Sara Butruff

Apple Valley, MN

The Hawaiian Islands

My favorite thing about the Hawaiian Islands is the diversity of each. Which means you can have various experiences from one island to the next because they are all so different from each other.

My personal favorite is the Big Island of Ha...
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My favorite thing about the Hawaiian Islands is the diversity of each. Which means you can have various experiences from one island to the next because they are all so different from each other.

My personal favorite is the Big Island of Hawaii. First timers will wonder what they've gotten themselves into when they land in Kona and look out the window and wonder if they've just landed on the moon. There’s black lava everywhere. You’ll experience the blackest nights you’ve ever seen which makes the starry skies shine with a breathtaking brilliance. There are so many different excursion options in this area. Especially compared to any of the other Hawaiian Islands. There are very few people here so if you’re looking for a quiet Hawaiian escape, this is the place to be. A 45-minute drive to the other side of the island is where you’ll find a lush green landscape and the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. If a volcano is erupting during your visit, the best way to see it is via a helicopter tour.

My other favorite is Oahu, which some people might find surprising. Oahu is where many experience Hawaii for the first time. The classic Waikiki shoreline with Diamond Head in the background is iconic and Pearl Harbor draws history buffs from across the world. But it’s a big city. It’s kind of like Las Vegas on the beach! The North Side of the island is where Oahu really shines. It’s a quiet area with endless beaches and cute little shops. The shrimp trucks are everywhere! You can stop and get a fresh seafood meal for practically nothing.

Kauai is for nature lovers. Those you like to put on their hiking boots and walk along green trails and experience the best that Mother Nature has to offer. It also tends to be fewer crowds on Kauai. If you’re looking for a fantastic beach vacation, you’re better to visit one of the other islands as Kauai just isn’t known for its beaches. Expect some rain here as it’s the wettest place on earth!

Maui is incredibly popular, can be more crowded, and is generally, overrated in my opinion. After the devastating 2023 Lahaina fire, that area is not accessible. It will be awhile before Lahaina will be able to accept visitors again, unfortunately, but the nearby Ka’anapali area is beautiful. The Wailea area can be kinda stuffy with its high end resorts and most activities will be in the Ka’anapali/Lahaina area. Rates to Maui are actually quite good right now. They are eager to bring back tourists after the fire which will help in the massive rebuilding efforts in Lahaina. If you’re looking to see whales, January through March is the best time to visit. And you don’t even have to take an excursion. From your hotel balcony you’ll be able to see plenty of whales.

I highly recommend getting yourself the traditional shaved ice on any of the islands. It’s a bit like a snow cone, but it’s in a bowl. You can pick your favorite flavored syrup, but be sure to get it topped with cream. Poke (pronounced POH-kay) is a dish made with marinated raw fish, vegetables, and rice and should not be missed. Going to a luau is very traditional. I've experienced many, many luaus through the years and all are not created equal. I can help you to find the best luau experience in terms of the show and the food.

I suggest not traveling over any holiday in order to avoid crowds and extremely high prices and November and December to avoid the rainy months. Otherwise, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Hawaii as the year-round average temperature is roughly 83 degrees.

The gorgeous lush green mountains of the islands are what call to you, begging you to return to this Pacific escape again and again. The sunsets are stunning. The sea and its treasures mesmerizing. Let me help you discover Hawaii!

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River Cruising with AMA Waterways

Keukenhof Gardens

Through the years I’ve learned quite a bit about the differences from one river cruise company to another. AMA Waterways stands out as one my personal favorites.

The twin balcony staterooms onboard AMA Waterways are 235 square feet which is the perfect size for a river cruise stateroom. The bathroom is a bit on the small size but the spaciousness of the bedroom area more than makes up for that. You have large windows to let in the light from your French balcony and an actual outdoor balcony if you’d like to sit outside. You won’t feel cramped in an AMA Waterways twin balcony stateroom. There’s plenty of space for you, your travel companion, everything you brought with you, and everything you bought during your travels!

One of my other favorite features is the heated pool on the top deck of the ship. While other river cruise companies might have a hot tub on their top deck, it’s very small and can’t hold more than 3 or 4 people. AMA Waterways doesn’t have that problem. It’s large enough to hold several people and a great place to sit and watch the gorgeous European scenery float by.

My “Partner-In-Travel” Eustacia and I often lead river cruise groups so please ask me about what our next adventure might be!

My Travel Albums

AMA Waterways Tulip Season

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My Travel Stories

Look Great When You Step Off an Overseas Flight!

Look Great When You Step Off an Overseas Flight

Stay hydrated! I have this at the top of the list for a good reason. It’s far too easily overlooked and yet it’s the single most important thing you can do for your body during a long-distance flight. Planes can get very dry. Flight attendants...Read more.

My Reviews

110 of 169 people found this review helpful

Smooth Sailing!

My family and I had the pleasure of working with Sara for our Disney Cruise. I had done some initial research and quickly was inundated with information and options. Sara took a very overwhelming task and simplified it for me which was so fantastic and saved me hours of research and second guessing myself. She took the time to ask questions about my family to find out what was most important to us for our cruise and came back with exactly what we were looking for!

She goes the extra mile with her customers and is with you from the time you book until long after you trip is done following up to ensure you had a wonderful time.

She knows Disney so well and her passion for the brand/product is evident and gave me the confidence to know we would have a fabulous time. We truly enjoyed our 4-night cruise aboard the Disney Dream and have so many "magical" moments that will last a lifetime! Thank you Sara - you are the best -can't wait to book our next adventure with you!

By amh1769 from Victoria, MN
Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Sara Butruff responded:
Ann, Thank you for booking your family vacation with me. The pictures of Jack with the Characters are priceless. It's those Magical moments that last forever. I can't wait to tell you about my Adventures by Disney this summer with family. It will be a Frischmann Family trip I am sure in a few years. Thank you again for your business it is greatly appreciated!