Iceland & Hawaii: Trip Reports and Travel Hacks - All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

Summary

All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins — Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

Title: All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins
Host/Author: Chris Hutchins
Episode: Iceland & Hawaii: Trip Reports and Travel Hacks
Release Date: November 13, 2024

In this engaging episode of All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins, host Chris Hutchins and his wife Amy delve into their recent adventures in two stunningly diverse destinations: Iceland and the Big Island of Hawaii. Joined by guest Brandon Presser, a seasoned travel journalist, the trio shares comprehensive trip reports, invaluable travel hacks, and insider tips aimed at helping listeners elevate their own travel experiences while maximizing savings.

Iceland Trip Report

**1. Planning and Community Engagement

The journey to Iceland commenced with an innovative approach to trip planning. Inspired by a previous podcast episode featuring Brandon Presser, Chris and Amy decided to organize a group trip for their loyal listeners. This unique venture allowed them to explore Iceland alongside like-minded individuals, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing the overall travel experience.

**2. Starting with Hot Springs

The adventure kicked off at Humsvík, a beautifully maintained hot spring that offers both relaxation and a cultural immersion into Icelandic bathing traditions.

Amy Hutchins: “The culture of hot springs in Iceland was amazing. They have everything from healthy, algae-filled natural hot springs to places like the Blue Lagoon and Humsvik.”

**3. Experiencing Reykjavik

Exploring Reykjavik provided a blend of charming city life and quirky cultural spots. Highlights included:

Punk Rock Museum: Located in a repurposed public restroom, it offered a deep dive into Iceland’s vibrant music scene.
Reykjavik’s Culinary Scene: Dining at restaurants like Sumac and enjoying iconic Icelandic hot dogs became standout experiences.
Northern Lights: Witnessing the aurora borealis was a magical experience, described poignantly by Brandon:
- Brandon Presser: “Seeing the northern lights so vibrant is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Being able to see it with others made it even more special.”

**4. Nature and Adventure

Venturing beyond the city, the group explored Iceland’s rugged landscapes:

Thorsmark: A remote area resembling another planet, perfect for hiking through canyons and discovering secret waterfalls.
Waterfalls: Iceland boasts hundreds of waterfalls, each more breathtaking than the last. The ability to engage closely with these natural wonders, such as walking under waterfalls and even drinking from them, set Iceland apart from other destinations.
Guided Tours vs. Solo Exploration: The trip underscored the value of guided tours in accessing hidden gems that are otherwise difficult to find independently.

**5. Cultural Insights and Local Interactions

Interactions with locals provided deep cultural insights. Stories about mythical creatures like Grilla and the Yule cat revealed the unique blend of folklore and everyday life in Iceland.

Amy Hutchins: “The Icelandic honesty and bluntness were refreshing. Stories about elves and hidden people are woven into their culture, making every hike and interaction rich with local lore.”

**6. Travel Hacks and Logistics

Flights: Utilizing Alaska Airlines miles to book Iceland Air flights proved effective, despite limited availability.
Transportation: Hiring Super Jeeps for excursions was highly recommended to navigate Iceland’s challenging terrains safely.
Cost Management: Iceland is an expensive destination, but strategic planning and group travel helped mitigate some costs.
Currency Tips: Always pay in local currency to avoid foreign transaction fees, and take advantage of contactless payments wherever possible.

Notable Quote:

Amy Hutchins [22:00]: “I would encourage people interested to check out. And if you're going to Iceland, hire one of these super Jeeps, take an excursion, go on a tour, and it's amazing.”

Hawaii Trip Report

**1. Traveling with Family

Returning to the Big Island of Hawaii, Chris and Amy focus on family-friendly travel, sharing strategies for a smooth and enjoyable trip with children.

**2. Affordable Flights

Securing affordable flights was a standout achievement, with fares dropping to as low as $220 each way.

Amy Hutchins: “Our flights ended up being less than $300 round trip, and they kept dropping over the course of time.”

**3. Accommodation Choices

Staying at Mana Lani and Fairmont provided luxurious yet family-friendly environments.

Amenities: Both properties offered extensive amenities, including pools, free room service, and access to snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.
Room Service Hack: Ordering from the kids' menu was a cost-effective strategy, providing generous portions suitable for adults.

**4. Activities and Experiences

Snorkeling and Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays: These activities offered unforgettable encounters with marine life. Brandon recounts:
- Brandon Presser [50:00]: “Night snorkeling with manta rays was hands down the best experience.”
Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Sunrise Canoeing: These morning activities immersed the group in Hawaiian culture and natural beauty.
Local Dining Spots: Recommendations included Lava Lava Beach Club for its vibrant atmosphere and Canoe House for fine dining on the water.

**5. Traveling with Kids: Tips and Hacks

In-Flight Entertainment: Packing a variety of snacks and individually wrapped toys kept children engaged during flights.
Transportation Hacks: Renting a car from National proved advantageous due to their flexible policies and proximity to the Kona Airport. Additionally, utilizing Ride Saver Travel Vests replaced traditional car seats, offering a compact and safe alternative.
Airport Navigation: Using amenities like the Escape Lounge at Oakland Airport provided a relaxed pre-flight experience for families.

**6. Cost-Saving Strategies

Hotel Promotions: Calling hotels directly to inquire about unadvertised promotions, such as free activities or discounts on excursions, enhanced the value of their stay.
Credit Point Utilization: Leveraging rewards programs, including booking through specific channels like Fine Hotels and Resorts via AMEX, unlocked additional perks like property credits and free breakfasts.

Notable Quote:

Amy Hutchins [56:00]: “If you have a family of four, you saved almost $500 by taking advantage of free activities that weren’t listed on the website.”

Concluding Insights

Chris, Amy, and Brandon wrap up the episode by emphasizing the importance of community-driven travel and the benefits of relinquishing some control to experienced guides. Their Iceland trip demonstrated how group travel can uncover hidden gems and foster lasting friendships, while their Hawaii experience illustrated the joys and challenges of family travel, offering practical tips to streamline the journey.

Future Plans:
Listeners eager to join future adventures are encouraged to stay tuned, as Chris and Amy plan to revisit Iceland with another small group, ensuring more exclusive and personalized experiences.

Final Thought:

Amy Hutchins: “When you relinquish control to someone that can do this at a level beyond what you can, it works. It was blown away by the experience and will sign up enthusiastically for any trip planned by All the Hacks.”

Episode Highlights:

Comprehensive guides to Iceland and Hawaii trips
Insider travel hacks for planning, booking, and executing memorable vacations
Personal anecdotes and quotes enriching the narrative
Practical tips for group travel and traveling with children
Emphasis on community and cultural immersion

This episode serves as a treasure trove for travel enthusiasts seeking to enhance their own adventures through proven strategies and heartfelt experiences shared by seasoned travelers.

Summary

All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins — Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

Title: All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins
Host/Author: Chris Hutchins
Episode: Iceland & Hawaii: Trip Reports and Travel Hacks
Release Date: November 13, 2024

Iceland Trip Report

**1. Planning and Community Engagement

**2. Starting with Hot Springs

The adventure kicked off at Humsvík, a beautifully maintained hot spring that offers both relaxation and a cultural immersion into Icelandic bathing traditions.

Amy Hutchins: “The culture of hot springs in Iceland was amazing. They have everything from healthy, algae-filled natural hot springs to places like the Blue Lagoon and Humsvik.”

**3. Experiencing Reykjavik

Exploring Reykjavik provided a blend of charming city life and quirky cultural spots. Highlights included:

Punk Rock Museum: Located in a repurposed public restroom, it offered a deep dive into Iceland’s vibrant music scene.
Reykjavik’s Culinary Scene: Dining at restaurants like Sumac and enjoying iconic Icelandic hot dogs became standout experiences.
Northern Lights: Witnessing the aurora borealis was a magical experience, described poignantly by Brandon:
- Brandon Presser: “Seeing the northern lights so vibrant is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Being able to see it with others made it even more special.”

**4. Nature and Adventure

Venturing beyond the city, the group explored Iceland’s rugged landscapes:

Thorsmark: A remote area resembling another planet, perfect for hiking through canyons and discovering secret waterfalls.
Waterfalls: Iceland boasts hundreds of waterfalls, each more breathtaking than the last. The ability to engage closely with these natural wonders, such as walking under waterfalls and even drinking from them, set Iceland apart from other destinations.
Guided Tours vs. Solo Exploration: The trip underscored the value of guided tours in accessing hidden gems that are otherwise difficult to find independently.

**5. Cultural Insights and Local Interactions

Interactions with locals provided deep cultural insights. Stories about mythical creatures like Grilla and the Yule cat revealed the unique blend of folklore and everyday life in Iceland.

Amy Hutchins: “The Icelandic honesty and bluntness were refreshing. Stories about elves and hidden people are woven into their culture, making every hike and interaction rich with local lore.”

**6. Travel Hacks and Logistics

Flights: Utilizing Alaska Airlines miles to book Iceland Air flights proved effective, despite limited availability.
Transportation: Hiring Super Jeeps for excursions was highly recommended to navigate Iceland’s challenging terrains safely.
Cost Management: Iceland is an expensive destination, but strategic planning and group travel helped mitigate some costs.
Currency Tips: Always pay in local currency to avoid foreign transaction fees, and take advantage of contactless payments wherever possible.

Notable Quote:

Amy Hutchins [22:00]: “I would encourage people interested to check out. And if you're going to Iceland, hire one of these super Jeeps, take an excursion, go on a tour, and it's amazing.”

Hawaii Trip Report

**1. Traveling with Family

Returning to the Big Island of Hawaii, Chris and Amy focus on family-friendly travel, sharing strategies for a smooth and enjoyable trip with children.

**2. Affordable Flights

Securing affordable flights was a standout achievement, with fares dropping to as low as $220 each way.

Amy Hutchins: “Our flights ended up being less than $300 round trip, and they kept dropping over the course of time.”

**3. Accommodation Choices

Staying at Mana Lani and Fairmont provided luxurious yet family-friendly environments.

Amenities: Both properties offered extensive amenities, including pools, free room service, and access to snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.
Room Service Hack: Ordering from the kids' menu was a cost-effective strategy, providing generous portions suitable for adults.

**4. Activities and Experiences

Snorkeling and Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays: These activities offered unforgettable encounters with marine life. Brandon recounts:
- Brandon Presser [50:00]: “Night snorkeling with manta rays was hands down the best experience.”
Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Sunrise Canoeing: These morning activities immersed the group in Hawaiian culture and natural beauty.
Local Dining Spots: Recommendations included Lava Lava Beach Club for its vibrant atmosphere and Canoe House for fine dining on the water.

**5. Traveling with Kids: Tips and Hacks

In-Flight Entertainment: Packing a variety of snacks and individually wrapped toys kept children engaged during flights.
Transportation Hacks: Renting a car from National proved advantageous due to their flexible policies and proximity to the Kona Airport. Additionally, utilizing Ride Saver Travel Vests replaced traditional car seats, offering a compact and safe alternative.
Airport Navigation: Using amenities like the Escape Lounge at Oakland Airport provided a relaxed pre-flight experience for families.

**6. Cost-Saving Strategies

Hotel Promotions: Calling hotels directly to inquire about unadvertised promotions, such as free activities or discounts on excursions, enhanced the value of their stay.
Credit Point Utilization: Leveraging rewards programs, including booking through specific channels like Fine Hotels and Resorts via AMEX, unlocked additional perks like property credits and free breakfasts.

Notable Quote:

Amy Hutchins [56:00]: “If you have a family of four, you saved almost $500 by taking advantage of free activities that weren’t listed on the website.”

Concluding Insights

Final Thought:

Amy Hutchins: “When you relinquish control to someone that can do this at a level beyond what you can, it works. It was blown away by the experience and will sign up enthusiastically for any trip planned by All the Hacks.”

Episode Highlights:

Comprehensive guides to Iceland and Hawaii trips
Insider travel hacks for planning, booking, and executing memorable vacations
Personal anecdotes and quotes enriching the narrative
Practical tips for group travel and traveling with children
Emphasis on community and cultural immersion

This episode serves as a treasure trove for travel enthusiasts seeking to enhance their own adventures through proven strategies and heartfelt experiences shared by seasoned travelers.