Allison Rasmussen

Luxury and Family Hawaii Travel Agent Expert

Hawaii is a place of contrasts, each of the main islands has its own spirit, its own landscapes, and its own rhythm of life. Travelers who come to Hawaii quickly realize that each island, and even different areas of each island, are very different. Hawaii is rich with history, culture, and nature. To truly understand the islands, it helps to explore them individually.

Kaua?i, the oldest of the main islands, and my personal favorite. It is often called the “Garden Isle,” and for good reason. Here the mountains are covered in deep green, waterfalls spill down jagged cliffs, and valleys feel untouched by time. The Na Pali Coast is Kaua?i’s crown jewel, where drop dramatically into the sea, creating a coastline that has been featured in countless films. My favorite part of visiting this island was a catamaran tour along this coastline - delicious food and drinks, countless dolphins, a couple dozen whales and the picturesque coastline. The adventurous can hike a portion of the legendary Kalalau Trail, kayak the turquoise waters, or soar above the valleys by helicopter. Inland, Waimea Canyon — the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” — is a must see. Hanalei Bay, with its perfect crescent beach and surf town, captures the slower pace of life on Kaua?i’s North Shore. There are lots of fun shops, remote sands of Polihale State Park, and the stunning gardens at Limahuli.

O?ahu is bustling, often referred to as “The Gathering Place” because it is home to the majority of Hawaii’s population and its capital city, Honolulu. O?ahu offers the widest variety of experiences: glittering high-rises and surf breaks along Waikiki Beach, historic landmarks like Pearl Harbor and ?Iolani Palace, and wild natural beauty just beyond the city. Hiking to the top of Diamond Head gives panoramic views of Honolulu, while the Windward Coast boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world, including Lanikai and Kailua, with their powder-soft sand and calm turquoise waters. On the North Shore, winter waves rise into towering walls that draw surfers from around the globe, while in summer the same waters become tranquil and ideal for snorkeling. Hale?iwa town was my favorite area for food and is also where we caught a boat to swim with sharks! I also loved visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center where you can be immersed into the culture of six Pacific Island, including a delicious luau. Oahu offers the best of culture, cuisine, and adventure all in a single trip.

Maui, the “Valley Isle,” is beloved for its mix of luxury and wild landscapes, often seen as a sweet spot between laid-back Kaua?i and energetic O?ahu. The island is famous for the sunrise at Haleakala, where travelers wake in the predawn dark and ascend to nearly 10,000 feet to watch the first light spill across a volcanic crater. The Road to Hana is another Maui legend, a serpentine drive through lush rainforest where waterfalls tumble into pools and black-sand beaches meet crashing surf. My favorite stop along this road was a hike through the bamboo forest, ending at a stunning waterfall. On the west side, resorts line Ka?anapali Beach and Lahaina town have shopping, art galleries and oceanfront dining. You can also catch a snorkeling boat tour to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town for encounters with vibrant reefs and sea turtles. Upcountry Maui reveals a different side: rolling ranchlands, lavender farms, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. Whether it’s lounging in sunny Kihei, hiking bamboo forests, or whale watching in winter, Maui offers endless ways to fall in love with its landscapes. It is a place of romance and relaxation, yet always with adventure waiting just around the bend.

Then there is Hawai?i Island, commonly called the Big Island, which is much larger than all the other islands combined and feels like an entire continent in miniature. It is a land of extremes: fiery lava flows, which I was able to see erupt, snowcapped summits, arid deserts and tropical jungles, rugged, blackrock coastlines and white-sand beaches. Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park is the heart of the island, where visitors can witness the earth being born — steam rising from vents, craters glowing at night, and trails that wind across lava fields. On the Kona side, coffee farms thrive on volcanic slopes and manta rays glide beneath the waves, offering one of the most unique night snorkeling experiences in the world. I cannot explain the feeling of having the 10 foot ray swim inches from my face! The Hilo side is lush and rainy, draped in waterfalls and botanical gardens, while the Hamakua Coast showcases sea cliffs and hidden valleys. Mauna Kea rises nearly 14,000 feet, and on its summit the stars blaze so brightly they seem within reach. The Big Island is a place of awe, reminding travelers that Hawaii is not only paradise but also a place of rich culture. 

Together, these islands form an of experience unlike anywhere else on earth, offering something for every traveler. Hawaii welcomes you!!

St Lucia Travel Agent Expert

TBA

New York City Travel Agent Expert

Your ultimate guide to New York can include many wonders but the beating heart of New York is definitely Manhattan. The city’s iconic skyline, world-famous attractions, and nonstop energy are unmatched. At its core is Times Square, glowing day and night with billboards, theaters, and the bustle of Broadway. The Empire State Building and One World Trade Center both offer sweeping views, while Central Park—a vast 843-acre green oasis—invites visitors to stroll, bike, or picnic. 

If art and culture are your thing you shouldn’t miss the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), or the Guggenheim. History buffs can reflect at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or walk through Harlem, rich with jazz and civil rights history. Food is an adventure in itself: grab.  a bagel, a slice of New York-style pizza, or indulge in fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. For shopping, Fifth Avenue dazzles with designer boutiques, while neighborhoods like SoHo and Chinatown offer unique finds. Manhattan thrives on diversity—every block is a new discovery.

If greenery is more your scene than the energy of the city, all you’ll need to do is cross the bridge and you’ll instantly find yourself among giant trees. In central New York, the Finger Lakes stretch out like long, slender ribbons carved by glaciers. The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake anchor scenic drives dotted with vineyards, producing award-winning Rieslings. The Finger Lakes Wine Trail features more than 100 wineries, breweries, and cideries.

Nature lovers will be awestruck by Watkins Glen State Park, famous for its 19 waterfalls cascading through dramatic gorges. Taughannock Falls, near Ithaca, plunges higher than Niagara itself. In autumn, the region blazes with fall colors, while summer brings boating, kayaking, and swimming opportunities.

Charming small towns like Skaneateles, with its boutique shops and lakeside dining, and Geneva, known for farm-to-table cuisine, add cultural depth. Museums like the Corning Museum of Glass and the Strong National Museum of Play in nearby Rochester provide family-friendly stops.

Few natural wonders capture the imagination like Niagara Falls, straddling the U.S.-Canada border. The American side provides thrilling up-close experiences like the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Plan on getting wet when you feel the spray of the thundering Horseshoe Falls, or don a poncho and descend into the Cave of the Winds, where you can stand on platforms just feet from Bridal Veil Falls.

The Niagara Falls State Park, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, offers trails, observation decks, and nightly illuminations of the falls. Beyond the water, the region includes attractions like the Niagara Gorge, hiking paths, and the historic town of Lewiston, filled with galleries and restaurants.

For families, the nearby Aquarium of Niagara and Old Fort Niagara add educational fun. Thrill-seekers can try zip-lining with a view of the falls. Each season brings its own charm—from frozen winter ice formations to summer’s lush green landscapes.

Nestled in central New York is Cooperstown. If you’re a baseball fan at all, you’ve heard about this small town. Best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, it draws fans from around the world to celebrate America’s pastime. Baseball isn’t the only draw, though: the town is steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty.

The Farmers’ Museum has fun interactive exhibits, while the Fenimore Art Museum displays American folk art and Native American artifacts. Otsego Lake, nicknamed “Glimmerglass” by writer James Fenimore Cooper, offers boating, fishing, and scenic walks. In summer, the Glimmerglass Festival showcases world-class opera in a lakeside setting.

Cooperstown’s Main Street is lined with charming shops, breweries, and eateries, perfect for leisurely exploration. It’s a place where history, sports, and small-town charm blend seamlessly, making it both a pilgrimage site for baseball enthusiasts and a delightful stop for travelers exploring upstate New York.

If you come back to the city, you’ll want to check out Long Island - a different feel from the big city, right next to it. Long Island offers sandy beaches, seaside villages, and a blend of luxury and laid-back charm. The Hamptons epitomize upscale summer escapes, with pristine beaches, art galleries, and fine dining. For a quieter experience, Montauk delivers surf culture, fishing piers, and the historic Lighthouse.Families love Jones Beach State Park for its miles and Fire Island offers car-free tranquility, wildlife and vibrant community.

History buffs will enjoy Sag Harbor, a former whaling port with maritime heritage, and aviation fans can explore the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Proximity to NYC makes Long Island both an easy day trip and a destination worth its own multi-day journey.