Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Solo Traveling

Solo travel can be super scary for some people. No one wants to be alone, its basic human nature.
However there are just some times that it can't be avoided. Once you figure out how to entertain yourself and that the big scary world isn't really that bad, solo travel is gonna leave you speechless and make you a storyteller.
Traveling solo will make you learn more about yourself than you ever really wanted to know. I've learned that: I'm not an art person, I hate staying out past midnight anywhere, and 9 times out of 10, I'll pick chicken nuggets if its on the menu. It may not be any world shattering revelations, but still I learned things about myself. But mostly I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to. Traveling alone takes courage and self-reliance. I learned that I'm way braver than I ever thought I was and I'm capable of handing a lot of different situations.

So I've devised some tips about how to solo travel.

G's tips for solo travel:

1. Do your research!!! 
I honestly can't stress this enough. If you are going anywhere especially alone, make sure you know what you want to do, where you need to go, and how you are going to get there. Some can wing it, but for my sanity, your sanity and your parent's sanity, come up with some kind of game plan. Things change on a whim. But having a general idea of everything before you go will help tremendously.

2. Keep your things with you. 
I swear every Jim, Tom, Barbie and Ken have some kind of story about how this crazy person at the hostel stole their stuff. Keep it locked up and don't bring anything that if you lost it, you may die. I normally bring my laptop and camera with me when I travel, but I won't die if they get stolen. I may die if my wallet or phone does though, so its always with me. 

3.BE SMART! 
Seriously. If you are drunk as a skunk at 4am, no where near your hostel and no one there to help you, your basically asking to get robbed at the very least. I completely understand wanting to drink and party especially when you are in another country, but be as smart as I hope you would be in the states. Have a way home already figured out. Never go alone, make sure there is someone that is less drunk than the rest of the crowd your with. DO NOT TAKE YOUR PASSPORT OUT DRINKING WITH YOU!! take a copy of it, if you feel the need to have it. Loosing your passport can be one of the biggest hassles in the world. 

4. Bring copies of your passport.
Put a copy in all your luggage, keep copies at home. Do everything you can to not loose the sucker. 

5.Bring travel books.
This is probably the most controversial thing I may post. I adore travel books. adore them. Travel books can be your single most important thing you bring on the trip. Most of the books come with maps, making it easier to get around. Most come in pocket size versions to carry in your purse or pocket. Also they have so much knowledge and resources if you find yourself in any kind of trouble. A lot of people are completely against bringing travel books because they want an "authentic" experience and not just rely on what some other person said. That's great... good on them. Bring the travel book in case of emergencies.

6. Do NOT be afraid to make friends!
This is actually a little difficult for me. I'm an extremely outgoing person who doesn't know a stranger, unless I'm traveling outside of the country. This is because I've watched the "Taken" movie too many times. Talking to a random person on a bus or beside you at a bar, really isn't going to be that big of a deal and normally will not mean you get taken. I have met a lot of interesting people by striking up a conversation at random.
Example. Met a Canadian family that "adopted" me while on a guided tour of Jungfrau, they were hilarious and I still talk to them some today. 

7. Do guided tours.
Some people just do not like traveling alone. I don't mind it for the most part, but if you want to have really the best of both worlds, do guided tours. I normally try to book a guided tour from viator.com or tripadvisor.com in every city I'm in. It allows me to meet people and not be alone (basically make my mother happy) but also be alone and experience things. 

That's all I got for now, I may add more and more as time goes on! 

Happy solo traveling! 

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Aulani For Adults!

As I was going through doing research for my trip to Aulani, I found a lot of travel bloggers (my main source of information since usually these people tell me the good places to eat) had kids and that's the route that they took.
I do not have kids. I also like alcohol and luxury, so I'm going to do a post about Aulani for Adults!
Now some of these photos are my own, some are stolen from Aulani website or from the photo-pass people at Aulani.

First let me say that this is a Disney resort, however, the characters and the "in your face Disney" aspect is missing. Don't get me wrong there are characters at the resort. Chip and Dale, Goofy, Stitch, Lilo and Moana can be found in different areas outside. Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto can be found at Makahiki for breakfast. What I noticed most was Disney's attention to detail that they have at all their properties. They fully tried to immerse you in the Hawaiian culture and experience. It is extremely well-done.
I won't talk about the characters or Makahiki character breakfast buffet either but just know the character breakfast is the only place you can get Mickey Waffles at the resort. *This is important to me, I must have Mickey Waffles to live*

Where you walk into the lobby

When you walk in, you are greeted by a friendly lady that gives you a lei or a kukui nut lei. Also, they ask if you want some refreshing lemon water. Then you walk into the huge open lobby! It is beautiful and if you walk straight out you can see the ocean and some of the pools!


To your left is the shops to buy all your Aulani souvenirs and to the right is the registration desk.

Directly below the registration desk on the 1st floor (the lobby is the 2nd floor technically) is the Laniwai Spa. If you book a facial or massage, you get to use the spa facilities for the day! There is an outside portion, complete with a couple cold and hot pools/tubs. An area of "fun" showers and some relaxing lounges as well.
Inside they have the usual spa amenities, co-ed relaxation lounges, gender specific lounges, steam rooms and a getting ready area complete with hair dryers and other little goodies.

Now let's talk about the pools!

So you have the main pool that you can't miss. You have to walk past it to get to the ocean and it's for all ages. It's called the Waikolohe pool. There is also the Waikolohe stream which is the lazy river that has a tube slide you can ride into the river!
Next is the Ka Maka Grotto, that boasts an infinity pool and a "lagoon" type look. This is to the right of the Waikolohe pool.
Ka Maka Grotto

The Whirlpool Spas or hot tubs are next. They are also an infinity design and are directly above the Waikolohe pool. 
Finally, we have the Wailana Pool, which is your 18 and older pool. 
Let's talk about some food options. We will start by the pools. 
By the Wailana Pool, there is the Ulu Cafe, which has breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as a grab and go. All food is premade and depends on the day as to what they have. I ate mostly here the entire time I was at the resort. Also, the Wailana pool bar is there too.

Next down by the ocean is the Little 'Opihi's that just has a few options.
Going back to the lazy river and slide area are 3 options. Mama's Snack shop, which has the best fries, Papalua Shaved Ice (because did you even go to Hawaii if you didn't get shaved ice?) and the lava shack which has a few options as well.
Then over by the end of the main pool is 2 options. Off the Hook which is a bar and will serve food made on the spot.
'Ama'Ama is right there as well and offers a more intimate dining experience with a few of the beach. Reservations are recommended here.


 Let's talk about a few other things to see and do at Aulani!

  1. Ka Wa'a - this is the luau offered at Disney and as usual, Disney does a great job. Reservations are needed but this is worth it 
  2. Koi Pond - this is directly in front of the lobby area on the first floor. 
  3. Beach Rentals - you can rent out paddleboards and snorkel gear. Boogie Boards, sand toys, and life jackets are complimentary. Towels are also complimentary to resort guests. 
  4. Rainbow Reef - you can snorkel here with all kinds of fish in their private lagoon. 
All in all, Disney does a great job and even though this resort was rated the world's best beach hotel for families in 2015, it is a really good time for adults too. 

If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me!
graceparsons2023@gmail.com 

Monday, June 5, 2017

Disneyland

I've been debating if I was going to do a Disneyland or Walt Disney World post since I wasn't sure if a) could I keep it detailed but not too much and b) if anyone would really be interested in my take on the parks?
But I decided that I was there just a few days ago and might as well. I won't do a WDW post until I go back again so I have up to date information.
If you have any specific questions, like what should I fast pass? or What rides are good for naps in the afternoon without leaving the park? or What rides will my kid's hate? email them to me!!! Seriously I have no issues walking you step-by-step through anything relating to Disney :)

graceparsons2023@gmail.com

Unlike WDW, Disneyland is much smaller and a lot less crowded. Where WDW is full of people that make it their only travel destination, Disneyland is more of annual pass holders that don't come until later in the afternoon.

There are 2 separate parks, Disneyland and California Adventures. They are within walking distance of each other, which is something you can't do in WDW.

We will start out in Disneyland!

As soon as you step through the gates, you can feel the magic or you should at least start pretending :) You walk underneath the train to Main Street USA. Some characters can be greeted right by the entrance, as well as all around the flag pole area! Also, some of the characters (like Alice and the Hatter) will just walk around and play with you all over the parks! This is probably my favorite part about this park.


There are multiple shops and little food places. Watch out for the horse and buggies along with the trolley that is coming down Main Street.
After walking down Main Street you should come to what is called the Hub. From here you can get to all the lands of the park, it's like the spindles of a wheel.
Let's start with Tomorrowland on the right.

There are several rides here and lightsaber churros. Yes, you heard me correctly. The line is crazy long so come prepared to wait for them.

  1. Hyperspace Mountain - which used to be just Space Mountain before they added a Star Wars theme to it. 
  2. Star Tour - a Star Wars simulator 
  3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters - a kid friendly shooting game 
  4. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage - you go under the water in a submarine with Nemo! 
  5. Tomorrowland Expo Center - which is where you can meet several of your favorite Star Wars characters
  6. Autotopia - everyone can drive a car here!
  7. Astro Orbiters
Only characters you can find in Tomorrowland is at the Expo Center :) 

Next, let's cross back over and hit up Adventureland! Aladdin, Jazmin, and the Genie are the characters that might be around this area :) 
Now, this is the place where you can get the Dole Whip! It's pineapple ice cream and everyone loves it. I'm not a pineapple person, but all my friends love it. 
  1. Indian Jones Adventure - a really fun ride, not suitable for young kids
  2. Jungle Cruise - where you can hear the best/worst jokes around! 
  3. Enchanted Tiki Room - where the birds sing for free (good place to rest for a bit :)
  4. Tarzan's Treehouse - involves stairs and climbing 

New Orleans Square is up next! You can meet Princess Tiana and Naveen here :) 
  1. Pirates of the Carribean - where dead men tell no tales, and there could be a chance of a Johnny Deep sighting :) 
  2. Haunted Mansion - one of my favorite rides, that turns into a Nightmare before Christmas ride from September - January.



Next is Critter Country - which is only good because the hungry bear restaurant has great chicken :) Winnie the Pooh and Friends can be greeted here! 
  1. Splash Mountain - you will get a little wet
  2. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - not my favorite ride.

Frontierland - has some of the best and most diverse food :) This is my go to for a lunch! You used to be able to meet Woody and Friends here, but with the new construction going on, I don't know if they are still doing that.

  1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - get ready to ride a runaway mine cart! :)
  2. Steamboat Ride - pretty cool if you get the chance to drive it!

Toontown - this is where all the little toddlers and children live. Be prepared for lots of screaming and crying. Really nothing here is worth riding. If you wanna see some of the characters and their "houses" then this is the place to go. Mickey can be meet at his house, Minnie at her house and Goofy and some friends in other places around here.

  1. Gadget's Go Coaster
  2. Roger Rabbits Toon Spin 



Fantasyland! - the best land. It's amazing here. It's gonna be tough to rank them so some of these can go up or down. Now this place does have some great food. A personal favorite is Edelweiss Snacks with its turkey legs and corn on the cob! 
  1. Matterhorn -watch out for the yeti! 
  2. It's a Small World - try to not have the song stuck in your head all day! 
  3. Dumbo - a classic
  4. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride - only up this far because it's no longer at WDW
  5. Pinocchio's Daring Journey - not in WDW
  6. Snow White's Scary Adventure - scared me as a child and is not at WDW either. 
  7. Peter Pan's Flight -- my absolute favorite ride ever 
  8. Alice in Wonderland
  9. Mad Hatter's Tea Party - only if you don't get motion sick! 
  10. Pixie Hollow - where you can meet Tinkerbell and her fairy friends 
  11. Fantasy Faire - go see the princesses 
  12. Walk through Sleeping Beauty's Castle - you can't do this in WDW either and it's actually pretty cool. 



In Disneyland they are currently working on a Star Wars expansion back behind Frontierland set to open in 2018. Stay tuned for updates to the blog when that comes out :) 


California Adventures

Literally, right next door to Disneyland and has some pretty cool rides!! It's also broken up into "lands" to make it easier to navigate like Disneyland. 



When you walk through the gates, you are on Buena Vista Street, directly in front of you is the Cathay Circle, a wonderful dining experience. Just like Main Street, there aren't any rides, but several shops and food places. You should also be able to meet some characters along the Buena Vista Street.

If you turn to the left you come to Hollywood Lane. There are a few places to eat right along the main road. You can meet a variety of "stars" in through here and Anna and Elsa can be found at the Animation Studio.


  1. Tower of Terror - which has recently been transformed into a Guardians of the Galaxy ride! 
  2. Frozen Show at the Hyperion - I've heard good things, but I'm still a upset about getting rid of the Aladdin Show. The genie was hilarious. 
  3. Monsters Inc Ride - really cute and if you mess Roz at the end, she will joke back with you :) 
  4. Animation Studio - I really like this because you can draw a character and its a really cute keepsake! Also, Anna and Elsa can be met here. 
  5. Disney Junior Live show - if you have younger kids.
  6. Backlot Stage - wouldn't waste my time.
Mad Hatters T Party is a dance thing that sometimes characters come to? It's at random if they do, so don't expect it and they won't sign anything but you can selfie. 

Next up is "A Bugs Land". This is completed for younger kids. 
  1. It's Tough to be a Bug - a 3D show that is not my favorite. 
  2. Flik's Fun Fair - all of the rides in here are for younger kids. 


Car's Land - now I'm not going to lie. This is pretty much my favorite land in DCA. It's really cute and quaint and I could spend all my time and money eating at the Cozy Cone Motel. The Chili Con Queso is amazing! You can also meet Lightning and Mater here too!! They don't sign your autograph book, but they do take photos :) 
  1. Radiator Springs Racers - really fun! make sure you fast-pass it though!! 
  2. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - it's really for little kids, but I enjoy it!


On your way to the next land, you go through the Pacific Wharf. It's all food and no attractions, you can do a bakery Tour if you want though!

Next up is Paradise Pier! This is like Fantasyland in DL and has the majority of the rides. You can meet Woody and Friends out by Toy Story Midway Mania. 

  1. Toy Story Midway Mania - make sure you fast-pass for this one! It is like an arcade game and it's really fun.
  2. California Screamin' - the rollercoaster! 
  3. Little Mermaid Ride - grab a clam and watch the movie unfold
  4. Goofy's Sky School - another little coaster. 
  5. Mickey's Fun Wheel - this ride makes me sick just watching it!
  6. Silly Symphony Swings 
  7. Jumpin' Jellyfish - little kid ride.
The Final Land in DCA is Grizzly Peak. The Grand Californian has its own private entrance that comes into this land if you are staying there.

  1. Soarin' over California - such a good ride
  2. Grizzly River Run - be prepared to get wet
  3. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - where you can meet Russell and Dug 

and that's it!!! like I said if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll give you any information you need.