5 Reasons You Should Plan a Hawaii Vacation!

Are you looking for a vacation destination for an upcoming trip? If you are, you should examine Hawaii. Hawaii vacations are popular and their popularity continues to increase. There are good reasons for that. In fact, five reasons why you should plan a Hawaii vacation are outlined below.

1 – Affordability

The cost of travel can seem quite high today, especially with the high cost of gasoline. In fact, many individuals are putting off their summer vacation plans. With that said, many travelers are surprised to learn just how affordable it is to vacation on a beautiful Hawaiian island. With a small amount of time and research, you can easily find amazing Hawaii travel deals and discounts.

As for how you can find great travel deals and discounts, examine online travel websites. They are ideal for comparing the rates of airline tickets, hotel reservations, and car rentals. When using a travel website, be sure to examine vacation packages. They are convenient to book and you are often rewarded with a small, but helpful, discount. It is also a good idea to visit the websites of Hawaii hotels and airlines directly, as some are known for offering moneysaving discounts directly to consumers.

2 – Beauty

If you have never visited Hawaii before, the beauty of the land will likely leave you breathless. In addition to vacations, did you also know that Hawaii is a great place to get married? Hawaii destination weddings are just as popular and that is due in part to the beauty of Hawaii.

The beauty of the land is great for travelers who are unable to decide on a destination, as there is so much for you to do and see. It is hard to find a destination like Hawaii where you can relax in a tropical climate, swim in the ocean, hike to see beautiful waterfalls, and explore volcanoes.

3 – Activities

As previously stated, all of the Hawaiian Islands are home to a vast array of landscaping. This opens up a world of opportunities for you and your traveling party, in terms of Hawaii activities. It is also great for families who members all have different likes and dislikes. Whether you enjoy staying on land, being on the water, or being in the air, there is so much for you to do and see while on a Hawaii vacation.

As for beach activities, swimming, boating, fishing, dinner cruises, surfing, body boarding, and scuba diving are popular. Popular land activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and sightseeing. Hawaii can also be explored by the air and the perfect way to do is with a private Hawaii helicopter tour.

4 – Attractions

If the above mentioned Hawaii activities weren’t enough to keep you occupied on your trip, the large number of attractions in the area will. Regardless of which Hawaiian Island you choose to visit, there are so many wondering, beautiful, amazing, and historical sites for you to visit. One of the most popular Hawaii attractions is that of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is located on Big Island. Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Oahu, and Lanai all have their must see attractions as well.

5 – Travel Reasons

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should consider taking a Hawaii vacation is because of your reasons for doing so. Although you do not need a reason to travel to Hawaii, any reason will do. Hawaii is the perfect destination for family vacations, romantic getaways, and trips with a group of friends. You will also find that many Hawaii activities and attractions are designed for individuals of all ages, which is nice if you are planning a family vacation.

As you can see, Hawaii is the perfect vacation destination. With a number of beautiful islands to choose from, a number of travel deals and discounts, and large number of Hawaii activities and attractions, what more could you ask for? What are you waiting for? Book your Hawaii trip today!

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rican Destination Weddings

If anything's more fun it's a destination wedding and many couples that want to experience a real tropical paradise can arrange for their wedding to take place in Costa Rica. Some of the more experienced tour companies have special rates for wedding/vacation packages for couples that want to have a destination wedding and vacation for their wedding party and incorporating a honeymoon at the same time. Some packages are cheaper when booked at the group rate so it's cheaper for members of your wedding party, friends, family, and other guests to be able to travel at a cheap rate.

Costa Rica has some really scenic tropical beaches and hotels and resorts that are priced right for someone's budget whether it's big or small. The idea of having a destination wedding is kind of for those who like to get away from the ordinary church/hotel weddings and being able to enjoy a different kind of scenery where the sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking and enjoying a peaceful kind of setting that really makes getting married worthwhile.

There are many tour companies that offer wedding/honeymoon/vacation packages Costa Rican Tours Inc. that is based in Costa Rica offers wedding packages for at least $500-1000 since in most cases all you have to do is handle the legalities and paperwork to get married in Costa Rica. The U.S. Embassy or Costa Rican consulate will have the required paperwork needed to marry in a foreign land.

Usually, the only thing that you have to provide is that you are single or divorced (You must provide a copy of your divorce or annulment decree) will prove your marriage was legally dissolved in a court of law in the United States. The cost you pay can go to cover the flowers, food, and entertainment since many hotels provide this for one price to make it less expensive since it's not cheap to fly to Costa Rica at certain times of the year since airfares can be super high during the high peak travel season and not everyone can travel for a destination wedding especially if your guests have to take off from school and work to attend.

Most who are getting married in destination weddings usually don't have a lot of people attending because not everyone can afford to jet off to some exotic location for 5 days and usually many who do this are usually eloping because of the fact that not everyone can come to the wedding.

Usually many couples who do destination weddings don't regret it because it was a positive experience with less of a hassle dealing with ungrateful relatives and friends and just being with the person they love and not having to worry about the expense many couples face after a wedding for at least 2-5 years depending on how long it takes for them to pay down their debt from the wedding. Usually destination weddings are inexpensive, but it's the airfare and hotels people who go to them worry about since they're not cheap to book.

If you want to have a honeymoon registry and get your guests to pay for your honeymoon, visit us at Rosalina's Travels and click on Honeymoons and you can set up a Free Honeymoon Registry there.

Scuba Diving And Snorkeling Trips In Costa Rica!

Many people who are experienced divers and snorkelers pick Costa Rica as one of the prime locations for scuba diving and snorkeling because of the beautiful crystal blue ocean waters. Costa Rica's environment makes it premier in the idea of snorkeling and diving in some of the best waters in the world.

Not only do tour companies do regular tours, weddings, but also they do have special tours for those who wish to spend a week diving at various beaches around the country. Many people who are new to diving are strongly advised to undergo training and certification prior to their travel plans because it can get expensive if you come and get certified by an instructor down there and certification standards are different in the United States and Caribbean.

It's easier to do that so you can be prepared and have yourself together. It's ideal to be an experienced diver when you visit places like Costa Rica so you can travel with your own equipment since airlines usually allow divers to travel with their tanks and gear depending on who permits it, as it's considered extra weight on flights.

They have packages for everyone, The average length of these packages are around about 10-14 days. However, depending on the tour company you go with, they may allow you to customize your trip. Usually if you're traveling in a group, it's a lot cheaper and you get more for your money when you book as a group. Rates for snorkeling go by how much you're charged per day to rent a boat to go out on the water.

The rates are also priced by the season meaning it can cost more if you're going out during the high tourist season and it's cheaper when you're going on the low tourist season. Usually peak travel seasons are when it's the most expensive to travel to Costa Rica. It's cheaper to visit on the off-season because you can get a good rate for travel with airfare and hotel since rates go down in the off-season. That's why it's ideal to plan your trips in advance so when you come across a good deal you can book it ahead of time to get the rate that you want.

Google can pull up countless websites for travel agencies that offer diving travel packages so people can customize their vacation packages for their specific need and budgets since not everyone wants elaborate, but want to go low key and inexpensive. Everyone wants to have a good time, but you want to also save some money in the process of it all.

Planning the ultimate diving excursion with friends and family who are into diving can be a lot of fun and having quality time with loved ones and friends is what makes a vacation worth every penny spent. Researching your vacation options early ensures that you get what you're paying for in advance.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real

Romantic Getaway Costa Rican Style!

For those who are married or dating and are looking for a nice romantic getaway Costa Rica has vacation packages for those who want an intimate getaway for two. Costa Rican Tours Inc. offers romantic getaways for 11 days/10 nights and the itinerary consists of mostly remote hiking, rafting and overnight stays at upscale resorts and hotels with a spa session to relax and pamper you.

Packages such as this usually aren't that expensive since one price can cover two people and these are perfect for the couples who want a romantic getaway for Sweetest Day or Valentine's Day where it's breaking with tradition of the 'Hallmark Holiday'-greeting card overkill, chocolate, and flowers. The website Resortflamingobeach.com does this package deal called 'baby-moon' which is a special package designed for parents who want that special getaway kind of like second honeymoon for parents.

The cheapest time to go on a getaway is during the summer when the rates are cheaper since it's more expensive to go in the fall when rates go up.

Some romantic getaway packages can be tailored to include spa sessions for a nominal fee and even some horseback riding on the beach and strolls along the beach during a sunset or even a sunrise for those who are early birds.

Some hotels and resorts have the all-inclusive option which means you pay one price for all you can eat meals, snacks and drinks which is actually a great value for couples on set budgets and they can get more for their money which is good for those who want to have a good vacation for a good price and value. It's important to plan your trip so that you're not going to overspend and going over budget. Romantic getaways are just the kind of rest and relaxation many couples need to reconnect and bond with each other in a loving and caring way.

Many couples find it exhilarating to wake up to smelling fresh air and looking out on the beach when they sit out on the terrace of their hotel room having breakfast or that first cup of coffee in the morning like many people have when they get up in the morning to start their day. Looking onto the ocean is a nice feeling first thing in the morning you're waking up to the birds chirping and the crashing of the waves and the smell of the ocean air and not waking up to the rustle and bustle of urban city life.

This is a change of pace for couples who spend so much time on a job or some occupation that often leaves them stressed and worn out and a romantic getaway to someplace tropic can be an adjustment to one's attitude when they're stressed and burned out from all the things that everyday life brings them. Once you come away from one of these getaways you'll be a normal person who got some rest and relaxation away from the insanity that everyday life brings to people.


Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Fishing Vacations In Costa Rica

Those of you out there who love to fish will enjoy the vacation packages that are set up for people to get a 5-day vacation and 2-day rental of a boat with all meals and equipment included. The hard-core fisherman will be in paradise when they're out there fishing in some of the cleanest waters in the world. And some of the best fish like tuna, which is the most popular of fish to be caught.

Costa Rican laws are restrictive to the types of fish caught and ones they stipulate are asked to be released back into the waters since they have to maintain some conservation of specific non-edible fish to keep the population stable and to lower the pollution that excessive gaming and fishing brings to the waters of Costa Rica. The fish are of better quality than you would find in the United States since the waters aren't as clean and well kept as the waters down in Costa Rica are.

You can sit out on the boat with all your meals and drinks included in the price you paid to rent the boat with a crew, but you get your money's worth when you get out on the boat starting at 8:30am and return at 4:30pm and for the price you get to spend the whole day out on the boat and for about a grand and a half. You can get plenty of time on a boat to relax with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for the whole day.

For the price many pay for an entire day out on the ocean fishing, in absolute tranquility is probably the best grand well spent. You get your choice of heavy and light fishing gear and tackle so it's easy for the amateur and experienced fisherman to partake in their favorite pastime.

It's pretty expensive in the states to even rent a boat for fishing, but to know that in Costa Rica it's one price and you get all your meals except dinner. This is what many avid fishers enjoy about their experience fishing and having a positive experience out on the ocean. Some of the other package options also include ground transportation so you get all your rides to and from the boat and from the hotel to the airport.

Which means you won't have to fork out money for a taxi when you need to get to the airport, when you are leaving to go home after spending a week relaxing on the ocean with friends and family if you bring them to have fun fishing on the ocean and chilling out in a peaceful place where relaxation is the key for a trip to Costa Rica. Costa Ricans take relaxation and their love of fishing seriously, because fishing is also a part of their livelihood and culture. The ocean symbolizes tranquility and peace since much of the environment is very tropic and exotic which fits like a glove on many of the people who visit the country looking to kick back for a few days and enjoy a full vacation of fishing and forgetting about the stress in their lives.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rican Cuisine

I was mistaken when I thought I would be eating mostly Latin food but Costa Rica has a phenomenal diversity in the foods that it serves. You would be surprised to find that there are many Asian restaurants and just as many European restaurants. The food is plentiful and the cost is reasonable. Of course every fine hotel has a restaurant on the premises but you will want to eat at the local restaurants.

In San Jose there are quite a few fine restaurants. Ristorante Bohemia is a fine European restaurant that serves a formal European dinner with a fine wine list. While looking for restaurants to try out, I repeatedly found Tin Jo's on the list. This is a restaurant that seems to have stood the test of time and is still in business. The food is considered Pan Asian and you can find Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and even some East Indian food. The deserts are delicious.

I once went to a Cuban restaurant and found out the hard way that not all Latin food is like Mexican food. I embarrassed myself and asked for chips and salsa. Big oops, I got a dirty look for that one. The same is true of Costa Rica; don't go expecting the native food to be like Mexican food. It could be considered bland and is healthier than the Mexican food that you usually eat in the States. Costa Rican food is considered healthier because it is more fresh and natural. No canned peas here!

The nicest thing about eating in Costa Rica is that all fruits, vegetable, and seafood are very fresh. In some cases the beef and pork are actually fresh as well. In all restaurants the juice served is usually fresh. It seems that it is cheaper to serve fresh rather than frozen. Many smaller restaurants actually grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs There is also the cheese made by the Quaker community from Monteverde and if you travel through Monteverde you will get a chance to meet the Quakers. .

One thing that I have to have in the morning is a hot cup of coffee. I don't care if the weather is hot or not, I must have a cup of hot coffee to get moving in the morning. One nice thing is that Costa Rica produces a fine crop of coffee. You may want to stock up and take bags of coffee home with you as gifts for friends and family. Many of the hotels are located on either old coffee plantations or on actual functioning coffee plantations.

One of the local dishes is Ceviche, which is wonderful and is made from seafood. It is very similar to what they make in Fiji called "kokoda", the only difference is the Fijians add Coconut milk to theirs. One of the delicacies found in most salads is Hearts of Palm. I think that is great, especially since I love Hearts of Palm.

As with any Central American country, Plantains are a staple it the diet of Costa Ricans. I was shocked to see them put ketchup on a fried banana. Well I soon found out that Plantains are in the banana family but they are used more like potatoes.

Because of all the fresh produce available, Costa Rica is a heaven for vegetarians or those with vegan diets. You will find many vegetarian restaurants available for your dining pleasure.

Most of the big hotels have buffets and you can always eat at these but you will do yourself a disservice if you don't try the local cuisine with it being as fresh and original as it is. There are a many Americans and others that come to Costa Rica and open up businesses. No matter where you are in Costa Rica, get out and try the food. Visit someplace new every day.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rica: Music, Dance and Nightlife

Music in Costa Rica is music to dance to. From Salsa to Chamber music there is something for everyone. Live bands play at different clubs all over the country. Salsa, Jazz, Rock, Tango, Tex-Mex, and Calypso are all on the venue at different nightspots in Costa Rica.

If you are staying in and around San Jose the best nightlife is found at El Pueblo in Escazu. Here you can find restaurants, nightclubs and shops. Club Twister is one club that is very popular playing contemporary and Latin music. Another is El Tobagan and while they are open only on the weekend they are always packed.

Somewhere in El Pueblo the Tango Bar is located. It has a couple of older gals that serve drinks and perform sentimental ballads. If you are lucky an Argentine visitor will be able to translate the lyrics. Occasionally you will see a great Tango performance.

Costa Ricans love to dance and they are so good at it. They dance cumbia, merengue, lambada, and salsa. If you get a chance, before you go to Costa Rica try to get in some salsa lessons. It is the most fun you can have and it sure makes you know that you are alive. There is dancing at night in any number of clubs all over Costa Rica and most of the better hotels have music at night.

If you speak Spanish and you are looking for local events then you can try to read the local papers the Tico Time and La Nacíon. These should help you find local movie times and info on concerts and festivals.

Every year in February and March there is the Monteverde Art Festival, which has local musicians and visiting guest musicians. The venues for the music change from year to year depending on what festival planners have in mind so check the local newspaper or simply ask around. The local Ticos will be more than happy to give you any info they have on where the next performance is.

Costa Rica is predominantly Catholic so most of their holidays follow the usual Catholic holidays such as Christmas and Easter but one holiday that stands out is the celebration of the Black Christ Esquipulas. This festival originates in Guatemala but is celebrated all over Costa Rica. There is large population of Guatemalan immigrants so this may have something to do with the celebration.

The Teatro National was built over a hundred years ago an in that time Costa Ricans have developed there own national theater company. Additionally Costa Rica has their own Symphony and Ticos love classical music almost as much as Salsa.

For those of you that like a different kind of nightlife there are also a few nature and wildlife tours. In the Mountverde Cloud Forest there are night tours that show you the beauty of wildlife that only shows itself at night.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Renting Villas in Costa Rica

Instead of renting a high priced hotel room, you can go and rent yourself a villa for $1500 a week which is cheap. Comparing to a hotel room costing that much, and with a villa you can get more like a eat in kitchen and actual bedrooms not just a single room. You can rent out up to 6 bedrooms if you have a group of 12 of more.

Costa Rican vacation rentals provide some upscale properties you can rent by the week and is in perfect view of the oceanfront. The homes are privately owned so you don't have to worry about waking up to dealing with hundreds of other hotel and resort guests. You can wake up in a normal home environment exactly how many people are used to on a daily basis. It's feeling like you're at home. Costa Rican vacation rentals also offer amenities like tours around the area, car rentals, social activities, recommending local restaurants and taverns, and more. The management team that is on-site is committed to assisting you through your stay.

All the homes come fully furnished complete with a full kitchen, DVD-CD stereo, satellite television, private pool with waterfall, and central air conditioning. Dishes and beds are maintained with maid service the company provides during your stay. This is what some people call a great vacation because having a house over a hotel room or resort, is actually much more peaceful than to just deal with annoying hotel guests.

And you can wake up and have a cup of coffee without the hustle and bustle of a hotel having to wake up at once to make it to breakfast. Basically you can shower and relax as you were at your own home. Renting a house is actually much better if you're planning to bring family and friends, so it's a lot more relaxed and stress free and nobody dealing with having their rooms all screwed up where as everyone has a room and is comfortable.

The nice thing is that honeymooners would appreciate renting a house because it's much more private than a hotel or resort and it's putting the romance back into the environment. When you have your own space and not having to deal with anyone outside of the confinements of your villa. What's even more convenient is that all the properties in the area are within 20 minutes of the Liberia International Airport, when you depart to fly home which is nice because the staff will ensure that you get to the airport to catch your flight home. Too many places where some people are just too far away and have to leave super early just to make it in time for check in, and have enough time to get to the gate so they can get their boarding passes.

At least this place you can relax and get to the airport on time and still make your flight on time. According to the website people who loved staying there left comments about coming back which says a lot for the company's reputation.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Secret
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rican Cruises

Some people want to take the slow boat to China deal by doing a cruise to Costa Rica leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with stops in Costa Maya, Limon, and Colon, Costa Rica and you can spend 8 days on a Carnival Cruise down to Costa Rica and experiencing port of calls along the way. This is a lot more exciting than being cramped on a flight when you can spend all the time relaxing and having a good time before you get to the ports of call, which is on days 3,5 and 6. Each stop is approximately one day long and there's only one stop in Costa Rica that is on day 5 of the trip.

You can just sit back and look out on to the ocean and take in the next breath of air so clean you forgot you're not in the city. Par t of the fun about a cruise is the nighttime sky when you can walk out on to the deck and look at the clearest sky around. Most tourists enjoy that where they can go walking around the deck at night and the cost doesn't come cheap you're looking at about $3-5 grand for a week and a half or longer that's why tourists need to plan their trip well to make sure you can get the most of out of it financially.

Carnival cruises is one of the lines that does have stops in Costa Rica as their port of call and usually there's a trip through the Panama Canal, but it's just straight down south winding your way through the Caribbean islands and stopping in some places, but you spend more time out on the water than you do stopping on land. Sailing instead of flying just buys you more time to relax comfortably instead of being squashed up inside a plane for a few hours when you can spend a few days chilling out on the deck and enjoying a drink while taking in some rays. There are a lot of cruise ship websites out there that can tell you when you should book your trip since like the airlines prices change quickly in a matter of a day.

So it's ideal to get email notices about the fares so you can book them quickly. Doing your homework can ensure you get the best fare possible for your money since it's not exactly cheap to go on a ship. The average person spends a couple years saving up for a cruise and booking when the price is not so high since like flying cruises are costly at certain times of the year.

Booking a year early is your best bet in getting the dates you want so you're not paying full fare when the reduced rate is offered to you in advance to give you a chance to book your cabin. Cabins are booked by level and are priced differently. The most expensive would be towards the front.

For more information on Cruises click here

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rica, Spas and Retreats

If your goal is to escape cigarettes and busy city life, then you might consider the benefits of a Costa Rican Vacation that is a Spa or Retreat. There are those of us that cannot just vacation, we have to have more meaning in our adventure. In this case, instead of getting away from it all, you are getting to it all. It seems the result is the same you get to relax and unwind.

There are many, many yoga and meditation retreats so I will just try to tell you about the ones that stand out. I encourage you to do your own search

Pancha Mama
Pancha Mama means Mother Earth in Spanish and if you are a time-warped hippie that had a go around with communes this is gonna ring your bell. Pancha Mama is referred to as a Spiritual Eco Village. The fees are extremely reasonable, if I read their fee chart correctly. A number is listed with no digits behind it so I am relatively sure these are the rates. For a tent it is $12.00 for a single and $20.00 for a double. For a House it is $28 for a single and $50 for a double.

Offered are lessons in yoga, meditation, tai chi, surfing and horseback riding. This is also a total vegetarian cuisine and the meals approximately $4.00 a piece with children's meals costing a mere 1-2 dollars.

Luna Lodge
Lana Wedmore has worked in the tourist service industry for years and her final destination for her own Lodge is the Osa Peninsula in the southern region of Costa Rica. Her rates are not cheap but they are competitive with the larger hotels and she has included a Wellness Center where you can learn or practice Yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki, or massage. The buildings are beautiful and in harmony the ocean and jungle that surround it. Her rates run from $125 - $200.

Tree Houses Hotel
I didn't see any ads for yoga or massage but I did see info on the Hot Springs. That's gotta be healthy. So, here is another unusual way to spend your holiday.... in a tree house. Mind you, these tree houses have full bathrooms with tubs and they have Air Conditioning. You have got to at least visit the website, the rooms are very cool. The rates run $75 -$85 per night.

Costa Rica Quilting Retreat
I can't imagine making quilts in the jungle, but if there are any enthusiasts out there, this is your lucky day. Bungalows are offered in a private gated community. The Main building has a swimming pool and they have BBQ's out by the pool. The fee for this is $925 for the B&B arrangement in the main house, or you can pay $950 for a cottage. With only the $25 extra for the cottage, I would take the cottage

In Conclusion. I have found that most of the spas or retreats are very expensive, and atmosphere is the largest offering. They do many weddings in Costa Rica and the luxury Hotel/Spa experience is the fancy pampering newlyweds enjoy. I have listed retreats that are a bit more affordable and more individualized than the normal offering.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rican Environmental Tours

For some of you who are supporters of the environment there's a tour just for you that you can book through some travel agencies who offer environmental tours for those who are looking to enhance their experience with an educated filled itinerary of places that are protected and are in danger due to urban sprawl and pollution. College and graduate students who are studying the environment and are looking for an educated vacation will certainly find themselves on a group tour of like-minded people who are concerned with the environment. Science tours, eco-tours, and eco-tourism is now becoming a more prominent thing among the supporters of the environmental community and those who have visited Costa Rican waters know they are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Many who value and appreciate the environment come down to take part in boating expeditions and visiting wildlife reserves to go on safaris and getting an educated filled week on things they usually wouldn't learn in a science class.

Many travel agents today do have student tours which are done at certain times of the year so it's inexpensive to go and you can either fly or take a boat out on the ocean for a week to catch a few rays and to just chill out with others like you who came to learn about the environment for a week. It's a matter of doing your research to find the best group deals around. Usually most excursions like this are about 5-7 days long and you leave from one place and you begin the tour and then conclude back where your starting point is at.

Costa Rica offers a lot of breathtaking views of wildlife and if you like to dive to go look at fish that can be added to a tour for a nominal fee per person. Those who like to dive will have some really breath taking photos if they have an underwater camera. The pictures can be used for research on how the waters and the fish of the world look like and can provide a visual record of how beautiful Costa Rican waters really are from down below.

Very few people get a chance to dive down and look at some of the most unique fish around and to take back pictures to show people how clean and clear the water really is. Tours such as this are usually beneficial for those who are studying ecology and the environment to get a general feel of their field of study in the form of a vacation while learning about the world at the same time. Tours like these are ideal to take during the summer months because usually it's a lot less hectic since not all college students are able to afford the $2500+ price tag for 7-15 days.

It's ideal to go with an experienced travel company because when you're dealing with college students it's necessary to give them solid information on security and where and where not to hang out in town and to stick together as a group. Student tours like this are good for those who are getting their degrees in Environmental studies, Ecology, Biology, and any other science that studies animals and plants since some colleges and universities will give credit to students when they take excursions like this as a part of their coursework.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rican Culture And The Diversity

Costa Ricans are actually a close knit people who are home-bound until they get married or leave home for college. Many events like baptisms and weddings are prominent among native Costa Ricans because this is where they have the largest gatherings of family and friends. Traditions are also gender based and many tourists learn about that when they visit the country. What makes Costa Rica different from other countries is their practice of a lukewarm approach to Catholicism that combines a strange ritual of parties and religious celebrations during the time mostly Catholic and Indian traditions.

Tourists would be lucky to catch natives engaged in rituals common to them. Most of the things that natives do that tourists are lucky to catch are mostly religious based since Costa Ricans are Catholic and it's all church or family based when they celebrate special occasions. Even the most non-traditional tourist will get the feeling they're right at home when they visit Costa Rica since much of the lifestyle there is all based on generous hospitality.

This is kind of like the American south where hospitality is the way of life and tourists who visit get the feeling like they're at home with nice people. That's the feeling tourists get when they're at home with Costa Ricans who make you feel like you're one of them. The traditions of family, and religion go hand in hand with many different kinds of people and the diversity of the cultures that partake in the spirit of family and religion. Music is also a huge thing in Costa Rican culture and most of it is based on ancient Mayan influence and a mix of Afro/Cuban/Caribbean bringing the east and west together to make what they call tambito and punto. Costa Ricans also pioneered their answer to the funk music movement of the 1970s identical to what the American genre that was popular among teens and young adults.

The food is a mix of Mexican, Spanish, Caribbean, and Southern American influences so many Americans who come to visit Costa Rica feel as if they're right at home because the culture is so diverse in ethnicity. The national language is Spanish so anyone who visits who's pretty fluent in Spanish will be able to communicate and fit in with the people even as a visitor.

The food many tourists are encouraged to try is 'Gallo Pinto'-Spanish for 'Spotted Rooster', but there's no chicken in this dish. That consists of black beans and rice seasoned with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt, and a locally made condiment 'Salsa Lizano', and this dish is typically a traditional meal eaten for breakfast with eggs, meat and sour cream ( I usually have a very small breakfast so this was a bit hard to take at first )

Another traditional Costa Rican cuisine is 'Arroz con pollo' (rice and chicken), the dish has bite sized chicken chunks mixed with rice and diced vegetables of carrots, peas, corn and garbanzo beans (known in America as chick peas). There is another dish typically made as a weekend meal, called 'Olla de Carne' which is a soup made up by boiling water, meat usually chicken, and whole to large pieces of vegetables and seasoned with spices.

So, there you go, make sure you try at least two of these dishes that are signature dishes of Costa Rica.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
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Timeline Of A Typical Tour Of Costa Rica

The average tourist spends anywhere between 7 to 10 days, but many tour companies are offering full 10-14 day tours. One Costa Rican-based company called Costa Rica Tours offers tourists an 11 day tour where you're doing different things for the entire 11 days and it's very well planned out because you're seeing a lot of the country on their itinerary.

The first night is usually when you're getting settled into your hotel and then day 2 is when you start off by visiting a coffee plantation since coffee is one of the products produced out of Costa Rica that is also a mainstay in their economic background.

Day 3 you're visiting a village in Cartago to where the tour guide gives you some background information about a young girl witnessing an apparition (she testifies bearing witness on seeing the Virgin Mary) and then the tour continues on to another town where you spend the night at a plantation overlooking Lake Angostura.

Day 4 Your journey takes you to the small village of Tucurrique for a short cooking lesson from the natives in making tortillas and other authentic Costa Rican cuisines.

Day 5 is a hiking adventure in learning about the Costa Rican indigenous people called the Kekoldi and you get a tour by a Kekoldi leader and you will spend a night at a hotel that's just steps from the Caribbean Sea.

Day 6 is a leisure day spent swimming, hiking, and even seeing wildlife on the Gandoca Wildlife reserve near the hotel.

Day 7 you'll board a flight from Limon to Guanacaste to where you get to tour some of the most spacious ranches and beaches and spend a night at 4 star hotel near the town of Tamarindo. You're on your own after the days' activities which many people take it upon themselves to go sightseeing or soaking up rays and taking in other tours before continuing with their main tour group.

Day 8 is going on a tour of the artisian village of Guaitil where you can try your hand at some authentic pottery making with the Chorotega Indians who's centries old tradition of pottery making is still the mainstay of this particular group of Indians. After you spend a good deal of time making a few pots and learning about pottery, tourists are encouraged to go check out the little gift and pottery shops in the town of Guatil.

Day 9 takes you on a tour of Santa Rosa National Park which is home to the dry rain forest and a historical landmark for two important battle conflicts.

The tour makes a stop in the town of Liberia-the center of Costa Rica's agricultural region to the northwest part of the country and later staying a night at a Las Espuelas a working cattle ranch.

Day 10 You will return to San Jose to spend overnight at a luxury hotel in the downtown part of the city.

Day 11 The tour wraps up with tours of the Gold Museum, National or Jade museum-this depends on the itinerary that's planned at the time a tourist arranges a trip through Costa Rican Tours.

A final dinner is planned at an authentic Costa Rican restaurant that specializes in Costa Rican cuisine. You spend a final night before leaving for the airport the next morning at Grano De Orio.

A tour like this would cost a typical visitor about $2500-3000 depending on the tour package you select since student and group tours are usually cheaper and group rates start when you have 15 people or more to bring the cost per person down so that it's cheaper and inexpensive to travel to Costa Rica.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Where To Go in Costa Rica?

When you are planning your vacation it is good to know a little about the area so you can choose what suits your fancy. The locals refer to themselves as Ticos and they are warm and welcoming wherever you visit in Costa Rica. My friend and I plan to visit all areas of Costa Rica but you may have to consider what to put in your itinerary if you have only 7 days. The following is a list of the various regions and what they might offer in the way of entertainment. Pick and choose whatever combination you like.

San Jose
Most museums and art galleries in Costa Rica are found in San Jose. The central part of San Jose is noisy and crowed as the capital of any city will be. The airport is located outside of San Jose and you may come into Costa Rica via San Jose anyway, why not check it out while you are visiting. I have been told that you step of the curb carefully in Europe or get run over. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in San Jose either so watch yourself when you cross the street.

The Northwest
Arenal and Monteverde are located in the Northwest. Arenal is the Volcano located in this area and it is a game of wait-and-see to get the opportunity to view the cone of the volcano spew hot lava. Arenal is one of the only active volcanoes in the world that can be safely viewed by tourists without the threat of bodily harm. I live in the Pacific Northwest, also in the shadow of Mount Rainier so volcanoes don't bother me.

The road to Monteverde runs from the small town of Santa Elena to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve with hotels, nightclubs and restaurants. This area is usually very dense with tourists. Originally settled by Quakers this area now has a thriving eclectic artist community. Quakers are also reported to be great cheese makers in this area. I just love cheese and Quakers are cool too so I gotta plan to visit the cheese farm. Although this is one of the busiest this region offers many day trips and interesting things to do.

Nicoya Peninsula
While the Costa Rican government would certainly welcome the revenue from more tourists, for the moment the beaches of Nicoya remain somewhat of a secret. Beaches are still relatively deserted. If golf is your thing the course at Playa Conchal is renowned. This would be the vacation for you if you have water sports in mind. There is snorkeling, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing, and even kayaking. The drive from Carrillo to Mal País by 4-wheel drive is simply amazing. This area is also surfer heaven. Horseback riding is also offered by most of the hotels.

Quepos & the Central Pacific
This area is known for beaches and water sports. There is an abundance of quiet beaches to choose from while you do see surfers frequently the beaches are not crowded and it is easy to relax. Along their Pacific Coast Highway there is a vast array of lodging anywhere from the seedy to the luxurious and in between. This area is a wonderland for any beach lover with diving, fishing, golf, and horseback riding, kayaking and even surfing. I want to try the Titi Canopy tours. A canopy tour is like a ski lift going from tree to tree like the monkeys. If you are afraid of heights this is not for you!

Osa Peninsula & Golfo Dulce
This area is much more remote, however there are several luxury hotels. Drake Bay has whale-watching tours and you can often spot dolphins playing around your boat. Corcovado National Park offers tours that are teaming with wildlife to see and take photos of. In Golfo Dulce the are 2 botanical gardens, Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden and Wilson Botanical Garden.

South Caribbean
Miles of banana plantations can be found here. Some believe these to be the most beautiful beaches in the country, although it is much more humid. The culture here is more Caribbean in it's inhabitants. The usual water sports can be found here.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Traveling Safely in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country that has had a comfortable democracy for quite some time. Even though her neighbors have been torn apart with political strife, Costa Rica has remained peaceful and with little or no political upheaval. It seems to have created a genuinely happy group of people. However, human nature being what it is, there is some amount of crime that does exist.

The usual warnings apply. Stay out of any red light districts there may be and always travel with groups in well-lit areas. Keep your money in a hidden pocket somewhere in your clothing but do not carry a wallet. It is advised that you keep a credit card or travelers checks. Both are insured and when you are on vacation if you are mugged you can get them replaced.

Don't leave your drinks unattended and don't make change or flash your cash. It's not difficult just handle your transactions discreetly. Stifle the need to wear expensive jewelry it's overdone in this environment anyway. It has been suggested that visitors keep photocopies of their return plane ticket and their passport. Keep an extra stash of cash in your hotel room just in case of an emergency.

If you drive your rented car out of a gas station, grocery store, your hotel, or just about anywhere and it ends up with a flat tire. Don't let the inevitable Good Samaritan help you that comes right along as soon as you have broke down. In the past there have been tourists that allowed this nice guy that just happened along, to help them change the tire while he has you distracted his buddies sneak into the other side of the car and steal you belongings.

The roads are usually paved and easy to travel but occasionally you have to go down some rough dirt road. If you are unsure of the roads don't drive them. As a matter of fact, it just isn't good sense to rent a car. The cost of gas is terrible and you have to stress out about figuring out where you are going. It would be smart to set aside a bus/taxi fare when you plan your trip.

If someone spills food on you move quickly away from them as they try to help you. Wiping ketchup off of you is a way to grab you and pick your pockets. This is an old ploy that is used all too often in many ports of call, not just Costa Rica. Many people come to Costa Rica looking for photo opportunities. Shutterbugs just love their equipment and it is a big tragedy when their cameras get stolen. Get vacation or travelers insurance for your camera and equipment.

If you do get equipment stolen or your wallet stolen, call 911 and follow through with getting a police report. You will need a copy of the police report in order for your camera to be replaced. Chances are that you will never have to use any of this advice, but it never hurts to be safe.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rican Tourism

The tourism in Costa Rica is identical to what you see if you toured the Bahamas or the Cayman Islands. The activities tourists took part in ranged from rafting to scuba diving and snorkeling. The things people did were things done out of relaxation and exposure to a new culture and a new way of life that many aren't used to seeing. Costa Rica isn't as ritzy as Mexico and the West Indies, yet in terms of those who enjoyed a secluded romantic getaway would find it in Costa Rica because of the endless resorts this small nation offered on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides.

Since surfing is one of the most popular sports and many who like to catch a wave in the pristine waters of Costa Rica will find their paradise on the endless stretch of beaches. Some who want to experience a tropical romantic environment will find it in some of the private resorts that offer people the chance to swim in their natural hot springs. Many tropical places are known for their beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the beach or balcony of your hotel or resort.

Some other activities for those who are the outdoorsy types would value hiking in the lush rainforests around the area and even doing some of the hiking by canopy, which is riding across a single area by wire cable. There are tours fit for all kinds of tastes some people like to go and visit small villages and learn about pottery and cooking where some would like to take in the shopping and nightlife of the city. Costa Rica is full of life and fun when you want to experience a whole new life in this Central American country.

Most people come because of the beauty of the countryside that's what people are drawn to because color and atmosphere brings out the tranquility of a single country. Some people will even spend months in Costa Rica since you're allowed to spend up to 90 days in the country on a visitor's visa so those who love the tranquility and beauty so much can go down and rent a home and spend the next 90 days in opulent luxury and returning to the states in a blissful state of relaxation and looking someone fresh from a spa treatment.

If you can afford to rent the house and all the amenities you can have what many celebrities spend good money on which is a complete and total rejuvenation of the mind, body, and spirit. Change of scenery is what makes people function and live better when they're taken out of the hustle, bustle, and everyday stress in life and allowed to recharge and rejuvenate their battery. So they're able to think and function clearly when they return to their everyday life. This is why a vacation to a tropical paradise is recommended for those in high stress jobs.

And Costa Rica is among the most chosen of places for those to surround themselves with fresh clean air and colorful plants, flowers and breathtaking wildlife to stimulate the senses and refresh the soul.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Costa Rican Vacation Packages

Most of the tour companies and even the major airlines have packages tourists can look through brochures and pick out a tour package that fits their budget since many run someone back around $1500-2000 for the average 5 to 7 day tours and a little more if you're doing the full 10-14 day tours.

You can Google up Costa Rican vacations and you'll pull up countless tour companies that offer everything from student to specialized tours for people with disabilities. There's a package for everyone and the budgets they wish to spend since some people want to keep it simple and some want it to be elaborate. Most of the tours usually feature tours of ancient ruins of Costa Rican indigenous people.

Always go for tour companies that are experienced and know everything from A to Z about Costa Rica. Inexperienced tour companies are not up to par with issues that many tourists ask questions about such as the full cost of an actual tour and any other information pertinent to you booking or otherwise.

You want to get the most out of your money when booking a vacation package and make sure that what is stated in the literature matches what you see because those who book with companies that don't have a good reputation should be aware and it's ideal to check them out through consumer protection websites to see if they're accused of pricing unfairly or misrepresenting something in their literature about the tour(s) they're advertising. Many companies even allow tourists to design their own packages by giving them a choice of different things to mix and match and come up with a price that's satisfactory to the customer's budget needs.

A good solid package if someone's on a limited budget between $490-900 per person for 3-5 days, or if someone's wanting an elaborate type of tour package of 10-15 days could spring up $3500-5000 depending on what the tourist puts in their package which determines the cost of the trip in total.

Most packages include your airfare, meals, and hotel costs, and all gratuities (tips), but some of them don't include airfare or meals or hotel costs so it's important to research this before you put a down payment on the trip. It's cheaper to do packages because if you had to cover the cost of airfare, meals, and hotel stay separately you would be looking a lot of money.

This is why packages are important to tourists, so they can get more out of their money and not have to spend more than they are wanting to do just to have a vacation that's relaxing and fun. Investigate all travel companies and agents through word of mouth if you know anyone who's used them for a vacation tour package and the major airlines have a travel bureau.

That you can look at since many travelers who use the same airline can rely on their carriers information, but the only downside is that they don't provide extra details such as issues with personal and public security, and knowing how to convert currency. Travelers are advised to consult with the Costa Rican consulate for any information surrounding security and conversion of currency so you're getting the right and correct information.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Airfares to Costa Rica!

Airfares to Costa Rica

When you're traveling to Costa Rica you want to get the cheapest airfare and the issue with flying is that the prices change every few minutes to an hour and it's ideal to research sites like Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com and Cheaptickets.com because they offer rates for flights at different times whether it's high or low travel season.

Most of the major carriers have fares that are early bird specials for when the peak season of travel happens usually during the summer and holidays. Nailing the perfect airfare when you want to travel to Costa Rica will be a work in progress because you could be sitting in front of your computer for hours surfing travel sites for the perfect airfare because the rates change quickly and they can be up one moment and down the next. Your goal is to book the cheapest rate possible and it's ideal to do it through travel sites like Orbitz, Travelocity, Cheaptickets, Priceline, Hotwire, Expedia and Hotels.com because independently owned websites may not be reliable and you will get a better deal through these reputable sites.

Book your flight at least 90 days before you travel so you can have time to get your tickets if mailed to you and any documentation with travel visas and passports.

Usually the summer is the best time to book flights for the fall season because late summer is when you can get the best deal on airfares. Airfares aren't cheap to Central America since you're looking at least a couple grand and that even depends on who you're flying with since the major carriers out here will change rates quickly usually on the hour because of the competition that's out here they have to be able to keep up with the current rate for airfares. So it's ideal that if you have an account with the travel sites on the Internet always check on a frequent basis usually early morning, mid-day and evening to see how the airfares to one place change within 12 hours.

When you see the airfare that you want book it right away because within the hour it will likely go up since travel sites usually change their information when the carriers change up. The only downside is that if you book online you have to have a major credit card and not everyone has a credit card to book their flights with.

Now it's easy to use your debit card since many banks issue them with the VISA or MasterCard logos on them so that people can use it to book an airline ticket right away when they spot the fares they want and can catch it before the fares change in the next few minutes to an hour. If you can access the Internet wherever you can it's easy to nail the fares you want if you catch them early and often. Some sites offer email notices that can inform you of when a discount or reduced fare comes up during the hour since emails are sent on a daily basis so you can keep tabs on when the airfare you want is posted and sent out by email.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

The Perfect Vacation

A beach vacation is something all of us can use, as it provides time away with the family, friends, or just that special someone. Beach vacations are also a great way to unwind from the pressures of life, and just have a blast.

All around the world, there are literally hundreds of places that you can choose for your beach vacation. You can choose from beaches in the United States, or choose to go overseas to more tropical climates and romantic beaches.

Those of you who are looking to get away with a husband or wife, would find the Maui to be the perfect beach vacation. Located in Hawaii, Maui is one of the most romantic beaches in the world. Also well known for honeymoons, Maui offers you plenty of breathtaking beaches with plenty of other things to do as well.

Another well known area for a beach vacation for couples is the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands have been a popular vacation spot for many years, offering couples the chance to get away from it all and just spend some well deserved and well needed time together.

For a family beach vacation, there are many places you can go. One of the most popular is California, as there are many other things to interest the kids as well. There are several beaches in the state, with Huntington beach and plenty of attractions as well, including Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

When you choose the perfect beach vacation, you need to choose a spot that will cater to who you are taking with you. Couples wouldn't want to go to a family resort destination, while families wouldn't want to go to a couples resort that offers plenty of romance.

No matter where you decide to go, you can rest assured that there are plenty of locations for you to choose from. You can search online using a search engine, which can help you locate deals that are simply too good to pass up.

Before you decide to rush off to your beach vacation, you should plan first. Decide on where you are going, research your destination spot, and make sure that it offers something for everyone. Beach vacations are truly inspiring, although it also helps to have other activities available as well.

Once you plan your beach vacation very carefully, you'll be more than ready to take off to your destination and relax. You'll enjoy yourself much better if you plan carefully, which will also help to remove a lot of the stress that can be involved with planning for a beach vacation - or going on your destination unprepared.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Top Beach Vacation Spots!

No matter what season it may be, taking a beach vacation is both fun and relaxing. There are many beaches all over the world to pick from. You can choose from a white sandy beach, lava rock beach, secluded beach, or a popular beach - as the choice is entirely up to you.

1. Polo Beach - Hawaii

The Polo Beach of Hawaii is a sandy beach with clear water, making it ideal for swimming and also snorkeling. It's located in South Maui and fronted by the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, which is a luxury beach vacation resort.


2. Seven Mile Beach - Jamaica

The Seven Mile Beach of Negril is the longest stretch of white sand in Jamaica. Located near Negril on the western tip of Jamaica, this beach is truly an awesome sight to behold. Here, you can find your favorite stretch of the beach and coconut palm tree and just relax near the ocean. You can also stay at the Caves, which is located very close to the beach.


3. Atlantis Paradise - Bahamas

Here, you can experience the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Atlantis Paradise gives you long romantic walks on the beach or the chance to play in the water at the resort. This paradise offers you tropical climate with your own personal slice of heaven - something every beach lover will truly appreciate.


4. Heron Island - Australia

Located on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island beaches offer excellent swimming and snorkeling with truly amazing marine life. The tropical island of Heron offers scuba divers over 20 different diving sites. You can forget the stress of everyday life here and just immerse yourself in wonder.


5. Madeira - Portugal

The beach here at Reid's Palace Hotel is quite the rocky beach, with sharp black rocks. You can spend time lounging by the pool taking in the views, or swimming in the ocean. The weather here is pleasant most of the time, making your beach vacation something you'll remember for a long time to come.


6. Miami Beach

A great spot for movie stars and fashion models, Miami Beach offers plenty of sandy beaches, several
restaurants, and night long parties at one of the local nightclubs. If you are looking for the ideal place to stay, The Tides is a luxurious hotel with many spectacular views. Miami Beach is also popular in the United States - one of the best beach vacations out there.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Family Beach Vacation At Atlantis - Paradise Island, Bahamas

Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the Atlantis Paradise Island offers so many activities that it's probably one of the only resorts in the world where you'll need a map to even get around!

The accommodations here range from moderately priced to very expensive. Families on vacation here should consider staying in the Coral Towers, which is the most centrally located tower at Atlantis. The Coral Towers is also closest to the Predator Lagoon and the Lagoon Pool as well.

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is also packed with activities for guests of all ages. The eleven pool areas, miles of sandy beach, and Neptune's Water Toys Hut give guests access to many water based activities. Neptune's provides non motorized water sports which include water bikes, pedal boats, kayaks, and even snorkeling equipment rentals.

Parents will adore
Atlantis has two different programs for children, the Aqua Tots program and the Discovery Channel Camp. The Aqua Tots program was designed for children 3 years old and up, while the discovery camp is for kids 4 - 12 years old and ranges from a 1 hour program to one that includes lunch and even dinner.

Kids love
All kids love the six different water slides and the marine exhibits. This can keep kids busy for hours and hours, and are pretty fun for the parents as well. In order to enjoy the slides, kids must be at least 48 inches tall.

A beach vacation at Atlantis is something your entire family will love. There is something here to keep everyone occupied, from the beaches to fun on the slides. If your family enjoys the best of fun and the beach, Atlantis is something your whole family will enjoy - and love coming back to.

View a Caribbean Vacation Video

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Oahu Vacation Ideas

The island of Oahu in Hawaii is both beautiful and diverse. A majority of people are drawn here to the excitement of Waikiki Beach with its colorful clubs and taste filled restaurants.

The island activities around Oahu range from surfing lessons and canoeing to swimming with the dolphins and scuba diving. No matter what you or your family like to do on vacation, you can find something for everyone on Oahu island.

Adventure
Those that like adventure can choose from a wide variety of water sports and land activities on Oahu. If you would like to spend your vacation in or near the water, you should try surfing, scuba diving, or windsurfing. The land activities here include hiking through rain forests, biking along the mountain ranges, even parachuting.

If you happen to be staying on Waikiki Beach, there are many shops that rent outrigger canoes, surf boards, and other gear on the beach. You can even go to the Kapiolani Park for tennis, archery, and even jogging.

Romance
Romantic beach vacations on Oahu Island range from renewing your wedding vows to luxurious beach service at one of the several hotels. If you've never tasted pink beer or champagne, Mai Tai Bar is the place you should check out.

If you would rather stay in a more secluded area, Kahala Mandarin Oriental is 10 minutes away from Waikiki Beach and offers a long sandy beach, great service, and swimming with the dolphins - which is something everyone is sure to enjoy.

Family beach vacations
Oahu is a destination that offers many different activities for the entire family. You can choose from children's programs at Waikiki Beach hotels, hands on programs, and a variety of water-sports. The Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and the See Life Park of Hawaii are just a few of the attractions the whole family can enjoy together.

The Waikiki Beach is shallow and water is calm almost year round, especially in the winter months when the surf stays under three feet. There are certain parts of the beach that have a life guard on duty watching over swimmers and surfers.

Culture
If you are interested in Hawaiian culture on your beach vacation, Oahu Island offers a selection of museums, historical attractions, and several exhibits. With several villages and culture exhibits, you can learn anything you desire about the culture of Hawaii.

When the time comes for your beach vacation, the island of Oahu is a dream come true. The entire family will love it here, with the island also being perfect for just a lovers vacation. If you've never had the pleasure of going to Hawaii - there is no better time than now.

Visit Hawaii Video Presentation

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Secrets
Why Dream! Make it Real!

Taveuni Palms Fiji

The Taveuni Palms in Fiji is an intimate retreat offering two private guest houses, a secluded sandy beach, and even a freshwater swimming pool. The island has many spectacular things to offer, such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and many other vacation activities.

The Taveuni Island has always been known for its unique and colorful sea life, tropical fish, and amazing varieties of soft and hard coral. The Rainbow Reef, Great White Wall, Purple Wall, and Zoo dive sites are all within easy reach of the Taveuni resort.

The Great White Wall reef offers a tunnel with two exits, one at 33 feet and another at 88 feet. When you swim through it, you'll notice a white glow that is given off by the soft corals that seem to surround you.

You'll also find two dive centers that are minutes from Taveuni Palms, which offer you dive equipment and certified diving instructors. From beginners to expert divers, you can have a lot of fun scuba diving on your beach vacation.

Rooms and suites
The two seperate beachfront villas at Taveuni Palms in Fiji come with their own staff to help make your vacation a bit more relaxing. The staff will make your dreams come true, as they offer full room support.

Each separate villa offers a pool, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a very unique indoor/outdoor bathroom. The outdoor deck is equipped with chairs so that you can spend time outside as well, taking in the surrounding views of the ocean. The spectacular sunsets will turn into tropical nights - with stunning starlit skies.

Your personal maid at the villa will provide you with daily cleaning service, laundry service, fresh flowers, and evening turn down. The maids here are very professional, making your stay at the Taveuni Palms in Fiji one you'll remember for years to come.

The resort will also provide you with your own private chef, kitchen, and bar staff who will provide your daily meals, which are included in the cost of your stay. This way, you don't have to eat out - your food will be prepared for you at the resort.

Getting to Taveuni
To get to Taveuni Palms, fly to Nadi International airport in Fiji. From there, catch a connecting flight to Taveuni Island where the Taveuni Palms staff will meet you at the airport, five minutes from the hotel.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Safety First When Traveling Abroad

When traveling abroad, it is very important to know some safety tips. However, the country of destination plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of travelers, specifically the area where you’re planning to visit. Safety first when traveling abroad is always the priority of travelers.

If you’re a frequent traveler, perhaps you’re already familiar with some safety tips. To start it off, never wander alone even on the streets. It would help a lot if you have a companion whenever you tour the place. Try to avoid visiting unfamiliar places alone. As always, you must not attract the attention of unscrupulous individuals and you should always stay in a place where there are a lot of people. If you’re staying at the hotel, their personnel can advice you in the best places that you can visit, as well as the places that you should avoid.

Other travelers keep their money and valuables in the hotel safe. It is not advisable to bring a huge amount of cash when traveling because you will be a ‘hot’ sight for criminals. But there are travelers, who prefer to carry huge money with them so that in case there are muggers, they can get away safely since they satisfied the needs of the muggers.

Here are still some helpful safety tips that you can use when traveling abroad:

1. Always carry your wallet with you. You don’t have to expose it so that other people can see but just keep it in your pocket. If you encounter a mugger who asks for your wallet, don’t hesitate to give your wallet. Just think of it this way – your wallet will save your life. Don’t wait until the mugger exercise violence.

2. As mentioned earlier, you need to bring your wallet. However, you have to make sure that you don’t leave personal details in it like address, contact numbers, and other essential information. If you want to get back at the mugger or robbers, you can leave false details. You can bring as much as $50 and a credit card for your personal use. You see, you’re never too sure when an accident will happen. Just in case your wallet is robbed, you can cancel the credit card as soon as possible.

3. Keep your cellular phone. This stuff is valuable and so don’t go displaying it on the streets. You will be more prone to snatchers and robbers when they see an expensive mobile phone in your hands.

4. If possible, don’t carry stuff like laptops even if you’re on a business trip. You can just keep the necessary files in the memory of your USB flash disk. You can just use the hardware of the company that you’re going to visit.

5. As much as possible, have your stuff insured such as the phone, wallet, Mp3 players, and other important things.

Now, why is it that muggers and robbers are stressed in this article? Well, the reason is quite obvious – these devious individuals are often encountered by travelers. 90% of all the traveler’s offences comprise robbery or mugging. These individuals will often run away with your wallet and other valuables especially if they see a couple of dollars. Besides, your life is far more important than your wallet and valuables, right? You can still earn that money as long as you’re safe and sound.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
Why Dream? Make it Real!

Family Holidays: Tips for Peace and Harmony

What do you like to do on family holidays? Go to the beach or spend a week in the country? Maybe you like camping or visiting relatives. Whatever you enjoy, family holidays are a chance for everyone in the family to get reacquainted and spend quality time together. It's a chance for parents to really talk with their teens and find out what's going on in their lives. It's important to keep the communication lines open, and a family holiday is a good time to do that. Having a good relationship with their parents is one of the most important factors in keeping teens out of trouble.

Studies have shown that when families take holidays together, they are more likely to eat together and are less likely to argue. They do not watch as much television because they are involved in doing things together. Kids even report that their parents seem to act differently while on holiday.

While family holidays are a good time to connect with your kids, communication problems that are already there will not automatically disappear. Especially with teenagers it is important to listen and be flexible. Find out what the kids would like to do and eat and plan accordingly. While even teenagers need boundaries, it is important for parents to try to avoid needless confrontation. Explain why you make the decisions you do and show them positive attention.

Kids will appreciate being included in travel plans. There's a good chance they will choose a theme park or the beach if those are among the options. Sometimes it works well for a teenager to take a special friend along on family holidays. While this might increase the parents' load, the teen is likely to really appreciate it. Also, sometimes it works well for kids to go on holidays with their grandparents instead of their parents. Sometimes there is a special relationship here that can help kids open up and communicate about their concerns.

While on family holidays, if teens are uncooperative or behave improperly, try to deal with the problem in private. Teens are very aware of embarrassment and there isn't a need to exploit this sensitivity. In fact, you might explain to the kids how their behavior embarrasses you, and they in turn might work harder at getting along and acting appropriately.

Kids will be happier on family vacations if they have snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Few kids enjoy a long ride in the car! Try to provide individual CD players or hand-held video games, and don't forget to make plenty of bathroom stops. Sometimes kids enjoy the ride more if they can help you follow the map. This is an educational activity for them as well. By following these suggestions, your family holidays can make a happy memory.

Rosalina Soto
Rosalina's Travels
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