Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! We’re in the dog days of summer – do you love the heat or not so much?
The month of August is key for travel professionals. Those of us in the Virtuoso network have Virtuoso Travel Week the second week of the month each year. Dubbed the “fashion week for travel” and held in Las Vegas, itās the week where I meet with travel suppliers from all over the globe, and as you can imagine itās very exciting and informative. Just like last year, I’ll report back to you about the best of the best in travel!
Given how hectic this month is, I’ll be updating a couple of previously published newsletters covering some of the most popular travel destinations.
Hawaii is a frequently requested destination for couples and families. Just last week, I had two consultations for Hawaii in 2023 and answered many FAQs.
Iām considered a Hawaii expert as Iāve taken the tourism board course to be certified as such and have been there myself. Read on for the latest scoop on Hawaii, our 50th stateā¦


First-timers to Hawaii
Iām often asked which islands to choose when going to Hawaii for the first time. The answer is āit depends’, but you canāt go wrong with Maui. Maui has it all ā gorgeous scenery, incredible beaches, fantastic restaurants, amazing resorts for couples and families alike, stunning villas, fantastic nightlife, family activities galore, interesting culture and foodie experiences ⦠and a volcano! There are many decision points and thatās where having a well-informed travel advisor is key.
First-time visitors to Hawaii need to know that you have to fly between islands (too far for ferry service). So if you only have one week, I recommend focusing on one island or two maximum. Thereās much to explore on each Hawaiian Island, and itās hard to fit it all in ā thatās a given unless youāre there for a month.

Hawaii is in Demand
Hawaii has always been considered a pricey destination and prices have skyrocketed due to demand. Knowing your budget range when beginning to plan is key to making your booking a smooth process. If youāre someone who has champagne taste but a prosecco budget for your vacation, then itās important to be realistic from the outset.
People often ask if there are all-inclusive properties (like those you find in Mexico) and the answer is no. However, Virtuoso network resorts will include breakfast which is a very valuable perk!
Bottom line ā if you have Hawaii on your near-term radar, book now for next year, and Iāll be happy to help you sort through the options.
š Hidden Gem Tip: Hawaii is on āAloha timeā time typically; itās part of their culture. Sometimes this requires patience as itās quite different from what we are used to in NYC or LA.

Cruises & Guided Tours
If youāre open to a cruise and want to see several islands in a weekās time, then there are a few options. Norwegian Cruise Lineās Pride of America has a comprehensive itinerary but isnāt for everyone. Known as āthe only cruise sailing 4 Hawaiian Islands in 7 days year-round,ā I work closely with NCL and have access to the latest scoop and available perks if this idea interests you. There are a few other options for cruises, and I can help you sort it out and decide if a cruise is right for you.
Also, there are small group tour operators that offer multi-island trips. For 2023, this might be a perfect option as the tour will allow you to experience an island without the hassle of navigating it on your own.

Off The Beaten Path
Less crowded and commercial than Maui is Kauai or the Big Island. They are quite different but equally spectacular!
Kauai has Jurassic Park-type landscapes, and itās considered the āgarden island.ā There are fewer places to stay and less tourism infrastructure. Itās fantastic for a chill, nature-focused vacation.
The Big Island is remarkably diverse and as its name suggests – large. Itās bigger than all the other islands combined and larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. So, youāll do quite a bit of driving to see the many sights ā Volcanoes National Park being one of the must-dos! I absolutely love the Big Island. You can feel connected to the people, history, and culture when there.
Or if you want to trek off the beaten path, enjoy a quiet experience, and have a healthy budget, I recommend Lanai. This island has no stoplights and only two resorts, one of which is the gorgeous Four Seasons Lanai (pictured above) a Virtuoso Best of the Best property! Golfers love Lanai and people who want to experience a tranquil, secluded vacation ā or want this vibe for a few days to start or end their time in the Hawaiian Islands.

What About Oahu?
Oahu is a study in contrasts ā from bustling Waikiki to the rainforest and majestic landscapes in the North to its importance in American history with Pearl Harbor.
If you have littles, Aulani, the Disney resort is fantastic, and for luxury budgets, the Four Seasons canāt be beaten (Hidden Gem Travel clients get valuable perks). However, there are many other options and decision points to deciding if you want to spend time on Oahu.
A recent client who went to Oahu told me that I found the perfect resort that she hadnāt found in her own googling. She had no idea it existed! Yes, itās one of my faves on Oahu ā fantastic location, great Virtuoso network perks, and the staff is incredible. Thatās the heart of the Hidden Gem difference!
Inspired? Reply to this email or schedule a chat at www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
š Hidden Gem Tip: Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration: https://www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel/
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan