Category Archives: Hawaii

Family Vacations – Ready or not, it’s time to GO!

Posted on by
Reply

av_sf_6abc_med_rect

 

Another major “vacation company” has a great marketing campaign out right now, and it is what I preach all the time. Take your vacation NOW, your kids are only this age once. Don’t miss out on it.

As my son gets older, I want to freeze time.  My son is 8 and he will only be 8 once. OK, it is for an entire year I know, but I feel like he was 3, I blinked and now he is 8.  I want to soak up every minute of him being 8 and acting 8 (the good and the bad).

I do understand when people want to “Wait until their kids remember” before spending a lot of money on a vacation, or wait until their kids are “old enough” to really enjoy it. But your kids are only this age once. Every family can use some together time away from work, school, video games, homework, laptops and television.  This summer, plan your family together time on an Apple Vacation!

Plan it together by picking out destinations you want to see, hotels that have activities your family enjoys or excursions you want to experience. Or just be spontaneous and surprise them!

There is no better time spent with your family, than on an Apple Vacation!  Make the summer of 2013 one your family will never forget. Go ahead and pick out your vacation here.

 

 

Kaanapali Beach Hotel – a great choice for families in Maui

Posted on by
1

I wrote a resort review of The Kaanapali Beach Hotel. But, I also wanted to highlight why Kaanapali Beach Hotel is an excellent choice for family vacations.  Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a beautiful beach-front location. One of the best views and most picturesque beaches you can find, perfect for swimming and close to snorkeling.  But they also offer value, convenience, cultural activities and entertainment to keep families happy from the moment they arrive until it is time to depart.

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel

When I go on vacation, especially with my son, I like for our family to experience the local culture, food and traditions. I especially like for us all to learn something new about each place we visit. In Hawaii, a stay at Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, will be a must for my family!

Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers a great program for children. It is an interactive family experience. Upon arrival, children 12 and under receive an Aloha passport with their Hawaiian Name and what it means.  Then, during their stay, children complete various activities throughout the resort.  Kids receive a makana (gift) for each completed activity. This creates fun for the entire family, and children get to take home their rewards. The resort employs full-time Hawaiian “Culture Advisors” (Alaka̕i) right on property. Children can learn about the history, language and traditions of Hawaii right within the resort.

In addition to the miles of amazing beaches and fun pools to keep the family happy,  Kaanapali Beach Hotel also offers daily Hawaiian activities including free lei making,  free hula lessons and free ukulele lessons. They also offer a complimentary welcome breakfast, complimentary Hawaiian Entertainment & Hula Show in the Tiki Courtyard, and Kids 5 and under eat free at the Tiki restaurant.  All of this will help the budget while keeping the family entertained.

Upon departure from resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers a complimentary Kukui Lei Ceremony. Kukui Nut Tree is the State Tree. “Kukui” means Enlightenment. Kukui Nut Lei is part of the employee uniforms.  The staff explain why the Kukui nut is so important to the Hawaiian people then they sing and present a departure gift of a kukui nut lei’.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel was the only Hawaii hotel voted in “Top 10 Family Hotels” by Trip Advisor. Make sure you look into Kaanapali Beach Hotel, for your next stay in Hawaii.

 

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Aerial
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Golf
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Maui Waterfall

Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel – Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Posted on by
1

 

For many vacationers, especially “East- Coasters” like me, Hawaii is a “bucket – list” vacation. A trip to Hawaii is where you go on your Honeymoon or for a special occasion. It really does not have to be that way. With current airfare rates Hawaii is very, very

affordable. And with several islands to explore and various hotels to choose from, an Apple Vacation to Hawaii the possibilities are endless. Myself, I have a Hawaii “list”, places I want to visit, hotels where I want to stay, and excursions I want to do. I bookmark websites, print articles and save magazines. Whenever I come across something new or interesting about Hawaii, I file it away so I don’t forget about it when it is time for me to book! Low and behold, I recently added to my list! I learned about the Kaanapali Beach Hotel at an educational presentation and now I can’t wait to stay there!

Maui is the 2nd Largest Island in the Hawaiian Island Chain and Kâ‘anapali is Located in West Maui. Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a stunning Beachfront Location on 3 miles of golden sand beach. The hotel has been voted #1 for the past 19 years voted by Conde-Nast. The Kâ̕anapali Beach Resort is the world’s first “planned resort community” – 1,200 acres! There are two 18 – hole championship golf courses, private hotels, five condominiums, several restaurants, the Whaler’s Village Shopping Center and Whale Museum and hotels and resorts.

 


That all sounds great, but here is why I really think you should book Kaanapali Beach Hotel:

  • Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers the best location, location, Location! It is on the widest stretch of beautiful Kâ̕anapali Beach. And, Kaanapali Beach Hotel is Hawai̕i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel. When I travel I am all about the view, location and immersing myself in local culture. This is definitely the hotel for me.
  • As Hawai̕i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers daily Hawaiian activities and they employ full-time Hawaiian “Culture Advisors” (Alaka̕i) right on property. They offer nightly complimentary Hawaiian Entertainment & Hula Show in the Tiki Courtyard. the hotel is adjacent to Pu̕u Keka’a (Black Rock) for world-class snorkeling. They also have the first and only outdoor Tiki-Themed Bar on Maui with exotic cocktail blends, famous Mai-Tais, Pupule and Tiki Tini cocktails. The hotel provides trolley service to Historic Lâhainâ if you want to venture into town.
  • Kaanapali Beach Hotel sounds like paradise and everything I look for in a vacation. Stay tuned for my next blog on Kaanapali Beach Hotel and why this resort is an excellent choice for family vacations.
Susan Haigh-Bishop Senior Sales Manager, Kaanapali Beach Hotel with Tim Mullen and Karen McFadden from Apple Vacations.

 

All I Want for Christmas is an Apple Vacation

Posted on by
Reply

 

Do The Holidays have you in a panic? Don’t stress this year and do something different! Take the family on an Apple Vacation to Mexico or The Caribbean. Seriously, it will cost less than you expect. Say no to the shopping list, in-laws, cleaning the house and all that cooking!

Ok, reality check I’m a family person and LOVE The Holidays and seeing my family but I do dream of sitting on a white sandy beach under a palm tree relaxing for once on my vacation instead of the hustle and bustle. The way the Holidays fall this year there are basically two weeks where many people have off of school and can be flexible with work. It’s a great opportunity to add an Apple Vacation in to your Holiday plans.

 

Apple Vacations – Dreams Puerto Aventuras Beach

 

Look to Dreams Puerto Aventuras Riviera Maya – A stunning resort. Depart Thursday December 20 for example out of Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Philadelphia from just $1299 per person. That includes roundtrip airfare (over a holiday!), unlimited luxury with the finest accommodations for 7 nights, 24-hour room service, gourmet dining, unlimited top-shelf spirits, activities and much more.

 

Apple Vacations – Melia Caribe Tropical

 

Do you prefer Punta Cana? Then check out Melia Caribe Tropical, a 5 Golden Apple Resort. The property features 13 restaurants, 13 bars, nightly entertainment, a casino, five pools (including one of the largest in Punta Cana), eight lit tennis courts and two Spa with full array of treatments. You can stay for 7 nights out of Pittsburgh, Cleveland for $1359 per person leaving on on 12/21/12.

Many other departures cities, dates and hotels are available. Go ahead and pick out your Holiday Apple Vacation and be assured of the best air and hotel availability, at the best rates. Holiday space sells out fast, so don’t miss out. Reserve your Holiday in the Sun today!

Legal: Price listed is per person, based on double occupancy, includes roundtrip airfare via Frontier Airlines and U.S. and foreign taxes including September 11th Security fee. Restrictions and checked bag fees may apply.

Explore Hawaii – Video Blog

Posted on by
Reply

Seventy million years ago, a paradise of green-carpet valleys, emerald mountains and an ocean as blue and deep as the sky was created. Then came sparkling beaches, flowing waterfalls, fiery lava flows and vibrant natural gardens. From the history of Oahu and the excitement of its famed Waikiki Beach, to the exotic natural wonders of the Big Island, the intoxicating scents and beauty of Hawaii will be imbedded in your memory forever. Choose Maui and bask on the world’s most celebrated beaches or golf at its most scenic courses. Bike, drive or ride up to a volcano at sunrise and watch whales up close, breaching in triumphant glory. For a truly unique and peaceful getaway, experience the incredible natural beauty of Kauai, or bask in the tranquil splendor of Lanai and Molokai, enticing islands still untouched by time.

 Check out these 4 new Videos presented by Apple Vacations about Hawaii!

1. Maui, Beyond the Coasts – Maui, Hawaii

2. Big Island Activities – The Big Island, Hawaii

3. Oahu Revealed – Oahu, Hawaii

4. Day in Waimea – Kauai, Hawaii

 

 

Act Now and Get More for Less! Save a bundle to America’s Favorite Paradise when you book during our Hawaii SuperSale, the Biggest Sale of the Season! Enjoy Apple-exclusive reduced rates at our best hotels and condos, plus value-added extras like FREE breakfasts, FREE nights, FREE upgrades and a complimentary Mahalo gift box. Plus, stay 4 nights or more at participating hotels on Oahu or Maui and get two FREE whale watching tickets per room – a $70 value! Whale Sightings guaranteed! Hurry, book by November 22, 2012!

 

#BeachThursday – Top 5 Dreamy Beaches

Posted on by
Reply

A common question I hear at Apple Vacations – Where is the best beach?

Sit back, relax and imagine warm, tropical breezes tickling your skin as I take you on a tour of the Top 5 Dreamy Beaches to go to on an Apple Vacation!

1. Bavaro Beach - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Named one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic, Bavaro Beach is an immense stretch of beautiful white sand beach, dotted with swaying tropical palms and bordering along warm turquoise waters. Bavaro boasts a majestic coral reef for diving and other water activities.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Bavaro Beach - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 

2. Playa de Los Muertos – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta‘s golden beaches and indigo waters invite carefree bayside relaxation. The famous Playa de Los Muertos (“Dead Man’s Beach”) is named for a legendary story that this stretch of sand was a hub of pirate activity during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Playa del los Muertos - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

3. Waikiki Beach – Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki is most famous for its beaches. With Diamond Head as your backdrop, the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Waikiki Beach - Oahu, Hawaii

 

4. Maroma Beach – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Often nominated as one of the best beaches in the world, Maroma Beach is Mexico’s most exclusive beach hideaway. Determined to preserve its ecological balance, Maroma is a world away from the Yucatan hot spots’ hustle and bustle. Set against 500-acres of lush jungle, the beach is a pristine stretch of sand slipping in the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Maroma Beach - Riviera Maya, Mexico

 

5. Playa Tamarindo – Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Located in the northwest of the country on the Pacific side, Guanacaste is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible bird watching, excellent surfing and superb snorkeling.

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Playa Tamarindo - Guanacaste, Costa Rica

 

 

Let’s Get Personal – Apple Vacations Tradeshow 2012

Posted on by
1

 

I was invited to go to the Apple Vacations Trade Show that took place in Chicago on September 11, 2012.  It was my first time at the annual travel extravaganza and I was in store for a big treat. For travel agents that haven’t had a chance to go yet, I highly recommend it, there’s so much to learn!

Picking up a Golden Apple Award

Let me start with rough agenda, the day broken into a few parts:

  • The Golden Apple Awards Luncheon
  • Followed by the #AVTS13 trade show – this year’s theme – Let’s Get Personal
  • Finished up with the Crystal Apple Awards presentation at the end of the night

It’s a jammed packed day of travel news, travel agents, and travel talk!

 

The Golden Apple Awards are given to the top hotels in Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii. For those of you that don’t know, the Golden Apple Awards are given to individual hotels based on achieving high levels of excellence for their staff and service. I was lucky enough to sit at table with a couple of our beloved social media brand advocates who were tweeting updates during the whole day using #AVTS13 to keep the industry up to date in real time as awards were announced. I really enjoyed the key note speaker, Arnie Weissmann, the editor in chief of Travel Weekly. He gave an interesting and impactful speech of how the Travel Agent is back and better than ever. Golden Apple Awards were picked up at their tables, pictures were taken with Jeff Mullen, President of Apple Vacations and then we hit the trade show floor!

Apple Vacations Tradeshow 2012 - Let's Get Personal

 

Apple Vacations Tradeshow 2012 - Social Media Content Sharing

WOW! In no time the tradeshow was packed with at least a thousand travel agents and Apple team members alike. This year’s theme is “Let’s Get Personal”, and Apple made that more apparent than ever this year.  With representatives from over 100 hotels, airlines and tourism boards, travel agents had a chance to meet new contacts and say “Hi” to familiar faces.  Don’t forget, it’s also another learning opportunity to see “What’s New” with Apple Vacations for 2012-2013. I overheard travel agents being particularly happy to be among the first to pick up a supply of our 2013 Catalogs.

 

Tim Mullen, President Apple Vacations, announcing Crystal Apple Awards 2012

 

Finally, at the end of the day, the Crystal Apple Awards were announced by Tim Mullen, President of Apple Vacations. The Crystal Apple Awards are among the most coveted honors in the travel industry, chosen by hundred of thousands of Apple Vacationers who complete our Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaires. The final award given out was Destination of the Year, presented to Riviera Nayarit. We definitely want to congratulation all our 2012 Crystal Apple Award Winners!Click Here to see the Best of the Best–> http://applev.ac/QFYO0p

 

A note to Travel Agents:

We offer convenient tradeshows and seminars on a regional basis. Many of our events are by invitation only, so if you don’t see opportunities in your area below, be sure to contact your local Apple Vacations Sales Manager for more information.