In 2001, we were in trip planning mode for our 2002 trip. We wanted to go to Hawaii. It was not a “big” trip outside the US, but it is also one we wanted to share. As we brought it up to family, they wanted were excited too. So,Teresa and I sat down with our Trip planning worksheets to plan out what we would like to do and see. We wanted to experience a couple of islands, over a week, maybe two.
Did we want to go to the big island and see the volcanoes? Did we want to see Pearl Harbor? Did we want to relax on the beach? We started getting ideas and decided we would tour three islands; Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. We priced out airfare to the islands and hoppers to take us from island to island. Each island offered a different flavor or vibe.
Oahu had Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. It was both commercial and historical. Then Kauai, which was much more natural with the best surf on the north shore and the best beach on the south. Finally, Maui had some plantations, a winery, a submarine and some nice tours.
Because each island had a different flavor, we thought we also try a different types of housing. For Honolulu, being touristy and commercial, we looked into some nice hotels. When it came to Kauai, we wanted be close to that best beach and while there were resorts, there was a bed and breakfast. Finally we had several options on Maui, but I had a colleague who had a rental condo and we got a great deal on a two bedroom (or could get us a larger one, if needed) and in a good location.
We added the estimates for travel and hotels, then added in the excursions to get our total. We knew the prices could change, so we added some fudge factor for a final estimate.
Since our families were excited, we invited all of them, sending out our trip plans, with the costs. Jim’s parents were the only ones who took us up on it. Teresa mapped out the dates so we could lock down the excursions and tours, along with free time. She also made up a nice little travel folder for Jim’s parents.
Now we just had to wait for the dates, several months away. Maybe we should get scuba certified?
