help

[djmom]

No one will understand this except ya'll.

We have a chance to go to Hawaii, but it would be instead of our trip to St. John (nothing booked, just go every year).

My husband just came down to tell me he is ready to book it and I burst out crying when he said "now you know this is instead of St. John"

I just can't imagine not going for 2 years.

I am boohooing.

I know it sounds spoiled but we do scrimp and save to go on our vacations. I'm not whining about Hawaii and I know people would kill to go there. I can't wait to go to Hawaii, I just have never not had a St. JOhn trip in the future.

[vi lover]

I feel for ya djmom! We're fighting it really hard here, too - although our issue is whether or not to go anywhere!

Maybe you can book the Hawaii trip then start "working him" for the STJ trip mid-year. Never hurts to try!

Have a great time.

[cypressgirl]

When you say you have a chance to go to Hawaii, is it a free trip, or does your husband just really want to go to Hawaii instead of STJ? Give us a few more details, please.

[California Girl]

Don't feel bad... we can't afford to go every year. Every two years isn't terrible, though! At least we get to go! I'm sorry I can't help you with your decision as to WHERE to go.

[Jan&MikeVa]

It's hard to not go to STJ every year; but at least you're going somewhere tropical

You'll love Hawaii and it's worth going at least once. It's different from STJ but it's an awesome place. We went once and won't probably go again. It's a looooong trip from the East Coast and pretty pricey there.

Jan
P.S. Just pulled the last box of Girl Scout Cookies out of the freezer.......thanks again!

[djmom]

I really do want to go to Hawaii, it is pretty much 3/4 (or more) free because of frequent fliers and hotel miles. I have been there (Maui) once and it is wonderful, I know.

Cypress- I was totally in on planning Hawaii...I do want to go.

I just am totally baffled by my reaction. I knew I loved St. John, but I didn't realize how much it is a part of me. Ned was really sweet when I started crying and said I could change my mind.

But when are you going to find 3 frequent flier spots to Hawaii exaactly when you want to go. We only have to buy one plane ticket and we have time to hopefully watch the price drop.

So the tickets are booked but on "hold"...

[djmom]

Jan-glad you liked the cookies!

[Lulu76]

I thought you were going to go with us because you're training for 8 Tuff Miles.

I say get out the running shoes and do both!

[bevm]

You should go to Hawaii. The price is right. Sure it won't be the same but you'll still have a wonderful time. I've done them both and loved each place because of the differences.
And the next time you get to STJ it will be all that much better for you. Go to Hawaii and enjoy yourselves.

[jaytee]

Which islands are you planning on going to? We love STJ but also love Kauai just as much. While STJ has the beautiful beaches and waters, Kauai is one of the most beatiful places on earth. The north shore has a very laid back vibe - kind of like STJ. I am sure you will have a fabulous time in Hawaii.

[djmom]

We are going to go to Maui. Basically three reasons-we have been there (without kids) years ago and know the kids will love it, we have heard about the potential for higher waves in Kuwai( I know I am spelling it wrong)and we have youngish kids and want to really relax at the beach. Like almost ignore them

But the main reason is that we have hotel points and can stay 8 nights there for free between the Grand Wailea and the Westin. We will only have to pay for 3 nights(we will go to Hana for two probably.) And we now have 3 frequent fliers to Maui...

So it is pretty much a no brainer for us.

He reserved the tickets, so it is happening and I am excited.

I just still though can't believe I am so attached to St. John. Crying! No ticker for me for long time....but it is OK.

Thank you for the group therapy! Not crying anymore.

[djmom]

Laura,

8 tuff miles isn't going to happen for me. Still on the diet though. I will be rooting for you long distance!

[Lulu76]

Laura,

8 tuff miles isn't going to happen for me. Still on the diet though. I will be rooting for you long distance!

You still have six whole months to get ready...

But Hawaii sounds good too. You're going to miss an awesome week with strangers from the Internet but Hawaii is nice.

[chicagoans]

djmom, STJ will be waiting for you whenever you can get there!

The beach in front of the Grand Wailea is beautiful and our best snorkeling from shore was right near there at Ulua beach (although we had good snorkeling at other places, too.) And our favorite dinner was at Humuhumu at the GW.

I hope you do spend a couple nights in Hana! The sights there are so amazing and just too much to see and do if you try to drive there and back in one day. The Hotel Hana Maui was out of our budget but looks beautiful. We stayed at the Hana Kai and it was fine. (Condo with kitchen and great ocean view.) My "next time" place is the Royal Suite here: www.hanahaleinn.com/.

And I know you'd rather be on STJ, but don't let high surf stop you from going to Kauai with the kids - the surf is seasonal so if it's high in the north (winter) it will be calm in the south and vice versa. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/guides/bea ... trends.php And the hiking is amazing!

Have fun planning your trip!

[djmom]

Chicagoans- thanks for the info! Nice to know there is good snorkeling. When we went it wasn't great, or we went to the wrong spot.

Also LOVE that Hana guest house place. Thanks!