Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Happy Birthday Harry Potter
Saturday, July 27, 2024
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?
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
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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Friday, July 19, 2024
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?
Unsplash - CC0 License |
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.
Unsplash - CC0 License |
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.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
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.
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?