My year personally was not so great. But my passion for travel, and my two specialties (Hawaii and all things Disney) really kept me going! It is my undying love for Hawaii, it's people, the culture and history that have kept my interest, and my endless desire for more!
In May I revisited Lanai and Maui. The first four days were spent on the very special little island of Lanai, followed by five days on Maui. Lanai has really endured a lot in the past years! From the loss of it's purpose (growing pineapple), to obscurity, to a rebirth no one saw coming! In February this special place will "re-open", and I am telling you people it will be a whole new experience! Most importantly... it will be about the people, and their pride and love for their home! If you have never been to Lanai, you will feel the "aloha spirit" strong here, and you will not have to look for it! If you have been before, you must return. As the difference will amaze you!
I then spent the summer busy working at my desk, and planning a lot of wonderful vacations for my clients. In early September it was time for me to experience the 60th Anniversary celebration at Disneyland! It also happens to be my birthday gift to myself every year, a tradition I will not soon relinquish! No one throws a party like Disney! This years' visit was spectacular, and I had more fun than I have in years! If you have not yet been there yourself, please give yourself this gift too! (The party is going on until September 5th!)
The next four months flew by... as they included Kauai, Hawaii~The Big Island, and Waikiki! I have always visited each island at least once every year, for many years now! I have been asked many times; "Why do you go so often?" That is an easy answer for me, it's because number one I love Hawaii so very much! They say that "home is where the heart is", and for me that has always been Hawaii! But it is also because like most places it is also and forever changing! I was certified by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau many years ago... Certified Master "Loea" Hawaii Specialist. Simply put; I really have learned more, experienced more, and continue to receive education every year! I also combine that education with personal "on island" time every year~ I believe the title deserves it! Plus; today's traveler is very savvy, and spends many hours sometimes doing their "research". I happen to respect that, and know it means that I better know more than they do!
This year in Hawaii has also been very emotional for me. It brought to my attention the simple truth... family is not always "blood". My ohana in these islands means the world to me! My "sisters" on Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and especially on Oahu (and Florida!) will always be a part of my heart. I realized that there are just some people in your life, that are meant to always be there. To my special ohana; I love you, I thank you, and I hope you know I will always be there for you, as you were for me.
My final thoughts on this year 2015... it was a year of learning and understanding! More than ever before my message to my guests, clients, and potential clients; Vacations are a very special time in your lives. Very special moments happen, and memories you hold in in your heart forever happen there! This time should be treasured, and the way you choose that destination and the details should be handled with care and experience. Planning a vacation should never be about the price. But about the memories and experiences that happen there! It is my hope that the next time you are going to plan a vacation you will remember these thoughts and consider planning your visit with a Professional Travel Consultant.
Happy New Year! Thank you for your business, and the honor of planning your special vacations! I hope to hear from you again... or for the first time~ in 2016!
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