There may be something you overlooked or the hotel neglected to mention. Your room might be right above the disco, undergoing renovations or just a lemon. Be choosy. If you're not happy, don't be afraid to say so. You should never be apprehensive about asking too many questions. You'll be glad you did.
What to look for in a Hawaii Hotel?
Are you panning your holidays in Hawaii and are in the process of finalizing your hotel arrangements for the same? When you go on to do so you will find that there are a large number of options to choose from. Choosing the right hotel for the purpose may not come easy; read on to find out how you should go about it.
You will surely want hotel whose rates are affordable. After all paying more for the same kind of amenities that are available at cheaper rates doesn’t make a sensible decision. The travel websites are a good place to search for such amenities.
After you have compared the rates, deciding upon the location for the hotel is the next big factor. Decide upon the Hawaiian island you would be visiting. In case you are visiting a big island search for big islands hotels, and so on and so forth. Go for the hotel that is near the attraction that you want to see.
Though you may want to examine the onsite services for the same but then you should proceed cautiously. You may like have room service and dry cleaning services as well. But think again on these aspects. Is it something that you may really want to have? If not, then you can surely afford to get more affordable hotel rates.
It is also possible that your hotel may double up as vacation resort. Like for example, many of the Hawaiian hotels have swimming pools, salons, volleyball courts, fitness centers and even tennis courts. Even if your sole motive is exploring Hawaii, then too staying put on such accommodation would be better. These will not only give you the privacy that a vacation resort would give, but will also endow you with the kind of attractions and amenities that you would like to indulge in your holidays.
But do keep in mind that compromising in the rates should not be at the cost of the comfort factor. Make sure you put up in hotel where you are comfortable in. And for the same it is better that you go through the catalogs. Reserve your bookings in hotel only in case you like the ambience and the feel of it, else do not.
Though this comes optional, but do explore the possibility of putting up in a beach front Hawaiian hotel. Many of the travelers would like to stay along the coast, for getting the real Hawaiian experience and hence would like to out up in beach facing hotel. In fact from there you can also get access to the oceans for enjoying body boarding, snorkeling or swimming.
These are just a few tips for choosing hotels in Hawaii that will help you make your vacation memorable in Hawaii. It will not only ensure a great stay but the one with all the excitement and fun.
More and more people are buying condominium units lately. These properties are perfect alternatives to those who would like to have their own place. A Makati condo is a very popular choice for many young professionals and young couples. It provides a more affordable choice of real estate property in most business areas where lots are being sold at staggeringly high commercial prices.
Before you go out and join the condo craze, condo living is not ideal for everyone. There are many pros and cons to living in a busy, Makati condo unit. There are many things you should consider before looking for the perfect Makati condo. Below are just some tips to help you out.
* Developer. Most developers specialize in certain types of condominiums. Research on reputable developers of the type of condominium units you are interested in. You’d be able to save more if you buy condos in pre-selling stage but a huge faith on the developer is required. Make sure the developer of the condominium building is reliable and trustworthy.
* Unit. Decide on the type of unit you want. Are you interested in just a studio unit, a one-bedroom unit, or the largest available unit? If you have plans of reselling the unit, bigger units are often easier to sell.
* Neighbors. If you are buying a condo that’s ready for occupancy, check out your prospective neighbors. You’ll be living with just a wall away from your next-door neighbor so it’s a good idea to be sure you’ll be okay with them. Also, learn about the condominium association in the building and their rules and regulations. This way, you’ll be aware of anything you might not agree with.
* Location. This is a number one priority for many people in choosing the condo unit they will purchase. Most people who opted to buy a condo unit because they to go home to a place that is very near their work. Also, most condominium buildings are built to be accessible to many establishments like malls, schools, churches, business areas, and many more. Identify the area that you are interested in then start looking for condominium units that are newly built or being built within the area. However, make sure you also consider the immediate vicinity of a prospective condominium building. Is it a very noisy area? Is the traffic bad around the building? Are the streets safe to walk around even at night?
* Style. There are currently three major types of condominiums based on size: low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise. High-rise buildings can often be found amongst the high-rise buildings in business areas so they cost more than mid-rise and low-rise condominiums. Units in higher floors also offer a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Low-rise and mid-rise buildings, on the other hand, are less expensive and are often located near residential areas. They provide a great balance for those who like to live in a condo and yet maintain a semblance of a community that’s ideal for families.
Every landlord who is looking out for an efficient and effective condo property management must be aware of certain key facts before entrusting the management of the condominium community to a professional company. There are certain vital qualities and important details to ensure before choosing a company to takeover the daily tasks associated with managing a condominium.
Tip 1 - Do Not Hesitate To Request Special Consideration.
While choosing a condo management company, most condo managers prefer a team that can offer exclusive services for the condo in question that is to work only for the particular condo at any given time. A small condo community may not have the luxury of making such a request for exclusive treatment from well established agencies offering condo property management . However, larger communities can afford to demand such exclusive services. In the meanwhile, it is also important to note if the management company entertains such requests and is willing to cooperate.
Tip 2 - Choose A Company Specialized In Condo Management
Although there are plenty of condo communities that choose to be self managed, it is not an option that is easy to implement. Managing a condo is a huge task that may seem overwhelming to the chosen board member or manager especially if they lack the experience. Now, a condo property management will be well experienced in dealing with all the issues that may arise during the management process. So, while trying to choose a condo management company, it is best to go with one that is specialized in handling all requirements of a condo community.
Ideally, the management company must be willing to implement the specifications laid down by the condo manager and to follow the rules and goals outlined for them.
Tip 3 - Ensure The Reputation Of The Management Company
Before employing the services of a condo management company, try to learn more about its history. It is best to begin with a research of their past clients. If the company has a good history of quality services and if their past clients are only too happy to recommend the company, it is a fairly good indicator of the reputation and professionalism of the company.
Tip 4 – Trust The Company And Avoid Unnecessary Interference
Once a reliable condo management company has been chosen, it is important to trust the company. After all, the company will obviously have a team of skilled professionals, combined years of experience in condo management and a through knowledge of common issues. In case an issue arises in the condo and the manager of unsure how to react, the agency for condo property management will usually suggest a solution. If this solution seems reasonable, it is best that the manager trusts the company and agrees to this solution. It is also equally important not to interfere or involve too much in the management process. That is what the management team is there for.
Tip 5 - Understand The Services Being Offered
When a condo management company offers details regarding the services they provide, make sure that the services fit in with the needs and requirements of the condo community under consideration. If a condo manager is able to delegate almost all the major responsibilities to the management company, the company providing condo property management is definitely an established and reliable one. On the contrary, if the company does not take up the most vital management activities, it is highly recommended that the condo manager turn to other options.
