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Newcastle Cruise Port Guide, UK | 10 Best Things To Do In Port

Newcastle upon Tyne, often referred to just as Newcastle, lies on the River Tyne’s northern bank on the eastern coast of England. Newcastle cruise port is located 8 miles/13 km (a 20-minute drive) northeast of Newcastle city center and is easily reached by metro.

The city is renowned for its lively cultural scene with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Newcastle is a blend of old and modern, best reflected in two major city landmarks: the medieval Newcastle Castle and the modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge, both located in the city center within a short walk from each other.

In this Newcastle cruise port guide, I share practical information on the Newcastle cruise terminal and the 10 best things to do in Newcastle on a cruise.

Visit also our cruise port guides to Cork/Cobh, Belfast, Holyhead, Dover, Dublin, Glasgow (Greenock), Liverpool, Invergordon (Inverness)

Newcastle Cruise Port

The port of Newcastle, officially known as the Port of Tyne, is located in North Shields, 8 miles east of downtown Newcastle. The cruise terminal is located next to Royal Quays Marina and consists of two berths that can accommodate large cruise liners.

Cruise ships dock at the International Passenger Terminal, the renovated terminal with modern amenities, including spacious seating areas accommodating up to 800 passengers, free Wi-Fi, cash machines, and a small shop selling travel essentials. You can also recharge and refuel at an on-site cafe and restaurant.

A tourist information office provides helpful tourist information and recommendations to make the most of your visit.

Additional baggage handling facilities and parking spaces are available, as Newcastle is also a homeport, meaning that cruises start and end in Newcastle.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, AIDA Cruises, Viking Cruises, Silversea, Holland America Line, Ambassador, and TUI are some of the major cruise lines sailing from/to Newcastle port. You can check the cruise timetables at the port’s official website https://www.portoftyne.co.uk/

Getting Around New Castle, United Kingdom

There’s not much to do in the port area except for the Newcastle Quays Retail Park, an outlet shopping center situated within a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Newcastle cruise port is well connected to the city center via the Tyne and Wear Metro. The Percy Main metro station is located a 25-minute walk from the cruise terminal and the ride to Newcastle downtown takes about 30 minutes. The cruise terminal is in zone C.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi (the ride takes 20 minutes), or a shuttle bus if provided by your cruise ship. The cruise lines may provide a shuttle bus and they usually sell tickets on the evening before the arrival. Numerous guided shore excursions are offered too.
Newcastle International Airport is located 18 miles/29 km (a 30-minute drive) northwest of Newcastle cruise terminal. The best way to reach the port from the airport is to take a taxi or arrange a private transfer.
Newcastle city center is compact and can easily be explored on foot. Open-top Hop on Hop off sightseeing buses are available and they usually depart from Newcastle Central Station, conveniently located in the city center.
Explore Newcastle tours and activities 
Book a private transfer to/from Newcastle port
Check out the hotels in Newcastle

10 Best Things to Do in Newcastle Cruise Port

1. Quayside and Gateshead Millennium Bridge

The Quayside experience is one of Newcastle’s must-dos! Quayside is a bustling waterfront area along the banks of the River Tyne, known for the stunning Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which towers above.

The iconic landmark of this area and a symbol of Newcastle, the Millennium Bridge is a marvel of modern engineering and design. This pedestrian and cyclist tilt bridge spans the River Tyne and connects Quayside with Gateshead Quays.

Its LED lighting system creates a stunning display of colors at night, so if your ship is staying longer in port – do not miss to come and admire this piece of art after the sunset!

The Quayside and Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Photo source: Pixabay.com

If you enjoy art and culture, you can visit the famous Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which hosts a variety of exhibitions and live performances.

Housed in an ancient flour mill, the Baltic (aka BALTIC) features exhibition spaces, a visitor center, a rooftop restaurant, and a viewing platform from where you can admire the spectacular city views. 

Quayside is also renowned for its diverse dining options, ranging from traditional English pubs to international restaurants. Many of them offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine al fresco while taking in views of the river and bridges.

Explore Newcastle walking tours

2. Discovery Museum

Located 1.2 miles (a 30-minute walk) from the Quayside and the bridge, the Discovery Museum offers an insight into Newcastle’s industrial heritage and technological innovations.

The museum is huge, spanning three floors, with extensive galleries filled with inventions, vintage vehicles, model ships, and intriguing interactive displays. The exhibits showcase the city’s industrial past, from its roots in coal mining and shipbuilding to innovations in engineering and manufacturing.

From scientific experiments, documentaries, hands-on exhibits and educational programs to learning about Newcastle’s history, the visit is an enjoyable experience for both kids and adults.

And the best part? It is absolutely free to enter! There is also a lift and the place is wheelchair accessible.

Plus, there’s a cozy cafe where you can grab a hot cuppa and some delicious treats to fuel your exploration.

3. Seven Stories

Families won’t want to miss a visit to Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, located in the Ouseburn district a 15-minute walk from the Quayside.

Housed in a converted 7-floor Victorian warehouse, this fascinating bookshop is filled with storytelling, interactive exhibits, and literary adventures that will pique your imagination.

The ground floor houses a bookshop and a spacious café, while the upper floors (second to fourth) host galleries showcasing various artists’ works. You will be greeted by the magical world of children’s literature brought to life!

If you’re planning a visit, make sure to leave plenty of time to completely immerse yourself in the world of children’s books. Trust me, you won’t want to rush through this magical experience!

4. Northumberland Street

Northumberland Street is the main pedestrian and shopping street located in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, this bustling hub offers a mix of high-street chains, department stores, boutique shops, and cafes.

5. Newcastle Castle

Originally built by the Normans in the 12th century on the site of a Roman fort, this medieval fortress played a vital role in defending the region and controlling the River Tyne.

Today, you can explore the ancient passageways and chambers and learn the castle’s fascinating history through guided tours and interactive exhibits. Visitors can climb the imposing Norman keep and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the city and the river.

The entrance ticket includes access to the Black Gate, a 13th-century fortified gatehouse, and the entire keep itself. The cost is £12,50 (the price from 2024).

Newcastle Castle and Newcastle Cathedral. Photo source: Canva Pro (photo edited)

6. Newcastle Cathedral

While there, do not miss to enter the Newcastle Cathedral, located right next to the castle. Officially known as the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, the imposing 14th-century cathedral is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and children.

The cathedral was built in a striking Gothic architectural style highlighted by soaring arches, stained glass windows, and an impressive tower, often featured on city postcards. It has an equally beautiful interior adorned with stone carvings, a historic organ, and religious artwork.

7. The Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle

Located 37 miles/23 km (a 45-minute drive) north of Newcastle cruise port, Alnwick is a historic market town in Northumberland County in North East England.

The town is famous for its magnificent Alnwick Garden, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections, and the medieval Alnwick Castle which served as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.

7.1. The Alnwick Garden

Spanning over 42 acres, the Alnwick Gardens features a vast network of formal gardens, including the Rose Garden, Grand Cascade, and Bamboo Labyrinth, along with unique features like the Poison Garden and Serpent Garden.

One of the highlights is the famous Poison Garden—a fascinating and slightly eerie experience that offers a glimpse into the world of deadly plants and their intriguing histories. It is both educational and thrilling to learn about the secrets and stories behind these mysterious botanical specimens.

The best way to explore the Poison Garden is on a guided tour in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide who will share stories in a fun and informative way.

You can also enjoy a unique dining experience at the large Treehouse Restaurant to top off your stay!

7.2. The Alnwick Castle

The majestic castle dates back to the 11th century and served as a military stronghold and a royal residence throughout history.

With its impressive architecture including towering walls, imposing towers, and a picturesque courtyard, the castle is best known for its starring role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies.

You can book a guided tour of the castle and explore its sumptuous chambers, interactive exhibits, and even medieval dungeons, offering a glimpse into England’s history and aristocratic life.

Explore the Alnwick Castle tours and activities

The Alnwick Castle. Source: Pixabay.com

8. Laing Art Gallery

A visit to the Laing Art Gallery is an absolute delight for art lovers like myself! This cultural gem, located on New Bridge Street West in the center of Newcastle upon Tyne, houses an amazing collection of historic, modern, and contemporary art.

The gallery houses everything from British oil paintings to watercolors, ceramics, silver, and glassware. Visitors can attend many free events, including gallery talks, family activities, and artists’ events.

After exploring the galleries, you can take some time to relax in the cafe and browse the selection of books in the shop. And while there are a lot of steps to navigate, there is also a lift for those who prefer an easier way.

Don’t forget to leave a donation to support their work—it’s well worth it!

9. Grainger Market

Built in 1835 and boasting Grade I listed status, this indoor market is home to 123 shops offering a wide range of goods. From fresh meat, poultry, and fish to bakery delights and fruits and vegetables, you’ll find it all here!

But this market isn’t just about food – it also has a lot of unique finds and specialty shops! You can explore vintage, retro, and quirky goods, or browse through wool and craft stores for your next DIY project.

10. Durham Cathedral

Located in the charming city of Durham, around 20 miles/32 km (a 30-minute drive) south of Newcastle city center, this cathedral holds a special place in the heart of British history and heritage.

The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Norman architecture with its soaring towers, stunning stained glass windows, and serene cloisters. As you go through the cathedral’s grand entrance, you’ll be stunned by its breathtaking beauty and beautifully furnished interior

The best way to reach Durham is by train, with a direct route from Newcastle Central Station to Durham taking approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, book a private transfer, or join a guided shore excursion.

Explore Durham tours and activities

Durham Cathedral. Photo source: Pixabay.com

Wrapping Up

There are so many things to see and do in the Newcastle cruise port and based on your priorities and preferences, make sure you plan your day to get the most out of it!

Visit also our cruise port guide to Reykjavik, Bergen, Geirangerfjord, Cherbourg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Le Havre

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Western Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand

Newcastle Cruise Port Guide, UK | 10 Best Things To Do In Port
katarinak.bg

​https://adventourbegins.com/newcastle-cruise-port-guide-uk/ 

With amazing hikes, wildlife spotting and easy access to the best scenery, here’s why you’ll want to go camping in Glacier National Park, Montana.

The post This is why you’ll want to go camping in Glacier National Park appeared first on Globe Guide.

​https://www.globeguide.ca/camping-in-glacier-national-park/ 

Wondering if the food at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali’i Luau is any good?

Wondering if it’s worth the money to splurge on the Ali’i Luau experience over the Gateway Buffet dinner at the Polynesian Cultural Center?

In this post, I’ll share with you everything we ate on our most recent visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center in 2024.

We personally thought the food was great, but I’ll describe our luau experience in more detail so you can ultimately decide if it’s right for you.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

What To Expect At The Ali’i Luau At The Polynesian Cultural Center

The Ali’i Luau is a traditional luau set up, where a couple hundred people will attend and dine around the main stage. When you arrive, you’ll get lei’ed and have the option to take a group pic (for purchase).

Upon getting seated, you’ll get a fun little welcome drink! Ours was a non-alcoholic pina colada inside of a pineapple. The food is served buffet-style for about 30 minutes before the entertainment begins.

In terms of food, you can expect typical luau buffet-style food such as taro rolls, multiple types of poke, Imu Pua’a Pork (a pig cooked onsite IN the ground), pan-seared local fish, teriyaki brisket, huli chicken, fried saimin, salads, assorted fruits, and desserts.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there’s stuff you can eat too!

Vegan options include Tofu Poke, Pulehu Broccolini (Gluten-free), Hekka a, Uala Hasselback (Gluten-free), Vegetarian Fried Rice, Pickled Cucumber w/ Kahuku limu, Sweet Potato Salad, Poi, and Kabocha Pumpkin.

There’s also a whole salad bar at the Ali’i Luau.

The salad bar has all kinds of fixings including sunflower seeds, mushroom slices, garbanzo beans, olives, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onions, cheese, ham, bacon bits, cucumber, and croutons.

Along with the food is a side of live entertainment. The entertainment usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and is comprised of a mix of professional performers (hula dancers and young kiddies) and bits where the host calls people up to the stage to dance.

Everything I Ate At The Ali’i Luau Buffet

Alright, let’s get to the fun stuff, what the food actually looked and tasted like!

Let’s start with the hot foods. Pictured here are the following:

Teriyaki brisket

Pipikaula (beef short ribs)

Pan-seared local fish

Crispy garlic shrimp

Chicken and squash

Hulihuli chicken

Half-pictured here is the veggies section, consisting of things like lomi lomi salmon, pickled cucumbers, kabocha squash, broccolini, Okinawan potato salad, fried rice, steamed rice, fried saimin, and more.

Then, there’s the cold section. The poke bar was impressive because it basically tripled in size compared to when I last experienced it. This time around, there was Spicy Salmon Poke, Kimchi Tako Poke, Tofu Poke (located at the hot foods bar), and Shrimp Poke.

The PCC website’s menu notes Ahi Shoyu Poke, Spicy Local Fish Poke, Tofu Poke (Vegan), and Ulu Uala Poke. This menu was not exactly what we had in our luau, so do take it with a grain of salt!

At the Ali’i Luau, you’ll also find a couple of other stations serving fish, fish jerky, and the main attraction … drumroll please…. the Imu Pua’a Pork!

The kalua pork was truly amazing. The first time I tried the buffet back in 2015 or so, I remember it being just okay — nothing special.

This time around, each bite we had was SO tender and juicy! We even got seconds, and even then, the pork was so good! Not a dry piece whatsoever.

If you’re able to get in line early, definitely try to get a piece of pork skin. It was so flavorful and crunchy. I’ve gotta say, we were all really impressed with how the pork tasted. To the point where we’d say it was a top 3 highlight of the luau!

The next call out is this basket of taro rolls. I know, you probably don’t want to get full off of bread, but these soft and fluffy taro rolls are so worth the calories and the stomach space! These rolls are another top 3 luau food for us.

For those of you who are craving veggies while in Hawaii, this is your chance to stock up on unlimited salad!

At this point, we all had full plates and had to start eating before exploring the luau more. As you can see below, we opted for a little bit of everything, including a little cup of poi. I definitely went hard on the broccolini in order to get my greens in!

After my first plate, I was feeling EXTRA bloated. I had very little stomach space left and two options: eat a boatload of desserts or eat a boatload of fruits.

Everyone in the group chose to fill up on desserts. I chose to gorge on papayas, longans, and kiwis! These fruits are usually quite expensive back home, so I needed to fill up while I could.

The papayas were to die for! Hawaii’s papayas are truly nature’s masterpieces. Well, at least in my eyes.

Is The Ali’i Luau Worth The Money?

If you’ve never done a luau before, I’d say that the Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is worth the money.

Honestly, the food was REALLY good! Having done the same luau back in 2015-ish and once again in 2024, I found the food to be immensely better than it was when I first went years ago!

I did this luau with three other people (two are really judgy and picky when it comes to food) and we all agreed the food was pretty darn good for being a buffet-style meal.

The only thing worth calling out as a potential negative is the fact that PCC does not serve alcohol. You’ll find soft drinks and tea, but no alcoholic drinks.

Looking for a luau that serves alcohol? For a traditional luau experience with alcohol, we think there are better ones out there like Paradise Cove Luau and Toa Luau.

However, if you’re looking for a jam-packed day of immersive fun, learning, cultural activities, and entertainment with a luau, I’d say PCC is unbeatable and 100% worth the money!

If you’re down to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, I’d recommend you at least opt for the Ali’i Luau Package. This is our go-to package whenever we visit with friends.

We’ve never tried the Gateway Buffet, but being $50 cheaper than the Ali’i Luau Package, it could be a more budget-friendly option to the Ali’i Luau.

And if you’re celebrating something special (like a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc.), I’d say splurge and go for the even-more-premium Super Ambassador Package. We opted for this package on our latest visit as it was my cousin’s 35th birthday and we were treated like royalty! It was amazing.

Book your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets on the official site here.

I hope you found this Polynesian Cultural Center review helpful. If you’re looking for additional Oahu travel tips, check out my other posts here:

What To Pack For A Week In Hawaii: 60 Essential Things To Bring

125 Bucket List Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii

Go City Oahu Review: Is The Pass Worth The Money?

33 Fun and Free Family Activities In Oahu

Essential Oahu Tips For First Timers: Things You Need To Know

Oahu North Shore: 12 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

​https://travelswithelle.com/hawaii/polynesian-cultural-center-alii-luau-review/ 

Wondering if the food at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali’i Luau is any good?

Wondering if it’s worth the money to splurge on the Ali’i Luau experience over the Gateway Buffet dinner at the Polynesian Cultural Center?

In this post, I’ll share with you everything we ate on our most recent visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center in 2024.

We personally thought the food was great, but I’ll describe our luau experience in more detail so you can ultimately decide if it’s right for you.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

What To Expect At The Ali’i Luau At The Polynesian Cultural Center

The Ali’i Luau is a traditional luau set up, where a couple hundred people will attend and dine around the main stage. When you arrive, you’ll get lei’ed and have the option to take a group pic (for purchase).

Upon getting seated, you’ll get a fun little welcome drink! Ours was a non-alcoholic pina colada inside of a pineapple. The food is served buffet-style for about 30 minutes before the entertainment begins.

In terms of food, you can expect typical luau buffet-style food such as taro rolls, multiple types of poke, Imu Pua’a Pork (a pig cooked onsite IN the ground), pan-seared local fish, teriyaki brisket, huli chicken, fried saimin, salads, assorted fruits, and desserts.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there’s stuff you can eat too!

Vegan options include Tofu Poke, Pulehu Broccolini (Gluten-free), Hekka a, Uala Hasselback (Gluten-free), Vegetarian Fried Rice, Pickled Cucumber w/ Kahuku limu, Sweet Potato Salad, Poi, and Kabocha Pumpkin.

There’s also a whole salad bar at the Ali’i Luau.

The salad bar has all kinds of fixings including sunflower seeds, mushroom slices, garbanzo beans, olives, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onions, cheese, ham, bacon bits, cucumber, and croutons.

Along with the food is a side of live entertainment. The entertainment usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and is comprised of a mix of professional performers (hula dancers and young kiddies) and bits where the host calls people up to the stage to dance.

Everything I Ate At The Ali’i Luau Buffet

Alright, let’s get to the fun stuff, what the food actually looked and tasted like!

Let’s start with the hot foods. Pictured here are the following:

Teriyaki brisket

Pipikaula (beef short ribs)

Pan-seared local fish

Crispy garlic shrimp

Chicken and squash

Hulihuli chicken

Half-pictured here is the veggies section, consisting of things like lomi lomi salmon, pickled cucumbers, kabocha squash, broccolini, Okinawan potato salad, fried rice, steamed rice, fried saimin, and more.

Then, there’s the cold section. The poke bar was impressive because it basically tripled in size compared to when I last experienced it. This time around, there was Spicy Salmon Poke, Kimchi Tako Poke, Tofu Poke (located at the hot foods bar), and Shrimp Poke.

The PCC website’s menu notes Ahi Shoyu Poke, Spicy Local Fish Poke, Tofu Poke (Vegan), and Ulu Uala Poke. This menu was not exactly what we had in our luau, so do take it with a grain of salt!

At the Ali’i Luau, you’ll also find a couple of other stations serving fish, fish jerky, and the main attraction … drumroll please…. the Imu Pua’a Pork!

The kalua pork was truly amazing. The first time I tried the buffet back in 2015 or so, I remember it being just okay — nothing special.

This time around, each bite we had was SO tender and juicy! We even got seconds, and even then, the pork was so good! Not a dry piece whatsoever.

If you’re able to get in line early, definitely try to get a piece of pork skin. It was so flavorful and crunchy. I’ve gotta say, we were all really impressed with how the pork tasted. To the point where we’d say it was a top 3 highlight of the luau!

The next call out is this basket of taro rolls. I know, you probably don’t want to get full off of bread, but these soft and fluffy taro rolls are so worth the calories and the stomach space! These rolls are another top 3 luau food for us.

For those of you who are craving veggies while in Hawaii, this is your chance to stock up on unlimited salad!

At this point, we all had full plates and had to start eating before exploring the luau more. As you can see below, we opted for a little bit of everything, including a little cup of poi. I definitely went hard on the broccolini in order to get my greens in!

After my first plate, I was feeling EXTRA bloated. I had very little stomach space left and two options: eat a boatload of desserts or eat a boatload of fruits.

Everyone in the group chose to fill up on desserts. I chose to gorge on papayas, longans, and kiwis! These fruits are usually quite expensive back home, so I needed to fill up while I could.

The papayas were to die for! Hawaii’s papayas are truly nature’s masterpieces. Well, at least in my eyes.

Is The Ali’i Luau Worth The Money?

If you’ve never done a luau before, I’d say that the Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is worth the money.

Honestly, the food was REALLY good! Having done the same luau back in 2015-ish and once again in 2024, I found the food to be immensely better than it was when I first went years ago!

I did this luau with three other people (two are really judgy and picky when it comes to food) and we all agreed the food was pretty darn good for being a buffet-style meal.

The only thing worth calling out as a potential negative is the fact that PCC does not serve alcohol. You’ll find soft drinks and tea, but no alcoholic drinks.

Looking for a luau that serves alcohol? For a traditional luau experience with alcohol, we think there are better ones out there like Paradise Cove Luau and Toa Luau.

However, if you’re looking for a jam-packed day of immersive fun, learning, cultural activities, and entertainment with a luau, I’d say PCC is unbeatable and 100% worth the money!

If you’re down to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, I’d recommend you at least opt for the Ali’i Luau Package. This is our go-to package whenever we visit with friends.

We’ve never tried the Gateway Buffet, but being $50 cheaper than the Ali’i Luau Package, it could be a more budget-friendly option to the Ali’i Luau.

And if you’re celebrating something special (like a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc.), I’d say splurge and go for the even-more-premium Super Ambassador Package. We opted for this package on our latest visit as it was my cousin’s 35th birthday and we were treated like royalty! It was amazing.

Book your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets on the official site here.

I hope you found this Polynesian Cultural Center review helpful. If you’re looking for additional Oahu travel tips, check out my other posts here:

What To Pack For A Week In Hawaii: 60 Essential Things To Bring

125 Bucket List Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii

Go City Oahu Review: Is The Pass Worth The Money?

33 Fun and Free Family Activities In Oahu

Essential Oahu Tips For First Timers: Things You Need To Know

Oahu North Shore: 12 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

​https://travelswithelle.com/hawaii/polynesian-cultural-center-alii-luau-review/ 

Wondering if the food at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali’i Luau is any good?

Wondering if it’s worth the money to splurge on the Ali’i Luau experience over the Gateway Buffet dinner at the Polynesian Cultural Center?

In this post, I’ll share with you everything we ate on our most recent visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center in 2024.

We personally thought the food was great, but I’ll describe our luau experience in more detail so you can ultimately decide if it’s right for you.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

What To Expect At The Ali’i Luau At The Polynesian Cultural Center

The Ali’i Luau is a traditional luau set up, where a couple hundred people will attend and dine around the main stage. When you arrive, you’ll get lei’ed and have the option to take a group pic (for purchase).

Upon getting seated, you’ll get a fun little welcome drink! Ours was a non-alcoholic pina colada inside of a pineapple. The food is served buffet-style for about 30 minutes before the entertainment begins.

In terms of food, you can expect typical luau buffet-style food such as taro rolls, multiple types of poke, Imu Pua’a Pork (a pig cooked onsite IN the ground), pan-seared local fish, teriyaki brisket, huli chicken, fried saimin, salads, assorted fruits, and desserts.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there’s stuff you can eat too!

Vegan options include Tofu Poke, Pulehu Broccolini (Gluten-free), Hekka a, Uala Hasselback (Gluten-free), Vegetarian Fried Rice, Pickled Cucumber w/ Kahuku limu, Sweet Potato Salad, Poi, and Kabocha Pumpkin.

There’s also a whole salad bar at the Ali’i Luau.

The salad bar has all kinds of fixings including sunflower seeds, mushroom slices, garbanzo beans, olives, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onions, cheese, ham, bacon bits, cucumber, and croutons.

Along with the food is a side of live entertainment. The entertainment usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and is comprised of a mix of professional performers (hula dancers and young kiddies) and bits where the host calls people up to the stage to dance.

Everything I Ate At The Ali’i Luau Buffet

Alright, let’s get to the fun stuff, what the food actually looked and tasted like!

Let’s start with the hot foods. Pictured here are the following:

Teriyaki brisket

Pipikaula (beef short ribs)

Pan-seared local fish

Crispy garlic shrimp

Chicken and squash

Hulihuli chicken

Half-pictured here is the veggies section, consisting of things like lomi lomi salmon, pickled cucumbers, kabocha squash, broccolini, Okinawan potato salad, fried rice, steamed rice, fried saimin, and more.

Then, there’s the cold section. The poke bar was impressive because it basically tripled in size compared to when I last experienced it. This time around, there was Spicy Salmon Poke, Kimchi Tako Poke, Tofu Poke (located at the hot foods bar), and Shrimp Poke.

The PCC website’s menu notes Ahi Shoyu Poke, Spicy Local Fish Poke, Tofu Poke (Vegan), and Ulu Uala Poke. This menu was not exactly what we had in our luau, so do take it with a grain of salt!

At the Ali’i Luau, you’ll also find a couple of other stations serving fish, fish jerky, and the main attraction … drumroll please…. the Imu Pua’a Pork!

The kalua pork was truly amazing. The first time I tried the buffet back in 2015 or so, I remember it being just okay — nothing special.

This time around, each bite we had was SO tender and juicy! We even got seconds, and even then, the pork was so good! Not a dry piece whatsoever.

If you’re able to get in line early, definitely try to get a piece of pork skin. It was so flavorful and crunchy. I’ve gotta say, we were all really impressed with how the pork tasted. To the point where we’d say it was a top 3 highlight of the luau!

The next call out is this basket of taro rolls. I know, you probably don’t want to get full off of bread, but these soft and fluffy taro rolls are so worth the calories and the stomach space! These rolls are another top 3 luau food for us.

For those of you who are craving veggies while in Hawaii, this is your chance to stock up on unlimited salad!

At this point, we all had full plates and had to start eating before exploring the luau more. As you can see below, we opted for a little bit of everything, including a little cup of poi. I definitely went hard on the broccolini in order to get my greens in!

After my first plate, I was feeling EXTRA bloated. I had very little stomach space left and two options: eat a boatload of desserts or eat a boatload of fruits.

Everyone in the group chose to fill up on desserts. I chose to gorge on papayas, longans, and kiwis! These fruits are usually quite expensive back home, so I needed to fill up while I could.

The papayas were to die for! Hawaii’s papayas are truly nature’s masterpieces. Well, at least in my eyes.

Is The Ali’i Luau Worth The Money?

If you’ve never done a luau before, I’d say that the Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is worth the money.

Honestly, the food was REALLY good! Having done the same luau back in 2015-ish and once again in 2024, I found the food to be immensely better than it was when I first went years ago!

I did this luau with three other people (two are really judgy and picky when it comes to food) and we all agreed the food was pretty darn good for being a buffet-style meal.

The only thing worth calling out as a potential negative is the fact that PCC does not serve alcohol. You’ll find soft drinks and tea, but no alcoholic drinks.

Looking for a luau that serves alcohol? For a traditional luau experience with alcohol, we think there are better ones out there like Paradise Cove Luau and Toa Luau.

However, if you’re looking for a jam-packed day of immersive fun, learning, cultural activities, and entertainment with a luau, I’d say PCC is unbeatable and 100% worth the money!

If you’re down to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, I’d recommend you at least opt for the Ali’i Luau Package. This is our go-to package whenever we visit with friends.

We’ve never tried the Gateway Buffet, but being $50 cheaper than the Ali’i Luau Package, it could be a more budget-friendly option to the Ali’i Luau.

And if you’re celebrating something special (like a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc.), I’d say splurge and go for the even-more-premium Super Ambassador Package. We opted for this package on our latest visit as it was my cousin’s 35th birthday and we were treated like royalty! It was amazing.

Book your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets on the official site here.

I hope you found this Polynesian Cultural Center review helpful. If you’re looking for additional Oahu travel tips, check out my other posts here:

What To Pack For A Week In Hawaii: 60 Essential Things To Bring

125 Bucket List Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii

Go City Oahu Review: Is The Pass Worth The Money?

33 Fun and Free Family Activities In Oahu

Essential Oahu Tips For First Timers: Things You Need To Know

Oahu North Shore: 12 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

​https://travelswithelle.com/hawaii/polynesian-cultural-center-alii-luau-review/ 

Wondering if the food at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali’i Luau is any good?

Wondering if it’s worth the money to splurge on the Ali’i Luau experience over the Gateway Buffet dinner at the Polynesian Cultural Center?

In this post, I’ll share with you everything we ate on our most recent visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center in 2024.

We personally thought the food was great, but I’ll describe our luau experience in more detail so you can ultimately decide if it’s right for you.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

What To Expect At The Ali’i Luau At The Polynesian Cultural Center

The Ali’i Luau is a traditional luau set up, where a couple hundred people will attend and dine around the main stage. When you arrive, you’ll get lei’ed and have the option to take a group pic (for purchase).

Upon getting seated, you’ll get a fun little welcome drink! Ours was a non-alcoholic pina colada inside of a pineapple. The food is served buffet-style for about 30 minutes before the entertainment begins.

In terms of food, you can expect typical luau buffet-style food such as taro rolls, multiple types of poke, Imu Pua’a Pork (a pig cooked onsite IN the ground), pan-seared local fish, teriyaki brisket, huli chicken, fried saimin, salads, assorted fruits, and desserts.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there’s stuff you can eat too!

Vegan options include Tofu Poke, Pulehu Broccolini (Gluten-free), Hekka a, Uala Hasselback (Gluten-free), Vegetarian Fried Rice, Pickled Cucumber w/ Kahuku limu, Sweet Potato Salad, Poi, and Kabocha Pumpkin.

There’s also a whole salad bar at the Ali’i Luau.

The salad bar has all kinds of fixings including sunflower seeds, mushroom slices, garbanzo beans, olives, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onions, cheese, ham, bacon bits, cucumber, and croutons.

Along with the food is a side of live entertainment. The entertainment usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and is comprised of a mix of professional performers (hula dancers and young kiddies) and bits where the host calls people up to the stage to dance.

Everything I Ate At The Ali’i Luau Buffet

Alright, let’s get to the fun stuff, what the food actually looked and tasted like!

Let’s start with the hot foods. Pictured here are the following:

Teriyaki brisket

Pipikaula (beef short ribs)

Pan-seared local fish

Crispy garlic shrimp

Chicken and squash

Hulihuli chicken

Half-pictured here is the veggies section, consisting of things like lomi lomi salmon, pickled cucumbers, kabocha squash, broccolini, Okinawan potato salad, fried rice, steamed rice, fried saimin, and more.

Then, there’s the cold section. The poke bar was impressive because it basically tripled in size compared to when I last experienced it. This time around, there was Spicy Salmon Poke, Kimchi Tako Poke, Tofu Poke (located at the hot foods bar), and Shrimp Poke.

The PCC website’s menu notes Ahi Shoyu Poke, Spicy Local Fish Poke, Tofu Poke (Vegan), and Ulu Uala Poke. This menu was not exactly what we had in our luau, so do take it with a grain of salt!

At the Ali’i Luau, you’ll also find a couple of other stations serving fish, fish jerky, and the main attraction … drumroll please…. the Imu Pua’a Pork!

The kalua pork was truly amazing. The first time I tried the buffet back in 2015 or so, I remember it being just okay — nothing special.

This time around, each bite we had was SO tender and juicy! We even got seconds, and even then, the pork was so good! Not a dry piece whatsoever.

If you’re able to get in line early, definitely try to get a piece of pork skin. It was so flavorful and crunchy. I’ve gotta say, we were all really impressed with how the pork tasted. To the point where we’d say it was a top 3 highlight of the luau!

The next call out is this basket of taro rolls. I know, you probably don’t want to get full off of bread, but these soft and fluffy taro rolls are so worth the calories and the stomach space! These rolls are another top 3 luau food for us.

For those of you who are craving veggies while in Hawaii, this is your chance to stock up on unlimited salad!

At this point, we all had full plates and had to start eating before exploring the luau more. As you can see below, we opted for a little bit of everything, including a little cup of poi. I definitely went hard on the broccolini in order to get my greens in!

After my first plate, I was feeling EXTRA bloated. I had very little stomach space left and two options: eat a boatload of desserts or eat a boatload of fruits.

Everyone in the group chose to fill up on desserts. I chose to gorge on papayas, longans, and kiwis! These fruits are usually quite expensive back home, so I needed to fill up while I could.

The papayas were to die for! Hawaii’s papayas are truly nature’s masterpieces. Well, at least in my eyes.

Is The Ali’i Luau Worth The Money?

If you’ve never done a luau before, I’d say that the Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is worth the money.

Honestly, the food was REALLY good! Having done the same luau back in 2015-ish and once again in 2024, I found the food to be immensely better than it was when I first went years ago!

I did this luau with three other people (two are really judgy and picky when it comes to food) and we all agreed the food was pretty darn good for being a buffet-style meal.

The only thing worth calling out as a potential negative is the fact that PCC does not serve alcohol. You’ll find soft drinks and tea, but no alcoholic drinks.

Looking for a luau that serves alcohol? For a traditional luau experience with alcohol, we think there are better ones out there like Paradise Cove Luau and Toa Luau.

However, if you’re looking for a jam-packed day of immersive fun, learning, cultural activities, and entertainment with a luau, I’d say PCC is unbeatable and 100% worth the money!

If you’re down to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, I’d recommend you at least opt for the Ali’i Luau Package. This is our go-to package whenever we visit with friends.

We’ve never tried the Gateway Buffet, but being $50 cheaper than the Ali’i Luau Package, it could be a more budget-friendly option to the Ali’i Luau.

And if you’re celebrating something special (like a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc.), I’d say splurge and go for the even-more-premium Super Ambassador Package. We opted for this package on our latest visit as it was my cousin’s 35th birthday and we were treated like royalty! It was amazing.

Book your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets on the official site here.

I hope you found this Polynesian Cultural Center review helpful. If you’re looking for additional Oahu travel tips, check out my other posts here:

What To Pack For A Week In Hawaii: 60 Essential Things To Bring

125 Bucket List Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii

Go City Oahu Review: Is The Pass Worth The Money?

33 Fun and Free Family Activities In Oahu

Essential Oahu Tips For First Timers: Things You Need To Know

Oahu North Shore: 12 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

​https://travelswithelle.com/hawaii/polynesian-cultural-center-alii-luau-review/ 

The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular activities in Oahu. I’ve been to the Polynesian Cultural Center FOUR times and I still find myself learning so much about Polynesian history and customs every time I visit.

When you’re there, you have a choice on the number of activities you partake in.

With Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali’i Luau Package, you’ll not only get a delicious luau dinner with live entertainment but also admission to the Islands of Polynesia area. With the right tickets, you’ll also be able to watch the epic nighttime entertainment show, Hā: Breath of Life, which is NOT to be missed. It’s so good!

But you can still level up from there. Yep, there’s the Super Ambassador Package, which I tried out for the first time on my latest visit to PCC.

Is it worth the money? What do you actually get that’s so much better than the Ali’i Luau Package? How’s the food? What does the private tour guide actually do?

Below, I’ll share my entire Super Ambassador experience with you and we’ll dive into all of your most burning questions, too!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

What To Expect With The Super Ambassador Package At PCC

When you’re at PCC, get ready for a sensory overload. If you opt for the Super Ambassador Package, your day will include:

a private guided tour through 6 island villages that make up the Islands Of Polynesia experience (from ~12:30 pm – 5:30 pm)

the Aliʻi Lūʻau Buffet with live entertainment + a flower lei greeting at the lūʻau (seating begins at 4:40 pm, luau is from 5:00 – 6:30 pm)

Exclusive Platinum level seating at “HĀ: Breath of Life” evening show (the best seating in the front two rows! Show is from 7:30 – 8:45 pm)

You’ll also get the following perks:

Kukui nut lei greeting

Reserved seating at all village presentations

Free digital souvenir photo

Reserved Canoe tour just for the Super Ambassadors

Free Smoothie at Aliʻi Lūʻau

Free 3-day pass to the island villages (after initial visit)

Let’s do a quick breakdown of each experience throughout the day.

VIP Check In

Upon arrival, you’ll trade in your purchase confirmation for actual tickets at the entrance. You’ll get three sets of tickets — one for the Islands of Polynesia, another for the Ali’i Luau Buffet, and another for the HĀ: Breath of Life show (the tickets have your assigned seats on them).

From there, you’ll be told to head to the Islands of Polynesia to start your guided tour. Once you’re there, you’ll be taken to the VIP Check-In area, where your guide will be assigned.

While we were waiting for our guide to get things sorted, we were told to grab as much water/snacks as we’d like for our day.

There were fruit snacks, cookies, crackers, and other packaged goodies that kids would really enjoy.

Islands of Polynesia

At the Islands of Polynesia, you’ll find a wide variety of interactive exhibits, replica Polynesian villages, and hourly spotlight shows featuring traditional rituals, music/dance performances, tree climbing, and even fire dancing!

You’ll find a ton of hands-on activities such as learning how to do a Tahitian dance, learning how to twirl poi balls, making fire the Samoan way, tasting coconut bread, tasing poi, and so much more.

The immersive, hands-on aspect is what’s coolest about the Islands of Polynesia. It’s a great place to experience what it’s like to have lived on these islands because you can take part in so many activities that are unique to each island.

Our private tour guide started off our visit by asking us which islands we’d like to prioritize with our time there. Since we showed up a bit later during the day, we weren’t able to start our tour until 2:15pm, which meant we only had about 3 hours to explore before the luau portion began.

Since Papu and I had been there before, we knew we wanted our first-timer friends to experience Aotearoa and Samoa for sure. We also wanted to fit in a canoe ride as well as some Tahitian dancing, which our tour guide took note of.

She created an itinerary for us on the spot, which ended up taking us through all the villages. We were able to catch the 30-minute cultural presentations at Aotearoa and Samoa, while also trying out some of the fun hands-on activities at the remainder of the villages.

With the Super Ambassador Package, you get reserved front-row seating at all of the cultural presentations which was awesome. The seats will literally have your name on them!

Without the Super Ambassador Package, you’d have to show up to snag seats super early, which digs into your free time to explore and try hands-on activities. During prior visits where we didn’t have Super Ambassador status, we’ve had to watch a lot of the shows standing or with pretty terrible seats under the sun.

When we weren’t watching shows, our guide was teaching us things about the Polynesian islands, answering all of our most burning questions about Polynesian culture, and taking us around to do hands-on activities at the different villages.

During our three hours, we were able to enjoy the following activities with our guide right beside us the whole time:

Aotearoa cultural presentation (30-minute show)

Samoa cultural presentation (30-minute show)

Tried Tahitian dancing (Tahiti)

Tried hiko, the art of juggling (Tonga)

Tried poi and coconut bread (Hawaii and Tahiti)

Played traditional games (Hawaii)

Learned to twirl the Poi Waeroa (Aotearoa)

… we would have loved to do more had we shown up earlier!

With each activity, she explained the significance of it in a way that really allowed us to picture life back in time. It definitely made the entire experience way more enriching than if we did everything on our own!

For example, had we done a self-guided trip through the villages, we never would have learned about the little intricacies of Queen Salote’s Summer Home and how seashells by a door meant that the door was only meant for royalty.

At one point during the day, we rode our reserved Super Ambassador canoe over to one of the islands, which was nice because we didn’t have to wait in line at all for it!

Other daytime activities at PCC

Outside of the six village areas, you can do a bunch of other stuff in the daytime including:

shopping in the large Hukilau Marketplace

see the Football Hall of Fame

watch a cinematic movie showcasing the beauty of the Hawaiian islands

go on a canoe ride

grab a bite to eat (at Ali’i Luau, Gateway Buffet, or at Hukilau Marketplace)

take a tour of La’ie and BYU

The Ali’i Luau with live entertainment

At around 5pm, we headed over to the Ali’i Luau area to get our grub on. At this point, your tour guide will say goodbye to you for the night!

The Ali’i Luau is a traditional luau set up, where a couple hundred people will attend and dine around the main stage. When you arrive, you’ll get lei’ed and have the option to take a group pic (for purchase).

Upon getting seated, you’ll get a fun little welcome drink! Ours was a non-alcoholic pina colada inside of a pineapple. The food is served buffet-style for about 30 minutes before the entertainment begins.

In terms of food, you can expect typical luau buffet-style food such as taro rolls, poke, kalua pork (from a pig cooked onsite IN the ground), pan-seared local fish, teriyaki brisket, huli chicken, fried saimin, salads, assorted fruits, and desserts.

Honestly, the food was REALLY good! Having done the luau back in 2015ish and in 2024, I found the food to be immensely better than when I first went years ago! I went with three other people (two are really judgy and picky when it comes to food) and we all agreed the food was pretty darn good for being a buffet-style meal.

The entertainment usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and is comprised of a mix of professional performers (hula dancers and young kiddies) and bits where the host is calling people up to the stage to dance.

Free time from 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Between the luau and the evening show, you’ll have about 1 hour to kill. Prior to leaving us, our tour guide gave us some ideas on what to fill our time with.

With the free hour that we had, we decided to start by watch the 14-minute cinematic experience at the Hawaiian Journey theater, which basically showcases the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands through film.

From there, we did a little strolling/shopping through the Hukilau Marketplace, which was conveniently located next to the theater for the evening show.

If that doesn’t interest you, you could also take a ukelele lesson, take the tram tour through La’ie and Brigham Young University, or chat up the workers to learn even more about Polynesian culture.

Hā: Breath of Life evening show

Regardless of your dinner choice, the one thing at the Polynesian Cultural Center that you absolutely can’t miss is the evening show, Hā: Breath of Life. The show starts at 7:30pm.

And with the Super Ambassador Package, you get front and center seating at the Hā: Breath of Life show.

This show is truly entertaining! I don’t want to give any spoilers, but you can expect a lot of dancers and performers, a good plot, lots of acting, and fire dancing!

The evening show featuring over 100 Polynesian natives, special effects, animation and surround sound. You’ll see all sorts of dancing styles based on different Polynesian cultures, which is great if you weren’t able to catch all the cultural presentations at the Islands of Polynesia.

I gotta mention the fire dancing section of the show. PURE AMAZEMENT!

If you want more details about what you’ll see during the show, continue reading. If not, just head to the next section!

The Story of Hā: Breath of Life:

Plot: On a perilous night, fleeing from their home to an unfamiliar island, a man and woman bring their first child into the world. He is named “Mana”. He grows and learns lifelong values from his family and community.

Birth (Tonga): Friendly Tongan villagers welcome newborn Mana and his parents.

Childhood (Hawaii): Mana’s birthday is celebrated with a joyful Hawaiian lu’au.

Growing Up (Aotearoa): As Mana learns the way of the Māori people, he becomes a man.

Love (Samoa): Exploring new villages and new people, Mana finds true love.

Marriage (Tahiti): Mana’s marriage, like the Rahitian art of pearl diving, requires Mana and his fiance to be all in.

Family (Fiji): Preparing to become a father in his Fijian village, Mana experiences the inevitable tribulations of life.

Islands of Polynesia: The Six Villages

To give you a better idea of how to spend your afternoon, let’s breakdown the different villages that make up the Islands of Polynesia.

There are six villages at the Polynesian Cultural Center: Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Hawaii. Each village has its own history and customs, as illustrated via the interactive island cultural presentations and hands-on activities.

One of the coolest aspects of visiting the villages of PCC is that most of the people staffing each village are actually from the island they’re representing!

Here’s what you can expect from each of the islands.

Samoa

Samoans are known throughout Polynesia as the “happy people”! Samoans are famous for their cooking skills as well as fire knife dances. You can experience both of these skills at the Samoan Village.

Since Papu is half Samoan, we always like spending a little extra time in this village.

I’d highly recommend catching the cultural presentation that takes place multiple times per hour. It’s SO funny, and if you catch the later shows (around 4pm and after) you’ll even catch some really impressive fire dancing!

Activities include:

Weaving your own fish with coconut leaves

Learning how to spin a fire knife

Making fire the Samoan way (without matches!)

Coconut shell dance

Fiji

Fijians may be most famous for their skills in battle, but they are also wonderful singers and makers of clay pottery. This is definitely a very energetic and exciting village to visit!

Activities include:

Discovering how coconut oil is made

Learning about an authentic Camakau (Fijian outrigger canoe)

Learn to play the derua (bamboo instrument)

Getting a washable Fijian warrior tattoo

Make your own Kesakesa Pattern

Tonga

If you’re at PCC and you hear drumming in the distance, chances are it’s coming from Tongan village. This area is a ton of fun, as you’ll get to try your hand at a lot of activities such as spear-throwing and even paddling in an outrigger canoe.

The canoes here are NOT on a track, so you’ll actually have to paddle to get moving! For a more leisurely canoe ride where you can just sit back and relax, hop on the 20-person canoe ride instead.

The cultural presentation at Tonga is a lot of fun, as there’s a lot of focus on dance, music, the Nafa (drums), and cultural core values.

Activities include:

Paddling in a Tongan-inspired outrigger canoe (my personal fave!)

Trying lafo (Tongan shuffle board), an ancient royal game

Touring a replica of the Queen Salote’s Summer Home

Weaving a windmill from coconut leaves

Trying your hand at hiko, the ancient art of juggling

Learning Nafa-drumming

Tahiti

On top of showcasing the dancing skills that they’re so famously known for, you’ll also get to learn about other aspects of Tahitian culture such as love and marriage, fishing and cooking.

You’ll find multiple types of cultural presentations at the Tahiti area throughout the day. At the time of writing, there’s the Intro to French Polynesia, Rhythms of the Islands, and the Tahitian Wedding Ceremony.

I’ve personally seen the wedding ceremony show at it’s great!

Activities include:

Tasting handmade coconut bread

Fishing in the lagoon with bamboo poles

Learning how to dance the Ori Tahiti

Get a washable Tahitian tattoo

Spear throwing

Witness a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony

Aotearoa (New Zealand)

Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud) is the home of the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Māori people are known for their elaborately carved meeting houses as well as their dancing, including the Haka which many of you may have already seen without knowing it at some point in your lives!

No matter when we’re at PCC, we always try to make it a point to catch the Aotearoa cultural presentations — I love watching their high-energy singing and dancing performances. Plus, getting to see the haka performed is always so moving.

Activities include:

Twirling the double-long Poi (ball on end of string)

Try the Kapo Rākau to help you quicken your reflexes and reaction time

Testing your hand-eye coordination skills with Titi-torea (Maori stick game)

Exploring replicas of an ancient dwelling site, ancestral meeting house, Māori war canoe, and more

Hawaii

Hawaiians are great storytellers, and at the Hawaiian village, you’re going to hear a lot about not only the beauty of their islands but the beauty of their culture as well. 

Our favorite activities here and taking the hula lessons and trying the freshly made poi! If you’re a fan of hula dancing, do not miss their cultural presentation, The Sound of Hula.

Activities include:

Practicing Hawaiian hula

Watching how poi is made (and then tasting it for yourself!)

See all of the beautiful items that can be made with lauhala

Try your hand at traditional Hawaiian games of skill

Traditional net throwing

Get a washable Hawaiian tattoo

Iosepa Learning Center

Don’t forget to head to the corner of the Hawaiian village, where you’ll find the Iosepa Canoe and Learning Center. The canoe is a working replica of a traditional Hawaiian double-hulled voyaging canoe, and it’s MASSIVE.

We found that it was so awe-inspiring being that close to it, imagining what life would have been like in the past, traveling on such a massive yet traditional watercraft!

While you’re here, you can also learn a bunch of things, including:

learning how to make ropes with coconut husks

learning how to navigate by the stars

learn about the wood species used to build canoes

Building wooden canoe puzzles

learning how to tie sailing knots

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

This smaller island exhibit in the center of the villages features seven hand-carved moai, or stone statues, created onsite by artisans from Rapa Nui.

There are no activities in this area, but there sure is a lot to learn via the interpretive signs detailing the Rapa Nui history.

Bottom Line: Is The Super Ambassador Package Worth It?

Let’s quickly compare the prices of the two Luau Packages:

Aliʻi Lūʻau Package: $194.95 (adults) | $155.96 (children)

Super Ambassador Package: $289.95 (adults) | $231.96 (children)

Price difference between the two packages: ~$90 for adults and $75 for children

If you ask me, the Super Ambassador Package is totally worth it if you fall into one of these categories:

You are a first timer who knows absolutely nothing about Polynesian culture and heritage

You are celebrating something special (like a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc.)

You are traveling with a larger family of adults and want someone to guide you through the massive property

You find value in the reserved seating at the cultural shows throughout the day

You want to get the best possible seats at Hā: Breath of Life

The Super Ambassador Package might not be for you if:

You’re visiting with a lot of kids — the $75 price jump from Ali’i Luau to Super Ambassador might not be worth it for kids if they’re not interested in learning or priority seating.

For me, here are the elements of the Super Ambassador Package that make this experience SO worth the money:

Your private tour guide

While having a private tour guide was weird to me at first, we actually found it to be very helpful given how much information we learned throughout the day.

Since Papu and I had been to PCC multiple times in the past (whereas the two others we were with were first-timers), we would have basically played tour guide to them had we not had Matiria.

But since we had Matiria as our guide, Papu and I were able to chill and enjoy PCC too! We ended up learning so much about life back in the days, ancient dwellings, Polynesian royalty, and voyaging canoes.

While we would have managed fine without a tour guide, we were able to get random facts about what we were seeing and experiencing, which added to the overall experience.

Reserved seating at the cultural presentations

Having reserved seating at all of the cultural shows at the villages was so useful and perhaps one of my favorite parts of this premium experience.

Without the Super Ambassador Package’s reserved seating, we would have had to show up to each presentation about 20 minutes early to snag seats.

This would ultimately cut into our free time of doing hands-on activities. During prior visits where we didn’t have Super Ambassador status, we’ve had to watch a lot of the shows standing or with seats far in the back or even under the sun.

Platinum seating at Hā: Breath of Life

I have bad eyes, so having Platinum level seats meant we were front and center during the whole performance.

PCC doesn’t have a film crew projecting all the action on larger screens, so having close-up seating was ideal.

Kukui nut lei and flower lei

One of the most fun experiences you can have as a first-timer in Hawaii is getting lei’ed. I remember getting lei’ed as a 6th grader when I first went to Maui, and it remains one of the fondest memories I have from that trip.

My cousin, as the first-timer he was, really wanted the lei experience. With the Super Ambassador Package, you get not one, but TWO leis throughout your day at PCC — once upon arrival and once right before you get seated for the luau.

If you value this kind of experience (which is especially memorable for Hawaii first-timers), then I think the Super Ambassador Package is awesome for that.

Everything else!

You get free water and snacks at the VIP Check-in Area, a reserved canoe ride so that you don’t need to waste time waiting in the general admission line, and a free digital photo.

All in all, if you think forking up $95 extra dollars for these perks is worth it, then the Super Ambassador Package is for you. If not, opting for the Aliʻi Lūʻau Package is probably good enough!

Book your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets on the official site here.

What’s Not Included With The Super Ambassador Package

Free souvenir photos. You only get the digital download of ONE photo, as opposed to the printed photo that they take at the luau. (They’ll try to sell this to you after the luau.)

Transportation to and from your hotel in Waikiki. This costs extra and you can add it onto your ticket purchase when you buy advance tickets.

Essential Tips For Your Visit To The Polynesian Cultural Center

Arrive early! And we mean it! You will need all of the hours PCC is open in order to see everything in the Islands of Polynesia area. (This is the exact reason I’ve gone 3 times–I’ve always gone later in the day and ran out of time to explore.)

Take advantage of the transportation option from Waikiki if you aren’t renting a car for the duration of your trip. This costs extra and can be purchased online along with your ticket.

You will walk a lot (several miles worth of walking), so wear comfortable shoes–you can go with comfortable walking shoes or supportive sandals.

It can get very hot during the summer months so make sure you pack plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Bring a water bottle and refill it throughout the day.

Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times; no swimsuits.

Wear sunscreen and a hat! The Polynesian Cultural Center is mostly outdoors with grassy fields. The cultural demonstration shows do have shaded seating, but some of it can be in the sun (depending on time of day and whether you can get a seat or not).

Two great reef-safe sunscreens that we like to use when we go to tropical destinations are: Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen or Kokua Sun Care 50/80 Min Water Resistance Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen

When an island/village is putting on its cultural presentation (usually about 30 minutes long), the village activities there will not be held. You have two choices here–either watch the main show or visit other villages until they resume their activities once the show is over.

Island villages close at around 5:30 pm to allow visitors who opted in for the luau to eat before the evening show (seating starts at 7 pm).

For those visiting with very young children who may also be jetlagged: the evening show runs from about 7:30-9 pm Hawaii time. This can be really late depending on what your home time is, especially for those who are dealing with a large time change. Do carefully consider whether or not your kid can make it through the show without being too fussy and disrupting others’ viewing experience.

Be aware that strobe lights and sudden loud noises are used in the show.

Polynesian Cultural Center: Frequently Asked Questions

What do you wear to the Polynesian Cultural Center?

First off, wear comfortable shoes! You will be doing a lot of walking over the course of the day, so you’ll want good support for your feet.

Next, because it will likely be hot and sunny, plan to wear comfortable clothes and a hat for sun protection.

While there is no requirement to look fancy or done up, for the ladies and fellas who want to dress up a bit for the luau, flowy dresses and light linen shirts/pants will do.

How long does it take to do the Polynesian Cultural Center?

Honestly, it could take the whole day from the time the park opens until the park closes.

The park typically opens around the early afternoon and closes at 9 pm.

For the best experience in the island villages, plan to spend five hours there alone. If you have tickets to the luau and evening show, plan on being there until 9 pm.

What’s better: the Polynesian Cultural Center Luau or Paradise Cove Luau?

In my opinion, the overall Polynesian Cultural Center experience is a much better value than the Paradise Cove experience. Why? Because it is so much more than a luau!

While you can get the same types of foods at both luaus, there are some differences in what their admissions come with.

Drinks: Paradise Cove does offer a welcome mai tai drink as well as bars with alcohol for purchase, while PCC has no alcohol, but offers punch, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea.

Night Entertainment: The entertainment at Paradise Cove can be considered ‘better’ to some, as it has more traditional Polynesian acts compared to what you’ll get at PCC.

Activities: And while Paradise Cove does offer pre-dinner activities, PCC offers a whole afternoon filled with activities and shows (6 villages, canoe rides, a marketplace for shopping, and a movie theater).

All in all, I’d say if you’re looking for a more traditional evening luau, then go with Paradise Cove.

If you’re looking for a whole day of cultural immersion and entertainment that also happens to have a luau and an evening production (a show with a storyline that features lots of Polynesian dancing), go with Polynesian Cultural Center!

I hope you found this Polynesian Cultural Center review helpful! If you’re looking for more Oahu travel tips, you may also like:

What To Pack For A Week In Hawaii: 60 Essential Things To Bring

125 Bucket List Things To Do In Oahu, Hawaii

Go City Oahu Review: Is The Pass Worth The Money?

33 Fun and Free Family Activities In Oahu

Essential Oahu Tips For First Timers: Things You Need To Know

Oahu North Shore: 10 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

​https://travelswithelle.com/hawaii/super-ambassador-luau-pcc-review/ 

Posted: 4/2/2024 | April 2nd, 2024

Iceland is a magical country. It just feels out of this world, like you’re on another planet. The rugged volcanoes and black-sand beaches give the island a desolate but striking appearance. If you ask me, it’s right up there with New Zealand and Norway in terms of the most beautiful countries in the world.

And, just like both of those destinations, it’s an amazing place to take a road trip.

Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, safety, and ease of transportation, Iceland has become a popular destination for solo travelers and first-time road trippers. Yes, it can be expensive, but it has so much to see and do, including tons of amazing hikes and waterfalls that are free to enjoy. You don’t need to break the bank here.

Having been to Iceland a handful of times over the years, I think taking a road trip is the best way to explore the country. So, to ensure you save time and money and stay safe during your trip, here are my top 13 Iceland road-trip tips:

 

1. Make sure you have car insurance

I never leave home without travel insurance. And I never rent a car without comprehensive auto insurance either.

In most destinations, this might seem like overkill. I mean, how often do you actually use your car insurance?

In Iceland, however, the weather changes often — and drastically.

Rain and snow are common, and gravel and sand often damage windows. But the real threat most drivers aren’t prepared for is the wind. The gusts here are so strong that car doors are regularly ripped off their hinges (every time I’ve rented a car here, the company has reminded me of this).

Combine that with winding, narrow roads and an abundance of active volcanoes, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for car trouble.

That’s why I always recommend travelers have comprehensive car rental coverage when they visit Iceland. Because it’s much better to be safe than sorry here!

When it comes to renting a car, I recommend Discover Cars. When you book, it’s super easy to add car insurance onto your purchase with the click of a button. They make it clear what is covered and how much it costs.

You can use the widget below to get a quote. It’s fast and free:

 

2. Rent the right vehicle

It’s easy to rent a car in Iceland. You don’t need an International Driving Permit if you have a valid license using Latin letters with a license number, photograph, and expiration date. That means Americans, Canadians, Australians, Brits, and New Zealanders can all rent a car here with their regular license.

When renting a vehicle in Iceland, you have three main choices:

A car
A 4×4 (4WD)
A van/RV

If you’re just planning to see the main sights while sleeping in hostels, hotels, and/or Airbnbs, a regular car will do the trick. It’s the cheapest option too.

If you want to explore the rugged interior (known as the Highlands), a 4×4 is required, since the roads there are often unpaved, gravel ones called “F-roads,” which can only be traversed by 4×4 vehicles (if you drive a regular car on them, your insurance coverage will be void).

Your final choice is a campervan/RV. These are for travelers who want to sleep in their vehicle as they travel. They are the most expensive option, but you’ll save money on accommodation, so it kind of balances out.

Just keep in mind that standard transmissions are the norm here, so reserve an automatic-transmission vehicle if that’s a requirement for you.

(Note: No matter what type of vehicle you have, never drive off-road. It is highly illegal due to the fragility of Iceland’s ecosystem. Not only does off-roading damage this beautiful environment, but you could face stiff fines if caught.)
 

3. Download the right apps

Everyone road-tripping around Iceland should have the following apps downloaded to or websites bookmarked on their phone:

Google Translate – While English is widely spoken, the app can be helpful for reading signs and directions. Just make sure to download Icelandic for offline use so that you can still translate things even without mobile data.
Google Maps – The best app for looking up directions. Make sure to download your maps so you have them for offline use.
Safetravel.is – This app shares weather alerts, road closure information, and more. It’s good to have so you can be kept up to date should inclement weather or emergencies arise.
Vedur.is – This is the best weather app for Iceland.
Samferda – This website is great for finding passengers if you want to share a ride with someone. (If you’re a passenger and need a ride, you can post here too.) Another helpful site for finding passengers is Couchsurfing.

Check the international policies and charges on your phone plan before leaving, so as to avoid unexpected charges when using these apps and/or websites. If you want to stay connected with unlimited data on your trip, get an eSIM.
 

4. Bring a paper map

Whenever I go on a road trip, I always bring a paper map. I know, Google Maps is easy and free, and mobile data coverage in Iceland is reliable. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know when your phone is going to break, if your signal will be lost, or there will be an emergency.

Give yourself peace of mind: bring a paper road map with you, and just leave it in the glove box. You likely won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it!
 

5. Choose your direction wisely

The vast majority of travelers road-tripping through Iceland drive the Ring Road (aka Route 1, the country’s main highway) counterclockwise. This allows you to start with the famous Golden Circle and then head toward popular sights like the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Sólheimasandur crash site, the glacier lagoon, and more. If you only have a few days to explore, this is the best direction to choose. If it’s your first-time visiting Iceland, this is the direction I suggest.

However, if you want to be contrarian or you want to get off the beaten path, head clockwise. There are still some sights you can visit to kick things off, such as the postcard-perfect Mount Kirkjufell and the rugged Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

If you really want to get off the beaten path and beat the crowds, head to the Westfjords. Only a fraction of travelers come here, so it’s home to some of the most unspoiled landscapes in the country. It was also the highlight of all my time in Iceland.
 

6. Avoid the F-roads (if you have a car)

As mentioned above, F-roads are rugged, unpaved routes that generally lead off the main Ring Road into the interior. Driving on these roads requires a 4×4 (4WD). If you have a regular car, you won’t be permitted to drive on them. You will void your insurance coverage while also risking blowing a tire or damaging the car. It’s not worth it!
 

7. Check the weather often

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the weather in Iceland changes rapidly. For that reason, you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast. While driving in wind or rain might not be an issue, if you’re planning to get out and hike or visit some of the waterfalls, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the weather. The Vedur.is app (mentioned above) is a must.

No matter what time of year you visit, bring rain gear (including a hat), waterproof footwear, and a sweater. Even in the summer, Iceland is rarely hot, and rain isn’t uncommon either. Prepare accordingly so your trip isn’t ruined (especially if you plan on hiking).
 

8. Only pull over where there is space

You are going to be tempted to stop your car often to take photos. And I mean really often. Not only are the main sights in Iceland awe-inspiring, but the average sights are stunning too. You’ll come across random vistas and waterfalls, craggy moss-covered hills, black-sand beaches, and so much more.

It will be tempting to pull over to get out and take photos, but do so with caution. Try to pull off the road only at designated stops or where there is room to do so without impeding traffic. While the Ring Road isn’t a superhighway, it is a busy route with regular traffic in both directions. Don’t endanger yourself or others for a photo. Stick to designated stopping areas.
 

9. Keep an eye on your gas tank

Once you leave the busier part of the island around Reykjavik, gas stations become few and far between. For that reason, you’ll want to fill up when you can. Don’t just wait until you have a quarter tank, as you might run out of gas before you get to the next station.

While you can generally look up where gas stations are via Google Maps, I always make sure to top up when I can. The peace of mind is worth it. You’ll also be covered in case you get delayed or change your travel plans at the last minute.
 

10. Don’t rush

A lot of people think that, because Iceland is small, you can see the sights in just a matter of days.

You can’t.

If you’re looking to drive the entire Ring Road, plan for at least 10-14 days. While you can do it in less, you will be rushed and will spend more time driving than I’d recommend. (If you just want to see the main highlights in the south and east, 5-7 days is sufficient.)

I prefer quality over quantity, so I always suggest travelers slow down and really soak in the sights. You won’t regret it.

If you’re looking for recommended itineraries, this post breaks down all my suggestions for different time frames, all the way up to an entire month.
 

11. Avoid the summer (and also the winter)

Iceland suffers from success. The country is swamped by travelers during the summer, between late June and early August, as that is when the weather is the warmest and the days are the longest. While “busy” in Iceland is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Barcelona or Venice, it can still be crowded around Reykjavik and the sights closest to the city.

For that reason, I suggest visiting in the shoulder season. The weather is still warm and there will be far fewer people. Everything will be a little cheaper too.

If you are set on going in the summer, I’d suggest heading off to the Westfjords. It’s the least-visited area of the country and offers some of the most untamed and beautiful landscapes in Iceland.

Additionally, I suggest avoiding winter visits too if you plan on driving. Road conditions are less than ideal, and snowstorms are frequent. Unless you have lots of experience with winter driving, skip that season. (You can definitely do a winter visit to see the northern lights, I just wouldn’t rent a car for that.)

Personally, I think late May to early June and late August to early September are the best times to visit. Prices are cheaper, the weather is decent, and the crowds are thinner.
 

12. Pick up passengers

If you’re traveling on a budget, consider taking passengers. Having people chip in for gas for a leg or two of your journey is a great way to save money while also connecting with like-minded travelers. As mentioned above, you can use websites like Samferda or Couchsurfing to find them.

Another option is to pick up hitchhikers. In the warmer months, hitchhiking is super common along the Ring Road (I hitchhiked here and had a great experience). While they generally don’t have money to contribute, they likely have cool stories and great tips. It’s an easy way to help other travelers and liven up your own trip.
 

13. Follow the rules of the road

Being a responsible traveler means following local norms and laws. Be aware that Iceland has stricter driving laws and penalties than you may be used to. Make sure to do the following:

Never drive off-road. Respect the fragile Icelandic ecosystem and never drive off-road.
Never drink and drive. Iceland has very strict laws about driving under the influence (0.02% is the limit). Not only are you endangering yourself and others, but the fines are extremely high (100,000 ISK).
Never use your phone while driving. Use a hands-free setup if you need to talk and drive, or else pull over. Not only is it dangerous, but you could face high fines as well.
Watch out for others on the road. This includes sheep (there are more sheep than people here) and cyclists. Pass slowly and give them a wide berth.
Know who to call. If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance. It’s the equivalent of 911 in the US/Canada.

 

Iceland Road Trip FAQ

How difficult is a road trip in Iceland?
Iceland is one of the easiest countries in the world for a road trip. The reason is that there is essentially just one long road that circles the country (known as Route 1, or the Ring Road). That makes it quite easy to get around and difficult to get lost.

How long do you need to road-trip around Iceland?
If you plan to drive the entire Ring Road, you’ll want at least 10 days (14 days would be better). If you just want to see the main sights in the south and east, 5-7 days should be plenty.

Is Iceland very expensive?
Iceland can be very expensive. Food, accommodation, rental cars, and gas are all pricey. However, there are plenty of ways to save too. By sharing a vehicle (and splitting costs), cooking all your meals, and camping or sticking to hostels, you can easily do it for under $100 USD per day.

Is it worth renting a 4×4?
I would only rent a 4×4 if you have prior road trip experience and are planning to go off road. For the average visitor looking to see the main sights, a 4×4 is not necessary.

What is an F-road?
An F-road is a route on which only 4×4 vehicles can travel. They are very rugged, unpaved roads, generally leading you into the interior.

If you have a regular rental vehicle, you’re forbidden to drive on them.

Is it safe to drive solo in Iceland?
Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. If you’re new to solo travel, it’s the perfect place to start.

***

Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s also one of the best (and easiest) places to do a road trip. While it may be expensive, it’s very safe and easy to get around, and there are lots of free things to see and do to keep costs down. Just follow the tips above, and you’ll have a fun and safe visit to this rugged island nation!

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE RENTAL CAR QUOTE!
 

The post 13 Iceland Road Trip Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

​https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/iceland-road-trip-tips/ 

Posted: 4/2/2024 | April 2nd, 2024

Trip planning can be a daunting task. Flights, insurance, gear, itineraries, accommodation, and so much more all need to be considered and sorted out before you go.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when you haven’t done something like this before.

After over close to twenty years of traveling the world, I’ve planned countless trips and vacations for myself, friends, and family, even group tours. In the beginning, it was trial by fire. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. However, that helped me develop an efficient checklist that ensures I don’t miss anything important during the trip-planning process.

One big question I get asked a lot is when to start planning. To answer that question, this post breaks the planning process down into month-by-month steps so you can plan your next trip with ease.

Here’s how to plan a trip:

12 Months Out: Decide on Your Destination(s)

A lot of people talk vaguely about travel: they never say where they are going, just that they are going. They might talk about it for years before actually departing (if they go at all). But it’s much easier to reach and plan for the goal of “I am going to Paris for two weeks this summer” than “I’m going somewhere.”

If you already have a dream destination in mind, great! If not, here are some posts to help you get started:

11 Cheap Places to Visit on the US Dollar
10 Places to Travel on a Budget
The Best Tropical Islands in the World
My Favorite Cities in the World
My 31 Favorite Places to Visit in the USA

But, this far out, the real thing you want to do is start saving money and figuring out your costs. Accommodation and flights are the obvious ones, but how much do restaurants, attractions, and other activities cost? Knowing these costs will allow you accurately estimate how much money you’ll need. Here is how to research costs:

Buy a guidebook
Check out my free travel guides (we break down all costs for each destination)
Skim the cost of living on Numbeo.com
Google prices for major activities you want to do, such as scuba diving, winery tours, etc. (Get Your Guide is a good place to start)
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights for flight prices and sign up for alerts to get emails if the price changes
Use Discover Cars to price out (and book) a rental car if you need one
Use Booking.com and Hostelworld to research accommodation costs

That may seem like a lot but you just want to get a general idea of how much you need to save. You can head to this page to see all my articles on how to save money for your trip.

12 Months Out: Start Collecting Points & Miles

While you’re working to save money, get a travel credit card so you can earn miles and points for free flights and hotel stays. It’s what has kept my costs down and me on the road for so many years.

These days, most cards have welcome offers of 60,000-80,000 points (some can be as high as 100,000) when you meet their minimum spending requirement (generally $2,000-5,000 USD within a 3–6-month time frame). That’s enough miles for a free round-trip economy flight to Europe from the East Coast of North America.

For more information on this subject, check out these posts:

Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card
My Favorite Travel Credit Cards
How to Earn Points by Paying Your Rent
The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
How to Collect Points & Miles in Canada

In addition, get a fee-free ATM card. I use Charles Schwab, but there are lots of other banks that don’t charge ATM fees (don’t forget to check your local banks and credit unions too). Here’s how you can avoid bank fees while traveling.

8 Months Out: Visa Requirements, Passports, and Vaccines

While you likely won’t need a visa to your desired destination, you should still check to make sure. If you’re a US citizen, use the State Department’s search tool to learn about your destination’s entry requirements. (Canadians can use this search tool.)

Additionally, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. Many countries require this for entry. Passport application and renewal wait times can be long (the standard is 6-8 weeks in the US), so do this as soon as possible.

Also, research if you need any vaccines for your trip as many countries require vaccines to enter (and I don’t mean COVID). You can learn more about country requirements and recommendations at the CDC’s website. They can help you find a clinic near you as well (if you’re in the US).

4-6 Months Out: Book Your Flight

The best time to book your flight is generally around 3-4 months before your departure, or 5-6 months before if you are going during a destination’s peak season. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, though, so use it as a guide.

Here are two articles on how to score a cheap flight:

How to Always Find Cheap Flights
5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight

If you’ve signed up for a travel credit card and received your sign-up bonus, use your miles to book your flight and/or hotel. The further out you book, the more availability there will be. Use tools like Point.me and Awayz to help you find the best redemptions on your points (for flights and hotels, respectively).

But even if you aren’t using miles or didn’t find a cheap flight deal, there are still many ways to avoid being the person on the flight who paid the most for their ticket. My two favorite sites for finding cheap airfare are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
 

3-4 Months Out: Book Your Accommodation

If you’re traveling for under two weeks and have a set schedule, book accommodation for the duration of your trip. If you’re visiting during the high season, it’s also a good idea to book everything in advance. For trips longer than two weeks, I suggest booking only the first couple of nights of your trip. Once there, you may end up wanting to change your plans based on insider advice from other travelers and/or hotel/hostel staff. I prefer having flexibility, so I always just book a few nights and go from there.

Here are my go-to sites when it comes to finding the best deals on accommodation:

Hostelworld – Hostelworld has the largest selection of hostels and is my go-to site for finding affordable hostels.
Booking.com – Booking.com is the best overall platform for finding budget hotels and guesthouses.
Agoda – Agoda has the best results if you’re heading to Asia (though it sometimes has good US deals too).

I recommend checking the cancelation policy of wherever you book. I like having the flexibility to cancel if something comes up.

If you’re on a tight budget or you want to connect with more locals during your travels, consider joining platforms like Couchsurfing or BeWelcome. These communities allow travelers to stay with residents for free as a sort of cultural exchange.

Long-term travelers can also try housesitting or WWOOFing as well, as they both offer free accommodation (in exchange for pet sitting or farm work, respectively).

2 Months Out: Plan Your Activities

Now it’s time for the fun part of travel planning! That means reading books about your destination, learning general travel tips, connecting with online communities, and pre-booking any necessary activities.

Pre-booking ensures you don’t miss out on things that you really want to do on your trip. If you’re going to a popular destination, tours and activities fill up quickly, and if you’re going to a smaller place, activities or tours might only run on certain days and have limited availability.

Either way, Get Your Guide the best place to search for and pre-book activities, tours, and tickets. Local tour operators and attractions can list their offerings on this online marketplace, so you can find tons of stuff here, from food tours to museum tickets with skip-the-line entry.

1 Month Out: Get Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance. That way, these purchases are protected should something happen that makes you cancel your trip.

A lot of people think, “I’m healthy. I don’t need travel insurance.” But travel insurance is much more than just medical protection. It covers you when your camera breaks, your flight is canceled, a family member dies and you have to come home, or something gets stolen. (That’s why you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with any common travel scams to look out for, as well as how to conduct yourself in order to blend in to avoid looking like a target for petty theft.)

Yes, it’s an added expense. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I never leave home without it, because I’ve seen firsthand just what can happen on the road.

I never thought I would pop my eardrum while I was scuba diving in Thailand, break my camera in Italy, or get knifed in Colombia.

Unfortunately, bad things can happen when you’re traveling. True, these events are few and far between. But they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re not prepared to pay out of pocket, buy travel insurance.

Here are some posts on travel insurance to get you started:

How to Buy Travel Insurance
The 5 Best Travel Insurance Companies
The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

I never leave home without travel insurance. You shouldn’t either.

7 days out: Pack!

Your trip is almost here, and it’s time to pack! It can be tempting to want to bring everything with you “just in case.” But when it comes to travel, less is more. While what you pack will depend on where you are going, remember that you don’t need to take everything you own. You can buy things you need and do laundry on the road. At the end of the day, you have to carry everything you bring. So bring less!

I travel with a 45L REI bag and then a smaller day bag. Here’s my suggested packing list to help you take just the right amount of stuff and avoid overpacking (here’s a list for female travelers).

Additionally, bring any prescriptions you need for the duration of your trip. Try not to rely on filling those abroad (though bring a prescription and doctor’s note just in case).

***

With everything taken care of, it’s time to go on your trip and have fun! Make a list of last-minute items you need to pack the day of (your toothbrush, glasses, phone charger, etc.) and check in online beforehand (you can do so 24 hours in advance). (If you’ve got lounge access through a premium travel rewards card, you might find yourself looking forward to getting to the airport early.)

If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry. That’s perfectly normal. Feeling anxious or unsure is something every traveler experiences. But you’ve made it this far. Trust your planning and follow your instincts. You’re about to have the trip of a lifetime.

The post How to Plan a Trip: A Month-by-Month Guide appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

​https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/how-to-plan-a-trip/ 

Just because much of the world is welcoming spring doesn’t mean you have to, as these are the best destinations for skiing in April around the world. These destinations in Europe, Asia, …

The post Where to Ski in April: 14 Best Destinations for Spring Skiing appeared first on Adventures & Sunsets.

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