No- You don’t need a Passport !!

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Did you know that there is no passport required for the US Virgin Islands?  You can visit the beautiful islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix without a passport.  Each island is beautiful and unique in its own special way.   Each island can be an independent destination, or you can combine them for a true Caribbean sampler.  Generally speaking, the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands, and of course peak travel season for the islands, is December – April, but it is a great year round destination.   The average annual temperature on the islands is 75°- 84°F.  Hurricane Season is June – November with peak season being mid-August through mid-October.  December – February fall to the cooler side and are slightly windier.   Since the islands are a US Territory, the unit of currency is the US Dollar.  While there is a wide range of accommodations throughout the islands, all-inclusive resorts are not commonplace.

      
St. Thomas is your island for bustling beaches, nightlife and shopping.  St Thomas offers a wide variety of attractions, beaches and activities such as watersports, golf, tennis, sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife. The capital city, Charlotte Amalie, is a major port of call for duty-free shopping.   St Thomas is a heavily developed island with a definite North American atmosphere and lacks a bit of Caribbean distinction.  Despite this, and largely thanks to the many cruise ship passengers, this island is high-volume tourism (among the highest in all of the Caribbean).  St Thomas is the most visited island of the 3 US Virgin Islands.
       

 

St. John is just about the opposite of St Thomas.   St. John is tailor-made for nature lovers with unspoiled scenery and quiet surroundings with much of the island being a National Park.  St John is just off the coast of St Thomas and is an easy ferry ride away.  This makes for a great day trip, or a combination vacation of the 2 islands.  St John is also a great island to get away from it all and truly relax and rejuvenate.  With plenty of water activities, beaches, and nature trails, there is certainly enough activity to provide the right balance for your vacation.  St John is also the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands.
   

 

St. Croix is the largest of the Virgin Islands and retains an unhurried island atmosphere.   St. Croix is most typical of other Caribbean islands.  It has a great balance of attractions and shopping, yet a very relaxed atmosphere and great historic architecture.  St Croix is divided basically in to 4 areas:  Christiansted, the North Shore, the East End, and Frederiksted. The varied terrain includes arid rockiness as well as a verdant rainforest, mango, mahogany, and tree ferns that dot the landscape, while beautifully secluded beaches entice water lovers.   One fun fact, Point Udall on St Croix is the easternmost tip of the United States.

 

   

 

I hope you have enjoyed your brief introduction to the US Virgin Islands and will consider 1 or more of them for your next vacation experience.

Kelley

 

Paradise without a passport! The Hawaiian Islands

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Paradise without a passport!  The Hawaiian Islands

Even without a passport, you can truly experience paradise for your vacation.  The Hawaiian Islands are a great option for you!  Each island has its own distinct personality; if you have more than 5 nights, you can easily experience at least 2 of the islands for a truly unique experience.

Oahu is the most famous of the Hawaiian Islands and by many considered to be the heart of Hawaii.  This is where you find Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head just to name a few.  During the winter months the legendary North Shore is a surfing mecca for the world’s best surfers.  No trip is Oahu is complete without experiencing a traditional Hawaiian Luau!  While there are many, my favorite is the Paradise Cove Luau.

 

 

 

Maui is the magic isle of the Hawaiian Islands.  The historic streets of seaside Lahaina, the beautiful beaches of Kaanapoli, the scenic road to Hana, and the Haleakala National Park, are just a few of the reasons Maui has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for nineteen years.  During the winter months, Maui is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, the Humpback whales return to the warm waters (by whale standards that is!) year after year.  Watching the sunrise from 9,740 feet atop Haleakala Crater is an experience not to be missed.

Haleakala Crater
Kauai is known as Hawaii’s Island of Discovery. There are the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast and the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon.  You can explore charming and historic small towns like Hanapepe and Koloa where no building is taller than a coconut tree!  Some of my other favorite spots on the island are Poipu Beach Park (it was once voted America’s best beach!), Wailua Falls, and Opaekaa Falls.  Some of the lush interior of the island is only accessible by air, so you may find yourself taking a sightseeing sky adventure by helicopter or small plane.

 

                      

Mauai                                                                                                             Kauai

 

Hawaii Island, known as The Big Island, isn’t just big, it is still growing!  Hawaii Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and geographically the largest.  It is home to Volcanoes National Park and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea.   Hawaii Island also has the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches.

 

Lanai is considered Hawaii’s most enticing island.  You can definitely escape the crowds, hustle, and bustle of very day life as it is largely an island of untouched tranquility. This romantic island is truly a “get away from it all” destination.  Hulopoe Bay fronts the Four Seasons resort and is a protected bay with incredible tide pools and a great place for dolphin watching.   Kaiolohia, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is located on the northeast coast of Lanai and features a ghostly ship, wrecked off shore.  Lanai City is the central town and features charming shops and local restaurants.
           

 

Molokai is Hawaiian by nature.   Visit Molokai and travel back to a timeless place with serene seascapes, unspoiled coastlines, and untamed wilderness.  Molokai stays true to its Hawaii traditions tucked away from the hustle of the outside world.  No building is taller than a coconut tree, no traffic, and not even a traffic light!  Molokai is also said to be the birthplace of hula!  You can get to Molakai by air from Honolulu or there is an interisland ferry from Maui.  There is absolutely no public transportation so you will definitely need a rental vehicle; it is best to plan this well in advance as they can be limited.

    
I hope this gives you a brief taste of what the Hawaiian Islands has to offer you!

Kelley

Hurricane Season – How does it affect your travel ??

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Hi Everyone,
Now that we are bringing May to a close, June 1 is fast upon us.  June 1 is significant in the world of travel as it is the official start of Hurricane Season.  This year, experts are predicting a very active hurricane season with 16 named storms; 3 of which are expected to make US landfall.

I’m often asked what travelers can do to mitigate their risk when traveling during hurricane season.  There are ways to lesson your risk, both financially and emotionally.   The financial risks are obvious, but some don’t realize there can be emotional risk as well.

 

What if you have a destination wedding planned on a certain day in a certain port of call or destination?  That can certainly be stressful for you if 1 week prior to your special event a named storm pops up and your destination is straight in its path!

With a little research and assistance from your travel professional, you can determine if your dream destination will be at risk during the time frame you want to travel.  There are certain types of travel less impacted than others and certain destinations less impacted than others by hurricanes.  Cruising for example, is actually a good choice during hurricane season.  Remember that the ships move and can change course to keep ahead or avoid storms.  I’ve been on many cruises where we have had to alter the order of the ports of call, or completely change an itinerary so as to avoid a storm.  If a cruise isn’t your vacation style, there are certain Caribbean destinations less impacted by hurricanes such as Aruba and Barbados.
            
ARUBA                                                                                BARBADOS

Another thing to remember is travel insurance.

Travel Insurance can protect your financial risk in the event of a hurricane.  If you are traveling anytime during hurricane season, it is highly advisable to purchase your travel insurance as soon as book your trip, and absolutely no later than final payment for your best protection.  (The terms and conditions vary, and we can discuss during the planning process)  The important thing to remember, once a hurricane becomes a “known event”, it is too late to insure it.   You can’t wait until the hurricane is on its way then take out the insurance; insurance should be proactive, not reactive.

Above all, be flexible.  Flexibility is the best way to handle any weather related travel issues.  If possible, have a back up plan (such as alternative travel dates if possible), if a back up plan is not possible, flexibility is key.  You may end up on a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean instead of Western, staying a resort for a day longer, or leaving a resort day earlier.
               
Finally, a sense of humor can be the best coping mechanism.   I’ve heard it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I have found one thing to be true.  Those that handle the challenge with flexibility and good humor seem to weather the storms much easier.
Kelley

 

What’s to eat ??

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Kelley’s Travel Times 

 

When it comes to planning your vacation, food can be an important consideration! Can you imagine going to a destination, or taking a cruise, and being hungry the whole time you are gone? Okay, so that has never actually happened to me…but there are destinations, cruise lines, and resorts that are perfect the foodie in all of us.

An important part of your vacation planning should be letting me know your food tastes and styles. If you are a very casual person or have very simple tastes, my recommendations will be slightly different than if you like formal dining or haut cuisine

 

                           

When it comes to cruising, most cruise lines have such a variety of restaurants that there is truly something for everyone.  There are a couple of lines that place more of an emphasis on their cuisine such as Holland America and Oceania.  Holland America has demonstration kitchens and offers a variety of cooking lessons.  Oceania has the legendary master chef Jacques Pépin as their executive culinary director.  Norwegian has partnered with Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakaran and Cake Boss; while Carnival has partnered with Guy Fieri.  These are just a few of the samples.
       
When it comes to resorts, there are some resorts that really excel in the world of culinary arts.  Karisma Resorts uses the tag line Gourmet Inclusive.  Azul is their family brand and they really know how to keep the food interesting for kids of all ages.  El Dorado is their adult only brand and the food choices are amazing at these resorts.  The Gourmet Inclusive tag line lives up to expectations; truly something for everyone and all high quality.
                
As for destinations, there are many for the foodie in all of us.   Italy and France come to top of mind.  You can do entire culinary oriented tours in both countries!  These are two of my favorite countries for food, but the list is too long to list.

Hopefully I’ve given you one more thing to consider for your vacation planning.  Now that I’ve made myself (and hopefully you) hungry, it’s time to go find my next culinary adventure!

Kelley

 

Cruising out of Galveston just got more exciting !!

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Kelley’s Travel Times

Cruising out of Galveston just got more exciting !!
   

Wow, it’s been a busy week here for me and getting busier with each day!  Last weekend Steve and I attended the wedding of a beautiful young lady who is the daughter of friends of ours.  It was a beautiful day and great to reconnect with friends we don’t get to see as often as we should.  Tuesday afternoon and evening I participated in the Navasota Grimes County 2013 Business Expo and Career Fair.  It was a great event for our local community.  I enjoyed getting to meet new people as well as visit with many friends and clients.

Wednesday, I met with 2 Honeymoon couples to deliver documents and go over final details.  Today I’m off to New York City for a big event next week.  Cruise Planners is having a regional event combined with the inaugural event of a new cruise ship!  More about that next week!

Without a doubt, the biggest news of this week is the announcement from Royal Caribbean that they are providing us with a year round sailing option out of Galveston!  The Navigator of the Seas will make Galveston her year round home port starting in November 2013!   As of now, she is scheduled to be in Galveston through April 2015 and the itineraries are set an available for booking.  Yes, that means Royal Caribbean will be here all summer next year!
In January 2014 the Navigator of the Seas will under-go a dry dock for some extensive renovations.  While she will be out of service for the entire month, it will be worth the wait!
Some of the upgrades include a Surf-Flow Rider, which has been extremely popular on their Freedom and Oasis class ships.  We will also see the new virtual Balcony INSIDE staterooms-this is so cool, they are adding 32  inside staterooms, where you have an inside stateroom, but you have a picture window with REAL TIME images of what the day is like outside.  How cool is that?  They will be adding flat screen TV’s to every room, a Pool Outside Movie Screen, adding new Specialty Dining Venues, re-doing Vintages-the Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade, Digital Touch Screen Wayfinders outside of every elevator and MORE!

 

                     

The Navigator will return to service on February 5 for a 1 time, 4-night sailing then resumes her alternating 7 night Western Caribbean itineraries.
This is such exciting news for TX cruisers, and of course those that love to come to TX to cruise.
As you can see, it’s been a busy and exciting week here – and it’s not over yet!  I’ll be posting updates from my New York Trip to my Facebook page so be sure to check in for pictures and information.
Kelley

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

Do you need a break ??

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Cruise Planners
 Do you need a Break  ??Date: April  2013                       Issue #: 10

Kelley’s Travel Times 

 

Do you need a break   ??
Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending a long weekend with girlfriends.   Every year I am fortunate enough that one of my friends invites me (and 3 or 4 more of us) to a weekend getaway at a nearby camp.  Now don’t start thinking that I’m pitching a tent – we camp in a 3 bedroom log cabin with a back porch that overlooks a beautiful lake.   While our trips are not long vacations, they do help to refresh, relax and rejuvenate each one of us.
As you are busy in your everyday life, do you ever feel like you need to just take a break and get away?  There are some great destinations that will allow you to do just this!   All you need is a long weekend (3 or 4 nights), a non-stop flight, and the perfect hotel or resort. A couple of my suggestions may just surprise you!
Las Vegas, yes, you read correctly, Las Vegas.  It is the perfect escape for a girl’s trip, or a couple’s trip.  I personally love Las Vegas but not for the reason you may think.  I do not gamble, I have not donated 1 penny to any of the casinos in years.  What do I love about Las Vegas?  Let’s start with some great luxury hotels, pampering spas, world class shopping, amazing dining options, and the fabulous entertainment options.

 

                        

 

Arizona is another great place for the shorter getaway. With a flight in to Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona are easy options.  While Phoenix itself is a great destination, I prefer Scottsdale or Sedona. World class golf, shopping, spas and dining are all available to you.  Arizona also is a great place for active relaxation.  There is nothing like a great hike to help clear the mind.    For couples, the guys can golf and the gals can shop and spa – sounds like a perfect trip to me!!

 

 

San Antonio, TX is another great option for that shorter getaway.  I’m not talking about the hustle and bustle of the River Walk and other tourist attractions.  The JW Marriott Hill Country Resort is a fantastic getaway.  They have a great pool area, a lazy river, fantastic spa, a tequila tasting bar, great foods and service standard that is sure to make you feel pampered.  You are also close enough to go in to San Antonio and enjoy the attractions and activities, but just enough outside of town to be away from it all.

 

Sometimes that shorter vacation is just exactly what you need.
It sure worked for me last weekend!  Thank you Debbie, Stacey, Pam, and Tracey!

Kelley

 

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

Are you spending too much or not enough ???

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Cruise Planners
 Are You spending too much or not enough ??Date: April  2013                       Issue #: 9

Kelley’s Travel Times #9

 

Are you spending too much or not enough ??
Dear [fname]

It’s hard to believe we are nearly mid-way through the month of April!  Where does the time go?        

Next Monday is the 15th; we all know what that day means… it’s the deadline for filing your income taxes!

If you are like me, it is this time of year I often look at what I make vs. what I spend.

It can be very enlightening!  Some years in a good way, others … well… you have to wonder…

The one thing I never wonder about is the value I add to my personal vacations and the value I bring to my clients when planning their destination weddings, honeymoons, or vacations. One of my very favorite quotes is by Warren Buffet:

“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”   Value, what is it to you?

 

For some people, value is time and time is money.  For some people value is convenience.  For some people value is knowledge and expertise.  As a professional travel concierge I work with only the best vacation providers to insure that you have a seamless and flawless vacation experience from start to finish thus providing you with time, convenience, my knowledge and expertise.   I constantly attend meetings and educational events to increase my knowledge and expertise.  When planning your vacation experience and spending your hard earned dollars, the focus should always be on the value you are receiving, not the price you are paying.  That does not necessarily mean that the more expensive things are the better value; price and value are not always equal players.   Aside from the value you receive when working with me, let’s look at some ways to add value items to your vacation experience.

              
Upgraded Transfers:

Do they cost more?  Of course they do, but they can bring considerable value to you.  If you are on a shorter vacation, it can add a couple of hours or more to your vacation if you opt for non-stop or private transfers to your resort.   Also, if you are in a country you are not familiar with, you have an immediate point of contact upon arrival and you aren’t left to wonder, where is that shuttle bus?  Private transfers are also much more relaxing than group bus transfers, after the chaos of the airport it is a nice way to decompress and start your vacation already relaxed!  Are you vacationing in a bustling city?  Private transfers can be a life saver for making that return flight on time!  Are you traveling the day after your wedding and very long wedding reception?  Are you even awake enough to negotiate the airports and seek out the right bus?  Heaven forbid you need to negotiate a cab in a foreign country if you are an inexperienced traveler working on little or no sleep!

Private Shore Excursions for cruise ports:

Do they cost more?  Surprisingly, often they do not!  The independent companies that I recommend provide for a more enhanced in-destination experience.  There are often less people on the tour; therefore the tour can operate more efficiently.   If you choose a private tour, then you can absolutely customize the tour to what you want it to be, not what the cruise line or the rest of the group thinks it should be.  Let’s take Whale watching in Alaska – would you rather be crammed in to a boat with 100 passengers, or have a great day on a smaller boat with only 6 – 15 passengers?  Personally, at only 5’1” tall, I’m going for the 6 – 15 person boat so I can actually see a whale instead of just the back of someone in front of me.

Upgraded Room category or cabin category on a ship:

Yes, of course they cost more.  However, often it is not that much more and you can have a great view of the beach or ocean as opposed to the building next to you.  On a cruise ship it can be the difference of deck and location on the deck.  (very important for first time cruisers!)  Also, if you are mobility challenged, often the better room and cabin categories are more centrally located resulting in less difficulty getting to the activities or venues you want to experience.  Another thing to consider for your resort vacations – room service!  The entry level room categories often do not include the ability to have room service.  This can be a great value if you are having a lazy (or romantic) day and would love to have breakfast or lunch delivered to your room.

     

 

Hopefully this helps you to understand that sometimes, price and value are not equivalent.  It’s the value that will enhance your vacation experience.
Kelley

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

Are You ready for an ADVENTURE ???

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Cruise Planners
 Are You Ready For An ADVENTURE ??Date: April  2013                       Issue #: 8

Kelley’s Travel Times #8

 

Are You Ready For An Adventure ??
It’s hard to believe that Easter has come and gone already this year!  I hope you had a great Easter weekend and you were able to celebrate with family and friends.  Steve and I had a nice (and much needed!) quiet Easter weekend and spent part of Easter day with my mom.  Mom is loving being in Texas for the winter months; she now understands why I left Ohio so many years ago.  I have to admit, while it was nice to spend some of the day with mom, my favorite times are the times I spend with Steve.
As a travel concierge who specializes in couples travel, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely.  Couples travel can be any form of travel such as cruises, resorts, escorted tours, independent touring, and more.  Couples travel can involve 1 couple traveling for romance or to celebrate a lifetime milestone; it can also be a group of couples traveling together for a special occasion or to experience new cultures.
              

One of the trends in couples travel is the more adventurous luxury travel for the romantic celebrations.  Because the average age for marriage is getting older, these couples are often established and have a desire for longer or more sophisticated honeymoons.   For many adults that are marrying for a second time, those couples no longer dream of the back packing trip through Europe.  African safaris are becoming very trendy for honeymooners as well as milestone anniversaries and other life celebrations.  This combines the best of both worlds!  Imagine yourself on your African Game Safari during the day, and in the evening your private romantic sunset dinner with breathtaking views.

               

 

Did you know you can do wine tours and river cruising while on your African safari vacation?  Exotic travel is also a hot trend.  Travel to Asia, Cambodia, and Vietnam is very popular.  Nearly all of the river cruise lines now offer these exotic itineraries.  I expect these destinations in particular to become more and more popular.  I expect within the next year, the Africa and Asia itineraries will sell out as quickly as some of the more popular Europe itineraries.  We are already seeing a variety of tour operators and river cruise companies increase the number of sailings or adventures to these destinations.
Some of the best advice I can give to my adventure minded couples is plan early and plan well.  Work with an experienced and professional travel consultant so all of your details are handled appropriately.  You wouldn’t want to get to your far away exotic destination only to be turned away because you don’t have the proper documentation.

Kelley

 

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

New York – New York

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Kelley’s Travel Times                              

New York – New York !!

It’s been a very busy week!! I have been in New York City all week attending a Cruise Planners regional meeting and attending the inaugural event for the new Norwegian Breakaway.

Next week I will update you on the new ship and all it has to offer for your vacation experience.

In the meantime, enjoy a few pictures from my Adventure this week.  New York is fun vibrant and non-stop and has something for everyone.

 

     

 

Lady Liberty                                                                   Times Square at night

 

What an entertaining week – we went to see a show “Kinky Boots” If anyone comes to NYC, you MUST see the musical Kinky Boots! It is amazing !!! They are nominated for multiple Tony Awards and they deserve every one of them!   We saw Whoopie, Rosie, and Cindy Lauper after the show!

Ellens Stardust Diner – Times Square, Midtown Manhattan NYC – home to Broadway theatres and the biggest New Years Eve party in the world, is also home to the future stars of stage & screen at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – THE home of the singing waiters, and some of the best diner food in town!

 

                   

 

Ooooh and look who I ran into at the Cruise Planners Regional conference:  Andrew McCarthy was an entertaining and engaging speaker! Can’t wait to read his new book – The Longest Way Home

Have a great week everyone – can’t wait to fill you in on the exciting new Norwegian Breakaway.
Kelley

 

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

The Island of Romance

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The Island of Romance

Last week I attended a training conference with a group of travel agents.  While I certainly had a great time and we shared many laughs and meals, I quickly realized that I have completely different expectations when I travel with Steve than when I am with a group of travel industry colleagues.  Sometimes Steve and I are about the romance and beauty of a destination, other times we are about the culture or adventure of a destination.  I would venture to say that Steve and I are never about the meeting schedule or facilities of a destination!  Those of you that know Steve know this to be very true!

This week, I have booked several romance vacations so let’s take a look at one of my favorite romance and couples destinations, Bora Bora.  Bora Bora is often referred to and considered to be the most romantic island in the world.  Bora Bora is a very popular honeymoon destination and also a bucket list destination for many couples.

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of Society Islands of French Polynesia.  Bora Bora is surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef.   In the center of the island, rising high above the ground are 2 extinct volcanoes, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemaru.  The commune of Bora-Bora is made up of the island of Bora Bora and its surrounding islets emerging from the coral reef, The surrounding islets include: Motu Tapu, Motu Ahuna, Tevairoa, Motu Tane, Motu Mute, Motu Tufari, Motu Pitiaau, Sofitel Motu, Motu Toopua and Toopuaiti.

French Polynesia basically has 2 seasons, the dry season and the humid season.
•The dry season -also called Austral winter- taking place between April and October brings an expected coolness, July and August being the coolest months of the year due to southeast trade winds called maraamu. As a consequence a cotton sweater will often be enjoyable in the evening (or early in the morning).
•The humid season -also called Rainy season- starts in November and ends in March. It brings mugginess, humidity as well as heavier and more frequent rains than in the dry season.
Bora-Bora has some micro-climates within these seasons due to the varying landscape and elevations on the island.

 


Bora Bora is less than a 1 hour flight from Tahiti.  Air Tahiti flies out of LAX and in to Tahiti, you then connect to Bora Bora.  Often this is an overnight process, remember – you have to get to LAX from your home airport.  I always advise that people plan on 2 days travel to get there, and 2 days to get home.

Because of the lengthy travel (it can be 4 days of travel alone!), I rarely recommend anything less than 7 – 10 nights for your vacation to Bora Bora.   A 7 night vacation really only means 3 or 4 at the resort; that is a long way to go for a short stay.  Can it be done?  Certainly!  I just don’t recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing vacation.

 

Bora Bora is home of the famous over-water bungalows.  Those private overwater bungalows that over-look the turquoise colored lagoon just scream romance!  Imagine having your breakfast brought to your overwater bungalow private balcony by an outrigger canoe decorated with flowers everywhere.

How does a private sunset catamaran sail with a 4 course dinner sound?  I can just hear the Polynesian music now…
There is also much more to Bora Bora than romance.  Of course water activities are abundant, snorkeling, glass bottom boats, sailing, and jet skis just to name a few. There are also activities for the land lovers among us, 4×4’s are a popular way to tour the interior of the “main land proper” of Bora Bora.  There are guided hikes to Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, as well as exploring the ancient Marae temples along the coast, horseback riding, and discovering WW2 relics.

 

 

Hopefully I’ve sparked your curiosity about this fabulous romance destination.
Kelley