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5 Expert Tips For Your Private Tour

You’ve made a great first step by booking a private guide at your destination.  You will certainly have a better experience and learn more than if you explored on your own.  Here are five tips to make sure you get the most out of your experience.

Many visitors arrive by bus and just take pictures, but we had the benefit of a driver-guide who told us the current theories and pointed out key details both in and around the henge.

  1.  Make sure you know which admission fees have been paid in advance, and which you are expected to pay for on arrival.  Also check if you need to pay in cash, and try to have exact change if possible.  Sometimes the guide has to go to a special window to purchase tickets, and that makes it faster and easier.  You will also need to have cash for gratuities.  Research the appropriate amount for drivers, guides, and driver/guides for your destination.

    A private guide is a must at a very large site with minimal signage like Pompeii.

  2. Trust the guide to plan your time well.  Often websites or brochures provide little description of of a private tour, because it’s customized to the client.  Tell them in advance any special interests you have, or “must see’s,”  but don’t instruct them too much on what you want to do and see. The point of hiring a private guide is to have their expertise and show you things the other tourists miss. Otherwise, you might as well just rent the headsets and follow around the rest of the crowds!

    People must have wondered why our guide at the Tower of London was pointing out the large grassy area, while they were all crowding around one sign aross the walkway wearing their headsets.

    If traveling with children, it is helpful to let the guide know at the time of booking their particular interests, and anything they have studied in school that may be relate to the destination.

    Our guide talks about the Sistine Chapel, and points out key details to look for when inside, since we are not allowed to speak in there. It was nice to get some fresh air away from the crowds, too!

  3. Let your guide know what you need to make your experience more comfortable.  Tell him/her if you need to walk at a slower pace, you missed or didn’t understand something they said,  you need some water, you need to sit and rest.   (Any serious mobility limitations should be disclosed before you book.)   It’s your tour, and they want to make sure you are enjoying it.

    When biking in Thailand, you can go at your pace, not the pace of the slowest person in a group tour. And stop where & when you want.

  4. Look for clues that you might be running behind, or the guide seems concerned or is trying to speed things up.  Due to cultural differences, some guides might make subtle hints vs saying outright that you are behind schedule. In some cases, especially excursions where there are going to be several stops, they may have the pace scheduled to the minute, and you don’t want to miss something by dawdling early on. When you stop for a meal or in a gift shop, ask how much time you have before you order appetizers, an extra round etc.

    We wrapped up souvenir shopping quickly in Stonehenge because our guide wanted to take us to a lesser known archeological site. We pulled off into a small unmarked parking area, and took a short hike up a hill, to find we had the place all to ourselves.

  5. Speaking of meals, invite your guide to be your guest if you stop to eat.  If they decline, do not push them, as they may want some time alone, or  need to tend to personal business. Also offer to treat them if you get drinks, ice cream, or other snacks along the way.

    Our Tuscany tour included lunch at a winery with the tour guide, prepared by the winery owner’s mother-in-law! The main course was a ragu made from wild boar on the property. We gobbled it down too quickly to take a picture.

I have connections with some of the best guides around the world, who offer everything from short city orientation tours, to highly customized special interest tours, to exclusive behind the scenes experiences.  To make your next trip the best it can be, send an email to suzette@suzettemacktravel.com.

I book my clients with a fantastic driver/guide on the Amalfi coast! (Do you really want to be on a bus or drive yourself?)

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My Credit Card’s Unexpected Travel Hack

Credit card companies generally let you set up alerts for things like large purchases, so you can monitor for fraud.  One I have set up on my Chase card is to notify me of any international charges.   (This is not a promotion for Chase credit cards, but I did choose it for many traveler-friendly features including no foreign transaction fees, and no need to inform them to my travel plans which saves the hassle of having a purchase declined.  Hence my interest in setting up this specific alert, so that I would catch purchases outside the US not made by me.)

When I made my first purchase in London, within seconds I received an email saying “An international charge has been posted to this account”  with the details.  At first I was annoyed, and thought “I need to disable that alert so I won’t get these emails all week.”  But I looked at the email more closely, and realized it showed the amount of the purchase in US dollars, not in British pounds.

Hogwarts souvenir pin from Warner Brothers Studios

Hogwarts souvenir pin from Warner Brothers Studios

Now I may be a bit OCD, but with every purchase in international currency, I immediately start doing the math in my head to figure out what I paid in USD.   Yes,  there are apps for that, but the exchange rate the app uses is not necessarily the one the bank uses.

I immediately realized how this was a huge perk for me.  I started checking for the email immediately after handing over my card, and telling the family “This wasn’t so bad, it was only $—- considering we all had appetizers and bought 2 bottles of wine!”  Disclaimer:  London is expensive, but being from California, it was pretty much in line with what I would have expected to pay at home.  Which confirms how expensive California is!

Scones in an English hotel

No viist to England is complete without scones..

English pub meal with beer

And a meal in a pub!

The other benefit will come at tax time, because I won’t have to look up all the credit card statements to find the USD amounts.  I simply saved the emails in my expenses folder.
If you have stumbled upon an unexpected travel hack, please share in the comments, or email me at suzette@suzettemacktravel.com.
Martini with US flag in it at English hotel to celebrate July 4

The staff at Rubens at the Palace loves celebrating all holidays, even the Fourth of July!

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Spring Break Trips That Don’t Require a Passport

It’s not too late to plan a spring break trip! And you don’t even need a passport, check out these great options:

ARIZONA

You have to forego a beach, but not beautiful resorts with fabulous pools!
I love the desert scenery.

A serene retreat at the base of Camelback Mountain, a “hotel within a hotel.”   Families will appreciate the kids’ club for ages 5-12  and access to The Phoenician’s 7 pools and 165-foot water slide as well as a private infinity pool. 
Making a splash with young kids. 
Special Offer: 4th night free April 5 – December 24, 2017

Virtuoso Amenities
– Room view upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Full breakfast daily for 2
– $100 Food & Beverage credit (Additional $100 food and beverage credit when staying 3 or more nights in a Canyon Suite, through March 5)
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
– Complimentary Wi-Fi

HAWAII

Even if you’ve been before, remember that each island is unique and offers activities not found anywhere else.

Unscheduled stop at a roadside market
My recommendation:  Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Every room  is an 800 sq ft 1 bedroom suite, which normally goes for premium pricing at other resorts.   So families get space & privacy, plus a beautiful, quiet beach, two level pool with waterslide, and adults only pool. It’s one of my personal favorites.

Special Offer: 5th night free through March 31

Virtuoso Amenities
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily buffet breakfast for 2
– $100 Spa Services credit
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
– Complimentary Wi-Fi

PUERTO RICO

A Caribbean gem that has it all:  beautiful beaches, culture, historic military forts, street art, and unique natural attractions like El Yunque rainforest and bioluminescent bays.

What kid doesn’t like seeing cannons up close?

This luxurious island sanctuary has only 115 oceanfront guestrooms spread across 50 acres and one mile of beach.  Larger families can book a residence on the beach or even a 5-bedroom hacienda.  Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program offers exciting and memorable adventures, such as snorkeling, hiking and exploring an archaeological site on property. 

One of the US’s pretties beaches!
Special Offer: Stay Longer promo with discounts of 10-30%. The longer you stay the more you save!

Virtuoso Amenities
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Full breakfast daily for 2
– $150 Resort credit
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
– Complimentary Wi-Fi
AMELIA ISLAND

The northern coast of Florida offers southern charm, as well as miles of unspoiled coastline, pristine beaches, and even some pirate history!

Barrier island bliss
My recommendation:  Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island 

One of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, this luxurious barrier island hotel is surrounded by 13 acres of island beachfront.  Activities abound, including 18 holes of PGA championship golf, 4 tennis courts, and charming Fernandina Beach just 10 minutes away with boutiques, antique stores, and excellent restaurants.

Elegant, classic, and oceanfront
Special Offer:  Book an Oceanfront Suite for at least two nights  and receive a connecting room for only $149 per night, through April 30.

Virtuoso Amenities
– Full breakfast daily for 2
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– $100  Spa Services credit
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
– Complimentary Wi-Fi
 
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

One of the most accessible destinations, with lots of nonstop flights from around the country. A Mediterranean climate means outdoor activities are available year-round, and it offers incredible diversity: mountains, desert, and coastline a short drive from Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Disneyland! 

Butter beer at Universal Studios!

My recommendation:  Terranea Resort
Active families will love this luxury eco-resort’s Aqua-Terra Adventures program, staffed by naturalists, ornithologists, and artists.  Activities range from kayaking, tidepooling, and surfing to cycling, painting, and hiking.  They even have a falconry program!

A private playground just outside LA
Special Offer: Save 30% on reservations 5 nights or longer through Feb 28.

Virtuoso Amenities
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Full breakfast daily for 2
– $100 Resort credit
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability– Complimentary Wi-Fi

For help with planning a spring break getaway, contact suzette@family-treks.com

You could be here soon!
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Six Trips Which Should Be Booked at Least a Year in Advance

Some destinations require advance planning due to limited availability, high popularity, or both.  Often the best options book up early, and in some situations there may be only one good option!  If any of these are on your list for 2017, you should start planning now.

African Safari   

The best Africa lodges and tented camps are small and intimate, often less than a dozen rooms, so there isn’t much space to begin with.   Safaris are popular for family reunions or celebration trips, so it’s not uncommon for one group to book the entire property.   Families should note that lodges might have only one family suite which can sleep 4 people, otherwise you will have to book two separate rooms.  

Who says you have to rough it while on safari?

The other key to a fantastic safari is having the right guide, and the most knowledgeable and respected ones are booked year round.  Even the escorted tours, that generally stay in larger lodges, are fully booked a year out. 

My client’s South Africa wildlife encounter.

Alaska


Due to a short travel season and high demand, hotels are booked to capacity every summer. The problem is exacerbated when cruise lines block chunks of hotel space far in advance, and I’ve had to reach in my bag of insider tricks to get even one room for my clients.  Wilderness lodges are small, and I know at least one in Denali that is already sold out for most dates in summer 2017.   

This beautiful lodge, built by the owner, has only 14 rooms.
Lucky family got a clear view of Denali!

Want to travel on an expedition cruise so you can get up close to nature?  They carry less than 100 passengers so you have to grab your spot early.  You can find space on large ship cruises on fairly short notice, but the options will be limited.  Your choice of cabin location or itinerary may not be available. In my experience, the best rates and perks come with booking earlier rather than later.

My clients got up close to a calving glacier on their Lindblad cruise.

Tuscany Villa


Yes, there are lots of villas available at any given time if you are searching on the internet.  But if you want to book a property that you know has been vetted by a reliable source so there will no unpleasant surprises on arrival, you need to plan early.   And if you want one with everything on your wish list (a pool, near a quaint town, centrally located, etc.), all the more reason to plan early.  Those villas you see available in April for summer travel?  There’s a good reason they are still on the market.  

Wine-tasting with a fabulous view.
An easy day trip to Florence

Iceland


Its popularity has skyrocketed for travelers seeking adventure, especially as it’s considered one of the safest European destinations.  Unfortunately the tourism infrastructure has not kept up with demand, so hotels and our preferred tour partners are heavily booked. Reykjavík is a decent sized city, but finding accommodations in the countryside can be quite tricky.  And when you find yourself in a remote location with limited resources, you definitely want to be traveling with someone reliable.

Clients captured this gorgeous double rainbow on their epic family adventure. 


National Parks

The national parks are always popular, especially with families, but even more so as travelers prefer to stay close to home rather than venture out of the country.  Because of the convenience and historical aspects, staying at a lodge within park boundaries is highly desirable, so even the most modest accommodations book up early. 

Can’t get much closer to the Grand Canyon rim than by staying at El Tovar
A little chilly on top with the residual snow,
but great weather for a hike into the canyon

This year’s centennial celebration increased demand, and I expect spillover into 2017 from travelers who got locked out this year.  Guided hiking and cycling trips are especially popular with active travelers, but their set departure dates mean you have to book early.

There is much more to Yellowstone than Old Faithful!

Any Destination Over the Holidays


It’s not uncommon for the top beach and ski resorts to have waiting lists more than a year in advance.  And most have strict minimum night stays, so you need to make sure you’ve blocked enough vacation time. The best rooms and suites (and guaranteed connecting rooms for families) are always the first to be snatched up.   

Ski out right from the terrace at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
The new Four Seasons Ko’Olina on Oahu does not have
a waiting list for the  holidays. Yet.

Imagine how happy and relaxed you would be to know you have the trip of your dreams planned out a year in advance. And research shows that the anticipation of a trip is what makes us happiest, so why not extend that feeling as long as possible?


Whether you plan to travel next week or next year, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com and we’ll get started setting up something for you to look forward to!

Our Amalfi Coast visit
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Gift Ideas for Grads Traveling Away to College

Here are some of my favorite travel accessories, which would make great gifts for graduating seniors.  We sent our first child across the country to college this year with several of these, which came in handy for his trips back and forth.
Clear plastic carry-on bag for liquids – It will hold up better than a ziploc bag through multiple trips.


311 TSA Rules:  3.4 oz, 1 qt , 1 bag 

Luggage scale – To discourage the teen’s instinct to shove as much stuff into one bag as possible.
Don’t stuff hockey bags to capacity!

Duffle bag that collapses easily and compactly – Can serve as an extra carry-on bag when they pull out all the extra things from their checked bag.

 

Go Sharks! (Had to get that in for playoff season)

Cable lock – To secure bags when traveling by train or when waiting in airports.  They can also keep items secure in a dorm room.
The 3 ft long cable can link several bags together,
 or secure one to a stationary object

Durable luggage tags – A colorful one is easy to spot on a luggage carousel.

But don’t store your jewels in checked bags.
Packing cubes – Full disclosure:  my kids still don’t want to use them, but they’ll appreciate having them some day!
Probably my favorite travel accessory
Portable charger – I love my Jackery, it’s a lifesaver on a long flight or a long layover in an airport that has limited outlets.
Also has a light!
Even if your student is going to school in the US, they will probably have opportunities to travel internationally. When the time comes, they’ll appreciate these items:
Dual voltage extension cord – So they can charge all their electronics at once (regular extension cords used around the house need a converter).
 

The Luggage Valet has one USB and three 3-prong outlets.


Universal travel adapter – So they can keep up with social media in multiple countries.
 

If your electronics and chargers are dual voltage all you
need is the appropriate adapter.

If you see something like 100/240V  or 110~220V on the label
then you don’t need a converter.


Here’s a tip for summer:  Apply for or renew their passport if necessary so they have a valid one when they head off to school.

And if you’d like ideas for a celebration trip, so your grad can try out his or her new gadgets, just send a note to suzette@family-treks.com.

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Private Guides – Your Best Travel Investment

On our trip to Italy this summer, I tried out several companies we use for private tours.  My expectations were exceeded, and our experience was so much better than if we had done it alone.

Vatican Museums – The crowds were so overwhelming, I could not imagine visiting without a private guide.  She was able to pull us aside as dozens of large tour groups filed by with headsets on, and then show us something interesting (even for the kids) that everyone else was missing.  

Couldn’t even see the pictures when the hall was filled with tour groups

While many people just popped their heads in the papal apartments, we were learning how different Raphael and Michelangelo were both in artistic style and personality. Before entering the Sistine Chapel, we relaxed in the beautiful courtyard as our guided explained what to look for when we got inside.

Prepping for the Sistine Chapel

Pompeii– We took a day trip to Naples from Rome, and I previously wrote about our experience hiring a private driver.  Before we headed off for our drive along the Amalfi coast, he dropped us off for a 2 hour tour of Pompeii with a guide. I had heard it was huge but had no idea until I saw it for myself.  It literally is a city, with block after block of streets that all look alike, and minimal signage. 


The streets go on and on and on…

Most guests take a self-guided tour with headsets, which can run out on the busiest days.  Our guide, who also led school field trips, expertly led us around the site so we could understand what life was like for residents. Often other visitors nearby leaned in to listen, as the stories she told were not found on any signs.

Learning about the “McDonalds” of Pompeii

Tuscany– We explored with our own car most of the time, but one day we had the luxury of a private driver.  Finally my husband and I both got to relax and enjoy the scenery rather than focus on a map and scan for road signs.  

Wouldn’t you rather enjoy this view while someone else drives?

We visited a honey farm, a cheese farm, and a winery where we had a wonderful lunch prepared by the owner.  He also took us to the hilltop village of Montalcino so we could see the fort.  He dropped us off outside the castle so we could enjoy the scenery rather than waste time in the car looking for parking.

This Brunello wine came home with us.
Say cheese!

One day we drove ourselves to Volterra, where we met another guide who grew up there.  She showed us around the ancient Etruscan village, and took us to the shop of an alabaster artisan I had met in San Francisco, when his replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was put on display.

If this looks familiar you may have seen it in a Twilight movie,
this is the home of the Volturi
A master in alabaster

Florence– We day tripped by train from our resort, so our time was limited.  The guide we hired for a city orientation tour met us at the train station, and she took a few minutes to get a feel for how we’d like to spend our time. Since we had seen enough churches and museums, she took us to the food market, which we would have never discovered on our own. 

Before the lunch rush.

Then she led us on a tour of the city, guiding us through side streets so we avoided the worst of the crowds.  She pointed out where Leonardo di Vinci and Michelangelo once stayed, and told the back story on funny signs we saw everywhere. 

Hunting for these signs amused the kids.

We planned to visit the Accademia on our own, so she had done us the favor of reserving our tickets in advance.   She ended our tour at the will call window (which was practically impossible to find unless pointed out), made sure we got in the right line (there were 3 very long ones), and recommended a nearby cafe for lunch.

The original David

When you hire a private guide, you will save time, you will learn more, your kids will have fewer melt downs, and overall you will have a better experience.  Whenever we’ve visited a town or museum on our own, we found ourselves wandering a bit aimlessly. (And in the summer heat, efficiency is key, you want to make every step count!) 


Wish we had a guide at the Colosseum, very few signs here

If you have a special interest in art, history, food, etc., then you’ll really appreciate having a guide who is an expert in that field, rather than taking a generic city tour where the guide is reciting a memorized spiel.


Beautiful Florence, one day is not enough!

You don’t have to hire a guide everywhere you go.  But consider investing some of your travel dollars in locations where a private guide will make the difference between a good vacation, and a great vacation.

Water taxi to the Venice airport, another worthwhile splurge
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Ten Tips for Driving in Tuscany

After a week of driving all over Tuscany this summer, I compiled this list of tips.  (Kudos to my husband who enjoys the challenge of navigating in a foreign country, can drive a stick shift, and is good at parking in very tight spaces.)

  1. Get an international driver’s license – If stopped without it, you can be fined, or even threatened with confiscation of the car. Note that it must be used with a valid driver’s license from your home country, so don’t leave your US license at home.
    Ready to go!

  2. Consider manual transmission – It can be much less expensive than renting an automatic.  But you need to be very comfortable driving a stick shift, because there are lots of hills.  Add car rental coverage to your travel insurance policy, it’s cheaper than buying the rental company’s insurance.  (You are getting a travel insurance policy, aren’t you??)
    The views are worth the climb!

  3. Look for alternate car pick up locations – If you are not picking up a car on the day you fly in, you don’t have to make a trip back to the airport. Consider taking a train to a town near your final hotel or villa and picking up a car there.  But be sure to book early and check the rental location hours.
    Great place to start the trip.

  4. Take a GPS – Unless you have unlimited data, it’ll get very expensive to rely on your phone.   Some car rental companies, like Auto Europe, offer GPS with their rentals.  We also rented a personal wifi hotspot with unlimited data, so we were able to use both while navigating.  The GPS gave us step by step directions, and the maps app gave us an overview of the area when the GPS directions didn’t seem to make sense and we needed to improvise.
    The scenery goes on and on…

  5. Get a good map – It’s likely you’ll get lost at some point, or run into a dead end, even with a GPS.  A map can help you get back on course, and also it’s easier to ask for help from a non-English speaking local with a map to point to.
    Uh, are we sure we’re supposed to turn here?

  6. Preload GPS coordinates – These are especially handy for rural destinations.  To find them, right click on the red pin icon in Google Maps, and select “What’s here.”  A screen will pop up with the GPS coordinates.
    Hidden gem!

  7. Plan your strategy– Review the route in advance, and check the GPS (or your map app) against a physical map so you can get your bearings. By in advance, I mean the night before, not 15 min before you leave. 
    Typical Tuscan “highway”

  8. Search for parking garages or other landmarks – This is often more helpful than just entering the name of a city, which will lead you to the center of town.  For example, there are several ways to approach Siena, and it’s confusing to know which highway exit to take.  We looked up the name of a garage that had plenty of parking and an escalator, and the GPS took us right to it. (However in Pisa, we had a hard time finding the public parking lot and basically stumbled across it by accident.  The best laid plans…)
    We could see dirt in-between the stones
    from the Palio Horse Race a week earlier.

  9. Be prepared for roundabouts – They are not difficult, just different if not used to them. They are well marked, you just have to pay attention to which exit you need. The good news is, if you miss it you can just go around again.
    No pics of roundabouts so will have to
    make do with this view.

  10. Plan for the unexpected – Getting lost is inevitable, but that’s half the fun. Allow plenty of time for your outings so an unplanned detour is a fun adventure rather than source of stress!

Is any trip to Tuscany complete
 without a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
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What Not to Do When Visiting the Amalfi Coast

On our trip to Italy this summer, we did not have enough time in our schedule to spend a few nights on the Amalfi Coast, but we did have time for a day trip from Rome.  It’s really easy logistically, a little more than one hour train ride.  But the easy logistics end once you get to the Naples train station.


If you do not hire a car and driver/guide to take care of you from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, you will likely end up regretting it.  This is one place where you simply cannot “wing it.”

A few days before our arrival, construction shut down several roads around the train station, causing gridlock in all directions.  As a result, our driver/guide, Gianluca, had to allow an extra hour of driving time on each end of our visit.  (There went two hours out of our day.  First lesson learned, plan for delays.)  But thanks to his insider knowledge of the streets around the train station, he expertly got us out of the city, though at times I did need to shut my eyes.  

The scenery only gets better from here.
Once out of town, we got to relax and enjoy the views of Vesuvius and the coastline as we headed to Pompeii, where he dropped us off to meet our guide.  I have always heard that  the size of the ruins surprises tourists, and yet I was still surprised.  And very happy to have a guide who expertly led us to specific areas to explain daily life in the ancient city in a way that kept my teens engaged. 

Pompeii is so big, it doesn’t appear crowded even
during peak season.  Except if following the
people wearing audio headsets.

Block after block of city streets, and few signs
explaining what you see.
Our guide’s visual aids helped bring the ruins to life.
After our tour, Gianluca was waiting to whisk us off to Sorrento, his home town.  Since we were behind schedule due to the chaos in Naples and we would soon have hangry kids, he called ahead to a restaurant so that we would be seated and served immediately.  Within 45 min we had ordered, eaten, received our complimentary limoncello shots (another good reason not to drive), and were back out the door.   For anyone who has eaten in a restaurant in Italy, you know what an amazing feat that is!

How could we not order pizza??
Yes four glasses, drinking age limits are loose.
Kids weren’t interested so mom & dad got two each!
The next few hours were spent shopping and sightseeing in Sorrento and Positano. There was absolutely no parking, but Gianluca has connections.  He called ahead to have them hold us a spot right in the center of town then we hopped out, had time to stroll, shop, and get limone granitas.
Beautiful ceramics in Sorrento

One of the few flat areas in Positano
After many stairs, we reached the Positano beach


Afterwards we hopped back in the car and enjoyed the stunning scenery while Gianluca dealt with the jam-packed streets, tour buses backing up to negotiate hairpin turns, and motorbikes and pedestrians who seemed to appear out of nowhere.  (I glanced back to see my son grinning ear to ear with his phone held up to the window recording it all.)

Gianluca didn’t slow down!
Until we got here

We arrived at the train station with time to spare, bid a fond farewell to Gianluca, and were back in Rome just in time for dinner.

So no matter how experienced a traveler you are, here is my advice if you are considering exploring the Amalfi Coast on your own:  Don’t do it!  Whether you arrive by train, plane, or cruise ship, it pays to hire a local expert so you can have a fun and stress-free experience.   And whether you have 4 hours or 4 days, I can work with my local experts to plan a great itinerary maximizing your time in this beautiful area.


Aaaah-malfi, I can’t wait to see you again.
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Maui Travel Tip: What to Know About Haleakala

One of the most interesting places to visit on Maui is Haleakala, the 10,023 ft. volcano which makes up the east side of the island.  There are two facts that surprise many visitors:  it is not a dormant volcano, it just doesn’t erupt very often, only every 200-500 years.  (The last one was 200-250 years ago.) And the moonlike depression in the center is not a true crater; it’s simply a product of erosion.  But everyone refers to it as a crater because that’s so much easier to say!
The moon or Maui?
Astronauts actually did lunar landing training here.
Haleakala is not a quick side trip to be checked out on a whim.   The drive one way takes 2-3 hours depending where you start, and the last hour is spent on 25 miles of twisting road and switchbacks.  It’s not a difficult drive, as the road is wide, paved, and well-marked.  And the views are spectacular.  But you have to take your time, and watch for cyclists.  Anyone prone to car sickness might want to give it a second thought.

Here we go!
One of the straighter sections
And you need to know what to expect.  Here are few tips before you head up to the summit:
Bring your own food and drink – It’s at least an hour drive back down the mountain to get to any restaurants or other services. 
Prepare for high wind – I suggest women bring a scarf they can tie around their chin, especially if they have long hair that will poke them in the eye or get stuck in their mouth.  A knit cap works if it fits securely.  Even a hat with a chin strap can get pulled off easily in the strong gusts.
Wishing I had a scarf right now!
Wear sunscreen – The sun’s rays are especially damaging in the thin atmosphere.
Bring layers to keep warm, and raingear or a water repellant jacket – It can be hot & sunny at sea level but wet & misty at the summit.  Even if it’s a clear day, the temperatures are much lower and the wind makes it feel much colder.
Bring binoculars – You will have panoramic views of the entire island, and can even see all the way to the Big Island on a clear day.

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in the distance
Watch the time if heading out on a trail into the crater – Distances are deceiving because of the lack of perspective, and a landmark may be much farther away than it appears.  Also remember that it will take twice as long to climb back up as it does to go down, and it will feel more strenuous due to the elevation.   Once the sun goes below the rim to cast shadows, temperatures drop very quickly, so don’t head out too late in the day.  (This one I can vouch for from experience!)
The trails down there are much further away than they look!
If you want a truly memorable experience, watch the sunrise from the summit.  This takes an especially hardy traveler, as you have get up insanely early while on vacation, and withstand temperatures that can dip below freezing.  But it’s worth one of the most beautiful and unique sunrises you will ever see.  And to add to the adventure, ride back down on a bike with one of the tour companies!

Sunrise circa 1988. I don’t expect it’s changed much.
A van full of thrill-seekers parked at the summit.
A nice stop on the way back to sea level is Grandma’s Coffee House, a family-owned business that has been roasting coffee on the premises for four generations.  It’s small and simple, but the food is good and reasonably priced, including  large sandwiches, homemade desserts, banana bread, and of course, excellent coffee.

Lots of Grandma’s pies in that case
For helping planning a fun and memorable trip to Maui, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

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Be Suspicious of Quick Answers to Your Travel Questions

I really need to quit reading the Q&A in the newspaper’s travel section, because I always seem to get riled up.  Basically, readers write in with questions, such as what to do and see in a particular location, or what hotel or cruise is “the best.”  And they get a brief answer, usually with very specific recommendations.

If a client called and asked me any of these questions, we would spend a minimum of 15 minutes in conversation before I would consider giving them an answer.

No cookie cutter answers
for my clients!


In fact, I’d be asking them a whole lot of questions right back, such as:

  • Can you tell me more about who is going on this trip?
  • Why are you going, what is your vision, are you celebrating anything?
  • How old are your kids, what are their interests & activities?
  • What are your favorite hotels?  
  • What do you like to do on vacation?
  • Have you ever cruised before, traveled outside the US, etc?
  • What are your hotel “must haves” and what do you like to avoid?
  • Do you want to be in the middle of the action or do you want a quiet retreat?

And something that is really important to families: do you need guaranteed connecting rooms or a specific bedding arrangement?

The answers I receive usually create more questions: “So you’re taking along the grandparents.  Do they have any mobility issues, or they ok with stairs and long walking distances?”
Spiral staircase to get to breakfast
Paris elevator – not for claustrophobes!
You can buy a guidebook and or easily find on the internet a list of top attractions of any destination.  But is a book or a website going to say “Since you are a gourmet cook, why don’t you check out this market, it’s the best one in the city.  Or better yet, how about a Farm to Fork tour?” 

Farmer’s market in Provence
Or
“Since your teens are active and enjoy being outdoors, this is a great place to rent bikes to explore the area.”
Or
“This hotel has a zero-entry pool so it’s much easier to monitor your toddler, they can sit and splash in shallow water.  Then you don’t have to stand in the pool holding them the whole time.”  

Turks & Caicos waterpark
So you see there is no one right answer when it comes to travel.  Even the most expensive, top rated, most talked about hotel in the world is not “the best” hotel for everyone.  And the “must do/must see” list for a retired couple traveling alone is different from that of a family with young children.  
As for selecting a cruise, don’t even get me started! When you thing about the variables for just one destination:  the cruise line, the ships within that line, cabin types, ports visited, onboard activities, etc. it staggers the mind. 
 

Small ship
Big ship
Or something in-between

My job is to make sure I give the best answer for each and every client.  And that requires a lot of communication between us.  Many people email or call to ask about rates for a specific hotel, often because their friends recommended it.  Personal recommendations are great, I use them all the time.  But is that really the best fit for you, of ALL the hotels available? 

After all, think about your friends and family members.  Do you all drive the same model car?  Like the same food?  Have the same hobbies?  I have over 300 Facebook friends, but there are only a handful that have the same travel style as I do.
 

Do you like cool, modern elegance…

Or warm, rustic luxury?

One time I had just returned from the destination featured in the Q&A section.  And while the “expert” recommended a couple things I agree with, there were several things I think he/she missed, and I would have narrowed the list even further if I knew the ages of the travelers.  They also made a dining recommendation which baffled me, as the town had many other much better restaurants.

So don’t believe everything you read!  



For help with planning the perfect vacation just for you, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.
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