5 Child Friendly Vacations in the UK

If you’re planning a vacation to Europe with your family, but would like an experience that is a little unusual or out of the ordinary, the following options are very much worth checking out. Each of the following vacation providers offer a safe, child friendly environment and a unique passport to discovering the UK and France:

Pagel Child Friendly Holidays

Pagel go one step further than simply providing a child friendly vacation environment. Their resort complex is child centred and everything has been thought of for parents travelling overseas with babies or young children. Based in the beautiful Lot region of southern France, Pagel’s gites offer a tranquil and relaxing environment for adults and a safe, secure, fun and imaginative one for children. Kids of all ages will really enjoy playing in the Indian Village, on the Pirate Ship or at Goldilocks Cabin.

Tipi Adventure Hereford

If you’re planning a trip to the UK with your family and would like to see some of the country’s outdoors, the Tipi Adventure in the Wye Valley of Herefordshire could be for you. This is a vacation experience with a difference and has received great reviews from newspapers including The Sunday Times and The Guardian. Although some of the activities provided are unsuitable for children under the age of 4, their offering is still geared up for families with kids of any age.

Jolly Days Luxury Camping

The newly emerging trend of “glamping” is personified by Jolly Days, who offer child friendly vacations that meet the parents needs for comfort and luxury. Huge, glamorous tents with fantastic facilities make this another vacation experience with a difference. Jolly Days hosts a variety of family orientated events throughout the year which you can view on their website.

Tree House Holidays

Children will absolutely love staying in The Tree House in Somerset, which offers an imaginative and fun space for them to explore. Toys, games, books and dvds have been provided to keep them entertained on rainy days too. This is a stylish, relaxing break for all the family.

Molly Dishwasher

This is quite a “wild card” option but very unique and charming. Based in lovely Sussex woodland, Molly Dishwasher is a fun and imaginative concept, where boutique hotel meets the great outdoors. Again, the offering is very child friendly with activity packs for kids and a lovely welcome basket for adults. Molly is also within an hours drive to London, so if you tire of the countryside the hustle and bustle is not too far away.

Be sure to visit each of the vacation providers’ websites above for availability and further information.

Alaskan Travel Safety Tips

Alaska provides a great number of options to choose from when it comes to outdoor activities. You can hike through the backcountry, take a fishing trip, hunt, and experience the beautiful scenery – among countless other options. As fun as all of these activities can be, there are certain safety tips to keep in mind when traveling through Alaska. In this article, you’ll learn five of those tips and be better prepared to deal with what Alaska throws your way.

Dealing With Moose

With all of the majestic animals that live in Alaska, it’s no wonder that people travel long distances to see them. Because tourists don’t usually have experience with animals in the wild, like moose, some of these people end up getting seriously hurt or even killed. A moose doesn’t want to feel like it is being crowded, so make sure to give it its proper space. Move away quickly and get behind a solid object if the moose begins to chase you.

Travel in Groups

You should never attempt to travel through the Alaskan wilderness by yourself. Having a friend or a small group of people with you can mean the difference between life and death. If you were hiking by yourself and broke your ankle, it would be a lot more difficult to seek help than if you had a friend along with you. Make sure that everyone in the group brings extra clothes, water, something to eat, and tools to start a fire. You never know when you’ll be faced with an emergency.

Highway Travel

Because of the unique terrain, driving on Alaskan highways can be extremely dangerous. Throw in the fact that a 1,000 lb. moose could cross the road in the dark of the night, and you have the quite the treacherous drive to deal with. Make sure to drive slowly – even a few MPH below the
speed limit – and keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. If you don’t absolutely have to drive during your trip, then don’t. Consider hiring a charter service for your transportation needs.

Beware of Ice

If you want to take advantage of some of the great ice fishing opportunities that Alaska has to offer, you need to test the ice for safety. First, you’ll want to measure the thickness of the ice. If you’re with a group of people, it’s recommended that the ice is at least seven inches thick. Also, make sure to check the surrounding area for cracks or breaks. Another way to test is by tapping the ice near the shore. If you hear a “hollow” sound, it means that the ice is unstable.

What To Do When You Get Hurt

Sometimes you can take all of the safety precautions possible and still get injured. Once you’ve sought medical attention for your injury, you’ll want to contact a personal injury attorney. If you feel that your injury was caused due to someone else’s mistake, you might be entitled to some sort of settlement. Seek out an attorney who specializes in the area of your particular injury, and interview several candidates to find the best lawyer for you.

These are just some of the tips for keeping safe during your Alaskan travels. You’ll have a better chance of staying injury-free, and keep your dream trip from turning into a nightmare.

Barry Santos is a content contributor for pentlargelaw.com, a personal injury attorney Anchorage based firm, specializing in liability accidents.

Aruba Family Vacations

A family vacation to Aruba is sure to be one that you (and your entire family) will remember for the rest of their lives. Aruba resorts set the stage for all that the island has to offer. Loll in the sun on dazzling white sand beaches, swim in clear Caribbean waters, play some beach tennis, pamper yourself with a beach massage or spa treatment, or get ready for some wet ‘n wild adventure offered by a multitude of water sports ranging from banana boats to jet-skis.

Enjoy the Animals
Turn your children’s Aruba vacation into a fun and learning experience with countless adventures and activities that will stimulate them, peak their curiosity and teach them about Aruba’s unique natural habitat, heritage and language. Though it may be challenging to pull them away from the beach, they will delight in the island’s “creature features.”

The Butterfly Farm is a wondrous tropical oasis inhabited by hundreds of fluttering brightly-hued specimens whirling by in their timeless dance. Kids can witness their fascinating metamorphosis from cocoons. Somewhat curious to find on a Caribbean island is the Aruba Ostrich Farm. Kids can stroke their feathers, hand-feed them, and visit the hatcheries of the world’s largest birds. Some reach a weight of 300 pounds, a height of ten feet, and a lifespan of 80 years! Maintained by donations and volunteers, the rustic nearby Donkey Sanctuary maintains, feeds and provides medical care to over fifty adorable and endangered animals; you can even adopt one!

Enjoy the Water
For a glorious day out on the sea, hop aboard a luxury catamaran. Sparkling Caribbean waters, refreshing trade winds, warm tropical sun and a magnificent ever- changing island panorama complement your cruise. Relax on-deck or discover the spectacular underwater fantasy that lies beneath. Snorkel around coral reefs blazing with the bold colors of amazing marine life or explore the secrets of sunken wrecks.

A jaunt to De Palm Island, an Aruba all-inclusive getaway with a spectacular water park, is the perfect family adventure. Sea Trek is a safe once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Behold a brilliant world of sea life as you walk twenty feet below the surface in zero gravity along a 375-foot-long path. Snorkelers will love Snuba, a fusion of snorkeling and scuba; descend to a depth of 20 feet as air is delivered through a long hose from tanks on the surface.

Special Family Discounts
Aruba is a family friendly island, and offers “One Cool Family” discounts from June 1 through September 30th for families with children 12 years old and younger. One Cool Family Vacation packages includes free meals from the kids menu in hotel restaurants, daily free kid activities and complimentary family gifts at resorts participating in the program.

Whatever type of vacation you are interested in, Aruba all inclusive family options will have something to offer for everyone in your family!

The Overlooked Tourist Attractions of Mauritius

Mauritius is essentially considered to be one of the finest exotic destinations in the world, and its sheer appeal can hardly be denied. It is moreover one of those few destinations that is perfect for any kind of trip or vacation. Whether you are visiting Mauritius for a romantic holiday or for a boisterous family vacation, the incredible number of things you can do in the island make it an ideal choice for any purpose.

One of the most amazing things about Mauritius is the diverse collection of attractions all over the island. In fact, this is quite surprising given the relatively small size of the island. However, in spite of the fact that Mauritius is such a tiny island, the multiple attractions on show there are indeed absolutely fantastic. Consequently, it is easy to understand that some of them will be overlooked as tourists instead flock towards a selection of these attractions. The following are the most overlooked Mauritius tourist attractions that you should nevertheless not miss out on.

The Chateau de Labourdonnais

In the case of the Chateau de Labourdonnais, it is not difficult to realize why it is being overlooked by the majority of tourists visiting the island. This museum was closed for more than three years due to renovations and was only reopened to visitors last year. The Chateau de Labourdonnais is still one of the most interesting attractions on the island though. It is not only a museum, but also is also regarded as an extremely fined garden in Mauritius.

Flacq

The village of Flacq on the eastern coast of the island is often at the heart of the biggest debate when it comes to Mauritius attractions. Many argue that it should not be considered a typical tourist attraction in itself due to the fact that it itself boasts several separate attractions. This is without taking into consideration those who are not even aware of its existence.

However, there is no denying that this village is particularly fascinating thanks to its open air market, its multicultural setting, and the dozens of things to do there. However, because it is located on the eastern coast (most hotels are located to the north of Mauritius) which is known for having the least beautiful beaches of the island, it is often altogether ignored.

The Champ de Mars in Port Louis

The Champ de Mars is another attraction that is strangely overlooked. It is the single horse racing track of the island and is one of the oldest establishments of Mauritius. The first thing you should keep in mind is that horse racing is huge in Mauritius. A single trip there will prove this as you’ll be amazed at the excitement coming from its visitors and the constant noise and shouts as people cheer on their favorite horses.

However, in spite of this, most tourists do not deem necessary to visit the Champ de Mars at least once, probably because even the Mauritian authorities do not deem necessary to advertise it as such. Moreover, you need to keep in mind that these races are only on Saturdays except in December when they last the whole weekend on two occasions. In addition, the races are not actually all year round, which means you may not be able to attend them depending on when you visit the island.

5 Interesting European Cruises

European cruises are rapidly becoming one of the most popular vacationing choices from people in the United Kingdom and its vicinity. One of the main reasons behind this huge popularity is the huge amount of diversity that Europe has on offer. Each European country boasts rich cultures and distinctive fascinations, which might be hard to explore all of them one by one.

However, taking a European cruise will provide you with that great opportunity to have the best of all worlds, all at the comfort and luxury of a floating hotel. Here are the top 5 interesting European cruises that you shouldn’t miss.

The Greek Islands – the first most famous and popular cruise is to the Greek islands. This offers a perfect combination of historical sites and idyllic islands. Your cruise will cover hot spots such as the famous Rhodes, Santorini, and Mykonos to mention but a few. This is a classic cruise trip and one of the most popular especially during the summer holidays.

Spain – yes, Spain is yet another interesting European cruise that shouldn’t miss on your travel itinerary, especially if you are after some sunshine. Destinations like Cadiz, Barcelona, and Alicante will not disappoint, especially with magnificent historical buildings, stunning scenery, and mouthwatering local delicacies awaiting you.

The Baltic – this is yet another popular cruise in Europe; which is more attractive to people who may not be really impressed by the sunny Mediterranean. The Baltic is very distinctive and quite interesting in its own right and offers the most exotic cruise on the Baltic Sea that will lead you to world renowned attractions such as the Hermitage Museum.

A cruise along the Norwegian Fjords – deviating from the more traditional cruises, rest assured that Europe has many other cruises that are worth mentioning, those that will lead to unusual and untapped destinations, no wonder they are gaining so much in popularity. A cruise along the Norwegian Fords is a perfect example of the most interesting European cruise. These deep glacial gorges enormously increase the length of the already lengthy coastline, creating a perfect spot for sea exploration. The region boasts a wide array of pristine hamlets, small fishing villages, and tiny cities which are located against the scenic backdrop of mesmerizing waterfalls, huge mountains, and impressive glaciers.

The European River Cruise – this is yet another increasing option owing to the many rivers throughout the region. It is the most famous route that takes tourists along the Rhine Gorge in Germany all the way to the Northern Mountains of Switzerland going down numerous castles, villages, and towns along the way.

These are just few of the many interesting European cruises that await you. Probably the biggest downside of opting to take your European cruise is the limited amount of time you will have at each location. Rest assured that the thousands of attractions that wait to be explored can leave you feeling as if you need more time. The good news is that you can always schedule more cruises in the future.

Elijah is a contributor for the site Kefalonia where you can get interesting information on Kefalonia hotels as well as the famous Lassi resort.

Kenya – The Home Of The Safari

Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for safari holidays in Africa, boasting an abundance of natural sights and wonders that over the years have enchanted and excited endless scores of visitors. From the beauty of Amboseli and its views across to the looming Mt Kilimanjaro to the open waters of Lake Victoria and of course the world renowned Maasai Mara, where for centuries the nomadic Maasai warriors have roamed and lived in harmony with the endemic wildlife.

Kenya certainly is the home of the safari and the word itself is derived from the native Swahili meaning ‘long journey’ and was one of the first places in Southern Africa introduced to foreign tourists as a commercial tourist destination.

Today Kenya draws hundreds of thousands of travellers from across the globe that come to discover the wildlife, the friendly people and the stunning scenery. A first stop for many visitors is indeed Amboseli National Park which promises a more composed but none the less spectacular introduction to the safari experience. Amboseli is particularly renowned for the extensive elephant herds which freely roam across the 392km sq of open plains and savannah as well as the many grazing ungulates including zebras, impalas and wildebeest that frequent the area. A relatively small park and easily accessible from Nairobi it offers the ideal opening insight into Kenya, its landscape and its nature.

To the east of Amboseli, dwarfing it in size are the vast Tsavo East and West National Parks, a twin reserve which together combine to cover an area of over ten million acres incorporating river systems, savannahs, dense acacia and montane forests, hills and scrubland. The sheer scale of the park means that a vast spectrum of wildlife can be observed across its territories from lion, eland, impala and kudu to giraffe, zebra and the occasional rare rhinoceros. Bird fanatics will also appreciate the incredible variety of avian species that inhabit the region including weavers, raptors and the colourful hornbill.

Of course one of the main attractions for anyone coming to Kenya is the world famous Masaai Mara
considered by many as the leading wildlife conservancy in Africa and also a renowned cultural site, home to the equally iconic Maasai tribe. Tourists flock to the region especially during late Kenyan winter and early spring (July, September, and October) when the Great Wildebeest Migration brings literally millions of wildebeest as well as eland and zebra to the greener pastures of the Mara to feed. One of the most spectacular ways of observing the migration is by hot air balloon, floating silently and gracefully over the endless plains and marveling at one of nature’s truly miraculous phenomena.

The Maasai Mara is a great place to visit for game viewing all year round ( though there are heavier rains through April) and whether you choose to explore the area by balloon, by foot, by 4×4 or even by canoe you are sure to uncover some incredible sights. Many reserves and private lodges employ Maasai tribesmen to guide their guests specifically because of their unrivalled knowledge not only of the region but of the habits and activities of the wildlife within the area, which for centuries they and their ancestors have tracked and hunted.

Kenya is a beautiful and rich land that still retains an air magic and mystery, promising one of the most memorable and exhilarating experiences of your life.

Craig is a travel writer and associate of tour operator Mahlatini, experts in luxury travel to Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance Before Your Next Vacation

Planning a vacation or business trip can be both stressful and exciting. There are a million last minute details, packing and of course thoughts of the house you will leave behind as you travel. Finally you are ready for a vacation or maybe your latest business trip. Your reservations have all been confirmed and your bags are packed and sitting by the front door ready to go. The family pet has been sent to the kennel and your neighbor from across the street has been enlisted to water your plants, check the mail and keep an eye on things for you while you’re away. You think you have covered everything needed to have the vacation you have been waiting for all year or to start your next business venture. You think everything is covered, but is it? Before leaving check in with your insurance company to make sure your valuable will be covered in the event of fire, theft or natural disaster while you are away from home. While there is no replacing the sentimental value of family photos and heirlooms, home contents insurance will at least cover your jewelry, art work, furniture, electronics in case of a disaster. Regular home insurance may not cover all types of loss so it’s a good idea before you lock up the house to take a good inventory of your belongings and make sure that you have enough coverage in case the unthinkable happens.

Your home isn’t the only thing that insurance can protect; it can also protect the investment you’ve made in your upcoming trip. Before you finalize your travel plans here is what you need to know about travel insurance.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption

Sometimes the unexpected happens; inclement weather strikes, airports close, travel insurance can protect the investment you’ve made in your trip. Your plan can include coverage in case of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, default of the company or even personal illness. It can cover you whether you are on an expensive luxury vacation or a less expensive family excursion with the kids.

Lost or Damaged Baggage

Even if your flight arrives as scheduled there is no guarantee that your luggage will as well. When travelling you luggage is at risk of loss, theft or damage; having travel insurance can not only protect the valuables that journey with you but help cover the expensive of replacing them in the event they become lost or stolen.

Medical Emergencies

Coverage is based with your needs in mind based on information provided by you the traveler. Plans can include medical coverage along with cancellation and damaged property coverage. If you get sick or injured or sick on your trip travel insurance can help you find medical assistance and help cover the costs of hospital stays or medications. You would be covered and have peace of mind around the clock allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip. Planning a trip for your child or student? Travel insurance will take care of the details if your student has an unexpected illness or travel problems. Compare quotes, pick out the coverage you want and shop around to find the best deal and the best plan to meet your travel needs.

Rebecca Jones is a financial and home insurance blogger

5 Lesser-Known Tourist Destinations in Los Angeles

The top tourist destinations of Los Angeles have become so trite and boring, they’re now cliché. Only checking out Hollywood and the Santa Monica pier is not experiencing everything L.A. has to offer. While it may be used as a supplement to other popular L.A. destinations like Grauman’s Chinese Theater, this list gives a much richer picture of L.A.’s personality and culture. If you’re traveling to California, here are 5 places to visit in Los Angeles that are off the beaten path.

Olvera Street

Immerse yourself in the history and makeup of Los Angeles by heading to Olvera Street. It is the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles and features a nice market with a swath of vintage Mexican goods like ponchos, sombreros and blankets. While you’re there, be sure to grab food from Cielito Lindo, which has some of the best taquitos in the Los Angeles area.

Point Dume State Beach

Beaches are always a big priority when visiting California. Places like Venice Beach have made their fame by encouraging people to go there by pure name recognition. However, they are often dirty and not the best places to swim. Instead, opt for Point Dume State Beach. Although it’s a bit farther than the other beaches, it’s well worth the travel. The beach is clean, less crowded and more enjoyable. It offers a wide range of activities including, rock climbing, swimming, surfing, hiking and picnicking. Point Dume also has a Hollywood connection as the location where they filmed the original Planet of the Apes and parts of The Big Lebowski.

Catalina Island

If you have an extra day or two, Santa Catalina Island, better known as Catalina, is the perfect getaway. While Catalina is sometimes a common spot for tourists, it’s also a place locals go on vacation. On the way, you’ll experience the Pacific Ocean by catching a glimpse of some dolphins, and once you’re there, you’ll be able to do a number of exciting activities. You could lounge, go camping, explore shipwrecks, take tours or view the 150 American bison roaming the island. The island has also been featured in countless movies and television shows.

Museums

Even though you might not be a big fan of going to “boring” museums while vacationing, Los Angeles is home to a number of fantastic museums. Perhaps the most captivating and endemic to Los Angeles is the Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits. Here you can see the interesting anomaly of tar pits that trapped saber-toothed tigers, wooly mammoths, giant ground sloths and more. Other notable museums include the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, L.A. County Museum of Art, Hollywood Wax Museum and J. Paul Getty Museum.

The Griffith Observatory / Hollywood Sign

Everyone knows about the Hollywood sign, but few people know you can actually hike there. By hiking up into the historic Hollywood hills, you’ll experience the iconic sign in a whole new light. When you visit the Hollywood sign, you can also make it a two-for- one experience by stopping at the famed Griffith Observatory. The observatory boasts an amazing view of Downtown L.A. and has interesting exhibits within the building. This has also been the sight of many films, including Bowfinger, Charlie’s Angels and Tranformers.

Timothy Martinez Jr. is a freelance writer and contributes to a number of blogs, including the official blog of Camping Gear Outlet.

Get to Know Auckland, New Zealand

When you land in Auckland, New Zealand, you’ll probably aim to rent a car and tour the scenic landscape of the North Island or hop on another flight to the South Island in search of the highest bungee jumps. Though the country is brimming with post card worthy sights and you’ll be eager to get on the road, don’t forgo Auckland. The diversity of tasty food, lure of thousands of sailboats and tropical scenery are absolutely worth at least a couple of days from your itinerary.

While I was in Auckland, I found it quite pleasing to spend my limited funds on savory Turkish kebabs, fresh sushi and every meat pie I could get my hands on. So between eagerly anticipated mealtimes, I scouted out ventures that offered fun and discovery without straining the budget.

Mission Bay Beach

Mission Bay was a leisurely hour stroll just east of Auckland city center along the turquoise harbor. A verdant park, fine white sand and a refreshing dip made the walk worth it, not to mention the dramatic view back of Auckland’s skyline. Rangitoto Island’s cone stood sentry at the harbor’s mouth offering shelter from waves and a striking backdrop.

Auckland Domain

Within downtown, Auckland Domain offered an oasis of lush jungle, shaded paths and quiet gardens all tucked into the cone of a dormant volcano. I could spy an impromptu rugby match, peruse flora in the enchanting Wintergarden green houses or tour the pages of local history at the Auckland War Memorial Museum whilst enjoying yet another gorgeous vantage point of downtown.

Parnell Rose Gardens

Still in whimsical strolling mood, I could treat myself to a designer waffle cone from Movenpick Ice Cream and walk through Parnell, a thriving neighborhood lined with upscale boutiques and fashionable restaurants, to the rose gardens. A random gem among hotels, shops and residences, this fragrant kaleidoscope of landscaped rose bushes offered peaceful respite from the otherwise lively city.

Rum Race on Waitemata Harbor

My favorite excursion was to Westhaven Marina for the Rum Race held every Friday. The trick was to offer services as a willing and obedient deck hand in exchange for a ride around the harbor. Next thing you know there’s a frosty Speights in your hand and you’re clipping along aboard a friendly Kiwi’s yacht, vying for a giant bottle of Mt. Gay rum!

Skytower

A ride to the observation deck of this spire, 700 feet up, was about as lofty as the admission price. Considering the $25 (NZD), it seemed more economical as well as entertaining to watch from the street below as squealing tourists executed the hair raising SkyJump off the tower. Though this did provide much amusement I eventually passed on a kebab or two to budget for the ear-popping elevator trip up.

The panorama was so worth it! Waitemata Harbor, distant Mission Bay, the Domain, Rangitoto–I could see every corner. The view from the top really showcased the colorful breadth of the city, the neon of downtown and the lumpy volcanic landscape. Skytower’s 360° were a sudden and wistful reminder me why my new favorite city would be so hard to leave behind.

Noella Schink writes from Portland, Maine but yearns for her days in Auckland. She writes for Auto Europe which she recommends for your next car rental in New Zealand.

Top 5 Sites to See in Oahu

Oahu is one of the largest islands in the United States. As a result, it boasts many attractions or sites to see. From the beautiful Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden to the regal Iolani Palace, there are many intriguing sites to see in Oahu.

1. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Situated on an approximate 400 acres, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the most breathtaking sites in Oahu. Besides offering visitors a wide array of rare and endangered plants to discover, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden also offers its guests guided nature hikes, multiple campground and picnic areas, educational workshops, an exhibition hall, a visitor’s center and even a botanical library. The sites 32-acre lake is perhaps the most stunning attraction at the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.

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Attribution: Daderot

2. Hanauma Bay Beach Park

The beautiful Hanauma Bay Beach Park is another must-see site in Oahu. Besides offering gorgeous views of the ocean, the Hanauma Bay Beach Park also grants visitors with spectacular crystal-clear swimming areas and multiple hiking trails and picnic areas. Hanauma Bay is a protected conservation area. It is also a very popular attraction in Oahu. As a result, it can get extremely crowded. If you want to beat the crowds, consider visiting this particular site during the week, preferably in the early morning.

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Attribution: Avriette

3. Queen Emma Summer Palace

The Queen Emma Summer Palace was built in 1847. It housed Queen Emma, King Kamehameha and other important figures of the Hawaiian monarchy. Visitors to the historic site can view multiple Hawaiian artifacts and quilts. Besides offering multiple exhibits and artifacts to view, visitors can also take part in arts and crafts demonstrations or even take part in a quilting or Hawaiian language class. After you finish touring the Queen Emma Summer Palace, be sure to visit the establishment’s unique gift shop.

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Attribution: Daderot

4. Chinaman’s Hat Island

Few sites in Oahu are as peaceful or as relaxing as Chinaman’s Hat Island. The Chinaman’s Hat Island is an approximate 206 feet high and is one of the most serene sites in Oahu. You can get to the island by boat or by kayak or you could choose to simply snorkel or swim to the island. Chinaman’s Hat Island is located an approximate one hour drive from Waikiki.

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Attribution: Eric Guinther

5. Iolani Palace

Located in downtown Honolulu, the Iolani Palace is a historical landmark. It was once the home of King Kalakaua and later his successor Queen Lili’uokalani. Guided and self-guided tours of the establishment are offered on an almost daily basis. If you want to witness a piece of Oahu’s past history and culture, a visit to the Iolani Palace is a must!

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Attribution: Jiang

Heather Johnson is a writer for the leading online honeymoon planning resource. Learn all about the best honeymoon destinations today!