Totem Travel Blog

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If you’ve already done the requisite cities of Europe such as London, Paris and Rome you might think of expanding your horizons and plan a visit to Budapest in Hungary. Not as well know as some of the other European Capitals but definitely worth a visit.
Budapest is actually 3 cities with the legendary Danube running between them, you have Buda on the hilly side and north of that is Obuda and on the other side of the river is Pest which is as flat as Buda is hilly, but back in the late 1800’s Budapest became the city it is today.

Probably the most well known is Castle Hill and the Castle District, however you’ll need the funicular to transport you up the hill as there are really no roads. At the top is where you’ll find the Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Holy Trinity Square, National Hungarian  Gallery, Budapest History Museum and the Vienna Gate among others.

Between Castle Hill and the river is what’s known as Watertown with its aged peaceful lanes, and many churches such as Taban Parish Church, St. Elizabeth Church, St. Anne’s church, Chapel of St. Florian and Capuchin Church.

Crossing either the Chain Bridge or Margaret’s Bridge will lead you to the Pest side where you can visit a myriad of old neighborhoods such as the Jewish District, Pest Inner City, Theresa Town and Leopold where you’ll find the Houses of Parliament, Freedom Square, Inner City Market Hall and the State Opera House.

If you’d like a day out of the city, a visit to Szentendre is a great place, especially during the summer where it becomes a huge handcraft and souvenir market. You can stroll along the Danube, have café in a small coffee house and shop till you drop for all kinds of fun items from Hungary such as antiques, coins, folk craft, porcelain and pottery and don’t forget to bring back the Hungarian Paprika.

If you’d like help planning your travel to Budapest, please call Totem Travel and ask for Jennefer, the Europe Expert at 800-321-7907 or jennefer@totemtravel.com

Maui is an island that has it all.  Beautiful beaches, lots of great snorkeling, beautiful waterfalls, sunsets to take your breath away, and wonderful hiking and biking trails.  I have been to Hawaii many times, but was really blown away by Maui.

When we arrived in Maui it was raining but that’s pretty normal for Hawaii.  It rains everyday just a little bit…..that’s how it stays so lush.  Soon, the rain stopped and the rainbows appeared.  It’s not unusual to see double rainbows after an afternoon shower.  Our first 2 nights were spent in the ResortQuest Maui Hill condominium property in the little town of Kihei, about 30 minutes south of the airport.  We had a beautiful 2 bedroom unit, with an oceanview.  This property is not on the beach, but it is a very good option for those who are more interested in exploring the island, and experiencing Maui. Kihei   is a good jumping off point for a visit to the Haleakala National Park, where you can hike the two-mile trail through a rain forest to the 400 foot Waimoku Falls!   Another trail leads to ‘Ohe’o Gulch with many pools, where the swimming is fantastic.  Just make sure you follow the posted signs for your safety while hiking into “interior”.

On the west side of the island, is Old Lahaina Town.  This little town is both historic and fun.  There are so many little shops, great restaurants, and charm.  Lahaina was once the royal capital, a rowdy whaling port and missionary headquarters!  Quite a mix!  There are several museums which boast period-piece displays, as well as attractions like the Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad, which is a reminder of plantation days in Maui.

Lahaina Town comes alive in the evening with luaus, piano bars &, dancing to live music.  We had so much fun shopping and trying a new restaurant every day.  I loved the atmosphere & Oceanside dining of the “Cheeseburgers in Paradise”.

Staying in Kaanapali the next 4 nights was a real treat.  The Hyatt Regency, on Kaanapali Beach, is a resort in itself.  From penguins in the lobby pool, to the coconut crème’ brule in the dining room, to the rooms overlooking the golf course and ocean—a view of both at the same time!  Kaanapali Beach is home to Black Rock with the best snorkeling on the island, maybe in Hawaii; the Golf Courses offer a real challenge, and the wind surfers and kite surfers are fun to watch.  Sorry, I didn’t try that, but it sure looks like fun.  Maybe next time!

If you are looking for something a bit quieter and maybe a bit less expensive than the Kaanapali Beach area, Napili and Kahana, just a short drive north, may be the place for you.  The beaches are in sheltered coves, which is very good for small children.  There are many moderately priced hotels and condos in this area, as well as shopping and lots of restaurants.

Kapalua is at the very north point on the west side of Maui.  This area is home to many luxury hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton.  But the real draw is the Plantation Golf Course, which is home to the PGA Tour Mercedes Benz Championship.  One of my traveling companions, an avid golfer, was coveting a chance to play this course, but decided the green fees were outside her budget.  Didn’t stop us from admiring the course and the beautiful views from the cliffs.

If you think that Maui is the place for you, please give me a call!  I would love to help you plan the perfect honeymoon, second honeymoon, or family vacation to the Valley Isle of Maui.  Aloha, Sandi@totemtravel.com