By Leonard Seeling
Just a few months before the long-awaited vacation time off they were approved for a 10-day Mediterranean cruise, the planning was getting underway to make this journey and to experience far off places.
Sunrise Inspiration Photo Credit: Leonard Seelig
Unfortunately, the road blocks started to come forth. Flights that were once inexpensive became pricey and scheduling them along with hotels became objects to deal with. A new approach was required to still have a vacation to enjoy both to new places and those visited before.
The journey started with a flight Los Angeles to Maui with a two-night stay at the Days Inn Maui Oceanfront. It was a small property located on the Southwest shore. Parking garages and long hikes to the room were not needed here. There was even an upgrade to a two-room suite that made the stay with the sands nearly at your feet even more enjoyable.
History on Display Photo Credit: Leonard Seelig
Early morning risers can take a trip to the top of Haleakala. Standing on the rim of the ancient crater and watching the Sun come up over the clouds while being at an elevation over 9,000 feet was a type of inspiration they will not forget.
Then came the visit to Honolulu for two more nights with a stay on Waikiki at an Aston hotel, a name that has been synonymous with Hawaii for many years. Honolulu is both a beachfront destination and an urban city. This became apparent with a drive on the freeway to the Bishop Museum. This destination showcased an endless array of historical items and explanation of history in one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
A Guitar Rises Photo Credit: Leonard Seelig
Of course, then came the city they have been going to for many years has been Las Vegas. This time was the Mandalay Bay, the glass enclosed resort at the Strip’s southern end. The nice room did not disappoint. One goal of going there was to see the transformation of The Mirage Resort into the Hard Rock, something that will take place over the next couple of years. The much-photographed volcano will be replaced by a guitar shaped hotel tower and the rest of the property will receive an extensive transformation. What is going on draws mixed emotions as The Mirage ushered in the “new” Las Vegas while there is always the future to look forward to.
Doing these types of trips provide the opportunity for the traveler to chart their own course. While the cruise would have been nice, they got to do things at their own pace.
Comments