Happy Birthday Harry Potter

It's that time again. Summer has rolled around and this is the part of the year where my world becomes a lot more magical. Between June, July, and August we do a lot of Harry Potter events in celebration of the Chosen One's birthday. (We also tend to pack a lot into December.) 

We had an extra special even this year to kick off the "season" and if you are following me on IG, then you have already seen a bunch of posts.

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Early July brought us the last LeakyCon

LeakyCon is a convention put on by Mischief Management, a fandom event company, but was originally run by the website The Leaky Cauldron. It's a three-day celebration of all things Potter, which has been pulling in other magical fandoms (much like Fandom Forward) and is now transitioning to Enchanticon. We were lucky that this year was in Portland, so we didn't actually have to travel anywhere to get in on the fun. 

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PDXpelliarmus, the non-profit I'm on the board of, was specifically asked to have a presence there, so I spent a good portion of all three days at our booth, talking to people about what we do and how we do it and geeking out with other Potterheads over their amazing cosplays. While the show was much smaller than usual, it was wonderful to connect with so many awesome people, make quite a bit of money for charity, and also attend some great panels and spotlight talks. I met some magical creators that I've been following for years, got to see Starkid's last LeakyCon performance, and traded a lot of badge ribbons. I brought home a lot of memories and a few treasures. 

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My cosplays for the weekend: Friday I was a Honeydukes employee, Saturday I was The Fat Lady who guards Gryffindor tower, and Sunday I transformed into Stan Shunpike, the Knight Bus conductor, on summer vacation.

Mid-July brought us to our annual magical tea

We live a few miles from a really amazing tea house called Clockwork Rose Tea Emporium. They shut down for a week or so 4 times a year in order to transform their space into something truly amazing for a 6- to 8-week run of specialty tea seatings. In July, and part of August, this is the annual Harry Potter tea. 

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They serve special tea blends, themed foods, and they also have live entertainment. Usually that is a Muggle magician and the owner often comes out to run a Divination session so we can read our tea leaves. I make a point to show up in a new outfit every year and this year I went as Professor Sinistra (the astronomy teacher) on vacation and I made Eric a new shirt, like I did last year, which is a French version of "the wand chooses the wizard", that is perfect for an event that serves baked goods, and a hat with Hufflepuff house in French. That means I can re-wear this one for my next event or our September stint at Rose City Comic Con and Eric will wear his shirt all year long. 

The end of July brought us Wizarding Weekend

This is one of our biggest events for PDXpelliarmus. We team up with a landmark place in town to help the community. McMenamins Kennedy School is a real historical elementary school that they have turned into a hotel with several restaurants, bars, and a movie theater. We takeover much of the public space so we can bring in vendors and run games, so we have The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and Knockturn Alley. We either collect books or school supplies for schools/teachers in need and also raise funds for a big donation.

McMenamins, in turn, runs all 8 movies over the course of the weekend, has magical drink and food specials, and donates to a local charity here that helps people with basic needs. It's a win win win, and even though it's a ton of work, it's also a lot of fun. We do games and trivia and costume contests, give out House Points (and other prizes) and then announce the winner at the end of the weekend. People get real competitive over plastic gems and we love it. Everyone wants their House to win. 

What's next? Well, August is usually when I throw my annual Harry Potter party at home (it used to be the last weekend in July, but now that I'm volunteering, we moved it to the next weekend), but this year has been so crazy that I just couldn't pull it together in time, so we'll be doing our 10th official party next year, bigger and better than ever. 

In September, I'll be working with PDXpelliarmus to bring magic to Rose City Comic Con. In December, I might throw another Potter-themed birthday party for myself, because that's always fun. We will, for sure, be working our annual Yule Ball, which is actually our largest fundraiser of the year. A proper ball with dancing, a feast, and a nerdy DJ. People look forward to it all year and I can't say I blame them. We were able to secure the space and catering from last year already, so we're already 75% of the way there!

If I find anything cool and magical in the meantime, I'll definitely be posting to Facebook and Instagram first, so don't forget to follow me there. 

Disclaimer: As I always say, the fans own the fandom and I don't condone anything that She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has said in opposition of the trans community. Any art, artists, and events I support do not support her in any meaningful way (and I only say that because she probably does get compensated somehow for the movies they show at Kennedy School, but 50% of the ticket proceeds still go to a charity that helps the LGBTQ+ community without prejudice, and we can't tell a business how to spend their money, though we are floating the idea of showing entirely different magical movies going forward.)

Don't Waste Money On a Cruise

Okay, this is probably my last cruise post for a while, but since I want you to have the best cruise experience you can, without spending all your money, we're going to talk about a bunch of ways that you can waste money on a ship, when there are plenty of ways to just not and stay within your budget. 

Photo by Adam Gonzales on Unsplash

Everyone thinks that everything onboard is included when they cruise, but that's simply not true...for almost any ship. There are a few all-inclusive ships that are smaller, river cruises, but they are also much more expensive.

Specialty dining

Most ships have quite a few dining options and often the only ones of those that are included in your paid price are the buffet, the main dining room, and one or two quick service restaurants/delis. So, unless you're prepared to pay pretty high fine dining prices to eat somewhere else on the ship, set your expectations. I like to research all the places to dine and decide if there's somewhere I'm dying to eat and splurge on for one meal. 

Drinks packages

If you're a big drinker on vacation, this might be for you, but if you are like me and only have a drink per day or even less, don't bother. And also don't force yourself to "get your money's worth", because you're just going to feel bad in every way possible. You can purchase one-off alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise, but a drinks package can run you for $65 on up per person...per day. That's a crazy add-on in the long run. Instead, put that money for one day towards a mixology or tasting class, so you learn something and get drinks included.

There are non-alcoholic drink packages, like for sodas, which aren't normally included either, and they are much more affordable, but also not a must if you just aren't a big soda person. I think we tried a bit to get as much out of our money as possible, and ended up drinking more than we would normally, but it was much cheaper than the alcoholic package.

You can often get free drinks several different ways on a cruise, including going to the Captain's Party, the sail-away celebration, or sometimes the random activities like art auctions have free drinks. They won't be the best drinks you've ever had, but they will be free. 

Booking excursions through your cruiseline

I'm just going to say it. Often cruiselines mark up the real cost of excursions quite a bit. You could end up paying 2-3 times the amount of the actual excursion just for the convenience of it. Do some research and find reputable companies that run excursions outside of your ship and book them on your own in advance. They will ask for your cruise info, so you can make sure they will get you back well in time to get back on the ship. You will probably end up with a more personalized and smaller tour group this way, too.

Thinking your cabin will have standard toiletries

Ship cabins are quite small and their bathrooms even more so. If you think you'll be provided with things like shampoo and conditioner, think again. Even if you are, they are almost always subpar and buying them onboard will cost you a small fortune. Just suck it up and pack your own. To save space and avoid the possibility of spillage, go for solid shampoo and conditioner bars, and don't forget OTC meds (i.e. aspirin, antacids, allergy pills) and first aid items, sunscreen, and aloe. Yes, it's annoying to bring them, but it's more annoying to pay for them at an insane mark-up.

For more suggestions on what you should bring onboard, here's a post on a great cruise wardrobe, convenient extras to bring, and how to pack everything.

Going to the spa onboard

Yes, spa treatments are a luxury, even on land, but would you pay nearly $200 for a massage at home? Probably not, so hit up a spa while in a port city and help the local economy or, if you're super into one of those seaweed wraps or whatever fancy thing the ship spa has to offer, book a treatment on a day the ship is in port. The prices are cheaper when they don't have a captive audience. The same goes for the ship's salon, when treatments go "on sale" on port days.

Tipping twice

Tipping is awesome and you should definitely do it, and you should absolutely tip people extra for going above and beyond, but don't double tip if you can avoid it. A lot of cruises add on gratuity to drinks and spa treatments automatically, so check your receipt before adding more on the tip line. They are hoping you won't notice it and spend even more. But again, tipping more on purpose for amazing service is always a lovely bonus for crew.

Keeping your phone on roaming

Those roaming charges for being out of the country can be exorbitant. Unless you've paid for a WiFi package, which I highly recommend if you are someone who likes to keep in touch with the fam or posts a lot on your socials or streams a lot, keep your phone in airplane mode as much as possible. This will save you a lot of heartache once you get back home. 

Not using the ship's app

A lot of cruise ships have apps that can give you up-to-date schedules and info about all the going's on during your trip. Sometimes they also have games you can play throughout the ship via the app, which you can't play any other way. Now, you could just rely on the daily paper schedule they give you at the start of each day, but do you really want to carry another thing with you? What about when things change and you don't have notification? Also, if you haven't memorized the ship's layout, the app can help you get around, too. Feel like a pro and always know where you're going when throughout your trip.

Dawdling and missing the boat

One thing you definitely do not want to do is miss your ship at a port of call. Leave yourself plenty of time to get back before cut-off. We made sure to give ourselves an hour or two before we needed to be back and we spent that time wandering around the small touristy port area or returning early, so we skipped the long lines trying to get back on the ship. The ship will absolutely leave without you if you are late and that means you will have to spend money to catch up to it at the next port of call, no exceptions. Manage your time wisely and put an alarm on your phone if you have to.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Using just any old card for your onboard spending

There's no way around it. You're going to spend money onboard, whether you like it or not. Make sure you get something out of it and use a card that gets you travel points, miles, or cash bonuses. Choose the card that has the best deals and attach that to your account on the ship. If you change your mind about what card to use, you can always switch it before the end of your cruise.

There you have it. Plenty of ways to not throw away money on your cruise and most are so easy to do. Make a plan, be strategic, and make time to both relax and enjoy the things onboard that interest you. 

Have you ever been on a cruise? Where did you go?

How To Pack For a Cruise

I've been feeling cruises lately, and feel like they are a special breed of travel that can be much different than other travel options. You see a bunch of places, but you're basically stationary, because you're on a ship and you don't have to pack up and move every day or so. You have a lot of options for activities on and off the ship, which means you're probably taking a few more things, but you have less room than you would in most traditional hotel rooms.

Photo by Adam Gonzales on Unsplash

You should also pack a bit differently for a cruise than how you normally would for traditional travel. I've given you a sample capsule wardrobe and also a list of good-to-have items. So, let's talk about actually packing these items.

Use packing cubes

I'm a big fan of packing cubes to keep all my clothing organized. It's also nice to use different sizes to separate my clothes from Eric's, just so it's incredibly easy to find what we need. My favorites are compression cubes and I have a similar set to these. I use a large one for all of Eric's clothes and a medium one for mine, then a small one for all our underwear and socks. Not only are they great for organizing your stuff, but take more in less space. That's important if you're trying to pack as small as possible.

Keep your swimsuit and sunscreen in a separate, smaller bag

I suggested this packable, insulated tote bag from Travelon. Not because it's insulated, but because it's got a waterproof lining. When you board the ship, you will not have access to your bag(s), unless you want to drag them around with you until your room is ready. It may be several hours before you can get into you room and your bags are delivered to the door, so pack things you may need/want in a separate bag to use in that time: swimsuit(s), sunscreen, medication*, sunglasses, flip flops, hat, passport/ID, portable battery. 

This means you won't be burdened with stuff, when what you really want to do is grab lunch and then have a drink by the pool. It enables you to hit the deck running much more easily. And if you want to redress instead of wandering around the ship in your swimsuit, you have a bag with you that is perfect for that. 

*if you get motion sickness, make sure you bring medication for it, or, even better, try bands like Blisslets, which are pretty and use acupressure to stave off nausea. 

Put your important documents in waterproof pouches

Waterproof pouches are great for snacks, but even better than that, they can be used to keep things like your travel documents, passport, phone, and cash dry and separate from wet things in your bag or when you're near the pool on that first day. 

You can use these in your suitcase to corral all your like things together, like your cords for electronics, your magnetic hooks or clips and nightlight, so you can pull each right out of your bag and put stuff to use.

Use a hanging toiletry bag

You're not going to have that much space in your cabin bathroom, especially when it comes to counterspace. Keep all your toiletries off what little free space you have by bringing on that unfolds and hangs up. The flat-out toiletry bag from Travelon is a little bigger than normal toiletry bags, but a great choice, or the Bagsmart one is larger and has more compartments to see all your things at once. If you're a minimalist, the Travelon compact kit is awesome.

You can always use a second hanging shoe organizer on the back of the bathroom door to spread things out a bit. I recently bought this set of two, so you can use on in the main cabin and one in the bathroom.

Last, but not least, don't forget to bring cash for tips onboard (it can be easier to keep track of them this way) and for shore excursions. 

When you're more organized on your trip, you'll spend more time enjoying your cruise than digging in bags for things you know you packed, but can't find. It also helps for when you have to pack all your things before going to bed on the night before you have to get up bright and early to disembark.  

What are your must-have tips or items for cruising?

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Making Your Washington, D.C. Wishlist Happen

Planning a trip to Washington, D.C., is exciting but can be daunting when you’re trying to fit all the must-see attractions into a limited budget and timeframe. The typical D.C. wishlist includes iconic sites like the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Don’t forget the obligatory long walks along the National Mall and visits to fascinating museums too. 

How do you make it all happen without breaking the bank or running out of time?

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Book a Central Hotel

One of the best ways to maximize your time in Washington, D.C., is by booking a hotel in a central location, like the new Arlo hotel in Washington Capital Hill. 

Capitol Hill is home to landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court, and it’s just a short walk or metro ride from the National Mall and other key sites.

Pack Your Best Urban Walking Shoes

Washington, D.C., is a city best explored on foot. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of its monuments and the beauty of its parks and neighborhoods. To make the most of your walking tours, pack your best urban walking shoes. Comfortable, supportive shoes will keep you going all day without the discomfort that can come from less practical footwear.

Walking is not only cost-effective but also gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. 

Do Not Buy Souvenirs

While it’s tempting to load up on souvenirs, they can quickly drain your budget and add unnecessary bulk to your luggage. Washington, D.C., has plenty of souvenir shops offering everything from T-shirts to trinkets, but these items often end up forgotten in a drawer. Instead, focus on capturing memories through photos.

Taking a good selfie is an art, and with a little practice, you can master it. Whether you use a selfie stick or rely on the classic arm’s-length shot, here are some tips: Find good lighting, use iconic landmarks as your backdrop, and experiment with angles to get the best shot. Photos not only save you money but also create lasting memories you can share with friends and family. They’re personal, meaningful, and don’t take up physical space.

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Keep a Daily Budget

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on anything. Setting a daily budget helps you manage your finances without stress and ensures you can enjoy all the key experiences Washington, D.C., has to offer. Start by planning your major expenses, such as meals, transportation, and entry fees for attractions that aren’t free.

Many of D.C.’s top attractions, including the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art, have free admission, making it easier to stick to your budget. For meals, look for local eateries and food trucks that offer delicious and affordable options. Keep track of your spending each day to avoid any surprises and make adjustments as needed.

Your Washington, D.C., wishlist is within reach, even on a tight budget and schedule. By booking a central hotel, packing the right gear, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and sticking to a daily budget, you can make the most of your visit. Embrace the adventure, explore the city’s rich history, and create unforgettable memories. Washington, D.C., has so much to offer, and with a little planning, you can experience it all. So, pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready for an incredible journey through the heart of America.

Essential Cruise Wardrobe Pieces

It's summer, and if you're anything like me, you might be thinking about a cruise again. Now, I always think about going on a cruise and then somehow talk myself out of it, but I am a person who likes to set  up a home base and then explore a city for an entire week. We've been debating on a Mediterranean cruise though, so we'll see if we actually go through with it. I'd love to see a lot of Greece and Turkey in one go, but I'm also really thinking I might just spend a week in Malta. 

Anyway, if you are actually planning a cruise, and you've whittled down what sort of ship you want to go on, where you want to go, and have gathered your cabin accessories, then let's talk what to put in your luggage. We'll talk about how to pack your luggage in a different post.

Depending on how long of a cruise you're going to go on, there may be several different kinds of activities every day. On any given day you could go from breakfast, to the pool, to trivia, to a nice dinner, to a Broadway-style show. So, you're going to want to bring more than you normally would on a trip, but we're also still going to try to pack light, because I'm still all for doing laundry. It's actually easier on a cruise, because everything you're doing when not in port is basically in your "hotel".

In this case, I like to bring versatile pieces that can work for a lot of activities. 

Tank tops are perfect for layering or generally strolling around the ship, whether you're going to lunch or reading by the pool or on your balcony or doing miniature golf. I always bring a couple basic ones that have a bit more coverage (not spaghetti strap ones) and I like these from Pact that feel great and can double as activewear, so even if you're a sweaty mess, your shirt won't look it. These come in a pack of two.

T-shirts are a perfect staple for most trips. I actually really like these loose-fit cap sleeve tees, because they give a different sort of silhouette, look great with a lot of different bottoms, and also aren't as heavy or tight as most t-shirts. I'd bring two of these.

A casual travel top that works with almost anything is a must. I am a fan of a looser tank with a pattern that can make different bottoms look entirely different from each other. I love a piece from from Prana and I have had my eye on these tie-front tanks, because they work for going to meals, doing random things on the ship, and help you look put together, while also being extremely comfortable, on excursions.

A longer dress is great for wandering around port, as a beach cover-up, and also for "formal" dinners and shows. This one from Billabong can go from casual to dressy with just a few accessories. It's also easy to add a layer on top for a little warmth. There are some people on cruises that go all out on formal nights, but there is always a spectrum of formality. If you want to look more formal, you can always opt for a black dress. That's usually my go-to, but I have a lot of black clothing, since it goes with everything, even if it's not very summery.

A shorter beach cover-up. If you plan on spending time on the beach or at the pool, but don't want to walk through the ship in just your swimsuit, or you don't want to go back to your room to change after breakfast, then bring along a cover-up that can also double as a super casual dress or a tunic-length shirt. This eyelet dress from Prana comes in two other colors, but I really feel the cruise vibe in white, plus it has pockets!

Lightweight, quick-drying shorts. Two pair of shorts in different colors that match all your tops are probably all you need. It's likely you'll be wearing them mostly on deck or while exploring your port city. I try to pick ones with a longer inseam (5"), so my butt is covered when I sit down and my thighs don't burn on benches and you don't get that gross sweat stick to chairs that everyone else has sat on in their tiny shorts. It also helps eliminate chafing. I've recommended these Columbia Backcast water shorts before and I stick by that recommendation. They are comfy, fine for jumping around in the water, can be worn as a swimsuit bottom in a pinch, and are moisture-wicking. They even have UVA and UVB blocking built-in

A pair of linen or linen-blend pants are a must for being comfortable, but still looking great. They look nice with a tank top or a looser top and a change of shoes can really make them look more dressed up, too. I'm a person who gets cold sitting in a restaurant or theater, so having some extra coverage on my legs is really helpful. These linen palazzo pants are flowy and are iconic vacationwear. 

You're going to need things other than just clothing staples, so let's talk about those things: 

A great bathing suit for all those trips to the pool and possibly the beaches of whatever city you've docked at. I love this cutie ruffle tankini set. It has more coverage and comes in a bunch of different colors/patterns, so it can work for just about everyone. 

Shoes. You probably want to bring a pair of flip flops or water shoes. They take up almost no space. Aside from those, I always suggest two pair of walking shoes, one traditional and one nicer. I wear sneakers on the plane and on excursions, and then I bring a nice pair of sandals, like these Dr. Scholls ones to wear with dresses or exploring a city.

An outer layer for when it's cooler in the evenings or you're inside with the a/c blasting. This open weave cardigan is nice and loose, not too warm, and looks great with shorts or a dress. 

Sunglasses are the first thing to always go in my bag. This two-pack of classic shades have colors that go with everything in your wardrobe and if you lose or break a pair (this has happened to me more often than I want to admit), you have a backup pair.

Towels for when you aren't on the ship or have access to beach towels. Turkish towels are great travel companions, because they can be used as bath towels, beach blankets, picnic blankets, a sarong, or even a shawl. They are super absorbent and dry quickly. This two-pack is perfect and affordable and you can buy more than one set if you're traveling as a family or group. And if you're worried about your towel flying away on windy days, grab a set of towel bands. They're really helpful for identifying your chair at the pool when everyone has the same towels.

A tote bag for day trips and bringing items with you to the pool. I love one that can handle wet items, for when you're done at the beach and change into regular clothes. These insulated totes from Travelon can take your chilled drinks and sunscreen with you and then your soggy suits and towels back. They pack smaller into their own pouch. It comes in a small size and a larger size for when you travel with more people or also want to use it for grocery store runs. (You buy these directly from Travelon and use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% for an exclusive discount.)

Pajamas are something most of us wear. I like lounge-y sets that I could wear down to the laundry, hang out on the balcony in the morning with my coffee,  or to wear to pajama night events on some ships. These come in a set of two, so you can always have a spare.

Next up, how to pack all these things for your ultimate cruise trip, because, not only do you want to look great, but you also want to pack small and conveniently, as cruises are a whole different kind of vacation than any other you'll take. Packing needs to be strategic. 

What are your favorite things to bring on a cruise or a great tip you have for cruising?

Disclaimer: Support Shereen Travels Cheap by using the links in my posts to shop. I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so I can continue to create helpful free content. Thank you. I appreciate your support!