Top Five Cruise Destinations to Escape the Cold Winter Weather

23. May 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Destination Tips · Tags: , , , , , ,

Top Five Cruise Destinations to Escape the Cold Winter Weather

What better way to escape those cold weather doldrums than a relaxing cruise to a warm destination. Cruises offer all the amenities of home, and many more. The all inclusive nature of a cruise vacation makes it easy to relax and put the thought of cold weather and work behind you.

Choosing a destination to escape those cold weather blues can be a fun challenge. There are many options for warm weather cruising. Some may choose the more exotic routes such as the Panama Canal, Australia and New Zealand, or even the Nile River. Others may choose the allure of the Mediterranean and the French Riviera. Still some prefer the South Pacific or the Mexican Riviera.

All of those destinations have a lot to offer, but the five destinations below are the top five for the warm weather seeker.

Multi-Destination Caribbean Cruise

This is by far one of the most popular cruise choices. The Islands of the Caribbean have so much to offer. They are as diverse as they are similar. The sandy beaches, blue waters, and lush jungles entice many visitors to jump ship at each port and explore the many offerings.

These cruises range from a 3 day excursion to 10 day island-hopping expeditions. Some cruises focus on only a couple of islands, while others make a swing around the entire area. On board the ship you can enjoy the entertainment and meals, while resting up for the day trips to the islands. Scuba, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, or simply exploring villages and mountain trails, are all examples of some of the adventures that await you on the islands.

While it is impossible to experience all the Caribbean has to offer in one multi-destination cruise, it does allow the traveler the opportunity to sample a little of each culture.This smorgasbord of experiences opens new opportunities for future vacation planning.

Barbados

While we are still in the Caribbean, Barbados is a superb destination. With nearly constant 80 degree temperatures, soft sand beaches, cool blue waters, and lush vegetation, this is a vacationer’s paradise; a relaxing cruise to the island makes it even more enjoyable.

Barbados offers a rich cultural history coupled with many modern amenities. Friendly, laid back people also make this a choice destination. Throw in some great water recreation, posh resorts, and a hopping nightlife and Barbados becomes an even better choice.

Hawaii

Although not well known as a cruise destination, Hawaii has always been a warm weather destination for travelers. The problem for most vacationers was choosing which island to spend their vacation on. A cruise through the islands eliminates that choice. You get to experience them all.

You could choose a cruise that started in Honolulu and then hop to each island for a great cultural and entertaining vacation. The time aboard ship could be used to rest up between visits to the islands. This is a great way to experience all the islands have to offer in a short amount of time.

For those who enjoy the on-ship part of the cruise the best, there are cruises that depart Mexico or British Columbia and float across the pacific for a very relaxing trip. These are much longer excursions. The onboard time can be spent enjoying all the amenities the ship has to offer before embarking on the many island adventures.

Aruba

Another Caribbean destination, Aruba, is well known for its nightlife. Aruba has often been called the Caribbean’s answer to Las Vegas, with its many lavish casinos and upscale resorts. This island relies on tourism to keep it going, with over fifty percent of its gross national product coming from tourism. That explains why the people are so open and friendly.

The trade winds help keep the temperatures down from the extremes, but the arid, dry climate promises plenty of beach weather. Days spent on the beach and in the warm waters, coupled with nights spent enjoying the resorts and casinos equals fun and relaxation. A low crime rate just adds to the air of relaxation.

U.S. Virgin Islands

This popular string of islands is a hotspot for cruise ship tourism. St. Thomas is the port of choice for shoppers. There are many other attractions and beautiful beaches, as well. Many cruise ships focus their trip on St. Thomas alone, and the passengers are not disappointed. However, the other islands cannot be ignored.

St. John is not a common cruise ship destination, but it is an easy ferry trip from St. Thomas. St. John offers a great look at the nature and history of the islands. And, if it is history you are looking for St. Croix is the destination of choice. It is rich in history with many historical attractions. And Water Island, although not on the cruise ship docket, is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas and offers a relaxing taste of paradise. With less than 200 residents it is an unspoiled gem in the chain of islands.

Jeremy Foster, a freelance writer who writes about travel tips and vacations, also discusses specific kinds of vacations such as a Caribbean cruise.


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Destination Weddings: 4 Considerations

19. May 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Destination Tips · Tags: , ,

Destination Weddings: 4 Considerations

“What about a destination wedding?” … “How crazy would it be to have a destination wedding?”

There’s a ton of advice out there on the web about destination weddings, but ultimately you’ve got to really boil everything down to 4 important questions/considerations:

1. How big of a wedding do you envision? Generally, it seems that destination weddings/special events are more of an intimate gathering…unless of course money isn’t really the in your “top 3″ priorities.  If you’re really expecting 150+ guests for your destination wedding, know that the price tag, stress and details all follow accordingly.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying it’s bad to have that many guests!  Just keep in mind that you’ve really got to stay focused and keep your guests updated. 

Advice: While hunting for a destination spot to say “I do,” find a place that is not only gorgeous and speaks to you both, but one with a wedding coordinator or maître d’ that you feel comfortable with.  Are they giving you more than just 1 way of contacting them?  Is your gut telling you something doesn’t seem right? Also, start an email list for your guests.  Remind them to have their flights reserved by a certain date, passports are up to date, etc., and be sure to block out rooms at your venue (if applic) or nearby resorts/hotels.

2. Are most of your guests willing to travel? I know I don’t have to be the one to tell you that money is tight for most people right now. While yes, your wedding/event is extremely important and special, there are going to be people who will have to carefully evaluate that against cash.

Advice: Go through your guest list with 2 color pens. Make 1 color for those who will DEFINITELY be there (you know who they are) and make the other color for those who will POSSIBLY be there.  Now evaluate.  Are there more under the ”Possibly” color than under the “Definitely” one?  If yes and you still want to invite them to your wedding, be prepared for the chance that all do show up and adjust accordingly.

3. Can you deal with “long-distance” planning? One thing you need to keep in mind is that the service you are used to dealing with at home (especially the NY area) is not always the same in your destination wedding area.  Many brides are surprised to learn that dealing with a wedding coordinator through the resort or hotel abroad requires a lot of patience and constant communication.  Remember, they don’t necessarily operate in the “New York minute” you may be used to.  In fact, they may take such a lackadaisical approach it can be nerve-racking for the brides who need that total sense of control.

Advice: Set up weekly reminders for yourself and always follow up with emails confirming everything. If you’re the type that needs to be there to see things through, this may be difficult for you. By keeping good lists and keeping it all in one spot (not some on your desk, some in a folder on your couch, etc) you can do it though! Check out what our friends at Martha Stewart suggest when planning a long-distance wedding.

4. Are you a procrastinator? If you are and you really, really want a destination wedding… make sure you have the support you’ll need to do it right.  There are too many details and things to remember that you simply cannot procrastinate or push off until “things get closer.” 

Advice: Have a sister, close friend who’s in your bridal party, or your maid of honor (or all of the above!) help keep you stay on track and organized. The MOH & BM should both be helping you and your significant other with these details.  Delegate them some key responsibilities so that you’re not left with having to remember everything for everyone. It’s too overwhelming and can quickly take away the fun and relaxing experience a destination wedding should be! I’m sure many brides deliberate this, especially in the beginning of the engagement/planning process.

 

Gabriela Salamanca is the partner and certified wedding/special event consultant for No Limit Events LLC as well as the main writer for the company blog, No Limit Events LLC: Bloggin’ It. She enjoys sharing fun and unique wedding ideas, which include helpful wedding and party related posts, inspirational photos and advice for those planning special celebrations. Gabriela lives in New Jersey with her husband and business partner, Justin, and their 2 lovable cats. Planning a luxurious wedding or special party? Please visit her blog and website for specials and helpful advice.  Submitted by : The Favour Shoppe ~ Unique Favors for all Occasions!

 


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Fun Destination Wedding Invitations kits – Message in a Bottle Kits – Wow them all

17. May 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Destination Tips · Tags: , , , , , ,

Fun Destination Wedding Invitations kits – Message in a Bottle Kits – Wow them all

So, you’re planning a destination wedding, how incredibly romantic. A destination wedding is certainly up there with the most creative and memorable ways to tie the knot. Picture it: waves crashing against the shore; bouquets of beautiful, exotic flowers; all of your friends and family gathered on a gorgeous beach to celebrate your special day. Destination weddings, however large or small, are definitely chock full of charm. Why not add to that charm with Message in a bottle kit ? Message in a Bottle and destination weddings complement each other perfectly, like a bride and groom. Imagine standing on that warm, breezy shore, the sun shining warming your skin as you prepare to recite the most sacred of vows. Then, suddenly noticing a mysterious bottle nearly buried in the sand next to you, bending down to get a closer look after the ceremony, opening it to find a personalized love note from your husband or wife. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that. Trust me, the tears will flow.

There are so many ways to include Message in a bottle kit in your destination wedding, it’s almost unbelievable. Using them as creative wedding invitations tips your guests off to the tropical locale, and it’s a great way to get your guests super excited for the trip. You can also use customized Messages in a Bottle as a special greeting once your guests arrive; order a batch for the destination wedding and ask someone at the hotel to slip these little treasures into your guests’ rooms. Put them on a pillow next to a piece of chocolate, and you’re guaranteed to get lots of extra hugs the next day. What about using Messages in a Bottle during the ceremony itself? If you’re planning to write your own vows, have them tucked inside a Message in a bottle kit and open them to read during the during the ceremony. It’ll add a great piece of flair to the destination wedding. Just make sure that you practice this at the rehearsal — you wouldn’t want to get stuck trying to open a bottle for hours, would you? Well, maybe. It’d be something hilarious to talk about later. And let’s not forget your destination wedding’s reception! Messages in a Bottle are so fantastic at receptions, you can use one in almost every area of the party. Take place cards, for instance. Spice up the typical, boring cards with a Message in a bottle kit personalized for every guest! Slip a special message in there to remind them that even though your destination wedding has you running in every direction, talking to everyone, that you value their love and support more than anything. Or what about creating a centerpiece out of Messages in a Bottle? Inside each of the bottles, write an interesting piece of information about the people sitting at the table. Then, when the guests sit down and realize they don’t know everyone they’re sitting with, they can open the bottles and learn a little something about them — maybe even about themselves! How’s that for an ice-breaker?

Don’t underestimate the power of Messages in a Bottle as thank-you notes, either. After your destination wedding has come to end, and the gifts have all been opened, sending your guests a thank-you Message in a bottle kit will not only let them know that you’re thinking about them, it’ll remind them of the wonderful time they had at your destination wedding. And maybe they’ll even send you a Message in a bottle kit in return! There’s no replacing Messages in a Bottle for destination weddings. Use them everywhere, in everything, with everyone. Then just wait — you’ll be sure to get lots of “Awww”‘s and “Where did you find these wonderful bottles?” And what’s the point of a destination wedding if you can’t be the envy of everyone for just a few hours?

order an original message in a bottle kit from the original message in a bottle shop – special wedding invitation kits

Keith Cangiarella

http://www.bottlemeamessage.com

A place to find a gift that will become a treasure
Message in a Bottle a friend today


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Frugal Rv Traveling Tips: Keeping an Eye on the Road ? and your Budget

07. May 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Destination Tips · Tags: , , , , ,

Frugal Rv Traveling Tips: Keeping an Eye on the Road ? and your Budget

Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do a little planning and research ahead of time, it’s easy to save even more – without ever feeling like you’re pinching pennies.

One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan your RV travel during the “shoulder seasons” – before and after prime travel time – when discounts are often offered at various campgrounds and attractions.

Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good any time of the year:

1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas

Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy says she doesn’t have to look any further than her own backyard to find her heart’s desire? Well, we’re not suggesting camping out right outside the house, but think about going to places not too far away that you’ve always meant to check out.

You’ll be surprised at how many new and interesting destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, and you’re bound to discover exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.

Tip: Your neighborhood library is a terrific resource for researching local and state information and attractions – and most of it is free!

2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better Gas-Mileage

It’s a simple fact that the less your RV weighs, the more mileage you’ll get on the road. Look around for places in your rig where you can institute a “less is more” policy.

For example, you don’t have to set out with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need for the first day’s travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once you’ve reached your day’s destination.

Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container that you can refill later. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase your gas mileage.)

Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags – not only do they take up less space, you can reuse them once they’re empty!

3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware – A More Economical Approach Overall

Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and cups is the easy way to go – and might even seem economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to find, and while they might not last forever, they’ll certainly see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion.

Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is also another way to save on weight, especially when you’re starting out on your RV trip.

Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten up even the simplest road fare!

4. Drive Less, Stay More – Save on Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts

When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider making fewer stops and spending more time at each destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs as most of them offer discounts for lengthier stays.

By driving less and staying more, you’ll receive an additional benefit: It’s much more relaxing to know that once you’ve turned off the ignition you’re settling in for a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you’ll be able to do some more in-depth exploring of the area.

Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area you’ll be visiting. Check for listings of events that you might not hear about otherwise … and don’t forget to look in the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!

5. Stop and Shop – At Local Discount or Dollar Stores

When you need to refill on groceries avoid supermarkets and convenience stores where prices are at a premium. Instead, look for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit and vegetable stands — depending on the season. You might not save much money there, but there’s nothing better than freshly picked produce.

Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you might find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices offer the opportunity to find unusual items, it’s a great way to get to know the local neighborhoods and people.

Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy – you might spot the perfect knickknack for a family member at someone’s yard sale!

Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:

- Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks

- Join Good Sam Club for 10% discount at their parks

- Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV travel

- Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes – instead of RV stores

- Avoid buying your RV “supplies” – like toilet paper – that claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money and buy the cheap stuff.

- Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don’t eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store in your RV’s refrigerator

- Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go

- If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give discounts. Look at a “Trailer Life Campground Directory” at your local library to compare camping fees.

- Plan!!

John Noble is the Marketing Consultant for Sky River RV Inc – a California-based sales and service RV dealership featuring Itasca and Airstream RV,

motor home and travel trailer units. For 100% customer satisfaction and personal customer care in new and used RV sales, repair/service, parts and RV rentals that has placed Sky River RV ‘a cut above the rest’ in RV dealers in California go to
http://www.skyriverrv.com


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Ten Top Travel Tips

21. April 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Destination Tips · Tags: ,

Ten Top Travel Tips


For the modern traveller, the world is your oyster. Okay, maybe you’re not prioritising a summer visit to currently war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iraq or Sudan. Likewise, tales of drug-trafficking, kidnapping and armed muggings might put you off a two-week sojourn in Venezuela or Colombia. But perhaps you are considering something a little more off the beaten track – a holiday that will test your nerves a little, or that will embed you in a completely different culture or environment?

Many a modern traveller now explores further afield, with Australasia, South America, Asia and Africa proving very popular for those with an adventurous spirit (who don’t mind long plane journeys). But for any such trips, there are known – and unknown – dangers that you may want to research before you leave. Visit Australia and you’ll probably be bombarded by people listing its dangerous creatures – box jellyfish, crocodiles, redback spiders, taipan snakes, sharks, and so on – together with a litany of tales surrounding those backpackers who never came back… But go to ‘safe as houses, no dangerous animals/plants here’ New Zealand and you may not realise that its capital city, Wellington, sits on a major earthquake fault line that is well overdue a ‘big one’!

Indeed, in a Norwich Union survey of last year, several places were highlighted as potential danger areas, including Thailand, Mexico and South Africa, where illness, accidents and crime are common. Again, not terribly surprising, perhaps, but did you know that travellers to Mexico made the most number of claims to the insurance company for overexposure to the sun? Probably not.

The findings also mentioned the Caribbean as the worst area for travellers to suffer insect bites and stings, and even Spain and the Canaries hit the list, for possible robberies and pick pocketing.

Even if you deal with all the insects, robbers, earthquakes, illnesses, hungry sharks and venomous snakes, you may still get in your car and crash. In fact, the most likely way for holidaymakers to meet misfortune is on the road, with 15 million people a year injured worldwide in traffic-related accidents. Remember that terrifying taxi journey on the way to your hotel last year? Yes, most of us can recall at least one terrifying car journey in our search for that holiday magic.

But don’t worry, BeatThatQuote.com is here to help address all your holiday concerns (both those that you knew about as well as the ones we’ve just got you worried about). With these travel tips, you can be sure you’re making the right preparations for a safe and happy trip, no matter how adventurous you are feeling:

1. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office website is a great source of information on safe/dangerous destinations, as well as general travel advice. Well worth a look if you’re planning to backpack round the world.

2. Do not forget or skimp on your travel insurance. Get travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate for your destination and planned activities abroad. Also ensure it covers any health issues you might have. According to recent research, 15% of British people risk going abroad without any kind of travel insurance – considering an air ambulance from the east coast of the US might set you back £30,000, it is really a risk you don’t want to take.

3. If you are planning to hire a car or you are taking your car with you, check you are covered for accidents and/or breakdowns. Don’t assume your UK car insurance will cover you for driving overseas – it might not protect you for anything more than road traffic accidents.

4. Check what vaccinations you need at least six weeks before you go and consider whether you need to take extra health precautions. Ensure you have sufficient medical insurance cover for your chosen destination, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

5. You will probably be leaving your home empty while you are away – ensure you have got/renewed your home insurance in the event of anything happening while you holiday. Also consider asking a neighbour to pop in/water the plants every now and again to ensure your house looks occupied.

6. Get a good guidebook and get to know your destination. Find out about local laws and customs.

7. Make sure you take all documentation with you, including your passport, necessary visas, and insurance documents. Make copies and store separately just in case you lose anything.

8. Check your bank cards. Do you know how much you will be charged for using your cards abroad? It might also be worth telling your bank or credit card provider about your trip. With fraud on the rise, some card providers/banks will stop your card if they see unusual/unexpected spending. A phonecall will remedy this situation but it’s just another holiday ‘downer’ you can avoid.

9. Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, for example, travellers cheques, sterling or US dollars.

10. And if you’re going for a long trip of several months or more, just don’t forget your responsibilities at home, including your mortgage. Budget carefully and ensure you can cover all your payments both at home and abroad.

Once you have done all of this, all you need do is pack your bags and go. It might be a scary world out there, but with a bit of forethought, there’s a whole lot of opportunity for adventure too. Have fun!

Caroline Poynton is a financial journalist and writes for Beat That Quote on all loans, travel insurance and personal finance topics.


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