Travel blog

What You Should Expect When Visiting Pearl Harbor




Don’t visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu without making a stop at Pearl Harbor. During a trip with YMT Vacation’s Best of Hawaii Four-Island Tour, you will be able to tour this National Memorial. While here, you can explore the history behind the base during World War II, when it was the victim of a surprise attack on December 7, 1941.




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Topics: Planning a Vacation, Hawaii, Travel Tips


Things To Do Near Waikiki Beach, Hawaii




Waikiki has one of the most renowned beaches in the world. As the epicenter of tourism in Oahu, there were close to 6 million visitors last year. Waikiki offers the perfect blend of urban energy with a laid-back vibe.

Guided tours to the island typically include Waikiki beach as a “must-visit” location on their itineraries. There is plenty to do on beautiful Waikiki Beach: swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and dining. Even though the beach is amazing, there are still plenty of incredible things to do and see at Waikiki.




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Topics: Americas, Planning a Vacation, Hawaii


Unique Aspects of Hawaiian Culture & Traditions



Visitors to Hawaii get to enjoy its immense natural beauty, tropical climate, and endless opportunities for beachside relaxation. But guests are also granted a first-hand look at the vibrant culture that’s shaped these distant islands into one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

Since it is an American state, travelers may not feel that they need to prepare themselves for culture shock when visiting Hawaii, but there are significant differences in daily life and customs.

Get ready for a vacation to paradise by learning about these unique aspects of Hawaii’s distinct culture:




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Topics: Americas, Hawaii


Tee Up: 10 Tips for Golfing in Maui




With postcard worthy views and year-round warm weather, the Hawaiian island of Maui is the perfect escape — especially for golfers. Here are the top things every golfer should know when playing in Maui:




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Topics: Hawaii


Deciding Which Hawaiian Island To Visit



Hawaii is a daisy chain of islands stretched out across the Pacific Ocean, and because no two are exactly alike, knowing which one to visit can set the tone for your entire vacation. Here’s how to select the Hawaiian island that’s just right for you and your travel companions:




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Topics: Hawaii


Top Travel Tips for Visiting Hawaii for the First Time



You’ve set your sights on paradise and now you’re ready to pack your bags—but before you book your trip to the Aloha State, here are some tips for first-time travelers to Hawaii:




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Topics: Hawaii, Travel Tips


5 Must-Eat Foods around the World



Nothing allows you to embrace the open-minded spirit of travel—the willingness to risk and to experience something entirely new, unexpected, and potentially spectacular—like trying local foods. When you step off a long flight, do you seek out burgers and fries? Or do you embrace the culture and take a big bite of adventure?

Many of our tours allow YMT guests to delight in the delicious food offerings of new and exciting destinations. Here are some of the best dishes to try in the places that made them famous:




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Topics: Asia, Hawaii, Travel Tips


The Many Sites of Pearl Harbor



Visitors to Pearl Harbor expect to see the sobering sight of the USS Arizona Memorial. Lying on the floor of the Pacific Ocean, this sunken battleship is the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen who perished in the attack and is the centerpiece of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. However, this is only part of what there is to experience during your time at Pearl Harbor.




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Topics: Hawaii


Traditions of the Hawaiian Lei and Its Meanings



Back before sun-seeking tourists flocked to Hawaii from the mainland, Tahitian voyagers made the harrowing journey to Hawaii in canoes. These early settlers brought a host of traditions, flavors and customs with them, not the least of which was something called a lei.

These natural necklaces were made of flowers, leaves, shells, feathers and even animal bones, and were worn to celebrate and beautify the ancient Hawaiians. They were used as a symbol of friendship, to honor the gods and to seal peace treaties between neighboring chiefs.




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Topics: Hawaii


A Trip for Every Mother



Mothers come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Some express their love quietly, while others shout it out for everyone to hear. All of them love us, and on Mother’s Day, we get to remind them we love them right back. 

This Mother’s Day, why confine yourself to gifts of flowers and brunch? Show the mom in our life you really care by giving her the trip of a lifetime. Perhaps she’d like a romantic cruise for two, or maybe a land adventure. It all depends on what type of mom you have.

While we can’t say for sure which trip your mom would like best, we do know a little about what certain types of moms like. So, here’s a list of the most common moms we see on our tours, and the type of tours we most often see them on.




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Topics: Asia, Alaska, Americas, Europe, Hawaii, Rose Parade, US National Parks, Balloon Fiesta, River Cruises, History