Best Wishes For A Happy Holiday Season

And A New Year

Full Of Magnificent Destinations And Cherished Memories.

 

Diane Gagliardo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruising With Kids

 

How many trips can you make to Disney World for that family vacation with the kids, shelling out hundreds of dollars just to walk your family through the gates, standing in line in the hot sun, buying Mickey Ears as a souvenir – then throwing them in the bottom of the closet when you return home? Does this sound like a vacation to you?

Why not make the whole family happy, from the kids to the grandparents? It’s time to look at cruising – not only is it the best vacation value around, but everyone in the family has a great time. Cruise lines know that kids need to be occupied, and they also know that parents need a break. So how can one vacation accomplish both needs?

The new megaships are built for families in mind. Parents can sit by the pool while their kids are enjoying the water slides and fun activities, and the best part is there is no extra charge for the fun.

If your kids are more adventurous, why not check out the many other activities available onboard. How about rock climbing, surfing, zip lining, basketball, putt-putt golf, bungee jumping, ice skating, game rooms, bowling and more! Yes, you can do all these activities on a ship!

But wait, there’s more! Are you looking for a few hours to chill by the pool, get a massage or simply want to take a spin class? While you do that, your children will be occupied with learning and enriching activities. There is a program for children of all ages. Examples of some of the fun in store at the kids’ camps include:

• Toddlers (ages 2-5) – splash pool, fun family games, cartoon time, toys, learn your colors, counting games, sponge painting, indoor beach parties, pizza pig out, drawing contests, sing-alongs, bingo, face painting, arts and crafts, cookie decorating

• Juniors (ages 6-8) – talent show, face painting, cartoon time, indoor fair, sea animals, trivia, ice cream sundaes, cookie decorating, button making, puppet show, beach party, outdoor fun and games

• Intermediate (ages 9-12) – t-shirt painting, photography, jewelry making, board games, dance class, video game tournament, ping pong, talent show, volleyball, show time, scavenger hunts, meet the entertainers back stage, breakfast fun

• Teens (ages 13-15) – ping pong, pool party, teen dance, dance class, talent show, pizza party, indoor beach party, skin care and hair-dressing demonstration, photography

Cruising is not just for adults anymore – it’s the vacation where EVERYONE gets to have fun.

Hiking Vacations

If you love nature and enjoy getting a great workout, a hiking tour may be for you. Hiking tours are about much more than just walking. They take you to exciting places that can only be reached by foot. Hiking tours are extremely flexible and versatile, allowing you to choose the style of hiking, sights you want to see, and intensity of the exercise. All travel entails some risks. Hiking tours have additional risks associated with outdoor physical activity. For these reasons, you will want to work with a responsible and safety-conscious tour operator that your professional travel agent can confidently recommend.

#travelwithdianeg

 

 

Stay safe on your hike:

• Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and don"t push yourself beyond your physical limits.
• Follow all the rules that your tour operator sets out for you. These rules are made for your own safety.
• Respect the environment, the tour operator, your hiking companions, and anyone you meet on the trip. Be friendly and do not go off by yourself, away from approved hiking areas. Do not pick up or remove plants or animals from their natural environment. Do not litter. Strive to leave the environment just as you found it, or better.
• Use good equipment - especially good hiking shoes. If your tour operator offers you equipment, make sure it is safe and in good condition. If you buy your own, make sure you buy the correct equipment from a qualified store. Get a salesperson to help you.
• As with all travel, good trip interruption and medical insurance is highly recommended. Remember that your own medical insurance policy may not cover you for out-of-country travel.

What Kind of Packer are You?

The Perils of Packing

So, what kind of packer are you? Some travelers pack several weeks worth of clothes in their bag for a weekend trip. Others pack lightly and end up forgetting those things that are most important. I used to be a terrible packer. Boy could I over pack. Clothing was only half the story. I would also bring a hefty stack of guidebooks, maps; a pile of magazines; books; two cameras, including lenses, headphones; iPad; cell phone; power cords; foreign outlet adapters; and the list goes on and on. I finally have this packing thing worked out. I'm still a far cry away from being "just a carry on" traveler but I would define myself as a "savvy" packer. Print the packing list below to help you on your next travels.

Packing List

10 Weeks Prior  Finalize vacation  Buy travel insurance  Book flights/airport transfers  Confirm travel document requirements  Determine any neccessary vaccinations  Get details information on vacation, dress code  Get information on baggage allowance 6 Weeks Prior  Complete pre-registration  Reserve specialty dining  Reserve excursions  Reserve spa appointments  Reserve onboard/land programs  Reserve onboard/land childcare & activities  Arrrange house care and pet care  Arrange childcare (if traveling without children) Arrange mail delivery 3 Weeks Prior  Make appointment for personal care  Review all travel documents  Shop for travel necessities 1 Week Prior  Make 2 copies of passport (leave one at home)  Check airline policy  Print/order luggage tags  Buy extra media cards/batteries  Get cash/travelers checks  Leave trip information with family/friends  Confirm house care  Confirm at home childcare (if needed)  Stop home deliveries  Check phone carrier for international service  Refill prescriptions 2 Days Before  Review & confirm vacation information  Review & confirm flight information  Carry-on 3-1-1: 3.4 oz or less, 1 qt bag, pp  Meet with house sitter & childcare provider  Contact credit card company

Day Prior  Drop off pet at pet care  Clear refrigerator of perishables  Take out trash  Return any borrowed items with fees  Pay last minute bills  Set light timer  Inform family/friends/neighbors  Finalize packing  Put on luggage tags Travel Essentials  Airline tickets  Cruise/land documents  Travel Insurance information  Passport/Visa  Vaccination certificate (if required)  Driver's license  Auto insurance  Health Insurance  Copy of medical insurance (if needed)  Travel Guide  Camera, media/memory card, charger  Underwater camera  Camcorder & charger  Portable DVD Player & Charger  iPod/MP3, Tablet & Charger  Earphones  Extra batteries  Converter/adapter  Prescription  First aid kit

How to Get the Best Cruise Vacation Deal

How to Get the Best Cruise Vacation Deal

By Diane Gagliardo - Travel Specialist

SHIPANDSHOREVACATIONS.com

Should I wait to book my cruise?

Well that depends on you. Do you have the luxury of traveling at the last minute? If not, contact your local cruise agent and book well in advance. This will assure you the best cabin at the best rate available. That doesn’t mean that the cruise rate won’t change; but if you are dealing with a good agent, they will guarantee to change your rate if the cruise line adjusts the prices prior to final payment. 

How do I know if I am dealing with a good agent?

Check out the company you are dealing with – try using one that has a good reputation or touts they are “Top Producers” with the cruise line of your choice. This typically means that they have buying power and will have special pricing or amenities available.

When is the best time to travel?

If you are traveling to any exotic port, there are usually softer booking periods in which pricing can be hundreds of dollars lower. For example, if you are sailing to Alaska – book in May or September and your savings will be substantial. Caribbean is dirt cheap in the fall – it’s so inexpensive, it’s almost free. Well, maybe not, but it can be less than $100 dollars per day which is cheaper than staying home. Again, choose a reputable, knowledgeable agent who can guide you to these savings. 

How do I find the best cruise deals?

Ask your travel agent if they send out weekly specials. Most competent agents send out a weekly e-mail promotion. This will give you a heads up when they have special cruise deals. In other words, agents regularly have access to cruise line promotions that include: shipboard credit, cabin category upgrades, reduced payment deposits, coupon booklets for onboard savings, and even free gratuities. But you will miss the deal, if you don’t know about it.

 Do you want to receive weekly cruise specials? Ask us to add you to our email list dgagliardo@cruiseplanners.com or visit our website www.shipandshorevacations.com to sign up.