Every time I visit a Marriott Vacation Club, I’m equally impressed. The Waiohai Beach Club is the fourth property I’ve seen, and won’t be my last. Why? While every Marriott Vacation Club is different, in order to fit into its setting geographically and culturally, core amenities and values remain consistent across the brand: roomy, family-friendly suites with kitchens and washer/dryers, above … [Read more...]
Search Results for: hawaii
Timeshare Rentals De-Mystified: What you need to know about Marriott Vacation Club
December 25, 2017 By
I remember my first encounter with vacation timeshare rentals like it was yesterday: I was thirteen, and bored stiff sitting in a stuffy hotel ballroom on a beautiful Hawaiian beach day. I was waiting for my parents to exit a time share sales pitch so we could embark on the promised snorkeling excursion at its conclusion. We never bought that time share, but certainly enjoyed snorkeling at … [Read more...]
Australia with kids: Night Fire at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
September 18, 2017 By
The following is a guest post from reader Heather Hoeffling. While in Cairns, Australia, looking for something “different” for dinner and a way to learn about Aboriginal culture, our family of four (including two boys, age 12 and 16) decided to try Night Fire (think Hawaiian luau) at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Our evening began with getting our faces painted in an art gallery by members … [Read more...]
Adventure travel for your phone: Tech 21 case review
March 20, 2017 By
Gone are the days when leaving your phone on the charging dock, at the ski lodge, in your backpack, or in the car is an option. I'm a big fan of outdoor adventure travel, but also a big fan of having my phone with me when I'm on vacation. It's often my camera, my communication device, my note taker, and my navigator. But I hate it when I feel limited because I'm worried about my phone. My … [Read more...]
Dominican Republic with kids: Power snorkeling at Sosua Beach
July 18, 2016 By
During our Fathom cruise in the Dominican Republic, we knew we wanted to both visit a local beach and take a snorkeling trip. We were able to do both during a power snorkeling trip with Wild Play Adventures. Usually, we opt to skip official cruise excursions in favor of booking privately. You get a more personalized experience, usually for less. However, in the case of our DR trip, the … [Read more...]
Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips
December 7, 2015 By
In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they're out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, … [Read more...]
Where to eat with kids on Kauai North Shore
May 22, 2015 By
Eating out is one of the most expensive aspects of any family vacation, right after airfare and lodging. When your vacation is in the Hawaiian islands, the cost can be even higher. Wondering where to eat with kids that won't break the bank? We have plenty of picks for Kauai, particularly on the North Shore. If you're staying in a vacation rental, all the better...you can make meals at home, … [Read more...]
Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast (with teens to toddlers)
May 11, 2015 By
You don’t have to be a through-hiker with a backcountry permit and backpacking equipment to experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.Yes, the further you hike, the more you’ll see, but it’s entirely possible to hike just half a day and see enough to be wowed. The Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles one-way along the stunning and steep Na Pali Coast, and provides the only means of traveling this section of … [Read more...]
How to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai: Holo Holo Charters
April 29, 2015 By
Wondering how to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai? There are four ways to see the famous (and roadless) Na Pali Coast along Kauai’s west shore. Families can take a helicopter tour, kayak tour, hike the Kalalau Trail, or take a chartered sailing tour. We opted for two of the four: we hiked several miles of the trail (the entire 11 miles requires a permit), and saw more of the coastline via … [Read more...]
Where to stay on Kauai North Shore: HomeAway vacation rental pick
April 15, 2015 By
We recently spent 10 days exploring as many off-the-beaten-path locations on Kauai we could. Our home base: this North Shore Kauai vacation rental. Located in the resort community of Princeville just a few blocks from the ocean, the home was perfect for our extended, multigenerational family of 11. If you're wondering where to stay on Kauai North Shore with your family, read on! When we … [Read more...]
