Ask Endora

Dear Endora,

Recently I booked an international flight for my wife and myself over the internet. Unfortunately, I ordered the tickets in the names of Ron and Jan (instead of our true passport names – Ronald and Janet). When I received my e-tickets I found a note that said that travel documents must reflect the traveler’s legal names as reflected on valid passports. I immediately called the airline and advised them of the true names. Much to my dismay, the only way they could change the ticket would be canceling the flight and rebooking the flights at the going rate. Is this for real?

Don from Baltimore

Dear Don,

The world of travel has definitely changed in the last few months! If you purchased a nonrefundable ticket, as most tickets are, you can cancel your flight, for a fee – then rebook. And now often times to get the most value many tickets are completely nonrefundable! Sorry darling, you will incur penalties one way another so it is imperative to match government issued photo ID for all domestic travel AND for international travel your ticket must match your passport. These changes are due to new regulations currently being implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSI) that govern travel on all airlines.

   Endora

Dear Endora,

I know on Kauai Mount Makana is known as “Bali Hai,” however, in James Michener’s novel what island did he have in mind when describing this mythical island?

Just Curious

Dear Just Curious,

Well dearie it really will depend on who you talk to, but my vote and majority consensus say that Moorea in French Polynesia is the island Mr. Michener was describing. If you haven’t been you might want to go and see for your self someday!

Cheers,
   Endora

Dear Endora,

I am going to spend a week on Oahu with my family and would like to know what the top visitor attractions are?

Lenora – Cleveland

Dear Lenora,

The Hawaii’s visitor bureau does a pretty good job of tracking what visitor’s see and do and their list is as follows, and not in any order:

  • Arizona Memorial – a must for every visitor, one of the most recognized sites in Hawaii and it is FREE!
  • Battleship Missouri Memorial – the last and most celebrated battleship ever built.
  • Sealife Park – if you have a fondness for animals this is one hot ticket!
  • Kualoa Ranch – the backdrop for many motion pictures, there is a wide array of outdoor adventure offered here.
  • Polynesian Cultural Center – perhaps the most visited paid attraction in all of Hawaii.
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Of course, there are many other places to visit both historic and drop dead gorgeous. Oahu really will appeal to just about anyone, especially if you know where to go! Have a fabulous time on Oahu.

All the best,
   Endora