Covid 19 Travel Looks Different

Traveling in today’s world is very different from pre-pandemic times. As a travel professional, it’s my goal to equip you with the information to make you a smart traveler. My hope is that when you leave home, you feel confident and excited. Your first trip during the pandemic is bound to have some butterflies, no matter the amount of research you do. I’m sharing with you some tips & tricks from my recent trips to help prepare you for travel during a global pandemic. **Disclaimer: No amount of research or actual travel experience will guarantee a wrinkle-free trip. When something comes up, just remember to breathe. It WILL eventually all workout! It always does.

FAST AND FURIOUS: No. I’m not referring to the racing movie saga (RIP Paul Walker). One thing you need to be aware of is that the world of travel is evolving FAST. The rules for entry and exit requirements can change at any time. Even during your trip. We usually hear the big announcements here in the US from the White House. As your dedicated travel team, we share travel documents with our clients about 1-3 weeks before they depart. This email is always full of my “good to knows” for travel and a copy of what they booked. We are talking 5-10 documents attached. I am a firm believer in putting knowledge in the hands of the traveler.

MISINFORMATION IS COMMON: Unfortunately, misinformation is common in many areas of our world today. Whether it’s information collected from a Facebook article or a story swapped at the water cooler, it’s always best to check the source.

CHANGES IN AMMENITIES OFFERED: restaurants and bars with shortned hours, low staffing everywhere, local regulations due to the pandemic.

PRICES ARE HIGH: It’s not going to stay that way forever, deal hunters beware, cheap flight might be there but in destination you could be shelling out the big bucks.

NO EXPECTATIONS: Ask yourself if this is a bucket list trip and evaluate if now is the time. Activities in destination may be limited or non-estistant. Your next trip will most likely be different from a pre-pandemic trip.

As you ascend to the highest point of Waimea Canyon lookout, don’t be afraid to pull off the road slightly to catch a glimpse of the canyons below and the red rock boulders.

Koke’e Rd will eventually merge with Waimea Canyon Dr. Continue driving to reach Waimea Canyon Lookout. Based on 1-2 stops and light traffic, this drive will take around 25-30 minutes. You will find parking and a bathroom at the lookout. Most days you can purchase homemade goods at a tent. Try the local fruits and a Hawaiian sweet bread.

WAIMEA CANYON LOOKOUT to KOKE'E STATE PARK CAMPGROUND: It may be hard to believe that this road trip has more packed into it but I promise you don't want to miss this second leg of the drive. During my first trip to Kauai, I thought the Waimea Lookout was the end of the trip because it was all so amazing up to that point. As you exit the Waimea Lookout parking lot you will come to a split in the road and you will veer right to continue into Koke’e State Park. Hwy 550 continues and so do the views!! Continue to veer right throughout your drive and in about 20 minutes you will arrive to Koke’e State Park Campground where you can stop for a bite to eat and some souvenirs.

KOKE'E STATE PARK CAMPGROUND to KALALUA LOOKOUT: Continue on the road for another 10 minutes to Kalalua Lookout. There are a lot of curves and narrow corners in this area so drive with caution. You will also start to see cars pulled over to the side of the road. Those are hikers and campers. We were looking for the scenic views so we kept driving until we got to the more formal parking lot and a sign for Kalalua Lookout. These views were pretty amazing but the best, most encompassing views are definitely saved for the very end of the road. Hop back in your car and make your way to Pu'u O Kila Lookout. 

KALALUA LOOKOUT to PU'U O KILA LOOKOUT: Continue down the road for another 5 minutes for the best view of the entire valley at Pu’u O Kila Lookout. Parking can be scarce, so I recommend starting your drive early in the day. There is a steep hill just before you get to the parking lot so take caution when driving.

Heading home is simple. You will just reverse your route, heading back on HWY 550. Take caution when driving both directions of this route. In Hawaii, it's illegal to use a handheld mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle. This will become obvious once you start your trek. 

Things to have on hand when going on an excursion: It’s a good idea to pack a “to-go” bag with you when you head out on an excursion or road trip like this. A bottle of water, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket and extra battery charger for your phone in a small, cinch backpack is the way to go. The battery life on your phone is constantly draining when you’re in Hawaii as it’s so far from the mainland. I would recommend keeping your phone in airplane mode to save battery life when you can. You can purchase a battery charger at Target/Walmart for about $20-30. A car charger with USB port is also a good idea! Hilly told ya!