After years of dabbling in blogging with Typepad I have decided to get my own domain and switch to Wordpress. I will post again, once the new site is up & running. Thank you for your Patience!
What you can expect?
Heathers Harmony is just getting started as travel blogs go & its time we step up & make the most of this experience. I will be posting 6 days a week on everything travel, with a focus on the life & lessons of being an expat.
What exciting adventures are coming your way?
- Posts from my recent trip to Las Vegas, NV
- My very first press trip visiting the Mob Museum #lvmm
- A Caribbean cruise in May
- Attending my first Travel Blogging event in June #TBEX
- Last but certainly not least... Drumroll please!
Heading out on the grand adventure of being a dedicated traveler!
Don't forget to follow the excitement on Twitter @heathertravels & Facebook Heathers Harmony - Cause that's where the prizes & give aways will be posted first!
________________________
Is there anything specific you'd like to read or learn about?
After years of dabbling in blogging with Typepad I have decided to get my own domain and switch to Wordpress. I will post again, once the new site is up & running. Thank you for your Patience!
What you can expect?
Heathers Harmony is just getting started as travel blogs go & its time we step up & make the most of this experience. I will be posting 6 days a week on everything travel, with a focus on the life & lessons of being an expat.
What exciting adventures are coming your way?
- Posts from my recent trip to Las Vegas, NV
- My very first press trip visiting the Mob Museum #lvmm
- A Caribbean cruise in May
- Attending my first Travel Blogging event in June #TBEX
- Last but certainly not least... Drumroll please!
Heading out on the grand adventure of being a dedicated traveler!
Don't forget to follow the excitement on Twitter @heathertravels & Facebook Heathers Harmony - Cause that's where the prizes & give aways will be posted first!
________________________
Is there anything specific you'd like to read or learn about?
There are always new opportunities when you travel, hundreds of ‘firsts’ waiting for you to experience them. When I was looking into what Kauai had to offer there was so much I wanted to sign up for and had to keep reminding myself that I have my whole life to travel and to be selective about what I do and know that I can try other new things in other new places.
I’d never been zip lining before and thought the over grown, jungle-like island was just the place to try it out. There are several companies with zip lines throughout the lush greens but once I found Princeville Ranch Adventures I knew I’d found the company for me.
Their Zip N’ Dip tour gains access to the most zips on the island including the largest (at the time) line called “King Kong.”
A combination of 9 exciting zip lines, a suspension bridge and an hour at a deep hidden swimming hole, where you’ll enjoy a picnic, swimming, jumping and floating on inner tubes. It’s the experience of a lifetime!
Getting ready to load up & head to the zip lines.
Our group was led by two of Princevilles finest & to be perfectly honest, they were almost as great as the adventure itself! Most often the tour guides make all the difference when it comes down to it!
There is some walking, but with these views how could you complain? I was their in Septemeber and there was a nice breeze and a few clouds for shade, even still I would recommend wearing light clothing.
One guide leads the group and rides first to help each member of the group when they arrive at the landing while the other guide rides the line last to help everyone get strapped in right and on to the landing safely. Here I am getting set up to take of on my first zip line.
B-E-A-U-tiful! It's breath taking and magical. We spent 4 hours surrounded by this gorgeous scenery!
You know what the advantage to multiple ziplines?
Princeville starts at the smallest line and ends with the largest so you have plenty of time to be scared, peaceful, adventuous and of course to screeeaaammmm!
I wanted a photo of me riding the line without being too focused on the camera, its not going to make it into Cosmo any time soon but it only takes one look and I can almost feel the wind rushing past me and the thrill of flying through the trees.
I also loved zip lining, especially with Princeville, because they encourage you to bring your cameras & camcorders. Just make sure you've got an okay grip and have a wrist wrap & you'll be sure to get tons of great shots!
Did you know?
The most dangerous insect/amphibians/reptile on the island of Kauai is a bee. That’s right, a bee. (One of the many reasons Kauai is on my top 5 favorite places in the world!) So for the real thrill seekers I would also recommend Princeville’s zip lines because as you can see in the video below, you zip right past a big nest! I wouldn’t have ever known if our guides hadn’t previously informed us and instructed us on how to turn around so we can see it.
You’ll recognize the nest because it’s the only big patch of dirt other than the lush green trees.
After we had a few zip lines under belts, our group headed to a large suspension bridge. Doesn’t sound completely boring but I can’t say it was on my list of must-have adventures… until I saw our guide run across it. Literally, run straight across it in a matter of seconds. He made it look as if any of us could do it, sure we each attempted the bridge telling ourselves we were going to own it & manage to run the entire way! None of us made it close to half way without having to stop completely, gather out balance again and then take each wobbly step until we reached the other side. We all gave our guides mad props for their straight skills!
The view below, it gets your heart pumping especially when you can't see the bottom as the jungle turns to darkness. Don't be worried though, no one has ever fallen and you are strapped from your waist to each side of the bridge. Pretty sick right!?!
Note my Keen shoes? I completely love them, I bought them just for this trip knowing that I would be spending a lot of time in & out of water.
Personally I don’t think I could have picked anything better. There are mixed reviews, they aren’t the cheapest (~$35-100) and some people feel they aren’t worth it. Here is what I know, I found the pair I wanted, waited until I found them on sale and spent every day in water & land; Hiking, swimming, kayaking, zip-lining, playing in the ocean, walking around town and everything in between. I never got a blister, my feet weren’t all soggy and sloshing around inside & the shoes dried very quickly. I also intend on bringing them with me when I travel a lot, I think I will get enough valuable use out of them to get my moneys worth.
So we zipped and now it was time to dip!
The guides led us to a sweet little watering hole where we could relax, swim and jump into the watering hole along with the option of inner tubes. I think I turned into a fish the minute I touched the water cause I spent almost all our time in the water & I couldn’t have been happier! All the while our guides were fixing lunch that we all helped carry up in the company’s backpacks.
After swimming, jumping & lunch it was time to conquer “King Kong” Princeville’s pride & joy. It was the longest & tallest zip line while we were there although another company was building a new line meant to surpass “King Kong.” It turns out the adventure tourist industry in Kauai is extremely competitive, however with Princeville’s line you also get to ride tandem! That’s a nice touch!
Don't let our holding hands fool you, we're just friends but we didn't want to miss out on the photo op. Tip: The two girls behind us hooked together with their feet, we were super jealous so if you ever do something like this without a significant other, their are alternatives!
There are always new opportunities when you travel, hundreds of ‘firsts’ waiting for you to experience them. When I was looking into what Kauai had to offer there was so much I wanted to sign up for and had to keep reminding myself that I have my whole life to travel and to be selective about what I do and know that I can try other new things in other new places.
I’d never been zip lining before and thought the over grown, jungle-like island was just the place to try it out. There are several companies with zip lines throughout the lush greens but once I found Princeville Ranch Adventures I knew I’d found the company for me.
Their Zip N’ Dip tour gains access to the most zips on the island including the largest (at the time) line called “King Kong.”
A combination of 9 exciting zip lines, a suspension bridge and an hour at a deep hidden swimming hole, where you’ll enjoy a picnic, swimming, jumping and floating on inner tubes. It’s the experience of a lifetime!
Getting ready to load up & head to the zip lines.
Our group was led by two of Princevilles finest & to be perfectly honest, they were almost as great as the adventure itself! Most often the tour guides make all the difference when it comes down to it!
There is some walking, but with these views how could you complain? I was their in Septemeber and there was a nice breeze and a few clouds for shade, even still I would recommend wearing light clothing.
One guide leads the group and rides first to help each member of the group when they arrive at the landing while the other guide rides the line last to help everyone get strapped in right and on to the landing safely. Here I am getting set up to take of on my first zip line.
B-E-A-U-tiful! It's breath taking and magical. We spent 4 hours surrounded by this gorgeous scenery!
You know what the advantage to multiple ziplines?
Princeville starts at the smallest line and ends with the largest so you have plenty of time to be scared, peaceful, adventuous and of course to screeeaaammmm!
I wanted a photo of me riding the line without being too focused on the camera, its not going to make it into Cosmo any time soon but it only takes one look and I can almost feel the wind rushing past me and the thrill of flying through the trees.
I also loved zip lining, especially with Princeville, because they encourage you to bring your cameras & camcorders. Just make sure you've got an okay grip and have a wrist wrap & you'll be sure to get tons of great shots!
Did you know?
The most dangerous insect/amphibians/reptile on the island of Kauai is a bee. That’s right, a bee. (One of the many reasons Kauai is on my top 5 favorite places in the world!) So for the real thrill seekers I would also recommend Princeville’s zip lines because as you can see in the video below, you zip right past a big nest! I wouldn’t have ever known if our guides hadn’t previously informed us and instructed us on how to turn around so we can see it.
You’ll recognize the nest because it’s the only big patch of dirt other than the lush green trees.
After we had a few zip lines under belts, our group headed to a large suspension bridge. Doesn’t sound completely boring but I can’t say it was on my list of must-have adventures… until I saw our guide run across it. Literally, run straight across it in a matter of seconds. He made it look as if any of us could do it, sure we each attempted the bridge telling ourselves we were going to own it & manage to run the entire way! None of us made it close to half way without having to stop completely, gather out balance again and then take each wobbly step until we reached the other side. We all gave our guides mad props for their straight skills!
The view below, it gets your heart pumping especially when you can't see the bottom as the jungle turns to darkness. Don't be worried though, no one has ever fallen and you are strapped from your waist to each side of the bridge. Pretty sick right!?!
Note my Keen shoes? I completely love them, I bought them just for this trip knowing that I would be spending a lot of time in & out of water.
Personally I don’t think I could have picked anything better. There are mixed reviews, they aren’t the cheapest (~$35-100) and some people feel they aren’t worth it. Here is what I know, I found the pair I wanted, waited until I found them on sale and spent every day in water & land; Hiking, swimming, kayaking, zip-lining, playing in the ocean, walking around town and everything in between. I never got a blister, my feet weren’t all soggy and sloshing around inside & the shoes dried very quickly. I also intend on bringing them with me when I travel a lot, I think I will get enough valuable use out of them to get my moneys worth.
So we zipped and now it was time to dip!
The guides led us to a sweet little watering hole where we could relax, swim and jump into the watering hole along with the option of inner tubes. I think I turned into a fish the minute I touched the water cause I spent almost all our time in the water & I couldn’t have been happier! All the while our guides were fixing lunch that we all helped carry up in the company’s backpacks.
After swimming, jumping & lunch it was time to conquer “King Kong” Princeville’s pride & joy. It was the longest & tallest zip line while we were there although another company was building a new line meant to surpass “King Kong.” It turns out the adventure tourist industry in Kauai is extremely competitive, however with Princeville’s line you also get to ride tandem! That’s a nice touch!
Don't let our holding hands fool you, we're just friends but we didn't want to miss out on the photo op. Tip: The two girls behind us hooked together with their feet, we were super jealous so if you ever do something like this without a significant other, their are alternatives!
Not the typically lower cost but the typically increased value. Hostels tend to attract a crowd I relate to: indie, open-minded, relaxed, friendly, cool and accepting . It’s a hub for meeting like minded people from all walks of life.
I’ve never stayed at a hostel & regretted it. That’s not to say I haven’t had experiences that weren’t testing or uncomfortable but I enjoy the challenge & respect the perspective they’ve given me.
One of my favorite hostel memories is when my best friend Brittany and I met a group of girls on a tour to the Hollywood sign put on by our hostel & we spent the evening playing monopoly & painting our nails and watching a movie with them. The next morning we shared stories on the patio until one by one it was time for us to leave. We remain facebook friends and one day in the future I hope our paths will cross again!
From Left to Right: Latoya, Jo, Sian, Siobhan, Myself and Brittany in the lobby of USA Hostel in Hollywood
For reviews of where I've stayed visit here. I've you've stayed at a hostel and would like to write a guest review or travel related post contact me or learn more here Download Writing a guest post.
Not the typically lower cost but the typically increased value. Hostels tend to attract a crowd I relate to: indie, open-minded, relaxed, friendly, cool and accepting . It’s a hub for meeting like minded people from all walks of life.
I’ve never stayed at a hostel & regretted it. That’s not to say I haven’t had experiences that weren’t testing or uncomfortable but I enjoy the challenge & respect the perspective they’ve given me.
One of my favorite hostel memories is when my best friend Brittany and I met a group of girls on a tour to the Hollywood sign put on by our hostel & we spent the evening playing monopoly & painting our nails and watching a movie with them. The next morning we shared stories on the patio until one by one it was time for us to leave. We remain facebook friends and one day in the future I hope our paths will cross again!
From Left to Right: Latoya, Jo, Sian, Siobhan, Myself and Brittany in the lobby of USA Hostel in Hollywood
For reviews of where I've stayed visit here. I've you've stayed at a hostel and would like to write a guest review or travel related post contact me or learn more here Download Writing a guest post.
As we headed out on our Vegas vacation, we had no idea what adventures lay ahead of us & were excited to see what the weekend had in store for us.
View on our Drive from Utah to Las Vegas
Brittany & Dani utlizing the classic face framing dance move.
Heading out on vacation can be nerve racking.
Did you forget something? Have I made all the plans right? Do I have conformation numbers? Where is my camera? But what about your emergency funds? What if something goes wrong and you have to get home early? What if you get hurt? What if I get a flat tire?
I had my car registered a week before we left for our road trip to Vegas and felt good about the condition of my car... if only I'd checked the tires. 30 miles from the nearest town we got a flat tire. Do you know how to change a flat?
Sure it wasn't ideal, but luckily our friend Emily knew how to change a tire so I could grab the camera & snap some photos of our first adventure on the road.
Dani, excited about getting back on the road!
Beautiful sunset on our way to the nearest tire shop.
So what did we do?
After we changed the tire we drove 50mph to the nearest town where after calling 3 shops, found one willing to stay open late enough for us to get there and put on new tires. It turns out both my rear end tires were in desperate need of replacements and in the interest of avoiding yet another flat tire in the desert I had both replaced. I was under the presumption that if my tires were in that bad of shape they would have mentioned it while they were registering it, which was not the case. After paying $315 for 2 new rear tires we were back on our way.
While paying hundreds of dollars for something I thought I already had isn't my favorite, I'm really grateful I had the money to buy new tires. It served as a great reminder to why its important to have an emergency fund while traveling and to live within our means.
Have you ever had an emergency while traveling? How did you handle it?
As we headed out on our Vegas vacation, we had no idea what adventures lay ahead of us & were excited to see what the weekend had in store for us.
View on our Drive from Utah to Las Vegas
Brittany & Dani utlizing the classic face framing dance move.
Heading out on vacation can be nerve racking.
Did you forget something? Have I made all the plans right? Do I have conformation numbers? Where is my camera? But what about your emergency funds? What if something goes wrong and you have to get home early? What if you get hurt? What if I get a flat tire?
I had my car registered a week before we left for our road trip to Vegas and felt good about the condition of my car... if only I'd checked the tires. 30 miles from the nearest town we got a flat tire. Do you know how to change a flat?
Sure it wasn't ideal, but luckily our friend Emily knew how to change a tire so I could grab the camera & snap some photos of our first adventure on the road.
Dani, excited about getting back on the road!
Beautiful sunset on our way to the nearest tire shop.
So what did we do?
After we changed the tire we drove 50mph to the nearest town where after calling 3 shops, found one willing to stay open late enough for us to get there and put on new tires. It turns out both my rear end tires were in desperate need of replacements and in the interest of avoiding yet another flat tire in the desert I had both replaced. I was under the presumption that if my tires were in that bad of shape they would have mentioned it while they were registering it, which was not the case. After paying $315 for 2 new rear tires we were back on our way.
While paying hundreds of dollars for something I thought I already had isn't my favorite, I'm really grateful I had the money to buy new tires. It served as a great reminder to why its important to have an emergency fund while traveling and to live within our means.
Have you ever had an emergency while traveling? How did you handle it?
While rock climbing with an old friend he mentioned a trip to Kauai, Hawaii but wished he could find someone to go with, a day later I booked my ticket and started researching Hawaii’s oldest island. A dear friend of mine is planning a trip to Kauai in the next couple weeks and so I’ve decided to share some of the highlights from my week vacation there and hopefully they can be helpful planning a trip there.
I was only looking to rent the bike for a couple hours along the beach not as a full day activity but it turns out that it’s most common for people to rent for a half or full day. I headed out to find a shop and was lucky enough to catch a shop a couple hours before they closed and even though the owner was a little hesitant to give me one so soon before closing thinking I’d be gone longer than expected I assured him I’d be back in time. I also happened to share the fact that it was my birthday and my little way of celebrating alone while my friend was back at the hotel. He immediately told me to choose any bike that was left and stated he would be staying late and that if I wanted an extra hour I could stay out longer. He charged me less than he could have and sent me off with a smile.
I chose the seafoam green one since green is my favorite color!
It was pure coincidence that his trip was during my birthday; I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate! One thing I love to do while on vacation especially with a coast line is to rent a bicycle and ride along the coast. It’s a great way to really take in all the beauty & fresh air with lots of personal reflection time. Granted, me on a bike is more of a hazard than anything, I did manage to make the trip without hurting any innocent bystanders.
It was beautiful day, not too hot, not to cold. I stopped at one of the beaches along the way to snap a birthday photo.
There are quite a few memorials along the way of which I can only presume whos lives were to the ocean. What a serene and peaceful remembrance.
While rock climbing with an old friend he mentioned a trip to Kauai, Hawaii but wished he could find someone to go with, a day later I booked my ticket and started researching Hawaii’s oldest island. A dear friend of mine is planning a trip to Kauai in the next couple weeks and so I’ve decided to share some of the highlights from my week vacation there and hopefully they can be helpful planning a trip there.
I was only looking to rent the bike for a couple hours along the beach not as a full day activity but it turns out that it’s most common for people to rent for a half or full day. I headed out to find a shop and was lucky enough to catch a shop a couple hours before they closed and even though the owner was a little hesitant to give me one so soon before closing thinking I’d be gone longer than expected I assured him I’d be back in time. I also happened to share the fact that it was my birthday and my little way of celebrating alone while my friend was back at the hotel. He immediately told me to choose any bike that was left and stated he would be staying late and that if I wanted an extra hour I could stay out longer. He charged me less than he could have and sent me off with a smile.
I chose the seafoam green one since green is my favorite color!
It was pure coincidence that his trip was during my birthday; I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate! One thing I love to do while on vacation especially with a coast line is to rent a bicycle and ride along the coast. It’s a great way to really take in all the beauty & fresh air with lots of personal reflection time. Granted, me on a bike is more of a hazard than anything, I did manage to make the trip without hurting any innocent bystanders.
It was beautiful day, not too hot, not to cold. I stopped at one of the beaches along the way to snap a birthday photo.
There are quite a few memorials along the way of which I can only presume whos lives were to the ocean. What a serene and peaceful remembrance.
