Friday, September 28, 2018
Top 10 Cruise Packaging Tips
Pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries in the carry-on bags you will take on the plane and personally transport onboard. This is important for two reasons: First, if your luggage gets lost by the airline on the way to your cruise, at least you'll have some essentials with you. It can take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Second, in case your suitcases are delayed in being delivered to your cabin, you'll have a bathing suit or dinner attire on hand and can enjoy all the onboard activities right away, rather than waiting for your bags to show up.
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Tip 2: Pack your checked luggage wisely.
Be smart about your checked bags, too. If you tend to overpack, lay out all the clothes you think you'll need, then only pack half the clothing and three-quarters of the shoes. If you're traveling with family, consider packing half of your things in one suitcase and half in a separate one (and have your spouse and kids do the same). That way, if one bag gets lost, then everyone will have some clothing -- rather than one person having nothing. To save space, roll your clothes rather than fold them. Finally, never pack valuables in your checked bags, as they could be stolen. Carry all cameras, electronic games, jewelry and prescription medicine in your carry-on.
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Tip 3: Know the dress codes.
If you love to dress up, some lines do offer tux rentals so you don't have to pack your own. But while some folks still dress to the nines (formal gowns and tuxedos) for ships' formal nights, most people dress more informally (suits for men and cocktail garb -- flowing pantsuits or little black dresses -- for women). "Resort casual" is now the ubiquitous evening dress; think date night, with men in slacks and buttoned shirts (no jackets) and women in everything from sundresses to skirts or slacks with cute tops. Even jeans are now a staple in many cruise ship dining rooms.
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Tip 4: Consider doing laundry onboard.
If you want to pack light (and do laundry en route), make sure to read our cruise reviews; not all ships offer self-service laundromats. The ones that do have such facilities usually don't offer them for free, and it can get expensive. (Cruise lines often offer complimentary laundry and pressing services to suite guests and top-tier past passengers, so it pays to be loyal.) You can always save on laundry costs by bringing travel detergent and rinsing out underwear and shirts in your cabin's bathroom, or packing a bottle of travel-sized Febreze to get one more day's use out of a gently worn outfit.
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Tip 5: Don't assume your favorite toiletries will be in your cabin.
You'll always find basic toiletries onboard, such as soap and shampoo. In main cabins on some cruise lines -- Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival -- toiletries offered are limited (in some cases to pump bottles of mystery soap affixed to the shower wall). You might want to make room in your luggage for your favorite brands. Same goes for hair dryers. Most staterooms come with weak dryers, so if you're picky, pack your own. Another tip: Never unpack your toiletry kit. Leave it filled with travel-sized bottles and an extra toothbrush or razor. When it's time for your next cruise, all you need to do is top off or replace the bottles -- rather than wasting time collecting items and possibly forgetting something.
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Tip 6: Dress for your destination.
Simply put, some places are more formal than others. Expect to pack more resort-casual wear if traveling to Europe (all regions) or Bermuda. (Duffer alert: Golf courses in Bermuda have strict dress codes.) Other cruise itineraries, such as Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean and French Polynesia, are more casual than the norm. And don't forget to think about your in-port activities. Flip-flops are fine for a beach day, but you'll want more comfortable shoes for long days of sightseeing or active excursions like hiking or biking. If you're visiting religious sites in the Middle East or some parts of Europe, you'll want modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, even if it's quite hot.
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Tip 7: Save some room in your suitcase.
You'll likely pick up at least a few souvenirs during your cruise, so you'll need room in your luggage to bring them home. Whether you're picking up leather goods in Italy, Aloha-wear in Hawaii or duty-free goods in the Caribbean, consider packing a foldable duffle. It won't take up much space in your suitcase, and you can fill it up and check it for the flight home.
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Tip 8: Mix and match.
If you can make your clothes do double duty, you won't be hit with excess bag fees or find yourself fighting with your spouse about who gets the last hanger in the cabin's small closet. Stick with one color theme so you can re-wear bottoms with different tops, or bring shirts that can be dressed up for dinner on one night and worn sightseeing the next. Opt for the layered look to handle differing temperatures in the various cruise ports. Change up the look of one formal outfit with different accessories (jewelry, ties, scarves), rather than bring two suits or cocktail dresses. Your shipmates won't know (or care) if you wear the same outfit twice.
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Tip 9: Remember the basics.
Most cruise ship cabins don't come with alarm clocks, so bring your own. If you're using your cell phone for this job, put it in airplane mode so you don't incur roaming charges in foreign waters. Other items you might want to pack because they're not provided or super-expensive to buy onboard include: over-the-counter meds, batteries, camera memory cards, sunscreen, ear plugs, plastic bags for transporting liquids or wet things (or keeping water out of your gear on water-based tours) and power strips to charge all your electronics.
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Tip 10: Keep all important documents with you.
Always make sure you bring your necessary IDs and cruise documents -- and never pack them in your checked luggage. You'll want your photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass on hand (or even in a special document wallet). Make sure you have the correct type of identification for your cruise destination, whether it's a passport or birth certificate and photo ID. Wannabe cruisers have been turned away from the pier for having just a copy of their birth certificate (and not the required original) or a passport with a name that doesn't match the one on the ship's manifest (often in the case of a honeymoon cruise). If you need visas or immunizations for your cruising region, carry those documents with you, as well.
Article Credit To Cruise Critic
Written By Erica Silverstein: Senior Editor
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Do You Need A Travel Agent?
Travel Agents…
1) Help You Before, During And After The Journey
2) Are Travel Experts
3) Provide Peace Of Mind Wherever You Travel
4) Have Access To Exclusive Benefits
5) Design Personalized Experiences For Each Traveler
6) Cut Through The Clutter Of The Internet
7) Read The Fine Print
8) Study Hard To Become Specialists
9) Make Your Dollars Travel Further
10) Are Real People, Accessible In Real Life
11) Globally Connected
12) Passionate Travelers, First And Foremost
Concierge Cruises - Travel Agency
239 772 1840
conciergecruises@yahoo.com
Sunday, June 10, 2018
10 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent!
10 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent
Photo: Dubai International Airport
We bring you 10 reasons why you should always use a professional travel agent—and this year more than ever.
1. Buying travel is a unique purchase, because you are buying both a product and a service.
A travel agent know how to sell both parts—the airline and resort and cruise line that best match your needs, and the service that will guarantee your vacation is seamless and stress-free.
A travel agent know how to sell both parts—the airline and resort and cruise line that best match your needs, and the service that will guarantee your vacation is seamless and stress-free.
2. Travel agents are trained to take a critical look at each piece in your trip puzzle.
They make sure each piece meets your specific needs, so you’re happy with every penny you spent.
They make sure each piece meets your specific needs, so you’re happy with every penny you spent.
3. They can make sense of the multitude of offers from cruise lines and airlines and hotels.
This year travel companies are offering more brands than ever before in history—on land, in the air and on the seas. Is Royal Caribbean the right cruise for you? Is Delta Light good enough? A travel professional can decipher the subtle differences and choose the one that fits your requirements for this unique trip.
This year travel companies are offering more brands than ever before in history—on land, in the air and on the seas. Is Royal Caribbean the right cruise for you? Is Delta Light good enough? A travel professional can decipher the subtle differences and choose the one that fits your requirements for this unique trip.
4. Travel professionals save you time and money.
The time and money you spend with them will be returned to you many times over in the form of perks, upgrades, convenience and great service.
The time and money you spend with them will be returned to you many times over in the form of perks, upgrades, convenience and great service.
5. They are your advocate.
Whether you need an upgrade to an ocean view or a ticket out of harm’s way after an earthquake, your travel agent will be there for you, intervening with suppliers on your behalf.
Whether you need an upgrade to an ocean view or a ticket out of harm’s way after an earthquake, your travel agent will be there for you, intervening with suppliers on your behalf.
6. They are the experts.
Like a doctor or an accountant, a travel counselor will ask the right questions, listen to your answers, understand your pain, and offer expert advice to guide you in making one of your most important decisions—how to spend your invaluable time off. Because there are no do-overs for a vacation gone wrong.
Like a doctor or an accountant, a travel counselor will ask the right questions, listen to your answers, understand your pain, and offer expert advice to guide you in making one of your most important decisions—how to spend your invaluable time off. Because there are no do-overs for a vacation gone wrong.
7. Knowledge is power.
From the visa and passport requirements to the name of the maître d’ at the best restaurant in town, a good travel agent has the inside information that makes your trip perfect.
From the visa and passport requirements to the name of the maître d’ at the best restaurant in town, a good travel agent has the inside information that makes your trip perfect.
8. They have your back. When things go wrong, a travel professional knows whom to call to get it fixed on the spot. If your flight is canceled, just have a seat and pick up the phone while the rest of the passengers are lined up trying to rebook. Didn't get the room category you booked? No need to argue with the front desk. One call will get it corrected.
9. They are your personal shopper.
Over time your travel professional gets to know you and your family, your likes and dislikes. You are so much more than a sale to them—and they provide the human connection that makes every transaction more pleasant and meaningful. Plus by supporting local businesses, you support your community.
Over time your travel professional gets to know you and your family, your likes and dislikes. You are so much more than a sale to them—and they provide the human connection that makes every transaction more pleasant and meaningful. Plus by supporting local businesses, you support your community.
10. They can offer customized experiences that no one else can.
After many years in the business, a travel professional has the connections to arrange for the side trips, the special passes, the upgrades and little touches that are not available to the general public. Because in this wide and amazing and wonderful world, you just don't know what you don't know. So ask someone who does—ask your local travel agent!
After many years in the business, a travel professional has the connections to arrange for the side trips, the special passes, the upgrades and little touches that are not available to the general public. Because in this wide and amazing and wonderful world, you just don't know what you don't know. So ask someone who does—ask your local travel agent!
This Blog Was Written By Cheryl Rosen
10 Reasons Why You Should Travel NOW!
Take your luggage and dare to get out of your comfort zone
Because It Is Always The Perfect Time To Travel
Many times the daily life, your work or even your family brings you into a routine from where it is very hard to get out. You are always looking for the perfect time to go to the beach, to go for a massage, to have some time for you, to travel, nevertheless, always is the perfect time to do what you want to do.
If you are the kind of people that are always looking for the perfect time to travel, we want you to keep reading this blog post, because here we share with you 10 reason you should travel now!
Picture Credit: Pexels
1.- Because you work hard and you deserve it
Is there a better way to celebrate work and success than traveling? No matter if it is somewhere nearby or abroad, alone or accompanied, you deserve to enjoy that well-deserved rest!
2.- Because it’s time for another adventure
If you have a stressful life, whether studying or working too much, traveling may be the time to take a break. Get out of the monotony, enjoy all the beautiful things that a new place can give you. Because if you do not enjoy now, when then?
Picture Credit: Pexels
3.- Because it helps for your personal growth
Going on a trip helps you grow in more than one aspect of your life, it makes you a more tolerant, understanding, and patient person. It opens a world of possibilities where you realize that everything has nuances.
4.- Because you meet new people, flavors, and things
One of the most rewarding things you can get when you travel is meeting people, people who share with you their customs, their feelings and sometimes their home. Don’t miss this opportunity!
If you have decided to travel, we invite you to read: The 10 Best Apps For Travelers
Picture Credit: Pexels
5.- Because you reinvent yourself and reinvent the world
When you change, the world changes. You travel, and new thoughts come to you, only your way of being will never be the same because of the experiences. What are you waiting for to travel?
6.- Because it makes you free
When you travel you don’t have to give explanations to anyone, you can follow your rhythm and your desires. We are sure that this will awaken your adventurous side. So dare and travel!
Picture Credit: Pexels
7.- Because it helps your creativity
There is nothing more that will feed your imagination and creativity than traveling. All your senses come in contact with new colors, new flavors, new sounds, new textures that make a revolution in your mind and creativity.
8.- Because it helps you break the routine and leave everything behind
Traveling allows you to disconnect from the real world for a while, turn off your cell phone, forget about your responsibilities. When you travel there are no couriers, you don’t think about accounts, duties or problems. Sometimes our brain needs to rest to get rid of old thoughts and welcome new ones.
Picture Credit: Pexels
9.- Because it helps you to face your fears
When you travel many times, you face fears and insecurities that you did not even know you had, which makes you a stronger and more courageous person
10.- Because after traveling nothing will be the same
After traveling, nothing will be the same. You will return to your work, to your life, and to your routine, but your countenance will have changed. You will be happier, more cheerful, more creative and eager to do new and positive things. By that time you will have discovered that everything was worth it.
Picture Credit: Pexels
This Blog Was Written By Guadalupe Dzul
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