Visit me at Gran Canaria holidays
If you read an earlier post of mine, you know that I had a hard time finding a decent price for rental cars this year for our trip to Hawaii. I ended up getting them for about $450 for 8 days, including taxes, which is twice as much as I have had to pay in prior years. The state of Hawaii decided that I was not paying enough for taxes on my rental car, so they tacked on an extra $3.50 a day! That added a little over $50 to the trip just in EXTRA taxes. I guess they figured since tourism was down, that anyone still able to take a trip could just suck it up and pay. After all, if we can still afford a trip, an extra $50 won't hurt us, right? Thank you, state of Hawaii! I realize they rely on tourism, but I hate being raked over the coals, and, no matter how much taxes they add, my budget is only so big. The extra taxes was just money I did not spend with local businesses.
Ok, that is my rant for the day. If you were hoping to see a post here about how to find killer deals on rental cars.........nope! The rental car companies are getting more per rental than in any year in recent history. If it is the same next year, I will be taking a shuttle to and from the resort and taking the public transportation on the rest of the trip.
For those of you thinking I must still be doing ok if I can afford a trip every year, I have a timeshare so I am paying for my vacation whether I take it or not, so I might as well take it.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Pacific Whale Foundation Dolphin Cruise
Visit me at Gran Canaria Holidays
Just got back from another great two week vacation in Hawaii. We spent the first week on Maui with some other family members, including my granddaughter. It was her first trip to the islands and she had a great time. She is 15 and in Hawaii, how could she have a BAD time????
One of the highlights of the trip for me this time was a dolphin cruise out of Lahaina Harbor. Of course there are all types of activities to be done/had on Maui, but I have to say this is one of the best values in the islands.
The cruise is done by the Pacific Whale Foundation. They are a non profit organization concerned with the sea life protection in the islands. THe great thing for me as a tourist about this group is that the activities they host are reasonably priced, and the added benefit is that the money goes for wildlife preservation.
It only cost us about $40 per person to go on a three hour cruise. We went to the coast of Lana'i, and saw this huge pod of dolphins! They estimated about 150 dolphins. They were spinner dolphins and they were jumping and playing all around the boat, it was great! I got some decent photos of the dolphins out of the water.
The boat has shade and the all important bathroom. There are light snacks for purchase and they supply drinks and reef friendly sun screen. I have done a lot of activities on the islands and as far as I am concerned, these guys are the best value for your money. They also offer a snorkel cruise, but don't think this means you can snorkel with the dolphins, because you can't, but you will probably encounter some turtles and that will be almost as awesome!
Just got back from another great two week vacation in Hawaii. We spent the first week on Maui with some other family members, including my granddaughter. It was her first trip to the islands and she had a great time. She is 15 and in Hawaii, how could she have a BAD time????
One of the highlights of the trip for me this time was a dolphin cruise out of Lahaina Harbor. Of course there are all types of activities to be done/had on Maui, but I have to say this is one of the best values in the islands.
The cruise is done by the Pacific Whale Foundation. They are a non profit organization concerned with the sea life protection in the islands. THe great thing for me as a tourist about this group is that the activities they host are reasonably priced, and the added benefit is that the money goes for wildlife preservation.
It only cost us about $40 per person to go on a three hour cruise. We went to the coast of Lana'i, and saw this huge pod of dolphins! They estimated about 150 dolphins. They were spinner dolphins and they were jumping and playing all around the boat, it was great! I got some decent photos of the dolphins out of the water.
The boat has shade and the all important bathroom. There are light snacks for purchase and they supply drinks and reef friendly sun screen. I have done a lot of activities on the islands and as far as I am concerned, these guys are the best value for your money. They also offer a snorkel cruise, but don't think this means you can snorkel with the dolphins, because you can't, but you will probably encounter some turtles and that will be almost as awesome!
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