Travel – US
The Best Beach on Kauai for the Whole Family
Author Alexine
Poipu Beach is by far the best beach on the island of Kauai to take your whole family. This beach has some of the calmest waters. Just outside the breakwater you can take part in snorkeling, boogie boarding, kayaking, surfing and swimming. Do not miss out on this beach if you are traveling to Kauai, Hawaii with your family.
Great Location
Poipu Beach is located on the south shore of the island of Kauai in the town of Poipu. There are plenty of beautiful accommodations nearby that you can rent rooms out of for nightly or weekly rates. If you are looking for a month or two then there are also great condos to rent in Poipu. By renting a condo you are able to prepare your own food which is a great money saving opportunity.
Plenty of Shade
This beach is wonderful for shade as there are plenty of large palm trees to sit under. There are also a few really nice covered areas that have picnic benches for eating and staying cool. With shade abundant you do not have to worry about burning too bad the first day as long as you wear plenty of sunscreen.
Showers
Poipu Beach has several wonderful showers that are great for rinsing off the salt water after swimming in the ocean. This way you do not feel sticky from the salt and sweat from being out in the sun for several hours. Take advantage of these while you are there since not all beaches have a place to rinse off.
Restrooms
There are several restrooms down at Poipu Beach which are great for changing into your bathing suit and back into your clothes. It is nice to also have the ability to use the restroom whenever you need to without going back to your room.
Playground
There is a wonderful playground down at Poipu Beach that is great from young children to keep busy. When the kids are ready for a break in the water it is nice to have a playground right there to entertain them. This is a definite perk for families with younger children that need lots of busy body entertainment.
Young Children
Babies and young children will love spending the day at Poipu Beach. There is a wonderful pool of water that is less than two feet deep on the left side of the beach. This area has a breakwater of volcanic rock that keeps the water very calm even during larger swells on the ocean. This is the perfect place for babies and young children to play in the water and learn how to swim.
Beautiful Sand
Poipu Beach has some areas that are rocky however there is a good portion of the beach where you have plenty of beautiful sand. This is perfect for digging holes and making sand castles for hours on end. Do not forget to bring your buckets and shoves when you visit the beach. Most rentals have beach toys for you to use or you can purchase them cheap at the grocery store.
Wonderful Overall
Overall Poipu Beach is by far the best beach on Kauai for the whole family. With the beautiful sand, calm waters, entertainment and plenty of restrooms and shade you really cannot go wrong here. Make sure you visit this wonderful beach during your vacation on Kauai. You may even be lucky enough to stay in a nearby accommodation. This beach, water activities and playground are sure to give your children hours of great play time.
TSA Rules for Traveling with Luggage
Author Alexine
Since the security breech almost a decade ago there has been heightened security in all airports around the world. In the beginning there were no liquids or potentially harmful metal objects allowed in your carryon but as time went on they became more reasonable. Now days there are specific allowances and restrictions for carryon and checked luggage. Here is the most recent safety information so you can pack accordingly.
Liquids & Gels
The rule for each passenger when it comes to liquids and gels is known as the 3-1-1 rule. This means that each person can have one zipped closure bag that is one quart size. The person is allowed to fill the bag with three ounce sized containers of liquids and gels. The actual maximum size allowance is 100ml so make sure you check your bottles and tubes.
Sharp Objects
You are allowed to bring disposable razors and their cartridges for shaving in your carryon luggage. Also you can bring scissors that are shorter than four inches, plastic knives, butter knives, tweezers, nail clippers and nail files.
You must pack all other sharp objects in your checked luggage to comply with their regulations. The objects must be properly stowed in a case or wrapping to not inflict harm on potential inspectors. This includes but is not limited to box cutters, ice picks, ice axes, pointed knives, meat cleavers, utility knives, sabers, scissors longer than four inches and swords.
Sports Equipment
Now days you cannot carry on most types of sports equipment except the different types of balls and protection gear. Round small sports equipment like softballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs and hockey pucks are not listed as prohibited items.
Things like baseball bats, cricket bats, weights, hockey or lacrosse sticks, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and bows and arrows are not allowed on board. These items have to be packed and checked in luggage underneath the plane. Also skis, snowboards and surfboards have to be packed in special bags and checked on their own.
Firearms & Ammunition
While many airlines do allow you to check your guns in proper cases in your checked luggage some do not allow guns period. It is important to contact your airline to see what is allowed and what is not before packing for your trip. If the airline does allow you to pack firearms they must be declared at check in to show they are packed correctly.
The rules for BB guns, pellet guns and compressed air guns are the same as regular firearms. Also gun parts and replicas must be packed under the airplane as well. These rules are in place to protect you and other travelers. Also remember that flares and gun powder are not allowed when traveling on airplanes ever.
Tools
Most tools are to be wrapped and packed in your checked luggage except screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches seven inches or smaller .The tools that must be checked include axes, hatchets, crowbars, hammers, drills, saws and large wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers. Remember only seven inch or smaller tools may be packed in your carryon.
Self Defense & Martial Arts
While it is important for many people to have personal self defense items on themselves at all times you cannot carry these items onboard. Items such as Billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, kubatons, marital arts weapons, night sticks, nunchakus, stun guns, shocking devices and self defense sprays must be checked. However you cannot check a self defense spray with containing more than 2% by mass of Tear Gas.
Explosive & Flammable Material
There are no explosive or flammable materials allowed on the airplane in either your carryon or checked luggage. The explosive items include but are not limited to dynamite, fireworks, flares, hand grenades, plastic explosives and realistic replicas of explosives.
The flammable materials not allowed include most aerosols, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, torch lighters, strike anywhere matches, flammable paints, paint thinner and turpentine. You are allowed two properly cased lighters with fuel in them and one book of non-strike anywhere matches in your carryon.
Chemicals & Other Items
The only other items that may be checked in your luggage or carryon are small compressed gas cartridges, nonflammable paint, and small aerosol toiletries. Remember that the containers in your carryon must be clearly labeled at 100ml or less.
Items such as chlorine for pools and spas, fire extinguishers, liquid bleach and spray paint are not allowed period. However, gel candles, snow globes and gel shoe inserts are allowed in checked luggage only.
It is important to be up to date on the current rules and regulations by the TSA to ensure you are flying safely. Do not forget to pack your carryon liquids and gels in one quart sizes bag and large liquids or gels in your checked luggage. Also make sure you check with your airlines with any questions regarding items in your carryon or checked luggage. This will ensure you do not have any troubles when traveling at the airports.
Checklist for Moving to Hawaii with Your Pets
Author Alexine
When you move far distances on the mainland with your pets there is not much to do other than have a safe place for them to travel. On the other hand when you move over seas to Hawaii there is a lot to do in order for your pets to travel safely. To help you with the move I have written a checklist for moving to Hawaii with your pet.
Time
The most important thing to have when moving to Hawaii with pets is time. The process of getting them ready to travel over seas takes over four months so try and give yourself leeway. This will take the stress and financial burden of the move off of your shoulders.
Breed
Many cats and dogs are allowed to move onto the Hawaiian Islands however there are breed restrictions. You cannot bring any dogs or cats that are not domestic and bread with or full blood wolf, Dingo, Bengal or Savannah. These types of animals pose a potential threat to people and other animals.
Age
It is very important to consider the age of your animals before deciding to bring them to Hawaii. Traveling can be very hard on animals and cause them to panic or have difficulty with their health. Older animals are not advised to fly on airplanes and young animals have to wait to have their vaccinations completed.
Cost
There are additional fees that come along with bringing your dog or cat to Hawaii. You have to pay for the travel fees along with the vaccinations, medical exam, titer testing, and entry fees. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of money per pet when taking them to Hawaii.
Rabies
The state of Hawaii is rabies free and they take great pride in this fact so that is why it is difficult to bring animals there. You have to make sure your pet has had at least two rabies vaccinations in their life that were administered at least thirty days apart. Also the most recent vaccine must have been at least ninety days prior to arrival.
Microchip
Every cat and dog that plans to make the move to Hawaii must have a microchip placed inside them. The microchip is a way to identify the animal and the number is used on their medical records and blood tests.
Titer Test
In order to be certain no animal with rabies will come to Hawaii and infect another animal they require a titer test. This test is called the OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Test and it has to be sent away to a laboratory. The lab must receive the test at least one hundred and twenty days before the animal is expected to arrive in Hawaii.
Waiting Period
The one hundred and twenty days after the test is received by the laboratory is considered the waiting period. This is approximately four months before you leave for Hawaii so it is important to plan way ahead. Work out a timeline with your veterinarian so the test is administered with time to spare.
Quarantine
If you are not lucky enough to have more than four months to spare and wait for your test, than your animal must be quarantined upon arrival in Hawaii. They do this for families that must move there with little notice and are desperate to have their four legged friends in tow.
Getting Everything Together
Finally after months of waiting and quite a few visits to the vet it is time to go one last time before you travel to Hawaii. This last appointment at the veterinarian is critical and must be done within fourteen days of travel. At the appointment you must obtain signed copies of a health certificate, vaccinations and the OIE-FAVN results. Also your pet must be treated with a tick killing drug containing Fipronil and you need proof from your vet.
With all your original copies signed by the veterinarian you will be good to go. It is quite a lot to do by worth it to bring your furry friend along. Remember to read up on my traveling with pets checklist to understand the other aspects of traveling with pets.
Posted in Travel - US | 
Tags: hawaii pet travel, moving pets to hawaii, pet travel to hawaii, pets to hawaii, traveling with pets | 
No Comments »
Weekly Art Walk in Hanapepe, Kauai
Author Alexine
If you visit the island of Kauai in Hawaii than you will not want to miss out on the weekly art walk in Hanapepe. This beautiful old town has been gutted, refurbished and turned into quite the little character. With delicious food and fun music to enjoy, you can walk the streets admiring local artists every Friday evening on your visit to Kauai.
Food
There are several great little places to grab a place to eat down in Hanapepe including some delicious barbeque pork and chicken. The Hanapepe Bakery is also a wonderful little place to have a special dinner on Friday nights if you make reservations. They fill up fast so make sure you call ahead.
In addition to cute little places to eat there are several trucks that make their way throughout the island and park in Hanapepe for art walk night every Friday. There is currently a truck that makes delicious authentic Thai food and Thai iced tea. Also they have a taco truck that prepares some delicious fresh fish tacos.
While dinner is delicious you have to save some room for the yummy pies that are baked fresh and served at art walk. There is a local baker that brings an assortment of fun flavors every week so you can try different ones or purchase a whole pie to take back to your home away from home.
Music
As a wonderful form of art music is abundant at the Hanapepe art walk. There are plenty of local musicians that rotate the art walk each week. With guitars and singing there is a mix of new age and old school Hawaiian music that is sure to get you and your children up and dancing.
Make sure you wear some comfortable shoes so that you can walk around and dance for all the great musicians. The main street in Hanapepe where the art walk is can be long for little ones so pack a stroller when you visit. Then the whole family can enjoy an evening of fun music and dancing.
Galleries
The main street in Hanapepe is full of great little art galleries that host a variety of art types from mostly local artists. There is plenty for sale if you would like to take a little piece of Kauai home with you as well. With so many different types of artists in Kauai there is sure to be an artist that suits your taste for artwork in your home.
When you visit the galleries some of the local artists will be part of art walk so you can meet them in person. It is great to chat with the gallery owners and workers as well to get a feel for the artist if they are not present. Most of the people selling there are down to earth and friendly so you can ask as many questions as needed.
Enjoy the Evening
Since every Friday night is an art walk in Hanapepe you should try to go as many times as you can while you are on the island. Each week there are different local artists out selling on the streets and bringing different types of delicious edible art as well. Enjoy your stay on Kauai and remember to stop by Hanapepe on Friday evening while you are there.
Select Boutique Hotels Offer You “Travel Healthy” Options
Author Alexine
By Barbara Wade © 2011, All Rights Reserved
Jet-setting across the country can be exhilarating, but all too often, traveling can cramp your style. Grabbing fast food meals, working long days and hauling around heavy luggage seriously sets back your routine, leaving you tense and fatigued. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t maintain a healthy lifestyle. Booking your stay at a number of select boutique hotels can be the solution you need to travel healthy. Whether traveling for several weeks or just a few days, you can now ensure you’ll stay energized, look your best and feel as good (or better!) than when you left.
A few innovative boutique hotels are now dedicated to supporting the healthy habits their guests are accustomed to. They offer amenities, programs and even room service menus that foster healthy travel. The next time you’re planning a trip, make a point to search for luxury hotels that offer programs which let you:
Select Nutritional Food Options
Being on the road doesn’t automatically mean you’ll stray from healthy food choices. Need a snack? You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the wholesome goodies many boutique hotels offer in their mini bars. From organic foods to herbal teas, grabbing a quick bite to hold you over until mealtime doesn’t have to mean undoing your entire day. Exhausted from staying too late at last night’s company event? You’ll need an energizing breakfast instead of the pastries and donuts most traditional hotels offer. Enjoy one of the many healthy breakfast and light, low-fat fare some select luxury hotels offer on their in-room dining menus.
Indulge with In-Room Treatments
After back-to-back meetings, collapsing in your hotel room and kicking off your heels is probably the only thing that sounds good. When you choose a boutique hotel that offers in-room spa treatments, you can indulge yourself in something special. When you need to get relaxed and ready for the next busy day, there’s nothing like a revitalizing massage or facial to get you back on your feet.
Stay Centered with In-Room Yoga
Even during a whirlwind trip, you know you’ll feel better after a workout or yoga session. Check and see if your hotel offers on-demand instruction or a complimentary yoga tote bag, . and ask the front desk for mats, straps and exercise bands. That way, you can keep up your yoga, Pilates or meditation practice, staying fresh, calm and centered on the road.
Restore Yourself at a Full-Service Spa
You may find that you want extra relaxation and pampering, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. Some boutique hotels offer full-service spas so you can delight all five senses with restorative skin and body treatments that melt away stress and help you keep up your beauty regimen.
Enjoy Work and Play
All work and no play makes for a dull business day. When you only see the inside of an airport, a taxi and a conference room, getting out in the evening can be a breath of fresh air. Wind down your day with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot in your hotel’s restaurant bar or lounge. Some boutique hotels offer hosted evening wine hours, too, so you can meet other guests and make new contacts. . Whether you’re transitioning to a night out with business associates or to in-room dining with your laptop, mix it up by sharing a drink and spending some quality time with other guests.
While seeing new sights and flying around the country can be exciting, it can also take a toll on your body and mind. By staying at select hotels with a health-oriented focus, you’ll be taking care of yourself—and feeling your best in the process.
Author Bio
Barbara Wade is a professional travel writer who creates articles for Kimpton Hotels – a collection of boutique hotels with a healthy focus. This particular hotel group is dedicated to helping you stay fit while you’re on the road, and if you consider yourself a stylish, sophisticated traveler Kimpton Hotels are the perfect places to stay. Visit http://www.kimptonhotels.com for a listing of hotels.
Posted in Travel - US | Tags: boutique hotel, boutique hotels, healthy travel, healthy travel options, Kimpton Hotel, Kimpton Hotels | No Comments »
Things to do in Boston Massachusetts
Author admin
Things to do in Boston Massachusetts
Whenever you get the chance to visit the city of Boston make sure you bring your walking shoes.
There are plenty of fun activities to take part in and lots of sightseeing to do.
Whether you are alone on a business trip or visiting with family, this city is a wonderful place to explore. Here are some of my favorite locations when I visit Boston.
Boston Common
As the oldest park in our country the Boston Common is still serving as a place for the public. It is nearly fifty acres of lush green grass and beautiful trees. There are plenty of walking paths all through the park for your enjoyment. This is the perfect place to bring a bagged lunch and spend some time relaxing.
Swan Boats
Just on the other side of Charles Street from the common is the Boston public garden. There is a beautiful lake in the garden where they offer Swan Boat rides. These boats first started giving pleasure rides to the public in 1877. Be sure to stop by and take a ride if you visit between the months of April and September.
Massachusetts State House
Located right across the street in the North Eastern corner of the common is a magnificent sight. The bright gold dome on the Massachusetts State House is hard to miss with its beautiful glow. Be sure to check on the hours of operation times so you can view this historical landmark inside and out.
USS Constitution
If you head down to the waterfront and over the Charlestown Bridge you can see the magnificent USS Constitution. This ship was first launched in 1797 and is still floating today down at Pier 1 on the Charlestown shore. You can tour the USS Constitution ship and visit the USS Constitution Museum while you are in the area. They have different hours of operation so make sure you check the schedules.
Bunker Hill Monument
This beautiful landmark is located just north of the USS Constitution on Monument Street. Made of granite from a quarry in Quincy the Bunker Hill Monument is over two hundred feet tall. You can climb this huge tower by stairs that require you to climb 294 steps in total. This is quite a workout but is worth the view from the top.
Old State House
Located in the heart of Boston the Old State House still stands as a historical landmark. With the balcony in plain view you can see where the Declaration of Independence was first read out loud to the public. With the new state house in regular use this one was converted to a museum. There are great exhibits and plenty of information about Boston’s rich history.
So Much to See
The city of Boston has so much to see that you could not possibly see it all in one day. With activities for the whole family you are sure to find fun places to visit. Spend a day or two visiting the places above as they are some of the oldest history in our country. Enjoy your stay in Boston and be sure to plan another visit soon.
Fun Things to Visit at Mall of America
Author Alexine
While the Mall of America has all of your favorite clothing stores and shops you would normally see at a mall it also has a lot more. There are many extra shops and other fun things to do while you visit the largest mall in the United States. Next time you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area you should stop in and visit this huge indoor fun house. Listed below are some of the fun things you can visit at the Mall of America.
Plan a Visit Hull Massachusetts
Author Alexine
The town of Hull is a wonderful little town on the south shore of Massachusetts. It is the perfect place to take your family for a vacation in the summer months. The weather is nice and the beach stretches for miles. There are plenty of activities for any age group so you never have to worry about things to do. To help plan your summer vacation in Hull here are some of the wonderful opportunities the town has to offer.
Nantasket Beach
The town of Hull is a peninsula so there is plenty of beautiful water view. There is a bay on one side and an ocean on the other. The ocean side of the town is where Nantasket Beach is located. You cannot miss this beautiful attraction as it is well marked all over the south shore.
Read the rest of this entry »
Plan a Visit to Cape Ann Massachusetts
Author Alexine
The beautiful town of Rockport is located in Cape Ann near the northern most part of Massachusetts’s coastline. This old town has been an ideal destination for visitors for many decades. With plenty of beautiful scenery and surrounded by beaches this is a wonderful vacation spot for your family and friends. To help plan your visit here are some fun things to do while vacationing in Cape Ann Massachusetts.
Lighthouses
There are five gorgeous lighthouse locations on Cape Ann’s coastline including the spectacular Twin Lighthouses. These two lighthouses were built in 1789 and have been lighting the coast of Rockport. The other four lighthouses were constructed in the 1800s so there is plenty of history behind these magnificent structures.
Read the rest of this entry »
Five Great Summer Outings for Toddlers
Author Alexine
When it comes to entertaining toddlers there can be quite a few challenges due to their size and mobility. Toddlers can run around and have lots of energy to use but are not always the best listeners. It is important to keep them entertained and safe at the same time. To help you enjoy the good weather here are five great summer outings for toddlers.
Read the rest of this entry »
