The Polite Traveler

Answers for a Curious Visitor Q) What gave you the idea for this project? A) I began this blog because of an MS diagnosis and how it affected my ability to travel freely.   My experience with multiple sclerosis has been a rollercoaster.   In the beginning, all of this was new to me and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get through doors with my wheelchair, board tenders from cruise ships, or even fit in a European elevator.   Everything had changed for us which led to more planning and investigating before we left the house. Throughout our journeys, I began to notice how some businesses “get it right” and how some don’t when it comes to creating an environment hospitable for those with mobility issues.   As a Californian, I also noticed the mobility limiting issues in certain states and countries.   Considering this, I decided to share my experiences.   I also hoped that others would share their experiences as well.   It has been a labor of love...

Those of you who read my travel-blog know the many Hawaiian activities my hubby and I have engaged in thus far—includes trekking up Diamond Head, Honolulu Zoo , ‘ Iolani  Palace, Waikīkī  Aquarium , Polynesian Cultural Center , and the Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour on Kaua ʻ i. For the one must-do item on this year’s vacation list, I walked a short distance from the Hilton Garden Inn (review) to the Hilton Hawaiian Village to rent a board so I may paddleboard in their private lagoon.  After a brief tutorial, I was off paddling.  It was AWESOME!  The price of the rental--$42 per hour—was relatively inexpensive making this a yearly treat.  (rentals on Kuhio Beach are even cheaper) My hubby had his own “must-do” this trip: Honolulu Zoo’s Twilight Tour .  It was wonderful!  Two young knowledgeable ladies led us through the zoo offering us a unique experience most visitors don’t receive.  We learned about the...

My Three Favorite Dining Options on Waikiki Dear Polite Traveler, The hunt of excellent eats tends to be nearly as important as any other part of any journey.   I am definitely in that food camp, as is evident in this blog.   On this trip to Waikiki, Oahu, we concentrated our food dollars on three superb venues: Kona Coffee Purveyors, Spitfire  Rotisserie and Flatbread in Dukes Market, and The Hula Grill. Best Pastries Ever! Even though I’m an avid fitness junky, I melt when I see, what I consider, the perfect pastry.   For me, it’s worth the indulgence.   Luckily, Waikiki has the Kona Coffee Purveyors conveniently located at the mouth of the International Market Place.   Their selections of pastries and savory items are downright drool-worthy.    Each item is pricy but worth every penny.   Grocery Store?   Restaurant?   Bar?   Grill? In the heart of Waikiki, you’ll find a grab & go grocery, bakery, ice cream ...

What makes the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki worth another visit? Dear Polite Traveler, Set in the heart of Waikiki, Hilton Garden Inn is a no-frills, newly renovated, contemporary gem.  The center of the light-filled lobby feels open with its many windows allowing for ample sunshine to flow through the well-appointed space full of seating areas and the check-in desk.   On one end of the lobby is a Holoholo Café & Market, which is affiliated with Foodland—a large, local grocery store chain.  One can find most anything here, including a ‘grab & go’ counter, offering sandwiches , pastries and even glasses of beer and wine during happy hour.  The TR Fire Grill caps the other end of the lobby as the hotel’s dining room and bar.  Since we are Hilton Honors members, we received a free, full breakfast held in this comfortable restaurant.  Later in the day, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner as well.  Their happ...

The Reality of Staying in the Heart of Waikiki Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, Some of my favorite Hawaiian moments have been in this very part of Waikiki.    Walking Kuhio & Kalakaua Avenues from end to end, dropping in several times a day at the famous International Market Place and hanging with my favs at the Starbucks Reserve Bar, this is where my heart sings.    However, staying across from the International Market Place—in the heart of Waikiki—has one major drawback.   Noise The rooms on the street side overlook the bustling Kuhio Avenue are great for stepping outside the hotel for a scrumptious delight at the Kona  Coffee  Purveyors, pastries are delish.   Convenience comes at a price, though.  Nights are noisy!  I mean, downright crazy loud, which is unfortunate since I love fresh air at night, and this isn’t happening here.  Even sitting out on our ample lanai during the dayt...