7 Destinations in Hawaii Where the Locals Love to Go

You might wonder where Hawaiians vacation, considering they already live in a stunning destination ripe for tourism. The truth is that many travel to Las Vegas, affectionately nicknamed their "ninth island," as well as other U.S. West Coast getaways and parts of Asia (a nine-hour direct flight will get you to Japan). But when the time calls for a staycation, Hawaiians stick to their own blessed territory, rich with history, culture, adventure, delicious food, and some of the most incredible nature on the planet.

Each island offers something distinct. Here are seven destinations in Hawaii that locals love.

Upcountry Maui

The national park spans more than 30,000 acres and centers around a dormant volcano that occupies more than 75 percent of Maui and stands at 10,023 feet. Haleakalā is home to a number of endangered and endemic species. The name means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. The locals know it as the sacred place where ancient kahuna po'o (high priests) meditated and received wisdom.

While you're in Upcountry Maui (the rural area on the Haleakala side of the island), stop by the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao. Here, you can shop for locally grown and made items, including tropical fruits, honey, grab-and-go meals, clothing, and fresh-cut flowers. For those wanting to immerse their senses in Upcountry Maui's flora, visit the Ali'i Kula Lavender farm, where you can relax on the lanai or in the gazebo, surrounded by fragrant blossoms.

Windward Coast, Oahu

The roughly 340,000 people who live in Honolulu don't have to go far to escape the city. The island's Windward Coast begins at Makapuʻu Point — about a 15-mile drive east of the capital — and extends up to Kahana Bay. With numerous trails and beaches, lava tubes, blowholes, surf breaks, and exquisite coastal scenery, there are endless possibilities for hiking and beach hopping along this eastern shore. You'll often find families trekking the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail and experienced surfers and bodyboarders at Makapuʻu Beach and Sandy Beach (nicknamed Broke Neck Beach for its treacherous conditions).

The sand is soft, the waves are never too big, and the backdrop of the Ko'olau mountains is amazing. It's right in the middle of a great Hawaiian town called Waimānalo. When driving home from the beach, there are always people selling some type of local food on the side of the road: shave ice, lau lau (a Hawaiian dish typically made of salted butterfish and pork wrapped in taro leaves), and malasadas (Portuguese donuts).

Windward Oahu is home to Kailua Beach, popular with windsurfers and kayakers; Lanikai Beach, which has been called one of the world's most beautiful; and Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre private reserve that is a local favorite for zip lining, horseback riding, and taking in the staggering and storied 'āina (land). Sherwood Beach is another gem, with gentle waves and views of the Ko'olau mountains.

North Shore, Oahu

Less than an hour from Honolulu is another destination beloved by Hawaii residents and visitors alike: the fabled North Shore. Professional surfers from around the world congregate and compete here. But Koa Rothman, a North Shore native, professional big-wave surfer, and cofounder of The Sunrise Shack, says that while his hometown is known for surf culture, you need not be a surfer to appreciate this place. The seven miles of white-sand beaches are primed for watching the swells and surfers safely from shore, he says. Banzai Pipeline, a surf break off Ehukai Beach Park, is popular for surf contests, and Sunset Beach is a favorite for enjoying the sunset views, as its name suggests. Waimea Bay Beach Park, the designated location for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, is one of the most picturesque spots of the North Shore.

Locals also go to the North Shore to unwind and sink into a slower pace. Nakanelua-Richards says locals love the idyllic rainforest setting and sacred cultural significance of Waimea Valley, home to Oahu's largest temple. Go for a picnic, participate in cultural workshops, or take a refreshing dip in the freshwater pool near Waimea Falls on your visit.

South Shore, Kauai

The largely undeveloped island of Kauai is nicknamed the "Garden Island." Home to one of the wettest spots on Earth, Mount Waialeale, this destination receives a good amount of rain. But the South Shore is a slightly drier escape. This sunny swath of Kauai is popular among snorkelers, swimmers, and Poipu Beach resort guests.

The South Shore has some of the best sunsets and watching one at Baby Beach, a protected cove just west of Poipu Beach, where you'll find calm, ankle-deep waters, perfect for families with babies — hence the name — and small children.The Sunset Wall, a local-favorite spot at Koloa Landing, just down the road from Ko'a Kea Resort. Chase the sun a bit further afield at Salt Pond Beach Park, where a protected lagoon with clear water offers a serene sunset experience.

Of course, there is much more to see if you're on Kauai. The 22-mile Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast is a bucket-list item for experienced hikers, and a visit to Waimea Canyon — often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" — to admire the striking colors and rock formations is another must.

Lana

Hawaiians looking to reconnect with their land and culture head for — or return home to — the island of Lanai. It's one of those places where you can still feel the aloha spirit. Not only because of its beauty, but because of the people.  Although Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, it has a lot to offer. Sites include the Lanaihale hike, Maunalei Gulch, Keahiakawelo (aka the Garden of the Gods), and Pu'u Pehe (aka Sweetheart Rock) — named for a tragic mo'olelo (legend).

The island drew Anela Evans back to her home, too. After being raised on Lanai, Evans spent some time away, but returned to her roots to serve as a cultural practitioner and historian at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai from 2018 to 2022. When visiting Lanai, it's as if you've taken a step back in time. Life moves at a slower pace. The people have a warmth about them and exude aloha. Archaeological and cultural sites, such as Kaunolu (an ancient fishing village), remain intact and leave you marveling at the skill and tenacity of ancient Hawaiians. Lanai is special in every sense of the word. You truly cannot grasp a full sense of what it's like until stepping foot on the island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The allure of volcanic activity and otherworldly landscapes attract more than 1.5 million visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park each year. But tourists aren't the only ones who come here; the 335,259-acre park — and the two active volcanoes in it — hold cultural significance for Hawaiians as well.

"It's one of the most fascinating places and highly sacred. Halema'uma'u Crater is known as the home of Pele, the creator of this 'āina (land). Over the past decade, it's been awe-inspiring to feel the steam vents up close, see smoke billowing miles into the sky, and witness her natural fireworks. It's hard not to see
this place as wahi pana (or a sacred space) when you are a participating witness to the terrifying destruction of lava and also the birthing of the newest parts of our planet. 

Molokai

Locals seeking simple island pleasures without the high-rise buildings and sprawling resorts love Molokai. This small island (less than 40 miles long and just 10 miles wide) in Maui County has avoided mass development and retained its natural beauty. Here, you'll find deserted beaches, some of the world's largest sea cliffs, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park — the site where leprosy patients were once sent into isolation, now a symbol of strength and resilience. A large percentage of Molokai's approximately 7,400 residents are Native Hawaiian and continue to perpetuate the Hawaiian language, traditions, and stories of this special place.

The Kalaupapa Lookout is a must for visitors to Molokai. The lookout sits on the edge of a 2,000-foot cliff where you can see the expansive Pacific Ocean with Kalaupapa peninsula sprawled before you,. In the winter, you can catch humpback whales going by, and sometimes hear the sound of their tail slap echo up the cliff. The bird's-eye view is unique when you read the intriguing story panels there and imagine what life was like before and now.

Pescaia also loves Papohaku Beach on the west end of the island. Stretching for three miles, this white-sand beach is never crowded, and sometimes you are the only person there. Winter north swells bring treacherous waves, and locals advise against swimming then, but the summers are calmer, and you can catch the last glimpse of sun rays at sunset. A visit to this beach provides a spectacular and humbling experience.

Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.  Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.   

We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!

Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do

 

Whether you adore a cruise ship buffet with its myriad dining choices or fret about communal tongs and food lingering on steam tables, you ought to follow the unwritten rules of buffet dining if you choose to partake in it.

Most of these rules are common sense, but not all are obvious to the uninitiated. Ignore them, and you risk getting the stink-eye for being rude or unsanitary. Or, you might simply have a less satisfying meal.

Follow these 10 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet if you want to have an optimal onboard smorgasbord experience.

Approach the buffet with unwashed hands

All cruise lines offer hand sanitizer at the entrance to the buffet, either in a wall-mounted pump or distributed by a staff member. Some even have hand-washing stations. Use them every time you enter the buffet area.

While public restrooms are typically nearby, this isn't the moment to declare that you just came from the bathroom and already washed your hands. The sight of everyone hand sanitizing is comforting to many a germ-o-phobic cruiser — and who knows what you touched on the way back from the loo. Extra sanitization has never hurt anyone, so lather up before you grab a plate.

Pick up food with your hands

Some cruise lines have policies against self-serving and station attendants at each section of the buffet. Others have plastic "sneeze guards" set up and plenty of servingware. Whatever the policy is, follow it.

No matter what you do, never use your hands instead of the provided utensils to pick up a bread roll, cookie or other food item. It's unsanitary, and you will get some well-earned glares from other passengers.

Bring your plate up for seconds

For sanitary reasons, cruise lines ask that you take a new plate if you return to the buffet. Leave your old plate on the table, and it will be scooped up and taken to be cleaned — often before you return to your seat.

Yes, this policy does create more dirty dishes, which might not be the best practice from a water conservation standpoint. However, it's important as a health protocol, so swallow your grumbles and take a clean plate.

The same rules apply to drinking glasses. Get a new cup each time you need a refill. If you want to fill your reusable water bottle or coffee mug, pour a beverage from the drinks station into a cup, then pour the contents of the cup into your on-the-go drink container.

Skip the made-to-order options

When you think of a buffet, you might assume that all of the dishes are premade. Not so on cruise ships.

You'll often find made-to-order options, such as an omelet or waffle station at breakfast and a pasta or noodle station, carvery or deli counter at lunch or dinner. While you may have to wait to order or for your meal to be prepared, the results are often fresher and made more to your liking than the steam table choices.

Don't make the mistake of always choosing the fastest option.

Keep quiet if you have dietary concerns

Buffets can be risky for passengers with dietary concerns, as cross-contamination is possible, and ingredients are often not detailed. However, they can also present a wealth of dining choices for restricted eaters.

Don't be shy about asking for assistance in selecting food items when you dine at a cruise ship's buffet restaurant. Ask the buffet attendant the same questions you would ask your server in a restaurant. If the crew member doesn't know, he or she can always find a manager or chef to ask.

Staff might also be able to bring you special food items from the galley that are reserved for folks with dietary restrictions and not set out for everyone to take.

If you have more serious allergies, alert a maitre d' on your first day for help throughout your sailing.

Select dishes that are better when made to order

Like it or not, buffet food is prepared in bulk and sits on a steam table until the tray is empty before being replaced with a fresh one. Some dishes hold up better to this treatment than others. It's a rookie mistake not to know the difference.

When I eat at a cruise ship buffet, I always regret choosing the premade scrambled eggs at breakfast or fried foods, like shrimp or calamari, at dinner. Anything that loses its quality when it gets less crispy is worth avoiding, such as fully loaded nachos on a Tex-Mex night. In general, avoid foods that get overcooked easily or are best made to order (such as sushi rolls filled with raw fish and avocado).

The exception to this rule is on special nights when the cruise line offers some luxury dishes, such as caviar or foie gras, at the buffet. In that case, take the treats when you see them.

Pile your plate so high you can barely carry it

It's easy to load up a plate with every dish that looks delish, but you tend to waste food when you take this approach. Plus, all the flavors run into each other, and you can't tell which dish you're eating.

I suggest coursing out your meal even when eating dinner at a cruise ship buffet. Start with a salad or other appetizer, then return to the buffet for an entree and sides. Finally, make one last trip to the dessert station if you're still hungry. (Yes, this means getting a new plate each time — you did read rule #3, right?)

The chance that the cruise ship will run out of something you have your eye on is slim, so you have no reason to rush. The exception is if you stroll up to the buffet minutes before it closes. But even if you need to take all your food at once, you could still arrange your courses on separate dishes and eat them one plate at a time.

Carry multiple plates and cups at once

Even if you are a trained waiter, you do not want to balance multiple plates and cups in your arms as you pick your way through a crowded cruise ship buffet restaurant. It's a surefire way to drop and spill.

Take only what you can carry safely, then return to the buffet for condiments, additional drinks or seconds. The extra steps will help burn off the calories you're about to consume.

Skip the first-day, self-guided buffet tour

Always scope out the buffet well on the first day of your cruise to get the lay of the land.

Some cruise ship buffets have duplicate stations on either side of the restaurant. Others have specialty stations, such as a deli counter or pizzeria, available only on one side or in the back. If you don't do some reconnaissance, you might not discover some intriguing options until late in your cruise.

On certain cruise lines, the buffet offers a similar menu to the main dining room, just in a more casual, serve-yourself setting. Other lines offer a separate menu, complete with made-to-order stations or casual favorites such as burgers, pizza and chicken fingers every night. Knowing your cruise ship's MO will help you decide which meals are best eaten at the buffet and when you should dine elsewhere.

Start plating before you've surveyed all the options

Don't get in the first buffet line you see and fill your plate before you've checked out all the selections at the various stations in the marketplace. You might not want those fish and chips when you realize there's an Indian buffet, roast beef carved to order or a wok station stir-frying noodle dishes on the spot.

If you take the time to plan your meal, you will be less likely to waste food and will have a more satisfying lunch or dinner.

Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.  Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.   

We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!

10 Trips You Need to Take as Soon as You Retire

No more waiting for your annual vacation, then filling it end-to-end until you drag yourself back to work needing another week off. You are retired — and if you're reading this, you probably love to travel. 

If you're among the retirees ready to travel, your options are vast and varied. With your job in the rearview mirror, and the best years ahead, how about a vacation? Or, perhaps you escaped employment with barely enough energy to pick up your last check and bid goodbye to envious coworkers. A resort destination will let you recover without lifting a finger. (Well, except waving one to summon your next poolside cocktail.) Or, are you looking for a journey to the other side of the world? No problem.

Once you realize you have the time, energy, and travel budget, the next step is to get planning. Whether you want rest or excitement, solitude or crowds, budget friendly cost or true luxury, here are some ideas for retirement travel.

Rocky Mountaineer

Want to leave the driving to someone else? A luxurious journey through the Canadian Rockies aboard one of Rocky Mountaineer's comfortable, glass-domed railway cars might be your ticket. Choose from several options, like the Grand Adventure Circle Journey. This 11-night trip includes five days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and overnight stays in Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, and more.

The journey begins in Vancouver with time to explore and rest. The next morning, you'll board the Rocky Mountaineer and travel British Columbia's Sea-to-Sky Corridor on your way to the resort town of Whistler. Up next: Wind your way through farmland and stunning canyons en route to Quesnel, then to Jasper National Park for a day of leisure. Then, to get to Lake Louise, you'll travel via the scenic Icefields Parkway, where you can ride an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier. Upon arriving at Lake Louise, you'll have time to explore before heading to Banff and back to Vancouver via Kamloops. More Rocky Mountaineer itinerary options are listed online.

Australia

With a flight time between 16 and 21 hours from the U.S. and a huge area to see, a visit to Australia, Travel + Leisure's 2020 Destination of the Year, doesn't fit most vacation schedules – until you have no schedule, that is.

In metropolitan Sydney, tour the iconic Opera House (pictured above) and then see it from another perspective on a harbor cruise. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or climb to the apex of its steel arch if you have lots of energy and an extra $350. Get up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife on Kangaroo Island's nature reserve and see koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, fur seals, penguins, and kookaburras.

For marine wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia is home to countless species of colorful fish, mollusks, starfish, turtles, dolphins, and sharks. Melbourne's Great Ocean Road, at Australia's southeastern tip, is the place to see rugged seashore, jagged cliffs, sandy beaches, and even the dense Otway rainforest. Don't miss Brisbane, Queensland's capital, set along its picturesque river and crossed by the Story Bridge.

Cruise the Yarra River in Melbourne for great views of the city's landmarks and skyline. Seasons are opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, of course, so most travelers to the southern part of Australia time their visit during their summer, from November through March.

Southeast Asia River Cruise

If this part of the world is new to you, a river cruise will offer adventure, luxury, and convenience, with all the arrangements made for you. Several companies, including AmaWaterways, offer Mekong River cruises that stop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. The seven-day cruise in southern Vietnam and Cambodia can be extended to include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Angkor Wat in Siem Riep.

With an extension, you'll spend a few days in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, and enjoy a blend of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. An excursion to Halong Bay follows, where you'll board a ship to sail among the magnificent limestone rock formations and spend the night in modern comfort.

Next, you'll take a short flight south to Siem Reap in Cambodia for a visit to Angkor Wat, a massive temple complex built in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. After exploring Angkor Wat, board your river ship for the seven-day Mekong River cruise.

Iceland and the Northern Lights

What travel wish list doesn't include seeing the aurora borealis? The challenge with getting a good look at the mysterious northern lights is that they don't appear on schedule. Certain times of year (September through March) are better for viewing with the long winter nights. Travelers also need to avoid nights with a bright moon. Now that you have time to wait patiently for the spectacular show in the sky, why not plan a trip to Iceland?

While you're there, don't miss the Blue Lagoon. Book a day visit or stay in one of the hotels, like the Silica Hotel or the five-star luxury Retreat Hotel. The 102-degree milky blue water is said to be excellent for the skin, and its scenery and unique waters make it Iceland's most-visited attraction. You might even be lucky enough to see the northern lights as you luxuriate in the warm water of the lagoon.

Hotel Ranga, a family-owned boutique that celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, is a popular place to stay while you wait for the northern lights to appear. Their on-site observatory, outdoor hot tubs, aurora alert service, cozy rooms, gourmet meals, and hospitality make the anticipation relaxing and enjoyable.

Ireland

Looking for lush green scenery, inviting pubs, and friendly folks? Want to learn more about your ancestors or discover the towns they once called home? A journey to Ireland will fit the bill.

Start in Dublin, where you can visit Trinity College to admire the architecture and ancient manuscripts, prison-turned-museum Kilmainham Gaol to hear about Ireland's history, and the Guinness Storehouse to pour a proper pint and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. Join a pub crawl and hear traditional Irish music while checking out the lively bar scene.

Other lovely cities worth exploring in the country include Kinsale, Belfast, Dingle, Killarney, and Kilkenny. Drive the 110-mile Ring of Kerry along the Iveragh Peninsula for breathtaking views, historical sites, waterfalls, beaches, and monuments. Stay in a castle like Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle, or Carton House.

The seaport town of Cobh in County Cork was the departure point of the Titanic, and a tour of the White Star Line ticket office is a moving and memorable experience. If you plan to drive, remember that you'll be on the left side of the road, and vehicles have right-hand drive — a bit confusing, especially with a standard shift car. Opt for an automatic vehicle or a driver for comfortable, safer touring.

Sicily

This island just off Italy's toe is another exciting locale for those seeking ancestral towns. Plus, you can explore it while sniffing out the perfect cannoli or pasta alla Norma. Many Italian-Americans trace their roots to Sicily as a result of migrations that occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a lively city with colorful outdoor markets, spectacular cathedrals, and delectable street food, including fried rice balls called arancini. Enjoy them with Sicilian wines, many from vineyards near Mount Etna, Sicily's active volcano.

Unique and inviting cities along the coastline and in Sicily's interior offer something for everyone, including ancient ruins at Agrigento, Siracusa, Selinunte, and Taormina (pictured above) — testament to the history of this island, which has been occupied at various times by the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and others.

Miles of gorgeous coastline and beaches, impressive architecture, fresh seafood, and friendly people are just a few reasons to visit Sicily. Travel between cities can be managed by train, bus, car, or private driver. If you rent a car, note that main highways are generally in good condition and well-marked, unlike some local roads. Highway speeds are fast, and Sicilian drivers seem to love tailgating. Within the cities, streets are narrow, and parking is nearly nonexistent. You can usually find public parking on the edge of towns in a parcheggio.

Costa Rica

Looking for pura vida? The motto, meaning "Enjoy life and be happy," is a favorite saying in this Central American country for good reason. A variety of environments, including rainforests, jungles, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, volcanoes, and hot springs make it a fascinating place to visit.

Lovers of wildlife can see monkeys, sloths, wildcats, whales, reptiles, and sea turtles in their natural habitats. And after a day of hiking, diving, surfing, playing golf, or exploring nature, you can look forward to relaxing on an unspoiled beach or in a lush rainforest.

Five-star hotels and luxurious resorts are located throughout the country, so you can choose your favorite surroundings to ensure you find what pura vida means to you. In Guanacaste, the W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal is surrounded by the sands of Playa Conchal. In the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest, Playa Cativo Lodge is an upscale beachfront property accessible exclusively by boat. Nayara Gardens, on the edge of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano National Park, boasts unobstructed views of the volcano.

Costa Rica has two international airports, Daniel Oduber Quiros in Liberia (LIR) and Juan Santamaria in San Jose (SJO). Be sure to check the most convenient airport and ground transportation when booking your hotel.

Africa

If you've wanted to visit Africa, whether for adventure, wildlife, or photography, now is the time. Are you thrilled by the idea of seeing the Great Migration, when millions of antelope, wildebeest, and zebras travel from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya's Masai Mara in search of grazing grounds?

There are many ways to experience the country, from staying at a luxury lodge and exploring the destination via day trips to joining an arranged safari and traveling through several destinations. There are even walking safaris by The Bushcamp Company, with camps in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (pictured above) and Mfuwe Lodge, where you can see giraffes, hippos, elephants, and antelopes at the Lodge's lagoon.

Choose a luxury lodge or elegant tented camp near Kruger National Park in South Africa with andBeyond in their Ngala Private Game Reserve. Here, you have an opportunity to see rare white lion cubs. Or, consider the all-inclusive Kenya Wildlife Safari, a 14-day itinerary that includes nine game drives, a visit to Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphans' Nursery, a cruise along the Zambezi River, and much more.

With multigenerational travel becoming more popular, you might want to have youngsters or other family members join you. Adventures by Disney's 10-day South Africa trip begins in Cape Town and includes stops at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Knysna Elephant Park, Kapama Game Reserve, and more.

The Galápagos

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a fascinating adventure, known for its unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. The Galapagos can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. The dry season from June to December offers excellent wildlife viewing, while the warm and wet season from December to May is great for water activities. The Galapagos is a group of islands, each with unique features and wildlife. Research which islands you'd like to visit based on your interests. Commonly visited islands include Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana.

Since this archipelago is off the coast of Ecuador, you'll need to travel to either Quito or Guayaquil to start your journey. Small ships or yachts are ideal for getting close to nature, and with most you can kayak, snorkel, or dive when not simply observing the resident iguanas, giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, and numerous bird species from the comfort of the deck. The vessels are great for day trips, but you can also opt for a live-aboard experience or a stay at one of the hotels on one of the few inhabited islands. In any case, planning well ahead of your trip to the Galápagos is important because of limitations on the number of visitors.

Be sure to pack appropriate clothing, including lightweight and breathable clothing, swimwear, and sturdy footwear for hiking. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Depending on your interests, you can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, bird watching. or just relaxing on a beach. Be sure to bring your gear or inquire about rentals.

Most visitors explore the Galapagos on guided tours or cruises, which are organized by various tour operators. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure availability.

Around-the-World Cruise

Do you have time to be out of town for weeks or even months? What about a hefty travel budget? If your answer is yes, you might be in the market for an around-the-world cruise.

Seabourn offers its 2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons, a 145-day voyage with visits to 72 ports and destinations in 28 countries. Departing from Los Angeles, the voyage travels from east to west, visiting the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and more before finally ending in Piraeus, Greece.

Crystal Cruises has already announced its 2025 World Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona. The 123-night journey stops in 31 countries, including Belize, Peru, Argentina, South Africa and the Maldives. And remember you can book just a segment of this voyage, if desired.

Meanwhile, the new Viking World Journey covers 23 countries in 121 days. Silversea's 2025 World Cruise begins in Tokyo and spans 136 days; vessel Silver Dawn will visit 59 ports in 30 countries before completing its journey in New York.

Hopefully these examples inspire you to think about your own voyage. Cruise fans love the idea of having all arrangements made for them, staying in luxurious staterooms, meeting other world travelers, and unpacking only once.

Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.  Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.   

We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!