Notes for the No Worries Traveller –Small and Large Ship Cruising

Posted on by travelworryfree
17952713_752739094907619_7779432573369220827_nCruises offer the ease of unpacking once, while visiting multiple destinations.  When booking our No Worries Travellers’ ideal sailings, here are our top five considerations: 
 
1) Ship Size: The bigger the ship, the more passengers. Smaller ships tend to offer cozier, more community-like atmospheres, with intimate entertainment options. On larger ships, you may find a wider range of entertainment options and, with lower pricing, they can be more affordable.
 
2) Stateroom Location: Starboard or port-side can make a difference in your views, which change based on the direction you’re sailing.  River-cruising doesn’t typically lead to motion sickness, and a mid-ship stateroom can be the best place for a first-time ocean cruiser. 
 
3)  Cruise Line: Cruise fleets may have a range of ships, with some large, mainstream lines hosting smaller, cozier ships. Depending on size, your experience may still vary.  We like to consider the range of options that may be available within our clients’ preferred lines. 
 
4)  Cruise Itinerary: Larger ships require deeper waters. Smaller ships maneuver more easily in shallow channels and river waters. Ocean cruisers tend to dock in industrial ports, while river cruises offer dock-direct access to the city centers built on the world’s oldest and more remote ports in Europe, Asia and the Amazon. 
 
5) Itinerary Quality: Active pace and leisurely options are available on most itineraries, with no “Sea Days” when you’re on the rivers.  River and small-ship cruising are more intimate, but ships of any size do give you time to connect with fellow passengers and crew. Options outside of the U.S. may offer limited accommodations for travellers with mobility concerns. 
When considering your cruise options, contact your very own No Worries Travel agent to book the sailing that best suits your needs and expectations.
We’re available at 408.440.2778 and book@noworriestravel.com. And you can find 24/7 options at noworriestravel.com, too.
Book. Travel. Worry-free. 

Notes for the No Worries Traveller — Hawai’i’s Secluded Beaches

Posted on by travelworryfree

Many of our No Worries Travellers are seeking that perfect stretch of sand, and it’s always a good idea to be aware of hidden hazards in the sea, along with areas not to visit because of their cultural significance or “locals only” status.

SecludedBeaches_SQUARE
Oahu’s Secret Beach is perfect for a secluded sunrise.

Here are four less travelled options offering some worry-free seclusion: 

Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island’s beaches are found along rocky shoreline of caves and cliffs.  Her beaches come and go with the tides based on lava flows and currents — while you keep your eyes open for these “pop-up” beaches, here’s another option that’s always there for you.

At Kealakekua Bay you’ll find the quiet, culturally treasured site of the Hikiau Heiau Temple. There is parking at the temple,  with spots to picnic and relax.  Listening to sounds of the surf, you can walk along the shore, rest under a tree or sit on the stony beach in the company of the local rock crabs.

Polihua Beach, Lanai
Most spots are Lanai are secluded — it’s only populated by 3,000 people with no traffic lights — but at the northwest tip of the island, Polihua Beach has even fewer visitors.

Polihua is on the other side of the island from most resorts, and you’ll need a 4-Wheel Drive vehicle to get there. Once you arrive, the views of Molokai from the fine sands are fabulous, and you can even see Oahu on clear days. The strong currents make this beach un-swimmable, so enjoy tanning along with the local green sea turtles.  Since they are endangered, mahalo for enjoying them from afar.  This site’s miles from anything, so bring plenty of water, and be sure to let your car rental company and hotel know where you’re going.

Secret Beach, Oahu
The Ko Olina Resort complex is between Waikiki and the North Shore, with a little beach that has a royal past. Secret Beach is a short walk for the resort hotels, and is a more natural experience than the manufactured lagoons you’ll find on the property. It is only accessible to resort guests, and its calm surf, tranquil swimming and general solitude were enjoyed daily by Queen Kaahumanu, consort to King Kamehameha I.

This property remains exclusive, with private property nearby — look for posted signs to stay within the public areas.

Waimea Beach, Kauai
The sunny west side of Kauai Island is dry, with road access to one of her least crowded coasts. The fine brown-black sand of Waimea Beach is great for  leisurely strolls, and you’ll have views of the island of Niihau across the channel. This is another beach where water conditions aren’t good for swimming — being near the river mouth makes the water murky, keeping away the crowds and luring in some of the local hungry, sharp-toothed fishies.

The lazy beach is near historic Waimea Plantation Cottages, with no real development other than the historic rural character of old Hawaii. Even Captain Cook appreciated her charms when he anchored offshore in January 1778.

Mike’s Maui and Oahu roots have given your No Worries Travel Agents ample time to explore Hawai’i and her islands.  We’re always happy to use our personal history and preferred supplier connections to book your No Worries Travel, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Book. Travel. Worry-free — it’s what we do.