Travel Planning Advice & Destination Guides
I’m Jeanine Cioffi, founder of Lavishly Travel. Here I share firsthand travel experiences and practical advice to help you plan a trip that feels right for you, from Italy and Greece to honeymoons, anniversaries, retirement celebrations and journeys across Europe and beyond.
Explore the latest articles below, or start with my Italy guide, Greece guide, honeymoon and anniversary planning, and cruise planning.
Should You Visit More Than One Hawaiian Island?
Visiting more than one Hawaiian island can add variety to your vacation, but every island change also requires time for packing, flights, rental cars, and hotel transitions. Learn when island hopping makes sense and when staying on one island may create a more relaxing and valuable Hawaii experience.
Best Time to Visit Hawaii
Choose Hawaii travel dates around your priorities, with firsthand advice on seasons, whale watching, family trips and value from Jeanine at Lavishly Travel.
Where Should You Stay in Hawaii?
Choose where to stay in Hawaii with Jeanine’s island-by-island advice on resort areas, walkability, driving time, room value and when a split stay makes sense.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Hawaii?
Decide whether to rent a car in Hawaii with Jeanine’s island-by-island advice on Waikiki, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai and the costs to compare.
Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for You?
Each Hawaiian island offers a different experience, from Oahu’s history and energy to Maui’s balance of relaxation and adventure, Kauai’s lush scenery, and the Big Island’s dramatic landscapes. Discover which Hawaiian island best matches your travel style, priorities, and vision for your vacation.
How Much Does a Hawaii Vacation Cost?
How much does a Hawaii vacation really cost? The answer depends on the island, resort, room category, timing, activities, and what matters most to you. Discover how thoughtful planning can help you get the best overall value from your Hawaii vacation investment.
Aloha, Relaxation at the Fairmont Orchid
Last month, I had the chance to stay at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. If I could sum it up in a word, it’d be magic. This is a place where Hawaii’s aloha spirit and natural beauty just envelop you. It’s right on the ocean, surrounded by 32 lush acres, and I felt both far away and right at home from the moment I arrived.