Now that 2012 is finally here, it’s time to start thinking about your next holiday. Where better to visit than saying aloha to a sunny tropical paradise? Immerse yourself in the warm fragrant atmosphere as you lie on pristine white sandy beaches with the clear blue waves lapping up on the shore.

Hawaii holidays are the way forward this year with so many amazing resort and hotels to choose from. Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon, couples retreat or even a well-deserved family break, there is always something for everyone with a Hawaii holiday. With a variety of all-inclusive and half board resorts, you can relax knowing that you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect restaurant or bar.

There are so many things to do and see in Hawaii for travellers of all ages. Hawaii holidays boast endless beaches where you can enjoy a variety of thrilling and relaxing water sports. These include scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, water skiing, parasailing and so much more. Or for those looking for something to do away from the beach then how about exploring the amazing volcanoes, mountains and jungles? Or shop till you drop at the fantastic shopping malls where you will find all the latest trends at the best prices. Hawaii holidays offer so many activities to entertain even the most discerning traveller.

Perhaps the most difficult decision to be made when thinking about Hawaii holidays is which destination to visit. There are 8 beautiful islands that make up Hawaii, 6 of which are open to travellers. These include Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and Hawaii (Big Island) itself. Make sure you wind down in the warm evenings at a traditional Luau where you can enjoy Hawaiian hula dancing to your heart’s content, the perfect end you dream Hawaii holiday.
Hawaii holidays would be incomplete without a visit to the Big Island, which is famous for its amazing Volcanoes National Park and 442 foot waterfall at the Akaka Falls State Park. The island itself certainly lives up to its name as it is the biggest island in Hawaii despite being the youngest. The diversity of the terrain means that there are 11 different climatic regions for you to experience.

Hawaii holidays also allow you complete flexibility in that you can combine a US, Caribbean or Mexico stopover in your trip. This type of multi-centre holiday lets you visit two destinations within your Hawaii holiday.

Yesterday saw Chancellor George Osbourne bring some good news for the travel industry in this year’s budget. It was announced that Air Passenger Duty (APD) will not be increasing this year. Osbourne told how he will be delaying the increase until next year due to the heavy rises in tax last year.

It was also confirmed that talks will be starting today regarding the system of distance banding used for the tax. These talks will review the “rather arbitrary nature of the banding system which appears to consider the Caribbean to be further away than parts of the US and Hawaii,” he commented.

APD will now be extended to private jets too so that APD taxation does not have to be increased. He said “the wealthiest should not escape the tax the ordinary holidaymaker has to pay.” The hefty rise in last year’s duty and the increasing cost pressures on families was the reason behind the delay in the APD rise.

Osbourne further added that he wanted to replace APD with a per plane duty. However current international laws permit this, and so the UK government will now be working to change this law.

What did you make of Chancellor George Osbourne’s 2011 budget? Are you happy with the freeze in APD or do you think better changes should have been made instead? Let us know your opinions by leaving your comments below.

You know a holiday destination is hot stuff when celebrities head there for their R&R. So if you’re looking for the top of the line in luxury for your 2010 holiday then check out some of these celeb fav get-a-ways.

Hawaii

Loved by the American first family and the first family of British Rock. Just as the Obama’s headed back to Washington DC Ozzy and the family hit the beach for some surf Hawaii style. Beautiful beaches, extreme sports and the chance to celeb spot, what more do you need?

St Lucia

St Lucia’s deep Caribbean seas, soft sand beaches and swinging jazz beats make it one of the most romantic spots on Earth. It’s charms certainly have a strong pull for headline couple Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil who are rumoured to be re-marring there in the coming months.

Barbados

Another dream Caribbean destination that’s full of romance. Jude Law and Sienna Miller have been spotted enjoying the heavenly luxury that makes this island so amazing.

With all the celebrity attention these holiday destinations get might make you think that you’ll never be able to afford to a get-away. Don’t be silly! We wouldn’t tease you like that, just check out our holiday deals. You never know who you might end up rubbing shoulders with!

Hawaii has some amazing luxury resorts. One of our favourites the Westin Maui Resort. With its huge range of relaxing and invigorating diversions, we can understand that you’ll be content to relax in the resort. But, by staying in the resort you’ll be missing out on some of the amazing sights Hawaii has to offer.

On Big Island you can experience the raw power of nature at the Volcano National Park. There are three active volcanoes on Big Island. The most active is Kilauea, which has been erupting since 1983. Enough lava is released in 24 hours to resurface a 20 mile long road. The majority of this lava flows into the sea via lava tubes. These lava tubes are a great reason for leaving the comfort of the resort and experiencing something different.

This is the science bit. Lava tubes form when the outside edges of a lava flow cools and crusts over. The crust on the tube keeps the lava’s intense heat, meaning the lava can flow for many miles. The heat of the flow carves out an ever deepening tunnel which ends up much larger than the lava flow. The ecosystem in side the tubes is a unique experience. Words feel dry and empty when trying to describe the stunning beauty of these tubes.

We’d suggest taking a guided tour of the tubes. As you will be standing inside a natural feature created by an active lava flow, please pay attention to the rangers!

If you want some spiritual protection from the power of Kilauea you’d be wise to take some pork and gin with you. This isn’t to fortify your nerves, but should be wrapped in ti leaves and left as an offering for Pele, the volcano goddess of Hawaii. Pele is celebrated in local art and the tear drop lava forms are called “Pele’s tears”. Her presence is strongly felt in the National Park. When you are so close to a volcano that has been erupting for 26 years there’s no harm in keeping the local goddess sweet.

The Volcano National Park is just one of the places on the islands where you can experience the deep culture and heritage of this paradise on earth. So on your Hawaii holiday soak up something more than just sun, sand and surf.