Category: Tours

Top Kauai Hawaii Activities and Tours

by Ethel on
breathtaking aerial view from helicopter at kauai island, hawaii

It’s been a tough last two years for us all. Across the globe, we’ve been forced to get used to the new normal characterised by reduced gatherings, travel restrictions, work-from-home policies, and other changes to how we live because of the COVID pandemic. Many of us have also had to suspend vacation plans due to these restrictions. However, with easing restrictions and reopening economies, we can start cleaning up our vacation boots again and get ready for that much awaited getaway.

If you’re considering a vacation this year, Hawaii should certainly be on your list; not just for its air of relief, calm, and peace, but also for its amazing landscape, sights, and adventure. We recommend taking a trip to Kauai, one of Hawaii’s most beautiful places. There are several activities and tours you can take advantage of in “the Garden Isle” as it is fondly called- known for dramatic cliffs, coastal landmarks, and some of the world’s most eye-catching tropical scenes. Here are some activities and tours to enjoy on your next visit.

This is an amazing trip through Kauai’s backcountry. It is regarded as a family-friendly activity and one of the most popular adventures for adults and kids in the whole of Hawaii. The Water ride involves a float down historic ditches as well as through dark tunnels before terminating with a dip at a serene swimming hole. This is a fast-selling activity that sets off at Lihue.

  • Blue Kauai Eco Adventure Flight from Lihue

Kauai’s rugged landscape makes it difficult to explore many of the vast areas without the use of an aircraft. Therefore, Blue Kauai’s adventurous helicopter ride is such an amazing tour to embark on. From Mount Waialeale through Princeville and Hanalei Bay to the Na Pali Coast Sea cliffs and Jurassic Park Falls, the ride takes a 50-minute circle around the Island, revealing some of nature’s most amazing gifts. The helicopter departs right from Lihue Airport.

  • Smith’s Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

The extra advantage here is the live entertainment throughout the entire trip. But beyond that, what you get is a two-mile cruise along the river with tales of ancient Hawaii. The open-air boat provides the perfect spot for relaxation for at least 80 minutes. On arrival at the lush Fern Grotto, you can take in the beauty of nature as you walk through the area’s amazing rainforest. The cruise is available Monday through Friday and departs from the Marine State Park in Wailua.

This is also largely called Luau Kalamaku and features the Hula and Fire Dancers. The old Kilohana Sugar Plantation provides the perfect atmosphere and sights for a fun evening. Overall, what you get includes a gourmet dinner, drinks, and a breath-taking Polynesian Show. Ever seen a fire knife dance? Well, it’s one of the main events here. For add-ons, there’s a train ride in case you need a feel of history around the Plantation. 

  • Sacred Falls Adventure
Majestic twin Wailua waterfalls on Kauai, Hawaii

And if you’re up for a taste of real adventure, why not try out the exhilarating River kayak ride, the vertical hike or even the refreshing waterfall swim all at Wailua’s Sacred Falls? The package is a 5-hour adventure if you book a tour. And apart from learning about Wailua’s rich cultural history, this is the perfect getaway adventure for the most active families. Here’s a little secret; this waterfall is a secret spot along the Wailua River and is treasured by locals and visitors alike for its breath-taking view.

  • Sportfishing

If you are a fisherman up for a thrill of a lifetime then deep sea fishing in Kauai is for you! There are several fishing charters to choose from. Ohana Fishing Charters comes with great reviews.

Final Notes…

There are several other things you can do on your visit to Kauai, including the Kipu Ranch Triple Trail Expedition, Sunshine Helicopter tour, San Pali Sunset Cruise, and the Wondrous Voyage to Niihau and Na Pali Coast, among many others. The ones listed above are simply our top 5 from the many wonders and fun activities that Kauai offers. Now you can truly have the time of your life with family and friends.

The Best Tourist Attractions and Tours in New York

by Ethel on

New York is a tourism destination with a myriad of world-renown attractions to see and explore. Interestingly, each has a unique charm, style, and culture. That the attractions are widely varied means, there is a specific tour for every interest. From the arts to music to culinary-themed experiences, there is something for everyone. To help you narrow down to the finest, below are some of the best places to visit in New York, and the best way to get around in the city.

Statue of Liberty

monument statue of liberty

Initially France’s present to America, this statue has since its construction in 1886 remained a legendary symbol of freedom. It is also one of the most significant icons in the US. Besides weighing about 450,000 pounds, it stands at slightly less than 152 feet high from the bottom of the torch effectively making it one of the biggest statues on the planet. The icon is readily visible from land although you can get an even better view from a viewing device on the southern end of Manhattan.

Empire State Building

This gigantic state-building rises well over a mile above Manhattan, providing an expansive view to the multitude of cheerful visitors that it attracts annually. If you are lucky to visit this iconic empire on a cloudless day, you will be able to see New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The tower has two observations decks; one on floor 86 and another on level 103. Both provide excellent views and fascinating facts on the building’s rich history and significance.

Ellis Island

visiting ellis island tips

This tourist attraction features a museum, an architectural masterwork that previously (1892-1954) served both as a principal processing center as well as a hospital, on the first floor. Beyond this floor, you are free to wander the spaces of the isolated wing as you sight see some of the old bunks and amenities utilized by people intending to start lives. The property features poignant exhibits on every space. The walls contain photos, personal stories, and documents that capture crucial moments ion the history of America.

Hop-On, Hop-Off

For an exciting way to move around the city following your schedule, as you spend adequate time get the best of every attraction, this option is the best overall. The vessel leaves Pier 79, Midtown Manhattan, taking passengers on a one-and-a-half hour’s narrated cruise through the Hudson River. Consequently, you get the best chance to see and capture on your camera the best tourist attractions above as well as Brooklyn Bridge.

Bike Rent Tours

Several organizations provide Bike Tours in which they guide cyclist through approximately five miles. The rides take roughly two hours and include several stops so you can spend enough time on your places of interests. Versed tour guides have immense knowledge and great enthusiasm of the area, thus enriching your stay a great deal. Despite not being strenuous, the tours take place up to four times daily for flexibility purposes.

Walking Tours

There are several 90-minutes walking tours. Seasoned New Yorker lead a good number of them, enabling you to get a deeper understanding of the city. Big ones start at ST. Paul’s Chapel, which incidentally served as an unplanned rescue center during 9/11 attacks. The tours, therefore, take you to 9/11 Memorial. From here, the tour will take you through many other legendary sites in the area.

Adventurous Things to do in Kauai

by Ethel on
Waimea Canyon on Kauai -Kauai jurassic park tour

Kauai is a world for different kinds of adventures. Centuries of rainfall and wind have shaped the island. It is now an excellent place for a variety of types of tourist activities. The island features so many attractive and entertaining natural elements that a first-time visitor may be confused when deciding on the best things to do in Kauai.

To make the most out of your holiday in Kauai, you can check https://bestthingstodoinkauai.com for more information. However, below is a list of top adventurous activities on the island to help adventure-lovers enjoy themselves to the fullest while on the island.

Waterfall Rappelling

Waterfalls are one of the grandest natural elements in Kauai. Many of these waterfalls naturally serve as famous swimming holes and sightseeing excursions. Far less common, yet incredibly fun, is using waterfalls for rappelling. Many waterfalls offer rappelling excitement, including Wailua Falls, Uluwehi Falls, Hanakapiai Falls, Opaekaa Falls, Ho’opii Falls, Waipo’o Falls, and others. This an exclusive adventure that offers a unique opportunity to encounter and appreciate the island’s unique jungles. Rappelling is a thrilling sport that involves a safe plunge down the surface of a rock. It is known as Waterfall rappelling when done on the surface of waterfall rocks. Rappelling is a unique adventure and a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls. There many things to see in Kauai, and many ways to see them. Consider rappelling as one of those ways.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is another exciting and well-known Kauai activity. The history of horse riding on the island can be traced to 1793 when Captain George Vancouver introduced cattle. Following that, cowboys started coming with their horses to tend the cattle ranches. This is how Kauai got her horse-riding tradition that is still alive and well.
Presently, there are a good number of horse-riding paths or areas around the island. One is the beach areas of Poipu along the coast. A horse ride along this area offers a chance to behold whales and the entire sea life, to say nothing of the natural thrill of riding on the back of a horse. Another path is the ocean view ranch land along the coastline of Princeville. You can also choose to do your Kauai sightseeing tours on horseback. Any of the riding options you take will prove to be an entirely rewarding adventure.

Waimea Canyon Bike Tour

Waimea Canyon is the place to enjoy the most adventurous and exciting bike tour in Kauai. The beautiful canyon offers excursions that are 100% downhill. Some rides last up to 13 miles spanning from Waimea Canyon to the shores of the blue Pacific Ocean. As always, treat safety as your number priority. Make sure to have your helmet and other safety measures in place. A bike tour of Waimea Canyon is an enjoyable experience because of the beauty of the environment. You can opt to have a guide take you on this exhilarating experience. It is not just the thrill of the ride alone. You can stop your trip at any time to take photos of beautiful scenery, birds, and flora. Your guide will also teach you bits of Kauai culture, history, legend, and folklores as depicted by Waimea Canyon and its environment. A bike tour of the canyon is indeed a one-in-a-million experience.

Zipline Adventure

Kauai Tours And Activities Zipline Tour

Ziplining is one of the best Kauai adventure activities that no adventure lover should skip. This is a unique alfresco adventure that permits you to zip and shoot yourself across streams, gullies, and valleys, exposing you to various panoramic views of Kauai that couldn’t have been possible with any other adventures. There are many zip lines on the island you can choose. Consider trying more than one for different views of the island.
Picnic at Kilauea Stone Dam
A picnic at Kilauea Stone Dam is nothing less than grand. A visit to the dam is a satisfying trip, perfect for those seeking more secluded destinations. A picnic at Kilauea Stone Dam offers you the opportunity to feel the quiet oasis, to swim in the water that gathers above the falls or even to meditate with a Buddha statue found there. The dam’s history is fascinating, and a guide will share with you the local folklore related to the dam.

Each of these incredibly satisfying Kauai activities will surely leave you with stories to tell. Don’t let your fear keep you from enjoying them – they are all safe. The seeming danger is part of the reason they’re adventures; it makes them all the more rewarding once completed.

La Sagrada Familia Tours

by Ethel on
sagrada familia tour with towers

Sagrada Familia is, undoubtedly the most remarkable and outstanding building in Barcelona. This Gaudi’s noticeable masterpiece is a principal attraction in the country. The unique building features an adept combination of sensation and Art Nouveau. A Catalan Architect, by the name Antoni Gaudi, took over its construction in 1883, entirely reshaping it to the current exceptional style. However, following his death in 1926, just when a quarter of the property was complete, progress came to a halt. Most of the blueprints he left were consumed by a fire further complicating the situation. Individual who took over had only to interpret his architecture to progress its construction.

Unmatched Appeal

So what do La Sagrada Familia tours offer to its visitors? It delivers extraordinary architectural work featuring unbelievable 3D dimensions, intricate embellishments, sophisticated doors and facades and much more. That is why it is the most famous structure in Barcelona. Almost three million guests visit the place every year. That the construction has and is slated to continue right into the future makes it’s a timeless tourist attraction. For more than 135 years, expert architects have been working on the surreal structure. With its characteristic rainbow-hued, tainted glass windows will come to a completion in the year 2016. However, even in its current state, Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly a must-see for everyone who is planning to tour the Catalan Capital.

Sagrada Familia Basilica Museum

After hypnotizing at the majestic structure, consider wondering down to the museum for a closer look at Antoni Gaudi’s prodigy developmental process. Here, you will get an in-depth examination of his experimental as well as the ongoing contraction of the church. Additionally, you will find historic photos with records of construction endeavors, sketches of structural details and statues and detailed models and cross-sections of different features. The museum also has a new workshop, on which model-makers piece up and replicate Gaudi’s initial models.

How to get there

The masterwork is situated at 401 Mallorca Street on 08013 in Barcelona. So, how can you access it? It depends on your location. Below is a detailed elaboration on how to get to this iconic masterpiece from the main key points of Catalan City.

From Plaza Catalunya

To go by Metro, follow Passeig de Gracia to a station and take the lilac. It ferries people right to the attraction. For anyone using the bus, options are many; the 50 bus is the quickest. However, if you have Barcelona Tourist Bus tickets, head over to Plaza Catalunya, and there you can board the bus to Sagrada Familia.

From El Prat Airport

To use metro board L5 line bus at the Saints stage and it will take you to the property. H10 bus, on the other hand, will take you closest to the monument. This bus makes a stop at Avinguda de Roma, adjacent to Tarragona Street. Caution; since Saints station features two exits, to catch H10 faster, leave the stage via the Paisos Catalans exit.

From Cruise Terminal

Take V11 bus from Port of Barcelona to Parallel Metro Station. At the station, board L2 (the metro line) to Sagrada Familia station. The V11 bus stops next to Teleferico Del Port tower and the World Trade Center. If you are adequately fit, alight from the bus and trek to the subway; it is just a 1 km walk.

If you are planning to visit Barcelona schedule some time tour and admire Gaudi’s unfathomable architecture. While there, spend most of your time on foot; La Sagrada Familia, a deservedly UNESCO World Heritage spot is a picturesque structure. Avoid the temptation to merely have a look at it from a distance even though it is visible from most parts of Barcelona. Seeing the cathedral from within and up close is the only way of properly appreciating it. You have the option of reconnoitring the interior on your own or with a guide. Feel free to take an elevator up the towers for sweeping views of the city.