Category Archives: Travel Tips

Ship’s Shore Excursions or Go on my Own?

When selecting a cruise, I search for itineraries with ports of call I have not yet visited.  After making my decision, I research each individual stop on the route for a list of attractions to explore.  I reference travel books and magazines, online resources and compare the information to the outings the ship has to offer.  Depending on the activity, the amount of time and cost for the ship’s excursion, I make my decision to purchase the ship’s tour or reach out to a third party vendor.

So how do I ultimately decide what I will do in each port?  Here are some of the pros and cons of purchasing the shore excursion from the ship or going out on my own.

Purchasing the Ship’s Shore Excursions:

  • The cruise lines have negotiated the attractions and pricing with local, reputable companies in each port, so in most cases, I can count on lower prices and quality day trips.
  • The cruise ship tours will ensure that I am back in plenty of time for the ship’s departure.
  • I have the option to pre-pay for the excursions or pay at the end of the cruise.
  • I will meet fellow passengers on the ship making new friends.
  • In the event of an emergency, the ship will be notified and further action can be taken (i.e., assist in disembarkation, notifying the next of kin).
  • Shore excursions from the ship disembark prior to general disembarkation.

Going out on my own:

  • The ship’s shore excursion may include a stop on their tour that does not interest me, so I can visit the attraction(s) that I prefer and may be able to add another place of interest.
  • I can negotiate my own price, which could possibly be less expensive than the ship’s shore excursion.
  • I have the freedom to take my time at the location I am visiting rather than cutting my visit short, as long as I can make it back to the ship on time.
  • I can choose when to leave and return to the ship (i.e., to eat aboard rather than ashore)

Of course there are other considerations such as how far the ship is docked/anchored from the main attractions, whether I have seen most of the points of interest on previous cruises and what my options are within walking distance of the ship.

I hope these points will provide you with an idea of how to go about making your own decision when deciding on whether to purchase the ship’s shore excursion or going out on your own.   And should you decided to book a third-party tour or explore the port independently, be aware of when you must be back aboard the ship, not the time that the ship is departing!  Bon Voyage!

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Tips for Packing for your Next Trip…Business or Pleasure

As airlines increase their baggage fees and continued restrictions are placed on what one can pack in their suitcases and carry-ons, here are some great tips that may help as you prepare to pack for your next business trip or vacation.

  1. Make a list and check it twice: I have a template list for packing based on specific types of travel (business or pleasure) as well as categorized by the type of trip I am taking (beach or ski trip).  From clothes to toiletries, accessories and electronics, I can rest assured that I will have what I need for my next out of town experience.  Another benefit of having a list is that as I pack, I can confirm that I am returning home with the items that I brought on my trip.
  2. Check the weather: So I have already determined the climate where I will be visiting, but as everyone knows, weather can be unpredictable.  And today, with the advantage of the internet, I can easily download the forecast for where I will be heading.  So if there is a possibility of rain showers, short or extended, I can pack to accommodate the weather.  Well, at least to some extent.
  3. Lay out clothes by outfit: There is nothing like packing my favorite dress, only to find out that I left behind the perfect pumps that I purchased specifically for that dress.  Arranging the clothes as I would wear them, helps to ensure that I have not forgotten any of the essentials for a particular outfit.  This also includes accessories such as jewelry, scarves, etc.  As I position my clothes, I can also see additional ensembles that may be a possibility throughout the week.
  4. Know the restrictions for carry-on items. I watched a young man miss his flight because he had packed his expensive cologne in his carry on.  So as he was going through security, the attendant told him that he would either need to leave the cologne at the checkpoint or go back and pack it in his suitcase.  I have to admit that I was surprised that he opted to return back to check in rather than part with his aftershave, but it eventually cost him as he ended up missing his flight and had to wait for the next departure.  Here are the regulations regarding traveling with liquids (domestic). [http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-liquids-rule]
  5. Prepare a toiletries kit: Because I travel on a regular basis, I have a second set of toiletries set aside which is a huge benefit for preparing for my trip.  This way, I will not need to wait until the last minute to pack my toothbrush and toothpaste.  Once I return home from a trip, I purchase items that I need to replace so that my travel kit is complete and ready for my next adventure.

Packing is the least of my favorite activities in preparing for a trip, but obviously, it is a necessity.  The more efficient and easier I can make the process, the more enjoyable the packing process can be!

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What Makes European Hotels Different than US Hotels?

I remember my first experience staying in a European hotel in Venice. It was a cute little boutique hotel perfectly located between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto near Camp Manin.  Checking in, the staff were fantastic and offered great suggestions for restaurants and booked ahead transportation to the hotel when ready to depart.  I collected my belongings and began making my way towards my room on the second floor.

I have to admit that I was surprised to find several differences between European hotels from those in the US.  Here is what you can expect when staying at some of the hotels in Europe, unless you are staying in a luxury hotel or one that is a US chain-based accommodation.

  1. Most of the rooms begin on the next level up from the check-in desk called a 1st  level room.  It is quite possible there are no rooms at the “ground level”.
  2. The rooms can be quite small in comparison as well as the showering facilities.
  3. The beds are smaller than those in the US, similar to a twin size.  When booking a room for two beds, the small space between each (just inches) may surprise you.  Many times the hotel can add a connector between the two beds to convert to a larger size.
  4. Boutique hotels rarely have elevators, so you may find yourself climbing a flight or two of stairs.  If you have heavy luggage, or multiple bags, you may want to consider asking for assistance.
  5. When booking your hotel, you want to make sure that you have a private shower if you do not want to share with other travelers. It is common for some European hotels to have rooms where showering facilities are shared.

Now that you know some of the unique characteristics of European hotels, you can consult the hotel’s website to confirm the amenities and location of your room and contact the hotel directly for special requests.  Happy Hotel Hunting!

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My Return Flight on Frontier Airlines: LAS to CVG

PRE-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE:

Since this was my return flight back to Cincinnati from Las Vegas, all of the arrangements had been made ahead of time. You can check out my first experience flying Frontier Airlines at https://www.thesuitelifeoftravel.com/my-first-experience-with-frontier-airlines/

I headed down to the service desk/front desk of Harrah’s to book my transportation from the hotel to the airport. They provide shuttle service for a fee of $10 per person. Unfortunately, I was not able to print out my ticket that night, but I knew I could wait until I arrived at the airport to print out the boarding pass and pay the additional fee for baggage.

DAY OF THE FLIGHT:

I arrived 90 minutes prior to the flight’s departure and again, was met by Frontier Airlines with a long wait for the ticket counter. I approached the ticket agent because I was  leaving from the hotel and unable to print out the ticket for my return flight. Therefore, I did not have my seat selected nor did I pay in advance for my luggage.

The ticket agent quickly processed my paperwork, tagged my luggage and provided me with paper tickets so that I could begin the wait in line for security. Interestingly, I was not charged an additional fee here for my luggage. Thanks Frontier Agent and the Las Vegas Ticket Agents!

The security line seemed quite long but there were several machines available to check carry-ons and screen passengers.  I was entertained by passengers traveling in bath robes while an agitated security agent, repeated the security procedures over and over again.  It seemed as though people may have been too hung over to follow instructions.  The wait lasted about 20 minutes with only a few to spare before I needed to reach my gate.

I was given the first row, middle seats, with plenty of leg room. I slept most of the 3 ½ hour flight back home and it seemed as if in no time I was landing in CVG.  I collected my luggage from the carousel, picked up my car from long-term parking and headed back home. Yeah!

So would I book another flight with Frontier Airlines? Absolutely! Now that I am familiar with their policies and procedures and know what to expect at the ticket counter, this will be a breeze the next time I choose Frontier as my air carrier. Many thanks to all of the employees at Frontier who made my trip uneventful (which is always a good thing) and provided me excellent service!

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Five Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Flight

I recently learned that Tuesdays are the best day to purchase airline tickets.  But did you also know that flying on Wednesdays will reduce your airfare?   Here are five more tips for finding airline tickets to fit your travel budget.

  1. The earlier the better,  Flights booked early in the morning are usually the least expensive.
  2. Book your flight AND hotel together, Many online search engines provide package deals for purchasing more than one travel service, including rental car reservations.
  3. Check the airline’s website. You may be surprised to find that the same flight you booked through a travel site is cheaper on the airline’s website.
  4. Fly one airline to your location and another one on your return.  Flight times vary with each airline, so don’t be limited to one airline’s schedule.
  5. Sign up for sites such as Airfarewatchdog or TripAdvisor for FREE airfare alerts. It’s as easy as providing basic flight information and your email.

There is no better time than today Tuesday to book your next flight,

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The Best Italian Restaurant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

When you are dining at “The Best Italian Restaurant”, you expect it to be “the best Italian restaurant”, right?  Who doesn’t love all of the  rich pasta dishes and foods with a doughy crust, melted cheese, garlic and rich tomato sauce?

While vacationing in Gatlinburg, we visited the Italian restaurant as a recommendation from family friends.   They had just returned from their stay near the Smoky Mountains and visited the restaurant three times during their week vacation.

After a short wait, we sat down to a crowded dining room and a very patient waitress.  Looking over the menu, we ordered their “World Famous Garlic Rolls” to start with the deep fried ravioli.  Needing some additional time, we finally gave the waitress our order which included the fettuccini alfredo, spaghetti and meat sauce, a couple of pepperoni calzones and chicken parmesan.

The garlic rolls would have us tasting garlic for the next several days and were perfectly baked and topped with an abundance of parmesan cheese.  The deep fried raviolis were cooked to perfection, oozing with mozzarella cheese with each bite.  The alfredo pasta was rich with a thick, creamy cheese sauce topped on thick noodles.    The spaghetti with meat sauce had the perfect balance of tomato and sauce.  The calzones were doughy with a soft inside and rich tomato sauce with chunks of tomatoes topped with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.

We had overly stuffed ourselves, not leaving any room for dessert.  For now, we were just taking up space, trying to manage the energy to step away from the table.  My guess is if we could walk a few miles along the Parkway, maybe we can make room for a small ice cream or sample of taffy.

Have you visited The Best Italian Restaurant in Gatlinburg?  What did you order?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

Many thanks for reading about my lunch at The Best Italian Restaurant and wishing you many Happy Travels.

Where to Eat:

The Best Italian Restaurant
968 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4345

What to Eat: 

Everything on the menu and I highly recommend the Garlic Knots.

Travel Tip Tuesday: Cruise Ship Fitness and Health

Cruise vacations include a wide variety of foods that are accessible twenty-four hours a day, so staying healthy while aboard can be a challenge.   Having worked for the cruise lines on contracts that lasted for periods of 6 months at a time, I can sympathize knowing how easy it is to put on the pounds when surrounded by food.  Here are some healthy tips that will ensure that you can maintain your current weight and maybe even lose a couple of pounds.

1.  Try to keep up with the same routine that you have while at home.  For example, if you have an eating schedule that helps you to maintain a healthy diet at home, then try to incorporate those eating times into your vacation schedule.  The same goes for working out.  If you have a routine already established at home, try to keep with the schedule during your vacation on the cruise ship.

2,  Take advantage of your time in port.  Most passengers go off-shore to explore the various ports of call.  Whether you have signed up for an excursion or decided to visit the port on your own, many of these activities include some type of physical exercise such as walking or swimming.  You will be surprised at how active you are while disembarking the ship for some shore time.

3,  Just because the ship provides some type of food option over a 24 hour period, does not mean that you need to eat for 24 hours.  All-inclusive food offerings make it easy to stray away from your normal eating habits and overindulge.  Step away from the midnight buffet!

4.  You will want to ensure that you have a healthy breakfast each day, especially on the days that you plan to go ashore.  Choose items that are high in protein and fiber so that you will stay full longer until you are ready to eat either at port or back on the ship for lunch.

5.  Learn a new healthy type of exercise.  Many cruise lines offer various sports or exercise activities that you may have never tried at home.  For example, I once took a yoga class just to try it out to see if it may be something that would be of interest.  Check out the ship’s daily schedule for various activities that you can incorporate while you are aboard the ship, and especially during those days at sea.

In addition to these five tips, you should also drink plenty of water and make healthy food choices when selecting menu items for meals.  You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach home after vacation and find that you have actually lost weight on your cruise!  Bon Voyage!

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Tips for Planning a Caribbean Cruise

5 Carnival Liberty in Port, Castries, St. Lucia, 1.28.16

Cruise vacations are perfect for enjoying several ports of call in a short period of time.  They are also fabulous for vacationers who want activities already planned for them.  From days at sea where one can enjoy the shows, shopping, gambling and bingo, there are several activities that can keep the passenger entertained, 24 hours a day.  While in port, shore excursions are provided by the cruise line for an additional fee.

So why then would a passenger need to make any plans for their cruise?  For one, there is the opportunity for pre- or post-trip travel.  Most ports of origin are exciting and interesting in themselves and should be explored.  Secondly, some passengers would rather go on their own than purchase the ship’s excursions, even if it is only to walk around the port.

I had just booked a seven day Caribbean cruise on Carnival’s Liberty that departs out of San Juan. I found a great deal through Vacations to Go but needed to find a flight that would work around the ship’s schedule. I had learned that Southwest Airlines flies to San Juan, Puerto Rico, so I booked the flight in tandem with the cruise and we were all set for our trip…..except for planning our time at the various ports on the itinerary.

The most exciting part of the vacation planning process is researching what to do in each port.  There are a couple of research applications that I use so that I can select the best activities for each island I will be visiting.  My objective is to explore the ports I have not yet seen, check out any activities that may interest me and then maximize the time I have on each of the islands.

First, I visit the ship’s website and review the shore excursions that I find interesting. If there are specific attractions or points of interest, I make note of them.  I compare the cost of going out on my own to how much we would pay for them through the cruise line. I also determine the number of hours that I will spend on the excursion to see if it leaves room for me to explore the local town where the ship is docked.

Secondly, I check out my local library and search for various books and magazines that will give a thorough overview of the ports I will be visiting. I love the travel books that have pictures, but I found that Fodor’s Caribbean Ports of Call was one of the best resources for cruise vacation planning.  For each port, this book provides the following information:

  • A brief overview of the island  (currency and use of telephone)
  • Coming Ashore: This information is very helpful as it outlines how far the port is from the central town so I can determine if I need to take a taxi. Car rental information is also provided, In addition, there is a list of recommended items to purchase for each location.
  • Exploring [Port of ???]: In this section of the book, there is a listing of attractions as well as where one would find the locations in regards to direction (North, East, South, West) or by major city. Fodor’s ranks the attraction as recommended and also let’s the reader know which places are great for families to visit. A small synopsis of each attraction or area is detailed along with the address to the location, its contact information such as phone and website, its hours of operation as well as the estimated cost for visiting. There is also a map of the island and may be a more detailed map of the port town for each. Of course there are also sections in regards to the best beaches, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and other activities that may be of interest.

Third, I will search the internet for the country’s designated tourist information website. I make a note of the attractions or activities that are of interest and compare it with the information provided by Fodors or other resources that I have read.  If I can download a visitor’s guide or order information ahead of time, I sign up for the tourist packet and wait for it to arrive.

At this point, I will also look at tour providers online and review the comments and/or recommendations that are provided by previous customers. Some of the best reviews include Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor.  Since the cost is somewhat important to me, I like to compare the amount I will pay versus the number of hours spent on the tour to see if I can find a great deal. Not all tours are alike. Some operators may include a sightseeing, beach and shopping tour while others may only include limited sightseeing, etc. For example, since I prefer not to shop but rather see as much of the island as possible, I am most likely to find a tour that focuses more on attractions with as little shopping as possible.  As I gather the information and begin to compare our options, I soon become aware of how overwhelming this process can be and narrow my focus to the top five things that we would like to do and then go from there. I also want to ensure that the places we want to visit will be open during the time the ship is in port.

Finally, I will do a search on maps of the ports central town to see if there are walking tours already outlined with the highlights of that port. I tend to move towards those sites that also include a map, making it easier for us to navigate my way through town and providing us with a summary of information for those attractions.

Here are some of the best walking tours that I found for our upcoming cruise:

San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – Part 1 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – part 2 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Hop Aboard the Free Trolley in Old San Juan

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI:   Historic Walking Tour

Barbados:  Walking Tour of Bridgetown

St. Kitts: Basseterre Walking Tour  with Map of Basseterre

St. Maarten:  One Day in Philipsburg, St. Maarten

While on the ship there are additional resources that can also be very helpful for my ability to enjoy the cruise. The first is picking up a copy of the ship’s deck plan.  The plan is usually posted on each floor and at each elevator, but having a copy in my back pocket can also be very convenient in deciding how to manage my way around the ship. There are also Port of Call sheets that are available at the customer service desk or in a kiosk nearby, which we find to be very helpful as well.

Once the ship has docked and cleared customs, the passengers will begin the process of disembarking the ship once it has arrived into port. Nine times out of ten, there will be a cruise ship representative handing out shopping related advertisements and a map, along with some helpful hints, when provided. I like to browse through them carefully and take in the information as there may be some recommendations for places to eat or local attractions that may be of interest. For those that enjoy shopping, these advertisements are for you! They provide a listing of all the cruise-sponsored shops and the specials that are offered at each of these shops. But, because I am not an avid shopper, I can still appreciate the map for reasons of my own. For example, the map details the downtown area to include the name of each of the streets as well as handy information such as how long it will take to arrive at the city’s center by taxi from the dock. It is also helpful in getting the passenger back to the ship in the event that they may become lost.

Finally, ask your room steward, bartender or wait staff for their recommendations and what they like to do when in port. This may lead you to the perfect restaurant or excursion that you have not experienced otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask the wait staff on the island. While you are being served, ask them for places to eat and what to see and even where to shop. You would be surprised at the information you can gather, even at this stage of your trip!

I am never without a long list of recommendations, but I certainly appreciate someone who can lead me to an opportunity I may not have experienced otherwise.   With enough pre-cruise, on board and local planning, I am always sure to find the perfect solution for enjoying our day in port! And be flexible! You never know where the day could lead you!

Do you like to plan for cruise vacations? What are some of the resources that you use? I would love to hear your recommendations and tips on how to make the most of your time in port! Leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

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Travel Tip – Getting Back into Work Mode

I love adding a few vacation days to a holiday weekend.  So after being in holiday mode for a week, there are times when getting back into work mode can be somewhat challenging.  Here are some tips for making the transition easier.

  1. Set up my “out of office” message – This alerts co-workers and clients that I will be out of the office and if there is an urgent need to either leave a voicemail, especially if I will not be able to check email, or an email that I can check once I return to the office.  Which leads to my second point.
  2. Have a backup person – Putting someone in charge while I am out of the office is not only helpful to my clients, but it also relieves me of some of the duties that I would have had to cover had I not been on vacation. It is always a great idea for me to meet with that person prior to leaving to discuss any unfinished business and to meet upon my return for any urgent action items that may need to be resolved as soon as possible.
  3. Sneak a peek once in awhile – If I am accessible during my holiday away from work, I don’t mind checking email or voicemail on a 24 hour basis just to make sure that something has not slipped through the cracks or that there is a situation that requires immediate attention. I don’t want to spend all day working on my vacay, but checking every now and then doesn’t hurt.
  4. Put up a sign “In Teleconference” – After being away for a week, I may need to take some uninterrupted time to go through email and voicemail and snail mail to catch up on some loose ends. I can either provide a time when I will be available or just leave the sign up on the closed door until I feel I can take on any additional work/questions from colleagues.  Of course, I can also add “Interrupt in an absolute emergency”, so my co-workers are not too frightened to disturb me in the event that they need to do so.
  5. Prioritize and tackle – So while I am hibernating away to follow up and address any concerns, issues or questions, I want to see if there are any urgent notices (emails or voicemails) that require attention right away. I will many times answer the not so urgent messages stating that I have (or have not) had a chance to review their message, but will do so as soon as possible or even give them a time limit.

Vacations are a much needed priority to feel recharged and renewed.  I certainly don’t want to feel overwhelmed after my holiday, so I try to think about ways to proactively set myself up for an easy transition back into work.  It certainly can make a difference.

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Packing Outside of the Box

Packing for vacation can be a daunting task.  I have made countless checklists (by vacation type and temperature) and taken many precautions when it comes to my luggage.  I am always on the lookout for ways to ease the packing process and ensuring that my belongings reach their final destination.   Here are some of the tips I use to take the stress out of packing.

  1. As baggage fees increase, it may be more economical to send clothes ahead of time using priority mail, especially if you think that you will go over the weight limit or will have an additional bag.  You can also send things home through priority mail as well, but if you are returning from a trip outside of your country, make sure that you do not put valuables, medicine or items that you may need shortly after you have arrived to your destination or back home.
  1. Have you ever thought of donating some of your items to charity? Check into local agencies that may take used clothing and toiletries that have not yet been used.  This will lighten the load of your luggage coming back home, and you will be helping a good cause.
  1. If traveling with a companion, you may be able to keep the weight of your luggage down by dividing items that you can share. These items can include toiletries, electronics, or less frequently used items, for example, first aid kits, shampoo/conditioner, or curling iron.  Of course the extent of “sharing” may depend on how close you are to that person.   Only you can make a decision whether or not to bring your own toothbrush.
  1. Take photos of the your luggage, along with your passport and other important documentation. Although items may have shifted during travel and your luggage may have been inspected, you can be assured that what you packed remains in your possession.
  1. Finally, consider buying items at your local destination rather than packing them on your trip. From clothes to toiletries to duty free liquor, you will have an opportunity not only to buy items that you need for the week, but a souvenir of your trip.

Undoubtedly there are a variety of great tips for packing whether traveling domestically or internationally.  Putting them into practice will help reduce stress and start your vacation in the right direction.

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